Considering A New Streaming DAC (Pick 1 of 4)


Hi Folks, The four under consideration are Weiss 501/502, Mola Mola Tambaqui, Aurender A20, and Bricasti M1. Anyone of these will feed a signal into a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme preamp before going to a Pass XA 30.8 and out to a pair of Audio Note AN/K's ("mildly effecient" at 90 db). The K's are in a fairly large room (26x12). I currently have a Lampizator Amber 4 (bal w/vc) and do like how it sounds in this system, but wish to at least explore a one box option. Although I do stream (N100H) most of my "front end" time is spent either with a Macinstosh MR88 digital tuner or an Audio Note level 2 CD transport. I'm interested about folks preferences or experiences with any of these four DAC's taking into account my front end usage and existing system. I've also looked at the possibility of keeping my streamer and upgrading the tube DAC in the form of Totaldac or BAT Rex. Any thoughts on this are welcome.

scottya118

You can use Mconnect or other UPnP interfaces for the Bricasti. I really like my M3 but the Meitner MA3 looks pretty interesting. The Meitner offers a USB for local files so you could play your rips with no need for a nas or a streamer. Really like ethernet input with a EtherRegen and SoTM cabling in front of it. 

@scottya118 

It will take me some time to look through all my notes, but don’t worry I’m not ignoring your question!

@scottya118 I would change my response if you are not planning to use Roon.
I compared Mconnect (allows you to use Qobuz and Tidal) vs Roon and preferred Roon for a more natural less “digital” presentation. From what you are describing a one box solution like the Aurender, Lumin or Auralic are better options. 

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