Thinking of changing things up. Need advice on DAC/Streamers
Hi Folks,
I currently use a Zenith MK3 streamer into an Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC.
I'm considering combining the two to make life a littler simpler.
I will buy used so I can try things and if they don't work out, sell and try something else.
I have narrowed it down to Meitner MA3 (or the new MA3i) and the Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst DAC and Utopik Power Supply.
Both have a "pre/volume" which could be useful to bypass yet another box. Selekt has analog and phono input, along with HDMI eARC, nice additions.
Has anyone owned both and can compare sounds wise? If not how would you describe the sound of the Linn? I've heard the Meitner and thought it was excellent, but not as feature rich as the Linn.
Any other competitors in this class to look at as well?
thanks @audioman58 appreciate it. I can have the luxury of trying it as just a DAC / pre with my Zenith, then put a tube preamp in the chain and use it just as DAC. lots of options. building out 2 separate systems so can swap a lot of stuff around to to try. @ddgtt interesting, thanks for this... as Verdant mentioned above, my eye on a Linn Selekt with Katalyst DAC is similar in sound to Mola... could use my Zenith as streamer |
Dang all of you Grimm MU2 recommenders :D @wsrrsw @carlsbad2 After looking more into for fun, I must say it sounds pretty awesome for a 'all in one digital' I'll have to keep an eye out on used market down the road since it's fairly new, price is out my budget. I MIGHT be able to stretch to $10k right now for the perfect device, but still off for MU2 |
I purchased a Moon 280D DAC/streamer with a slick "Mind 2" user interface. It was the bottom of Moon's line at $4K. At the dealer I compared it to a Linn at more than twice the price and I could not hear the difference. Probably if I'd sat with the dealer for a while and he pointed out the subtle differences I would have heard them. But subtle didn't seam to me to be worth another $5K. I previously used my computer as a streamer and ran it through a Chord Qutest. A very nice DAC for the price, but the combo of computer and DAC sounded darker and less lively than the Moon 280D. I run my McCormack multi-disc player through the Moon too. It sounds better than the McCormack alone. I'm very happy with the Moon 280D, except it does cut out for a few seconds from time to time. |
I have a very high sonic quality analog chain including top carts, so getting a satisfying digital DAC at an affordable price was extremely daunting. Comparing to the very best DACs, I kept moving down the cost line looking for something affordable. The Playback Designs MPD8 seemed the lowest cost while maintaining sonic greatness, but it was still a big someday financial stretch. 2 streamer DACs: I went with the Linn Klimax DSM/2 with Organik Upgrade because of the fantastic price/performance here The MBL C41 network player also got fantastic reviews - I'd likely would have purchased if I didn't get the Linn first. |
