Meitner MA-1 & MSB Analogue dac

sharkmouth

sharkmouth

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I was fortunate enough to have both in my system for a fortnight & found them both to be a dac that I could live with.

The Meitner MA-1 I found to be very good at low level volume retrieval of detail & information that is in the recording, which, is actually a trait of the dac at any volume regardless. My thoughts were that these qualities alone were more reminiscent of a dac in the next price bracket up, also not having volume control at this level to me is a plus so a preamp is needed as suits me as I want one in the system & with my Soulution 520 I'm sure most would agree that it's a +. The dynamics of this dac are really stellar & it takes a while to realise that there is a whole lot more going on than just 5 minutes of listening to reveal this. I think Ed Meitner has voiced this dac very nicely & with the amount of detail & the range of dynamics that it retrieves from the source it is a pleasure to sit & listen, only to realise later that listening fatigue doesn't come into it.

The MSB Analogue has quite a few traits of the above mentioned, is a high performing dac indeed & with the volume added in the options could quite easily be the one for someone looking for simplicity in a digital system. It has more options for the pre-order but they will cost you, MSB has never been known to offer options cheaply. The sound from this dac is also very good at quality sound retrieval but I would add here that the tone signature or the way the dac has been voiced if you will is a touch more smoother than the MA-1. In way of explanation to me the dynamics of the MA-1 are centre hall 3 rows back & missing nothing. The Analogue in comparison has a smooth filter added to give it a very easy tone to the ear, which would be forgiving & just right for a system that is voiced in the neutral or slightly brighter territory.

I could easily live with either in my system & think both are a worthy addition to any set-up. I was actually really surprised just how good these two were for the money, but for mine, I bought the MA-1.
 
Bob, the Meitner, about $7k, the MSB with all options around the $12k mark. I'd put the Meitner MA-1 up against the MSB Analogue dac any day of the week. The advantage of going the MSB route would be not needing a preamp as it can be ordered with volume control
 
Congrats, Kev!! Mike also raved about the MA-1. It's great you were able to a do a bake off in your room before deciding on the DAC!
 
Congrats Kev! The MA-1 is still the champ in my system. Its DSD playback is incredible. Redbook is outstanding.
 
Ritmo said:
Mike,

Do you know if the MA-1 is available in black?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I don't believe so....but I could be wrong. I've never seen it in black. Color matching became such a headache for me - I gave up. Honestly, I like the variety in the rack.
 
I would like to do a comparo of the Meitner MA-1, MSB Analog and the Bricasti M-1. At this point I'm leaning towards the Bricasti.

Thoughts?
 
Ritmo said:
I would like to do a comparo of the Meitner MA-1, MSB Analog and the Bricasti M-1. At this point I'm leaning towards the Bricasti.

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

I've heard all three. They all are excellent. I still like the MA-1. It strikes the perfect balance of detail and musicality.
 
Ritmo said:
Mike,

Do you know if the MA-1 is available in black?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Here is what it looks like in black.

meitner_ma1_1.jpg
 
Mike said:
I've heard all three. They all are excellent. I still like the MA-1. It strikes the perfect balance of detail and musicality.
Click to expand...

Mike -

How would you describe the sound of the Bricasti?

Also, you know well ARC and Revel Salon 2 sound characterics. Which do you feel would have better synergy?

I heard the Bricasti this past weekend in the Harbeth room at RMAF and really liked it. Detailed, dynamic and, yet, delicate presentation.

Thx!
 
Ritmo said:
Mike -

How would you describe the sound of the Bricasti?

Also, you know well ARC and Revel Salon 2 sound characterics. Which do you feel would have better synergy?

I heard the Bricasti this past weekend in the Harbeth room at RMAF and really liked it. Detailed, dynamic and, yet, delicate presentation.

Thx!
Click to expand...

Without having it in my room for a long period of time, its hard to tell. But I was impressed with the Biscatti.

With ARC you want a DAC with some meat on the bones. With Revel, you want something that will bring the mids forward a bit. My gut reaction is to tell you to wait for Ted's review on the Lampizator DSD DAC. Another one to look at is the new AMR REF tube DAC which is rumored to do DSD.

I have a hunch that the Lampizator DSD DAC may just fit the bill for you nicely.

Ted - any first impressions?
 
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