Thank you for sharing this. I unfortunately do not understand anything about electronic schematics. The source of the allegation I quoted, that RCA inputs in Stax amps (with T2 as the exception) are better than the XLR ones, is also based on schematics, that is, the alps are 4 way or sth...    ...

I've heard that the balanced input on stax amps are usually not as good as the RCA. That being the case, have you heard how the cans perform with a 323s? It would be great if we can use the old (cheaper) amps.    Quote:

    This is exactly what I am wondering as well. I would not be surpised if those "useless parts" cost for 20-30k.

      Hi Justin,   Please understand that many of your customers (including me) are indeed much concerned about the expected shipment date of our orders. We would be grateful if you could at least keep us up to date.   drexler007

  Thanks for the information, Don. Yes I should contact the local dealer and see if they have the firmware available. It would be wonderful to have the 128 dsd capability upgrade! It is like a new purchase ... for free!!!   Yang

  Hi Don, I also have the meitner ma-1. Curious about the firmware update. I bought my unit in November 2012. If I recall correctly it was updated in the Spring of 2013. Did you upgrade the DAC from the 2013 firmware?   Yang 

Hi Justin. Are they the 2013 batch, or the 2014 batch? Any estimate on my order placed last November?

I am currently happy listening to Stax O2, driven by a srm-007t. I guess the price of Meitner MA-1s has been much more reasonable recently, especially in the secondhand market. 

Just went for the Meitner ma-1. A secondhand sells for about 3600 usd locally. It should be in a different league, right?

  No, Apple and Oppo are pronounced differently in Chinese. Apple is translated to it Chinese meaning, that is ping-gwo. Oppo is referred by either its English name, or its Chinese name pronounced like O-bow.

I assume an upgrade to the W4s special edition would be a incremental change which is quite pricey. Before I could have a significant upgrade to the league of MSB I want to spend more wisely on products such as the nad m51. The bmc seems extremely promising since I would be able to afford it...

Looking forward to your expressions. I am selling my w4s dac2 for a source update. I just don't think it will be a good pair with my new Stax O2. Any ideas on how good the puredac is compare to CD players of the same price range (both in balanced setup)? 

Very helpful review! I am also a W4S dac2 owner. After my recent purchase of the stax O2 suit, I am considering a source upgrade. BDA2 should definitely be on my list of consideration!