Are high-end DACs worth it? Meitner audio MA-1 DAC (Not a review)

[@robwc1935]

Thomas, I have just one thing to say and I'm going to say it. I like the way you do the review, non-review. Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@ThomasAndStereo heyy thomas how much is this dac and do u think u can please please upload reviews about more different high and higher end dacs it would be really reall cool i would really love to see u upload more often

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@ThomasAndStereo i would really really like to know what are your go to dacs to use on a daily basis do you switch between different dacs sometimes whenever you have to have different sound experiences!!!!!

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

@@ThomasAndStereo i would really love to see what you think about the kitsune hifi spring 3 dac and holo audio may dac and also please review more dacs around that price ranges of theses dacs i have mentioned just now!!!!!

[@Shozimus]

Love the experiencial and anegdotal aspect of the channel. Sometimes the details, synergy, room enviroment, and personal preferences make such a difference. Experience beyond all :)

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I like talking about stories instead, more fun.

[@Coneman3]

Plus volume you listen at. I don’t like high volumes, but I like pure, detailed sound.

[@kenshin0151]

Apres 40ans de hifi, je pense comme vous ! le plus n'est pas toujours l'ami du bien. Merci, je me sent moins seul.

[@robk5745]

The more time I spend in this hobby the more I realize that the some of the parts is more important than the individual part. Synergy is everything. Well said Thomas.

[@CJAvls]

I love all your Non-review reviews Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I appreciate that!

[@breakoutpete210]

I have top of the line Pierre Etienne speakers, and Classe’ electronics, and you know what? The very inexpensive Schitt modi 3+ dac sounds just right in my system. Does nothing wrong, and exaggerates nothing in the presentation, you’re absolutely right about synergy. Great audio Philosophy Thomas! 🇨🇦✌️😎

[@genkifd]

Totally agree with Synergy - this is a problem with many youtube entry - mid-level reviewers. due to lack of experience in high-end equipment and understanding of synergy

[@CarlosPerez-eb5er]

Thanks. Would love a video on digital volume gain vs analogue volume gain.

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

i really really love how musical how audiophile like and how realistic it sounds mainly the singer sounds like she is in your room!

[@ranelime]

I love this new format. It's not all about the next best thing (no reference intended). great job!

[@humanitech]

I agree T...If you get to a point you're smiling and happy...then that's often a great time to stop. Plus as a guitarist...a little warmth, dirt and distortion isn't always a bad thing LOL

[@BennyKsBandwidth]

Love it! Such a good "Not Review" my friend always a joy to listen to your stories. I think you're onto something with this throw out the review format.... 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stuartkennedy4202]

I bought the Chord Qutest and played it today and wow what a massive difference. I have the RME and I felt that I wasn’t as clear and full as the Chord, I’m still grinning. Thanks for all your reviews looking forward to future ones.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, so the Qutest is way better than the RME for you then.

[@briancampbell7712]

I purchased a Chord Qutest a few years ago...then sold it right away...nothing but a tiny brick...w/ sticky colored ball buttons...an iphone DAC is better...no lie...now I think Chord is snake oil...then a Gustard R26 and much better...sold and now using a high end Aqua Formula and it's wonderful...🎶

[@murch13]

This is a great reminder that constantly chasing more expensive gear is not always a winning battle. I'm new to your channel but I like your down to earth perspective.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Welcome aboard!

[@TorToroPorco]

Your description of "just right" mirrors the sensation I get when I listen to the best source material on my system. There is just a rightness about the way the various parts of the music combine together. I can easily follow the rhythm section, the vocals have tangible emotion, I can hear the recessed portions of the mix but they don't intrude. Everything sounds like they're in the right place. With less well recorded or mastered material I don't get that sense. When the sensation of nirvana occurs I don't feel I need to hear anymore detail or any other audio characteristic to enjoy what I'm hearing. Tweaking one's system definitely is a fine art.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@christopherkent6512]

I often wonder if we lose sight of the woods for the trees as we would say in England. Having been through similar experiences cost does not alway imply better. I like your analogy of the equipment can change but you are still confined to the same space. One can pay $60k for a nice German vehicle or $200k for others but at the end of the day you will likely be driving this thing on the same roadways! Great thought provoking video, thank you.

[@jean-pierrethibaudeau7201]

Hi, Thomas, there are many good elements in your non-review, but the one that stands out for me is the cheap $1 interconnect that just smoothened the whole sound, rendering it less detailed but more analog, normal and right. A good lesson to think about before ordering a $700 interconnect. Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well both cables has its place. Just that people might not have the experiences we have so I thought it was a fun story to share.

[@CaptainCrunch823]

Great video Thomas. I totally agree with you. I have had my systems dialed in for maximum music enjoyment a few times but then “upgrade-itis” gets the better of me and the only effective treatment that I have found so far is buying new gear🙁

[@luisrodrigonunezolguin7038]

Dear Thomas, your Mr. Kanta story reminds me of my unfortunate purchase of $ 100 cables, which I discarded and returned to my 20 year old Radioshacks, which sound better than all the ones I have tried. This made me give importance to the synergy of the components that I have acquired, and making an analogy to your non-review I feel at peace seeing the forest and not the trees that compose it ...

[@tccincrj2866]

Man, sinergy is everything! You are right! In my more or less humble system, a 60w Conrad Johnson mv60se sounds like crap compared to a midget Elekit tu-8200 kit wired with the same pre amp! Perhaps my Focals 726 love lower powered amps? Or single ended amps? Go figure out ... Anyway, thanks man! I love your chats. Keep on!! Best of wishes!

[@mr.hansen5195]

Food for thoughts, and an important conclusion: More is not necessarily better. Even though I am currently in a phase of only optimizing my stereo doing tweaking - to get the best possible out of it - and not buying new equipment, except minor stuff, like vibration absorbent feets or improved power cables (to lower the noise floor) or moving the speakers a bit for better 'passive room adaptation', I must as well remember this and be willing to take a step back if that gives a better tonal balance. Wow. Easy to state, but not so easy to actually follow through.. Thanks for the input, Thomas.

[@markscott7583]

Great commentary - separating what is new/different/better is difficult. New is captivating (precisely because it’s new/different) but not always better after listening a while...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup especially now you have a lot of first and experiences.

[@aceofspades6667]

Aries Cerat Kassandra II , Berkeley Alpha DAC Reference Series 2, Mola Mola Tambaqui, and Waversa WVDAC MK2 would be on my dream dac short list.... Cool content Thomas!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I am sure any of those would be worth checking out.

[@justadad2304]

Good job T. Very insightful.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I watched again Thomas ! Equitment matching synergy plays such a huge part in a system . and love my audiolabs cd transports/With Burson 😃

[@laika25]

There's a scene in the movie "Jarhead".... Not too soft, not too hard, just PERFECT

[@my2cents395]

You do look a little brighter.

[@johnrobins795]

Thomas, awesome insights...had a similar experience with a pair of RCA's connected to CD/DVD transport renowned for it mid-range. Because it wasn't a silver over copper. I put a coaxial cable on it instead, not willing to accept the copper RCA's sounded better. Next time I add this back into my system. I'm going to go back to those RCA's🎶

[@davemonell9308]

Hey Thomas you should check out the Chord Dave I really special. I ll have to check out the Meitner dac

[@Darkmatterme]

Especially if you connect high efficiency speakers to its headphone output. Seriously good.

[@GrandTrunkWestern85]

Shoot my Chord 2qute is really good, can't even imagine the Dave.

[@davemonell9308]

I'll check that also Chord dacs are special

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, that is one expensive DAC.

[@davemonell9308]

I know but on electrostatic headphones it is unbelievable.

[@billfife6569]

Always looking for more no matter how good it sounds. Move the speaker an inch . Another inch forwards, sideways . Chair forwards, backwards. Adjust the room treatment and before you know it the magic is gone. Then after some frustration and time you find that sweet spot again and promise yourself not to experiment again. We are strange creatures. Like your channel. I'm in the hunt for a new DAC.

[@billfarrell4387]

Hi Thomas Love listening to your videos All good Sometimes we have to stop and listen Take Care

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks 👍

[@brucermarino]

Thank you, again, Thomas! Is it possible that the quest for system synergy is, in part, a rather expensive and time-consuming set of the late and, by some, lamented tone controls? 'Love your channel and love your honesty and my friend!

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

FWIW, I clearly preferred the sound of the Meitner and that was before I realized which I was listening to. Nice conversation.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, blind test is fun.

[@FlyGuy457]

Occasionally, more is simply more and not better.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Damn the reverb on the vocals stands out on the meitner. Me wantttttt

[@dkokalanov]

As before - intelligent video sharing meaningful thoughts.

[@roberthart9886]

Way back when, I had one of the first gen Meitner DACs, that eventually received 2 upgrades. No way to remember how it improved my then system. For the last 2+ years my dac/pre is an Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 outboard power supply. It is an amazing value, even when new @ MSRP $1995 + $595 for PS it would be amazing, but over time, someone listed it, and I scooped it up. Later I added the PS-5. I employ the dac optically with Wire World optical cable

[@roberthart9886]

It's hard to imagine my original post was only 10 months ago, when I was using a Pioneer PD 65 as a transport for red book. It's only output was toslink. Also connected to the Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 was my Oppo 105, used strictly for SACD playback with WW Series 7 XLRs. The Pioneer died, Then, apparently, shortly after my original post I replaced it with a Marantz HD- CD1, which had a coax out, so. I decided to try a coax cable and settled on the high value performing Pangea Premier XL: BIG improvement over toslink!, but the Marantz soon died, too. (I usually listen while watching sports and will put the players in pause, then completely forget about it, which probably took its toll on the Marantz drive mechanism). I decided to look for a dedicated transport, and found a very good deal on a barely broken in Audiolab CDT6000. This combination blows away the 105 playing the same SACD hybrid disc with DSD redbook layer. I haven't bothered to play SACDS, but left it on standby for over a month. Well, yesterday it occurred to me that the 105 might be interfering with the CDT playback (good though it was), so I disconnected it. Sure enough the background got blacker and the music came more forward, more punch in bass...

[@gli7utubeo]

EMM is extraordinary with SACD.

[@GH-zs8eq]

Thanks for the vid, Thomas! :)

[@NemoPropaganda]

Great vid dude!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@monster7363]

Hey Thomas, I also have the Exasound DAC. It’s very enjoyable to listen for hours however I wish it was a little bit leaner and better separation bigger soundstage. It’s super syrupy and enjoyable, tone is beautiful. I also have Doge 7 and Denafrips Ares 2. Had the Pontus 2 and found it too etched. These Asian DACs are pretty impressive sound stage and imaging but there’s a lot of energy on the top end which I find tiring after awhile and my wife keeps telling me to turn it down lol. Based on the many DACs you’ve tried what would you recommend trying that would be something in between the Exasound and the Doge 7 detailed and warm(is it even possible)? Do you think upgrading power supply on Exasound would get me there?or maybe changing tubes in the Doge 7?Not holding you responsible for anything. System is Sonus Faber Sonetto 3, Moon 340i, Lumin U1 mini

[@Xiaoguan8845]

Add a subwoofer to balance the whole presentation

[@monster7363]

@@Xiaoguan8845 ended up going to the Venus. Pretty warm sounding with nice details

[@trekjudas]

Slightly off topic but Paul McGowan of PS Audio just explained acoustic panel placement in one easy sentence: diffusion in the front and back walls, absorption on the side walls!

[@BillyDrummondDrums]

I have a Museatex Bidat DAC designed by Ed Meitner from way back. It’s sound is as you described. I’m sure the new products from him are much much better and other Modern Dacs are as well. There is something about his products that all seem to approach digital design with a different sonic imprint. My Bidat is presently not working and I’d love to get it fixed but I doubt his new company can service it. It was very special back in the day and curious as to how it would hold up today. Another one that has a more analog relaxed sound is the California Audio Labs Sigma II. Fortunately that one still works. Thanks for the “No Review “!

[@BillyDrummondDrums]

Watched this again. I have now just gotten 2 inexpensive DACS from Chinese companies: Topping DX3 ProPlus and SMSL C200. Both loaded with features. They're individual characteristics have been described in many review and pretty much on point. I would say the Topping is more analytical but the SMSL does not lack detail. My older DACS are different sounding and I'm not sure these new DACS are "better". It's very interesting to finally hear what all the fuss is about with these new inexpensive products that are everywhere. I will say it might be hard to justify an $8000 DAC vs a $200 model. This video really makes sice and encourages us (audiophiles) to really give these questions some thought. Thank You!!!

[@BillyDrummondDrums]

My other DACS are: MSB Digital Link III, PS Audio Digital Link III (Cullen Mods), Micromega MyDac, Benchmark DAC 1 as well as the Cal Audio Sigma II and Museatex Bidat (Meitner).

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Thanks Thomas The 703/D-10/composer had me emotional last night sounded that good with psvane kt88c

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice nice, it should be a good combo.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@ThomasAndStereo I got emotional Thomas !! Also used the audiolab transport norah jones was in my room ! How can this be with a 2k amp ! I will keep this d10 !! Also got the Golden lions 12ax7 in as i was heading out the door for work cant wait to get home and try them remb i ordered 4x 12au7 G.L. I still have the stock 12ax7 but wanted to try Golden lion those shangun treasures tubes look nice but can't find 4 quad matched pair!

[@weldon7828]

Thomas, love your channel 👍🏾!! You have reviewed many DACs and you seem to enjoy McIntosh equipment. But I don’t believe that I have heard you or anyone else on KZbin comment on and/or compare the McIntosh DA1 or DA2 internal DACs to any outboard DACs. I bought a MC8900 a few months ago and love it. But not having access to other DACs, I’d love to know what I’m missing. How about being the first. Thanks!

[@InPursuitOfLiberty]

Excellent question. I have the McIntosh MA12000 integrated amplifier with the new DAC2. My take is, that a very good DAC with its own power supply and it's own electronics outside of the preamplifier is probably better period.

[@bruce8429]

Bad thing about buying expensive dacs like new car is knowing how fast they depreciate.

[@paulb.3227]

Yes, but you better focus on the fact that the gorgeous sounding DAC you own is not getting worse.... Only the rest gets better. So just dont listen to the rest !

[@paulb.3227]

What I wanted to say: just enjoy !

[@59250em]

What you say is precisely with I use JPS Labs cables on my system. It seems that they give me more details but they also give me right sound, just as it has been recorded.

[@jamesdwright]

Same here dude. Great cables and affordable second hand when they come up. Those solid superconductors 2' are tough to work with component placement though.

[@alannunhuck3974]

Hi Thomas, great reviews and even better - your philosophy & non-absolute view of what makes “GREAT” audio - ultimately beauty is on the ear of the listener. One question - what is that track you play on closing credits - female vocal / pop track...? Keep up the good work - really fascinating - oh, I intend to buy a Willsenton R8, my first valve amp. Thanks Alan

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks, the track info is in the description.

[@alannunhuck3974]

@@ThomasAndStereo - got it, thanks

[@briancampbell7712]

I'm using a Formula dac with lumin mini network streamer with upgraded external power supply...😁🎶

[@LordVictorHalgaard]

I agree entirely - though I'd add that semantics really matter: when you say better, its important to distinguish subjective and objective. Gear that measures more transparently, is *objectively* better - but as you found, that doesn't necessarily mean you *subjectively* will like it better.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nicely said.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗 I TOO HAD AN ENLIGHTNING MOMENT…actually a SOUND IMPROVEMENT …EVERYTHING SOUNDS SO MUCH BETTER. ..EAR WAX REMOVAL🤗. KEEP UP YOUR GOOD WORK AND ENJOY IT …WE DO 😍😍😍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Haha. Nice.

[@Selene_M3]

I don't know what a DAC sounds like. I do know that my 2009 Onkyo $800 THX AV receiver has Burr Brown DAC inside but I don't know what it does to the sound from the high res streaming app and what would happen if I added an external one of any cost. Thanks Thomas for turning me on to the Q Acoustics 3050i that i bought this year to replace 28 year old bose towers. So impressed with them and know they will scale with better gear if and when I stop being so cheapskate.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

The old burr brown dacs still hold their ground imo. Theyre not as high-tech as new ones, but the analog side of it supposedly pretty good. A lot of people only look at the digital chip, but not much at the analog out implementation

[@Selene_M3]

Thanks. But when i replace the receiver does whats inside really matter? as much as I enjoy these reviews videos but still trying to understand how the internal parts of a chosen brand of amp/ receiver for $thousands isn't good enough and that one needs to connect additional $thousands of bits to disable internal bits with $thousands of cables ( or dollar store) instead. I'd be super pissed if for $thousands a amp maker can't make good decisions about the signal path. Sure choices are great but it seems to complicate everything. @@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well the question is why do you want to add a DAC, what do you find missing in your system? Are you using your receiver for both movies and music? Usually I tell people you upgrade the DAC later on. Not the first thing to upgrade.

[@justanobody4983]

@@Selene_M3 nothing is ever enough in this hobby. Dont get swayed by the dac chips, it always go down to implementation. 2 dacs can have the similar burr brown chip and sound very different. I can tell from experience that only a very few internal dac from a receiver/integrated amp can beat a decent external dac. Most of the time $1000 amps will sound better with $100 dacs. Usually dacs built in amplifiers are there for convenience and is an afterthought.

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

@@justanobody4983 Yup

[@LuxAudio389]

Omg lol. I have tons of cheap included RCA interconnects in a box. Steve Gutenberg told a story about one of his client's back in his sales days that would only use cheap regular interconnects. He spent thousands on gear and would never buy any other kind of interconnect.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

haha. Interesting.

[@dajusta87]

Thomas, another question, could you talk about your top 10 demo discs you use for your audio reviews? I see some concerts and stuff in the background of your reviews. Could you go through some media content that you go through so we can test it out on our systems too? Thanks!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

One day I should compile a list but the truth is I stop doing that just running test tracks, I just listen to music because I really don't want to run the same track every day when I test some gear. So although I will some quick tracks, most of the time I am just randomly choosing songs from my vast library. That is why it takes a long time for me to review a product.

[@michelcouture7026]

It sounds perfect in my system, the led are blue in mine!

[@SimpleMailWork]

Thank you!

[@calgarywolf1]

it's "just right" one day, next day is not...depends on wife's mood, moon phase, weather, world peace, Trump's tweets... etc... etc...

[@mattbonaccio3522]

Since most of us do not have many different speakers, amps, preamps, DACs, etc., it is really hard to experience "synergy." Do you have any strategies building a synergistic audio system? E.G. how do I know if my next purchase will enhance my stereo or hurt it?

[@christopherkent6512]

Thomas, have you auditioned a T+A DAC 8? Just curious

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Not extensively. I probably heard it at the store America sound of Canada. Check out that video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJO0dJmGrLaippI

[@christopherkent6512]

@@ThomasAndStereo hi, my goodness how did you make it through that store? I was salivating! Talking of salivating, I took a pair of Audiovector R3 Arrette speakers, can’t believe the amount of bass these babies throw at you.

[@JH-fl3vi]

T+A D200 is amazing. Thomas would change his viewpoint about DACs if he can audition it. I lived next door to a Meitner facility. I called but could never get a review or even arrange a tour. I could not even get a Meitner piece to try out. If a designer and manufacturer will not show you around then they have something to hide and you know that it is all smoke and mirrors created through their “exclusivity” illusion. I have well over 100K system. Meitner would not have been even close to my most expensive item. Thomas was very wise to send it back.

[@tiagocarneiro76]

Hello Thomas Have you experienced the exaSound e22 DAC ? How can you describe the exaSound DAC compared, for instance, with the Denafrips or Chord Hugo DAC’s ? I have the chance of buying one e22 to pair a MEGATRON Electrostatic Energiser and a Stax 009. Thanks, Tiago

[@dajusta87]

Hey Thomas , is Covid perfect for audiophiles and speaker enthusiasts? Wanted your personal take on the pandemic. Thanks

[@ChiefExecutiveOrbiter]

Plenty of time to listen to music but, getting some nice new towers ect shipped in decent shape can be a nightmare, also not being able to demo gear. This is a hobby that needs brick and mortar stores

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I think if you look at Statistic, the fact that many companies had record year last year shows that it was something that was beneficial to audiophiles. In the sense, given they can't go out and have to stay at home, having a hobby like this was advantageous for us.

[@nickburak7518]

I also had a 'light-bulb' moment. The story-telling really helps. I really appreciate your angle of vision. I just came here from another video, midway - where he liked the Denefrips Ares II, even more than your favourite right now. I can understand that the art is in the family mix. How to find that sooner than later with smart investing.

[@edg5367]

Thanks Thomas Looks like I’ll be dropping 4K soon

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You are getting a DAC?

[@edg5367]

@@ThomasAndStereo I’m looking to pick up a new DAC. I really want a tube DAC that also has a solid state output

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@edg5367 If you can wait a few months, wait for my Doge 7 DAC review. I am not reviewing it now because you can't buy one today even if I reviewed it.

[@edg5367]

@@ThomasAndStereo I had the Doge 7 on my radar But some reason i pulled it off I’ve been eyeballing the Zweimann DAC DSD USB and the Cary Audio DAC-200ts

[@harleyn3089]

After owning and hearing many DACs, I generally feel like the difference between DACs once you get to $1000 or so is just flavor, like vanilla versus strawberry. They are all competent, but use different analog stages and different filter designs. (There's basically no difference between the digital sections nowadays. Chips are chips.) IMO the best way to pick one is to listen to several without knowing the price, then picking your favorite. (and hoping the one you picked without knowing the price is something you can afford)

[@rctony710]

I feel like they all suck at 1000$ lol

[@JH-fl3vi]

You have probably not heard T+A D200 which is why you feel this way.

[@briancampbell7712]

@@JH-fl3vi the Aqua Formula is wondeful...🎶🎶🎶

[@johngordon1175]

To me “better” means my satisfaction!

[@pennfootball71]

Meitner makes good equipment. I never hard a Dac that made me feel special though since the other components matter more. I like my Lampizator Baltic dac and it sounds just right like the Meitner. The Tubes I use are neutral and it ads just a tick of warmth then i send it to 700 watt @ 4 ohm Mola Mola Kaluga monoblocks that are super neutral and just get out of the way.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I would love to try that DAC one day. Dac usually for me is the last component I tell people to upgrade before cables. Cables would be last.

[@spvlinn9009]

In Linn’s language, can they play tune right. Pure and simple.

[@willmac5642]

Synergy.. at the moment my system is not quite there. Will try the new balanced Xduoo MT604 and use it as a tube buffer. A cheapish experiment

[@beslemeto]

Sir you really have to review Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Looks really cool!

[@beslemeto]

@@ThomasAndStereo And it sounds even better than it looks!

[@SpinnerPaddlefoot]

Thomas, Is there another DAC with similar less clinical attributes like the Meitner that wouldn't require a 2nd mortgage to obtain?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

There are forsure many, like the Doge 7 for example.

[@rubenvenegas9569]

Thomas, have you compared the Dac on MA12000 to other Dacs such as Chord Qutest?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No I have not.

[@therealistic1z]

The one dollar story is the whole thing...synergy is king.

[@321sklim]

I find there is a big difference with using laptop PC, desktop PC and media player. Even coaxial and optial input make a difference.. I find using a desktop PC with big mainboard and processor gives much better sound for the DAC. However very few review on such comparison.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

If you use a pc, perhaps this video will interest you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp-ago2dZdeYqaM

[@jamesdwright]

That non review and Mr. Kanta story is a wow moment Thomas. That has really made me think about my system and the need/ or not to upgrade components/cables. That's why we love your channel. Tbh i'm now sick of hifi reviews so these videos are a breath of fresh air to me.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I completely understand especially unlike a few years ago, there are so many audio channels now.

[@Darkmatterme]

What about the musicality of the mola mola tambaqui DAC.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Have not tried it yet. One day.

[@petekutheis3822]

Funny I heard that pomposity of a reviewer Weaver state it was the best DAC ever.... and then he reviewed a budget DAC (budget in his mind) about a year later---and all of a sudden it was the best DAC ever. I think he's sipped one too many pre-show cocktails.

[@aussie8114]

I would expect at $13,000 it should sound good.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

At the same time, at $13k we nick pick gear to death cause we expect the world. At $500, we are more forgiving.

[@991carreras3]

Hey Thomas in a past video i heard you say something about sell existing equipment to purchase new. Do you use a some reputable web site to sell? Have you ever considered maybe letting us put in a bid on an item your looking to replace. I know a watch collector that does this every sunday on youtube.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I use canuckaudiomart in Canada.The problem is shipping across to the States so I keep everything in Canada as much as possible.

[@hlurpseed]

We have to ask is the Meitner DAC 10-15x better than say... a Topping DX7 or 80x better than a Schiit Modi? Thinking no...

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I have a unique point of view on that, just jump to the conclusion of this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmGlmGWIm7F7ibM

[@boboiboy9350]

Have heard of diminishing return? Try apply it on other ridiculous products such as jewelery, mechanical watches, wines, cars etc.

[@goodsound4756]

Is it possible to *predict* that perfect synergy?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Not that I know of.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I would be rich if I can!

[@jaakanshorter]

The idea of just right doesn't come up that often in this hobby. It's probably why my system has slowly changed over 20 years.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Maybe that is why we always want to keep upgrading.

[@st.michael9708]

Point well made.

[@gerard3797]

Hi Thomas, so when will you finally be launching your real life channel called Thomas & Masked Friends?

[@audiolover]

Chinese dac's brands are so happy 😁 neverending new products and new customers. It's gold mine.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Well good for the consumer too. A few years ago, it was impossible to get this kind of performance for this price. Now, everything sounds good.

[@solomonanczarski5402]

Any dac's in particular you would recommend? I'm new to all this

[@audiolover]

@@solomonanczarski5402 dac from KNOWN good brand and NOT Chinese brand (that's my opinion), Marantz DAC1, Luxman or even Denon, TEAC etc.

[@stevenbeau6268]

Another nice video...s

[@Ceko]

Spending big bucks on interconnects is quite bonkers. But as with shoes, you can’t tie expensive shoes with cheap laces.

[@doronor6552]

It may sound crazy but try to record this demo song (from any DAC) to a two track, reel to reel at 15 IPS, play it back and get this wholistic, organic, non-fatiguing, musical, “just right” sound that you are talking about. I promise it will not cost you $8K...

[@gracefullygraceful9776]

At $8k, i'd rather get a Chinese dac coupled with a 10M superclock.

[@Maxiinti]

How do you like Auralic dacs

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Never heard them, sorry.

[@mikeday62]

This question is for Thomas and anyone with info on this: What is the minimum $$ investment required to get an integrated amp or separate preamp-power amp combo, capable of producing three-dimensional holographic imaging?

[@mattbonaccio3522]

Your speakers, the positioning of them, and the room acoustics are by far the most important part of the equation. That being said, you do need adequate amplification.. in my experience an amp that will really blow you away with incredible, holographic imaging costs much, much more than one that will get you 85% or 90% of the way there.. What speakers do you have, and what is your room like?

[@mikeday62]

@@mattbonaccio3522 I have a pair of pioneer andrew jones BS-22 bookshelf speakers, stacked on top of a pair of pioneer FS-52 towers which are made to be used with the smaller ones (same matching tweeters). Using a Behringer MIC2200 two channel preamp that has a single 12AX7 tube, feeding into a Crown XLS 1002 class D power amp. My room is 14' x 14' with 11' ceiling, hardwood floor. As you mentioned, my room could probably benefit from acoustic improvements, but I'm moving to another place soon and I'll work on that after I get settled in. My current setup is low budget. It has plenty of power and sounds really good, but I don't expect it to sound like high end components.

[@mattbonaccio3522]

@@mikeday62 Well then I won't bother commenting on the room since you'll be in a new one soon. My only recommendation there is that with hardwood floors, a carpet can help acoustically, though it isn't always noticeable if the speaker drivers are far enough off the floor. Anyway, the good news is that, while not "hi-end" per se, the Crown will drive nearly any speaker. So that's good, because if you want to upgrade your speakers, the amp won't be a bottleneck. The biggest recommendation I can give actually is try a setup using only the tower speakers, or only the bookshelves. Using two kinds of speakers together can create all kinds of weird phase issues that can really ruin the holographic imaging you're looking for. Generally, bookshelf speakers image better, since their cabinets are smaller and less of a factor. You might find that the tower speakers give a more full, complete sound, however, so you'll have to listen to decide which is closer to what you want. The final piece of the puzzle is that preamp, I have no idea about that since it looks like a microphone preamp, but who knows, maybe it's really good and audiophiles don't know about it. Even so, I'd say that's the weak link, since it might have a lot of distortion, in addition to being not super easy to use/compatible with hifi gear. So, if you do eventually upgrade, I'd say go for either new speakers or a new preamp. In either case, you unfortunately will probably have to either buy used or spend a considerable amount to get a real upgrade. So, in short, choose either the bookshelves or the towers, nail the positioning in your room, then decide if you want to upgrade something.

[@mikeday62]

@@mattbonaccio3522 I appreciate your ideas and input. You're correct about the Behringer unit being primarily a microphone preamp, though it can be switched between mic and line level inputs. Using it noticeably improves the liveliness of the sound compared to the Crown by itself. I'd much rather have a Mcintosh preamp, but this one for $99 free shipping sounds much better than I expected.

[@phantomplastics6582]

I just changed cables and my system went from unenjoyable to magical. I borrowed several sets from The Cable Company and that allowed me to find the only set among the 5 pairs I borrowed which gave a wonderful synergy. I enjoyed the Meitner MA 1 a lot and I do miss it. If you want an excellent analogue sounding DAC at a much lower price then the DOGE 7 is hard to beat.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I have the Doge 7 and will review it eventually. You should try it with Brimar tubes.

[@JingoLoBa57]

I hope to get the same result with my ARC REF CDP9 coming soon... it has a built in DAC and tube output stage. My USA HiFi guy loves it... Btw Meitner DAC sits alongside DCS Rossini, TotalDAC and others. Btw TotalDAC entry level model is half price of the EMM Labs... www.hifiplus.com/articles/totaldac-d1-core-digital-converterstreamer/

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, I did try a AR dac 7 once and it was very nice.

[@astolatpere11]

I feel that way about my system - it's just right in my room. I play a lot of vinyl and will sit and listen for 2 hours or more and still think, maybe 1 more side till I realize it's 10 pm and neighbors ... Thanks.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Nice, congrats. You have reach audio nirvana.

[@mayssebmasenya9132]

Have you lost weight Thomas? Or has it been a while. Thanks for the videos.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup, lost 10lb recently😁

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I think with this price level you should have compared this Meitner DAC to a Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, need to get a Mola Mola.

[@asegal4677]

Simply put, when a reviewer says "best" they almost always mean "best in their test system."

[@sc51153826]

"Just right" sounds like it's complimentary. Fits like a glove, kind of? If I were you, I would keep looking out for synergy. For much less if possible. Great non-review and good luck 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, not easy to get amazing synergy but really rewarding when it happens.

[@Velvet_Torpedo]

I'm beginning to think your preferences are changing Thomas! You use to talk about detail a lot now your preference seems to be shifting, a little more to the midrange. Am I right? 🙂

[@ThomasAndStereo]

You are correct, I guess I am getting old.

[@Velvet_Torpedo]

@@ThomasAndStereo I don't say getting old I say "becoming more refined "😁

[@jalford383]

Sounds like you are telling me is more about the room and what you have than spending money on products for a larger, or smaller room.?

[@net_news]

a not-review review

[@preparetomeetthypnoom9201]

Why pay 8k for a DAC when all DACs sound the same?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I guess the same question as why pay $30 for a burger when all burgers taste the same?

[@preparetomeetthypnoom9201]

@@ThomasAndStereo But all burgers don't taste the same.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Exactly. Some burgers like McDonald do and some don't.

[@michaelrovner4165]

because all dacs sound different...period...if your sytem or ears arent up to hearing the differences then you save your money and buy music...if not upgrade your rig

[@boboiboy9350]

If all DACs sound the same, why are they all come with different sizes and some with bigger power supply than the other