Davkj

1983 - new band from Ireland playing the local community college. No one wanted to go. So I missed seeing U2.

I would not be surprised if this is a repackaged McIntosh D100. Based on the Wadia website it looks like they are now sharing space in Binghamton with McIntosh. The new 321 has similar connectivity and pricing to the D100. Time will tell...

Yes, I have one of these in-house now. It is a massive monster of a DAC/Streamer. Compared to my Benchmark DAC1 USB, it is warmer with no digital glare. It has a very analog like presentation and is far more musical than the Benchmark. I have not tried DSD through the USB connection yet, so my comments are restricted to 44.1, 96 and 192 PCM sources through the ethernet and coax inputs. I didn't have a chance to compare it directly to the Meitner MA-1 I had in a while back, but I think I prefer the Marantz. Although it is clearly an excellent DAC, the Meitner just did not click for me - the Marantz did. As for the networking/streaming capability, this needs to have a direct, wired ethernet connection - I had no success using it with the two different wireless bridges I had available. I also find DLNA networking a bit flakey compared to the Squeezebox system I've been using for the last 7 years, but it gets the job done. I have not tried the Spotify connectivity since I am a MOG user. One annoyance is that DSD can only be played through the USB input - so to fully utilize its capabilities you need to use a computer - which kind of defeats the purpose of using this as streamer. Good thing it has a full set of digital inputs. I am still going to spend some time before I decide if it is a keeper, I'd still like to hear the new QB-9 and the Vega for comparison. I think JA may have gone a bit overboard in his comparisons with the MSB DACs, but i cant argue since I haven't heard them. They are way out of my price range in any case.

Marantz NA-11S1 - very analog sounding DAC/streamer. Priced lower than the Luxman, excellent build quality. Marantz Reference NA-11S1 Network Audio Player/DAC | Stereophile.com

Given your experience with a lot of higher end DACs, how would you compare the Vega to the MSB Analog DAC or even the EMM DAC2X?

Thanks Ted. I am looking forward to your Vega review and hope you will compare to your reference Meitner. The only Sabre based DAC I have heard was the W4S DAC 2, which did not really impress. I hope to have an MA-1 in for audition in the next few weeks, and will try to track down a Vega as well. Thanks.

Current system is Pass x250.5 and XP-20 and Aerial 7T. DAC is Benchmark DAC1 USB - I suspect the Benchmark is the cause of some of the edginess and brightness, so I am looking to replace it. Was hoping the Vega might be a good option.

This is a bit disappointing, my system can be a touch bright at times. Looks like I will need to look elsewhere, perhaps the Meitner?

6moons full review is up. Another very positive review.