A musical DAC ?

[mbovaird]

4000 pounds is $6311 USD. Heck, he could fly here, buy one and fly back and still be under budget!

[lotus340r]

Flying to SanFran very soon as it goes

The AMR is quite laid back is it not ? I know the UK importer here so will have a word.

I gather the Audio notes are good but mental money ?

[doggiehowser]

I don't know how much Ayons cost over in Britain but I love the magic the tube sound brings. The Ayon CD5S uses an R2R DAC (PCM1704, 4 of them) so it won't support DSD natively but there's something quite special about those old ladder DACs that is different from more conventional sigma delta DACs and it goes up to 24/192.

I like my EMM XDS1 and my Playback MPS5 for their incredible resolution with complex arrangements but I find they work best with a tube preamp to temper the sound with lushness. The Ayon has an analog preamp built in (XLR and RCA inputs) along with the usual digital (USB now with 24/192 mine only had 24/96 but I use a Wavelink HS, optical, AES and coax).

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by mbovaird

4000 pounds is $6311 USD. Heck, he could fly here, buy one and fly back and still be under budget!

In any case, I would check but my best guess is that in Europe, the Meitners will have a 20-30% premium relative to US pricing at least (remember, they have to cover transportation costs, pay the importers in the distribution chain, and usually there is a scarcity premium for imported vs. locally sourced products). Just think of Euro brands' pricing here in the US.

Also, he would not be able to buy one here because he would need to get a 220-240V version which they will not sell you here in the States.

In any case, Lotus, you should check local pricing on the MA-1 for sure. It's a good suggestion. Another one to consider in that same price point (at least here in the US) is the Playback Designs MPD-3. Finally, you should check out the Esoteric D-07X which has gotten quite a lot of favorable commentary here on AA

[bakerman]

Just to throw a couple more options out there, I'll say check into the Acoustic Plan Digimaster. Haven't heard one myself but someone I trust has nothing but good things to say about it. I believe Franklin LG, a member here, has one also.

Here's a link:DigiMaster english

I'm not sure how many inputs you need but also check out the Wavelength DACs. I've heard their Brick in my system and it has a full-rounded, musical sound to it. I understand their Cosecant is even nicer with a better overall balance.

Wavelength: USB DACS Product Page

[sleepysurf]

Might also consider the Bel Canto 3.5VB (with VBS-1 power supply), or the Resonessence Labs Invicta (now DSD capable, and from the same engineers that designed the ESS Sabre 9018 chip).

[JemHadar]

2nd hand McIntosh MDA1000... If 192 khz is not required... Works up to 96 khz material and sounds glorious

[dcc]

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