From separate streamer and DAC to al-in-one suggestion

“I feel sure that the aforementioned Merging Technologies + products (at over twice the retail price of the MA3 including the SGC i7 server)”

To my best knowledge, Merging +player with built in Roon Core / end point retails for $14K. In comparison, the MA3 ($10,500) including the SGC i7 ($1400) server adds up to total retail of $11,900. The SGC i7 does not come with linear power supply, add $285 for LPS plus the cost of a decent Power Cord for LPS. Not to mention, we are now dealing with Ethernet optimization on two separate devices SGCi7 and MA3 as opposed to one.

I am not here to debate what I’ve heard in my system nor here to dispute anyone else perception of what’s deemed to sound best at 1/3 the cost. No two systems are alike not to mention how each individual’s perceives sound :-)

Fortunately, there are so many options to put together a decent digital streaming system. If someone seeking a one box Roon based streaming component with DAC/VC/Headphone Pre, Merging +player deserves a mention. Apart from its superb sonic attributes in my system, Merging +player offers open path to future expansions (external power supply and clock) for SOTA digital playback.

Thanks for all the great feedback here. I have a lot to research based on this. 

I already have Roon Core running on my network so nothing to change there. 

As a couple of you mentioned I might be moving backwards... I've thought about that too. so many options, like do I look at just upgrading my Lumin u1, or possibly taking the next step up in R2R/discete DAC's. 

I don't need to change anything, so why I'm looking mostly used, so I can try a ton of stuff and resell if it doesn't work. The Meitner and t+a do intrigue me though 

I run an Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty streaming DAC with Roon Nucleus Plus with astonishing results!!!

I run a Bricasti M3 with streamer card fed by a Small Green Computer i5 music server running Roon Core.  Could not be happier.  It just all works all the time!!   

“I’m looking mostly used, so I can try a ton of stuff and resell if it doesn’t work.”

@kray

There is a brand new Lumin T2 on Audiogon at almost 30% discount or a used T2 for as low as $2800, well within your price range. https://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-t2.html