Meitner MA-3 vs Lampizator Baltic 4


Trying to decide between Meitner MA3 and Lampi Baltic 4.  Looking for smooth analog sound.  Bonus with the Meitner is the streaming capability which would potentially allow me to sell my Aurender N150 streamer.

Thoughts anyone?

Thanks

wlp3

The streamer in the MA3 is not endgame, and the Aurender N150 is likely better than it. That said, you will also have a hard time getting smooth analog sound from the Aurender N150. The N200 will sound more robust as a streamer with a bit more tonal density, lower noise floor, and larger soundstage. That said, the N20 is really where you can leave $20-30K vinyl front ends behind. I am an Aurender dealer and have compared these units.

As far as the DAC section goes, the MA3 is pretty good. It gets toward the analog sound and retains better control at the frequency extremes, at least when I demoed it against the Baltic 3. I wasn't aware there is now a Baltic 4. With the Baltic 3, I got very 'analog' sounding digital, but I couldn't live with the loss of control in the bass and the rounded highs which took away from the size of the soundstage and effects toward holography - and I was experimenting with excellent tube choices. I  ended up returning the Baltic after not having a great experience with it. Ultimately, I went with T+A. I loved it so much, I ended up becoming a dealer for them.

Can you briefly describe the difference between the Meitner and T&A?

I'm currently using a MA3 but have never heard the T&A.

There are significant changes between the Baltic 3 vs the Baltic 4 including trickle down new tech engine and different tubes.  It was on my short list until I snagged a fantastic sonic deal in the Linn DSM/2 with upgraded Organik DAC card - sonically completes with the best of the best so I'm done upgrading DACs.  I may try a tube DAC someday to try out that "holographic" sound many favor and to tube roll a bit, so Lampi is still a viable option.   

@wlp3 

 

Below is a link to a thread on WhatsBestForum specific to the Baltic 4 , maybe you can glean what you want to know from it

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/lampizator-baltic-4.36120/