MSB Dac on the shortlist

[bodiezaffa]

Time to upgrade my DAC.
Auditioning the Analog Dac by MSB. Its a demo unit, about 3 years old and think i can pick it up for about $13k CDN.
Loaded with all the upgrades including MQA, separate power supply and I2S.

As recommended, running the dac straight to the amp - no pre.
Tried it both ways but have to agree, without my Audio Research pre-amp, it sounds cleaner, more alive.

As MQA is essential, I will be comparing it to the Meridian Ultra Dac.

Any MSB/Meridian owners out there? Interested in your opinion.