Thread: Meitner MA-1 update
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January 18, 2017, 02:44 PM #1
Meitner MA-1 update
So just as I was thinking about possibly replacing my old trusty MA-1 ... I received confirmation from both Meitner and my dealer that Meitner are offering an update.
Since mine is so old, no doubt I'll have to send it back for the update.
As I understand it.. an update for DAC2X as well.
Nice to have this option and I'm taking advantage of it asap!Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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January 18, 2017, 02:49 PM #2
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Some details on the upgrade were posted by a dealer at Computer Audiophile.
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January 19, 2017, 04:06 PM #3
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Yes, nice option. Also heard it from my dealer the other day.
I have also thought about upgrading the MA-1 to the DAC2X, but what will give the best sound? I will follow close here..Buch
"If there's no music up in heaven, then what's it for?" (Arcade Fire)
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January 19, 2017, 04:41 PM #4
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January 20, 2017, 12:08 PM #5
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Go for the gusto!
Dan
STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A
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January 20, 2017, 04:57 PM #6
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
That has caught my eye as well, but I just can't get myself to spend that much on any digital gear. The changes are so rapid and the depreciation so large!
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January 20, 2017, 11:07 PM #7
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Bill.......I have little doubt the EMM Labs DA2 is one of the top tier DAC's currently available, but like you I continue to see fairly rapid DAC development in two to three year cycles. Any way you look at it, $25,000 is a serious chunk of money for a digital to analog converter. Maybe in three years a DA2 can be picked up for $14,000 or a little less. That's what the new Berkeley Audio Design's Alpha Reference 2 DAC is selling for now. It is another spectacular DAC but only decodes CD. The Esoteric K-01X is another amazing DAC that also decodes DSD, with a premium transport included for $20,000. It's the wild, wild West out there.
Dan
STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A
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January 21, 2017, 09:38 AM #8
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Dan - Just a point of clarification regarding the Berkeley, it won't decode DSD directly but it handles PCM up to 24bit/192kHz.
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January 24, 2017, 01:48 PM #9
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
I am really looking forward to the MA-1 update. Was already about to sell the DAC, had already a buyer and all, but decided to keep it to check out the update.
The previous one was just a SW update and the impact was mighty good. This one will however update the HW components as well, I wonder what kind of an improvement that will bring. Meitner says the difference is not subtle. :excited:
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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January 25, 2017, 02:12 PM #10
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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January 25, 2017, 02:30 PM #11
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Exactly my thinking, please keep me posted.
Here's what I got from Meitner directly:
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All the upgraded systems including MDAT, and the MDAC are a combo of both hardware and firmware upgrades in a combined package.
The upgrade itself is not available yet. We are moving to get this done
soon.
The upgrade however does not include any networking. We are working on this separately.
Once the upgrade is ready, it will be announced and all dealers will be able to provide it to our customers.
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I heard more details will be shared in Feb.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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January 25, 2017, 03:00 PM #12
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January 25, 2017, 03:23 PM #13
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January 25, 2017, 04:19 PM #14
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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January 25, 2017, 04:40 PM #15
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
That's what I kinda thought... sure didn't hurt to ask them!
unrelated I guess... I'd been making one big big big ASSumption that in time...if MQA/Tidal/high rez streaming services really get some traction..the folks at JRiver and or others will eventually pay the license money and offer it. Of course J River's current statement is: "We're not planning to do MQA either. It's a lossy format with a royalty."...
Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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January 25, 2017, 04:43 PM #16
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
I think I might not be done with that DAC yet, let's see what they have up their sleeves.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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February 21, 2017, 01:27 PM #17
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Got the V2 MA-1 up and running now. Update process was smooth. Now for some listening.
Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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February 21, 2017, 01:39 PM #18
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Wow, that was quick. Nice to hear. Looks VERY much forward to your impressions
I am not sure if I should take the upgrade or maybe upgrade to the DACX2 instead.Buch
"If there's no music up in heaven, then what's it for?" (Arcade Fire)
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February 21, 2017, 01:44 PM #19
Meitner MA-1 update
“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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February 21, 2017, 02:25 PM #20
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
The modification includes replacement of the PWA that has all of the digital input processing and connectors and the USB Service port on it. In addition, new firmware must be installed after the hardware is fitted.
The firmware updater is the same utility that was used in the prior update back in 2014 ...or whenever it was. The entire update could be done in an hour.
I'm always leery of stating my initial impressions...so.... I'll just say that so far I'm very impressed. This improvement seems greater than the GAT V2 Update I did last year.
More listening impressions to follow for sure.Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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February 22, 2017, 07:35 PM #21
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Any further impressions after a couple more days?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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February 24, 2017, 04:29 PM #22
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
This before and after stuff is getting tougher
In no particular order...so far...
I removed the UpTone reclocker for a bit.. then re-installed it. For whatever reason, I do seem to prefer it in. I'm a bit surprised that all these years later and all these companies building DACs, that whatever supposed tweaking/re-clocking that's being done in a $200 "puck" is somehow not possible to accomplish within the DAC.
As expected the new V2 MA-1 handles everything I threw at it, 44.1 up to 2xDSD nicely. no glitches ever. I guess this is easy and expected these day, but I've owned DACs that could not elegantly mix formats during playback.
I do like the improvement. It's rather subtle (at least to my ears and system) the update a couple years back was I believe greater. I noticed right away the slightly tighter and better defined sound stage.
I'm continuing to listen and enjoy. I must also thank EMM/Meitner for continuing development. I don't know the original release date, but the 6moons review was back in 2012.
All considered I'd do this update again no doubt about it.Magnepan 20.7 - CJ ART 300s - CJ GATV2 - Meitner MA-1 V2 -Dedicated JRMC + Synology NAS
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March 5, 2017, 02:01 PM #23
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
Thanks for your impressions/thoughts of the V2 update.
Any further impressions after burn-in of the boards ?
Or still consider the SW update a couple of years back a bit better ?
It was also a very nice update, indeedBuch
"If there's no music up in heaven, then what's it for?" (Arcade Fire)
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April 21, 2017, 11:45 AM #24
Re: Meitner MA-1 update
I've had an MA-1 for years and a couple of months back I bought a used EMM Labs DAC 2X. I sent the DAC 2X in for the update and got it back a few weeks ago but have not had tons of time as I've been dealing with lightning damage and the insurance company on stuff and also just got a lightly used Lumin U1 for the main system and just scanned the library in and have gotten my JRiver stuff for the secondary systems cleaned up. Only have a couple of hours on the upgraded DAC 2X at this point. For now I moved the MA-1 to a secondary system. Was going to do the upgrade to it but may wait a bit to see what's up with the lightning damage coverage.
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Yes...it makes for a BIG improvement. Every demo I've heard where at Altaira was in the system, folks listened, and then the Altaira(s) were removed, and folks immediately demanded the Altaira be put...
Altaira or Gemini CGS on...