bumperdoo

Can optical handle the high bit-rate of DSD? I go Mac Mini to a Meitner MA-1 V2 via USB with full DoP support.

Ewww... how long have you had it? May take time for it to settle?

Nice... let us know how the V2 sounds when you get it back. My MA-1 was upgraded in February and the results were superb!

I use the USB input with tremendous success; can't comment on the SPDIF. Those always make me nervous as the connectors can induce jitter. I'd say test with each and see what works best for you?

I'm assuming you mean USB between your MacBook Pro and the Mytek DAC, not firewire, correct? Those Mac components are likely power hungry and may benefit from a dedicated circuit? On the MacBook Pro, have you checked your Audio MIDI Setup in the Utilities folder? I've found that unless your master volume for the USB device is set to 100, you will get crap sound. Lets start there - you have awesome components, I wouldn't dream of having to replace them. We'll get them singing no doubt...

Can you describe your current setup in detail? I'd totally concur. In my experience, assuming your components work together, tweaking can deliver terrific results. Even simple things like moving the speakers in the listening space. Distance between front wall and speakers can play a critical role in what you hear. I know in our setup, moving the speakers even as little as 6" closer or further away from the front wall changes the sound. Something else to look at is the power you are providing to your system - and for those that believe power plays zero role, that is fine, but some of us have had great results addressing the power side of the audio equation. If you can run a dedicated circuit back to your main panel, give that a try - it's a cost effective approach. Some Romex and a separate breaker in the panel might cost you $30 to $50 bucks depending on the length of the run. I've seen systems that on power-up will dim the lights in the room. I ask "I'm guessing you are sharing a circuit with a number of other things in your house?" It's worth a try @djd I'd also try different speaker wire - the difference is more apparent than many would have you believe. You may have a wicked system, just needs some tweaking to really make the music come alive. To those on the forum that are going to jump all over me - remember, he's looking for ideas on what to try. If you don't believe in power, cables, etc. that is fine, but many of us have had great results paying attention to these aspects of a system so keep an open mind. Thanks!

I just don't understand forum members who are slanderous towards vendors they've never heard. It's toxic and detracts from a great community.

*sigh* I'm going to go way out on a limb here and guess @OldBigEars listened to the cables in a quality system. @Ralf11 why don't you just order a pair and have a listen for yourself?

They always do! Well, they wouldn't keep their PayPal merchant account very long if they cheated their clients. LOL! I don't disagree with you there! LOL Sometimes brilliant people operate on their own level which isn't consistent with the general population. Super happy customer of theirs - own a pair of Splash Ref C and a pair of Standards. Upgraded the Game Changers to the Splash initially. GCs blew me away, Splash took it to another level so I made the jump. Splash between my Meitner MA-1 DAC and Audio Valve Eclipse pre-amp. Standards between the pre and a pair of BHK 300s.

And as many of us have pointed out, the cables sound fabulous. Why don't you give them a listen since this is an "Audiophile" forum my friend. *Audio* typically means listening... If you just want to stick to quoting specs, I would encourage you to find an electrical engineering forum somewhere and impress them with your knowledge.

And from this you've concluded that you're an expert and he's a chump. Amazing... Where is your website and products so we can see what true genius sounds like my friend? Have you listened to them? No? Oh, then move on... you are judging an audio component without having heard how they perform... bizarre...

I know another good test - listen to them in a quality system! Crazy, I know...

Ah, so you've met him and listened to his products and concluded this on your own?

Oh boy... like I said earlier, the designer is a technical genius and is describing why and how they work. If you don't accept it, move on...

You guys are right - foolish me to comment on how something sounds on an audio forum. I need to learn to listen to music with the volume turned off and just read the liner notes on how the recording was made to pass judgement on how the album sounds. +1