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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?

kray
kennyc
1,760 posts
 

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.

kray's avatar
kray OP
240 posts
 

Thanks everyone.

 @kennyc ive been contemplating a Linn Selekt DSM with Katalyst DAC, so we’ll see

 

part of me thinks if I can’t just spring for a Grimm MU2 I should probably just keep my Zenith and try a different DAC. 

nrthomas2
44 posts
 

This may be a bit left field. I've been using DAC and streamer separates for a while, most recently a Mojo Audio Mystique and EV0432. I thought I had arrived. A couple of weeks ago I wanted to try out two streaming services I'd yet to hear so I put in my B&W Formation Audio dac/streamer (bought used a couple of years ago to get through an in between period) and cued up DEEZER and Amazon Music. Through this setup playing DEEZER my system has never sounded better. It has me rethinking my assumptions regarding separates vs. integrateds. 

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