New DAC! Meitner MA3, Denafrips Terminator Plus, Holo May KTE, Mola Mola Tambaqui


Currently have an original Schiit yggdrasil.  Thinking about taking another step up or maybe two steps!  Is the Holo May still good?  I know I hear a lot about Denafrips.  Then someone was mentioning Mola Mola. 

I like the idea of the i2s HDMI connection, I believe this is so I could have my DAC decode SACD versus a player. 

Also considering name brands dCS Lina, Meitner MA3, MSB?

Wilson Alexia V

Dan D'Agostino S250

Mac mini running Roon

Is anyone really winning in this space.  Tough for me to demo at home as I'm 2 hours from HiFi Shops and they are kind of limited in the direct to consumer DACs.

Thank you!

chauncey

@chauncey I am considering the Yggdrasil myself and would be interested in your comparisons. I am also looking at the OKTO DAC8 (likely get this one). 

Another DAC that I owned and liked a lot for my 2-channel was the Musetec 005. However, I did not like it as much on my headphones. 

At this point getting a DAC is about synergy. I have an idea of getting a Playback Designs Edelwise or Dream DAC (damn expensive) though I think the 10x cheaper OKTO may be better for my headphones and tube headphone amp.

Synergy is my main criteria now and not really more expensive is better.

The i2s does not mean it can decode DSD (SACD). I do not think that is even allowed with the licensing terms of DSD from Sony. 

My prior Mustec 005 DAC had i2s and that had nothing to do with DSD. i2s is usually a little closer to the DAC convertor (maybe chip, FPGA, etc) over another input such as USB. It could be a shorter path to the DAC's internals.

Why not look at a top end SACD player that now have DAC inputs such as USB. The Esoteric XD lineup, Luxman, Playback Designs, Marantz, etc

 

 

SACD is a low priority.  Just seemed like more companies are starting to support i2s so I assumed if you get a DAC with this it's a little more future proofing. 

I highly you suggest checking out the exceptional T+A 200 dac Myself and many others in our north east club have tried all you mentioned and many others .

the T+A is around $7k  and I know 4 guys that bought it vs Anything under $15k 

I am buying one for my early 🎅 Xmas present it is that good very natural sound  and great detail but not in your face like the Dave dac Balance is the best word 

and has many of options even HQ player built in and meters are very good., checkout the reviews first then arrange a audition.