Meier Audio StageDAC - Page 41

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanJoseCanJunkie 

I hope the new one turns out well - I love the heck out my current one.

 

The only improvement that I can see really is the potentiometer; low volume channel balance isn't as nice as I would ideally like, but as I don't use that feature anymore it's not an issue for me now. Stepped attenuators are really nice, but those are rather pricey.

Stepped attenuator would be nice.

I want to see easier switching between variable volume pre-amp mode and line-out headphone mode. Since pre-amp mode (very useful) degrades the line out, it should be easy to switch back and forth. (This is the wrong place to use an internal jumper like the old StageDAC in my view.)

I suspect we needed to submit all these ideas months ago, when Jan was designing his new DAC, as he is now awaiting or already has the prototype!

That said, I agree with both your thoughts cooperpwc.

I'm even more interested what's inside. Lots of competition (e.g. Schiit Gungnir). But if Jan delivers the same excellence and VFM he did with STAGEDAC, this will be well worth considering...

AiDee, you never know. Jan has heard these things before. 

I am quite sure that whatever he releases will be good.

I agree there is a lot of competition in the DAC market overall, but IIRC there are only one or two other single-purpose DACs that have crossfeed, and both were over 1k.  I don't think they had anywhere near the level of adjustments either, but my memory is really really vague, and I couldn't find any on Google.  Additionally, there are very few tube amps with good crossfeed, so if you want a large tube amp selection and crossfeed, the Meier stands pretty much alone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AiDee 

 

I'm even more interested what's inside. Lots of competition (e.g. Schiit Gungnir). But if Jan delivers the same excellence and VFM he did with STAGEDAC, this will be well worth considering...

Dear headfellows,

> Anything you are willing to tell us about how it differs or improves on the STAGEDAC?

The sound will be slightly rounder/warmer. Not by much, but noticable.

> Stepped attenuator would be nice.

But very expensive! However, whereas the STAGEDAC used a very simple 9 mm potentiometer the new DAC will have a high-quality ALPS RK27.

> I want to see easier switching between variable volume pre-amp mode and line-out headphone mode. Since pre-amp mode (very useful) degrades the line out, it should be easy to switch back and forth.

Both outputs have different output stages. Therefore switching is not needed.

I hope to receive the first production prototypes by the end  of next week and will then place pictures and technical details on my website.

Cheers

Jan

Quote:

Originally Posted by SanJoseCanJunkie 

I agree there is a lot of competition in the DAC market overall, but IIRC there are only one or two other single-purpose DACs that have crossfeed, and both were over 1k.  I don't think they had anywhere near the level of adjustments either, but my memory is really really vague, and I couldn't find any on Google.  Additionally, there are very few tube amps with good crossfeed, so if you want a large tube amp selection and crossfeed, the Meier stands pretty much alone.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by AiDee 

 

I'm even more interested what's inside. Lots of competition (e.g. Schiit Gungnir). But if Jan delivers the same excellence and VFM he did with STAGEDAC, this will be well worth considering...

Surely it should be feasible to offer a crossfeed processor/filter as a separate component (to fit between any DAC and amp)......

> Surely it should be feasible to offer a crossfeed processor/filter as a separate component.

I had such an item produced quite a few years ago. However, despite its very low price tag it never became very popular.

:-(

Jan
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan Meier 

> Surely it should be feasible to offer a crossfeed processor/filter as a separate component.

 

I had such an item produced quite a few years ago. However, despite its very low price tag it never became very popular.

 

:-(

Jan
 

I have ALL the parts to build one Corda Cross, including the face plates, but don't know how to do this and nobody will build it for me.  Sad.  Perhaps you can recommend someone?  PM Me?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan Meier 

Dear headfellows,

 

> Anything you are willing to tell us about how it differs or improves on the STAGEDAC?

 

The sound will be slightly rounder/warmer. Not by much, but noticable.

 

> Stepped attenuator would be nice.

 

But very expensive! However, whereas the STAGEDAC used a very simple 9 mm potentiometer the new DAC will have a high-quality ALPS RK27.

 

> I want to see easier switching between variable volume pre-amp mode and line-out headphone mode. Since pre-amp mode (very useful) degrades the line out, it should be easy to switch back and forth.

 

Both outputs have different output stages. Therefore switching is not needed.

 

I hope to receive the first production prototypes by the end  of next week and will then place pictures and technical details on my website.

 

Cheers

 

Jan

 These are great improvements. This new DAC will have a compelling line out + pre-amp combination.

@HeadphoneAddict here's the official site as archived in 2009, I built one from it (and have parts for another) - it's not a hard build.  I'd offer to build yours but I'm not in the US so probably not cost effective

Quote:

Originally Posted by suicidal_orange 

@HeadphoneAddict here's the official site as archived in 2009, I built one from it (and have parts for another) - it's not a hard build.  I'd offer to build yours but I'm not in the US so probably not cost effective

It is hard for me because I have no idea what I'm doing.  I'm only good for repairing broken headphone cables and interconnects, and that's it.

Interesting - I never knew a separate crossfeed component ever existed.  If they were around the $100-150 range I would buy two to have "just in case" :)

I think the issue is simply that headphones+old super stereo recordings just don't bother enough people...  Also, IMO, much of the niche headphone community is too preoccupied with "bit-perfect" audio over enjoyable listening.

The new StageDAC sounds great.  If mine ever kicks the bucket, I'm glad that a replacement is out there.  I admit that I was a touch worried when I saw that the original had disappeared from the website as they come up in the Used forum very rarely.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan Meier 

> Surely it should be feasible to offer a crossfeed processor/filter as a separate component.

 

I had such an item produced quite a few years ago. However, despite its very low price tag it never became very popular.

 

:-(

Jan
 

Dear Jan,

Is the new DAC of the same size of CORDA CLASSIC?

It would be nice to have a good looking combo on my desk!

Cheers

> Is the new DAC of the same size of CORDA CLASSIC?

Yes, they will optical match!

:-)

Jan
 

Looking forward to it!