Review: Entire Meier Audio Headphone Amp Line Compared - Page 3 - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

cansman · #31 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 01:19 AM

Thank you Skylab once again for a great review!

Skylab · #32 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hellenback

Speaking of variety, (and to get a better comparative perspective)where would you put your ASLabs MG head in this line up. (Just a short comment would help.)

Wow, that's really tough. I have a very hard time comparing solid state and tube amps. They have such different qualities and strengths, it makes the comparisons very difficult. I would say that the Cantate is competitive with the MG Head, although there are some things the ASL does better (midrange beauty, mainly), whereas the Meier has better treble extension, and much better bass. But they are very different beasts. I like having both tube and solid state amps around for just that reason.

splawren · #33 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 03:18 AM

Now, what would be a truly wonderful addition to the Meier line, having listened to the Move and Opera (both ends of the spectrum) would be a Meier "Opus" model with a monster good DAC side. I thought the only weak point of the Opera was the DAC, which had noticeable judder issues via USB (the Move did not, btw) and could have used an optical input (and yes, I've read Jan's reasons for not having both). When running vs the Benchmark DAC1, there was little question as to which one was getting the cleanest, clearest and most "revealing" digital output, but the amp in the Opera was just so much more enjoyable. So, combine the best of both worlds and compete with other combos like the HR Desktop/Home (not quite yet the Max line) series and beef up the DAC. Add about $400-$500 to the price, maybe? There you have it - the "Opus."

Of course, many would just say get a separate DAC anyway, but an integrated package has many benefits . . . especially with the great build and clean lines of the Opera casing . . . just my thoughts.

mcmyers · #34 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab

I also believe that the Opera, and my Blue Circle SBH, are at the very top level of performance, based on what I have listened to.

I thought you said in your Apache review that it was noticeably better than the Opera. Did you change your mind?

vcoheda · #35 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by splawren

Now, what would be a truly wonderful addition to the Meier line, having listened to the Move and Opera (both ends of the spectrum) would be a Meier "Opus" model with a monster good DAC side.

that would be nice but what meier audio is really lacking is a balanced amp. all the major audio companies now have one. jan really needs to look into this. balanced ground may be good, but i doubt it is anywhere close to a truly balanced system. if he could put one out around the $1250-$1500 range, it would be a big success.

parrot5 · #36 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 04:51 AM

Great review! I'm very interested in the Arietta. Does it have a black background though? I used to have a Porta Corda and with no input signal, there's still some hiss going on when volume is turned slightly loud.

rogues08 · #37 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 08:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrot5

Great review! I'm very interested in the Arietta. Does it have a black background though? I used to have a Porta Corda and with no input signal, there's still some hiss going on when volume is turned slightly loud.

My Arietta is absolutely silent. So don't worry and go for it

!
It is a really good Amp for this price range.

bonkon · #38 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 08:23 AM

Thanks for the nice review. I have a feeling Jan will be out of stock for the arietta very soon

donunus · #39 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 09:52 AM

Skylab, When you say that the headfive is slightly lower in quality than the arietta, how much lower? You say that the arietta sounds slightly better than the aria's amp, Where does the headfive fit in? Is it better than the aria too??? Pls. describe the differences. I'm sure headfive owners would love to hear where their limited edition amps stand against other meier amps.

malcolmhead · #40 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 10:37 AM

Hi Skylab and all head-fiers

I've been struggling on the choice of home amp for my Alessandro MS2/Marantz CD6002 combination. I like the current output of the CD6002 to MS2, very detail and a lot of clarity but not so smooth and natural. I'm considering xcanv3, Darkvoice and Mapletree Ear HD+, all of them tube amp. But after reading all the nice reviews of Meier amps, knowing that they also offer the warm characteristic of tube amp, I need your advise on this - does Meier amp offers the same characteristics of tube amp (like those mentioned) or it sounds closer to a hybrid? I understand that Meier amps are SS amp so it is not an apple to apple comparison, but I like to have the best of both worlds.

Basically, I like to have an amp that offer the warm natural sounding characteristics of tube amp but does not lose the detail/clarity/origin of the source.

Thanks all.

batsan · #41 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 10:39 AM

Thanks for your effort. I am using a Meier Aria, and are very happy with it. Unfortunately I need a second amp, cause I am living in 2 flats. So I think to order a Cantate ... And after that i will decide which one i will keep (or if I want to give anyone away)

Nuwidol · #42 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 01:14 PM

Hey, if you're 'giving one away'
:-)

ken36 · #43 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 01:32 PM

Great job Skylab.

Skylab · #44 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcmyers

I thought you said in your Apache review that it was noticeably better than the Opera. Did you change your mind?

No. The Apache is better. But it's $3000. It's not $2,000 better, I decided. The Opera is outstanding, and is also PERFECT for my needs in my office, where I need both the DAC and the multiple inputs it offers.

And I also felt that the Blue Circle SBH is 99% as good as the Apache at less than half the price.

Quote:

Originally Posted by parrot5

Great review! I'm very interested in the Arietta. Does it have a black background though? I used to have a Porta Corda and with no input signal, there's still some hiss going on when volume is turned slightly loud.

Mine is quiet as a mouse.

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus

Skylab, When you say that the headfive is slightly lower in quality than the arietta, how much lower? You say that the arietta sounds slightly better than the aria's amp, Where does the headfive fit in? Is it better than the aria too??? Pls. describe the differences. I'm sure headfive owners would love to hear where their limited edition amps stand against other meier amps.

The Arietta is better than the Headfive. I had a Headfive, and it was a nice little amp, but the Arietta is a different amp aside from the chassis, and it sounds better. The Headfive is the warmest sounding Meier amp ever. Some felt it was too warm. I think that depends on what headphones it's used with, etc. I liked the Headfive, but the Arietta is better.

lerio · #45 (**permalink**) 09-21-2007, 02:31 PM

First a Big Thank's for you job Skylab, i guess it was a pleasure to do that but also take lot of time

For My point of view it's too bad that you can't test & compare DAC of all Meier who have DAC, i use Cantate 95 % of time with DAC and my impression of it is due to use of DAC not just as Amp.

I hope someone will do a comparaison of Aria/Cantate/Opera DAC one day

Thank's