Grace m902 vs. Meier Corda Symphony

[xenithon]

Hi all. I would like to ask what your thoughts are on two dac/amp combos: the Grace m902 and the upcoming Meier Corda Symphony. Both can function as a DAC, headphone amp and preamp. (sidenote: Will be used primarily with the Sony MDR-SA5000, and only looking for a one-box solution).

I have read numerous conflicting reports regarding the m902 - the lack of consensus being around the quality of its internal DAC. The amp I have gathered is said to be excellent; some report the DAC to be pretty good whilst others consider it sub-standard (especially for the price).

The Meier is going to be released this month, so most thoughts I believe would be extrapolation of the Corda Opera's performance, taking into account the improvements (better DAC, optical input, power supply section). I also came across some conflicting reports on the Opera though - primarily that some considered it warm and rounded, whilst others found it lacking dynamics and comparitively dull (lacking life/sparkle).

So, what would you guys put your money on?

Cheers,
X

 

[jlingo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenithon /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi all. I would like to ask what your thoughts are on two dac/amp combos: the Grace m902 and the upcoming Meier Corda Symphony. Both can function as a DAC, headphone amp and preamp. (sidenote: Will be used primarily with the Sony MDR-SA5000, and only looking for a one-box solution). I have read numerous conflicting reports regarding the m902 - the lack of consensus being around the quality of its internal DAC. The amp I have gathered is said to be excellent; some report the DAC to be pretty good whilst others consider it sub-standard (especially for the price). The Meier is going to be released this month, so most thoughts I believe would be extrapolation of the Corda Opera's performance, taking into account the improvements (better DAC, optical input, power supply section). I also came across some conflicting reports on the Opera though - primarily that some considered it warm and rounded, whilst others found it lacking dynamics and comparitively dull (lacking life/sparkle). So, what would you guys put your money on? Cheers, X

Grace M902 is such a great headphone amp(no comment on the DAC). It's very transparent and real. If you feed junk into it, it will spit out junk.

I'm using my Grace M902 with Empirical Audio Freeway 2 and it sounded very musical and wonderful, the midrange is soo sweet full of high resolution, Excellent details. I also paired Grace M902 with other sources before that made it sounding very clinical and analytical.

Opera being dull and less sparkle, I may be able to see that. I find Corda 3Move to be less sparkle and dull, however, I also find Corda 3Move to have a very floaty 3Dimensional depth, with beautiful soft, silky high and midrange, full of midrange air and breath. It's such a pleasure to listen too, without any harshness whatsoever. I could listen to 3move for a very very long time without fatigue.

Honestly, during the day I prefer Grace M902 for serious listening. But at night, Corda 3Move sounds magical. It's capable of relaxing you and soothing you. I guess as the name implies to 3 moves: The Heart, The Emotion, The Soul. I could sleep smiling with 3move.

Bottomline, is really depending on your taste and mood.

 

[UWisconsin77]

You might want to try tubes with the SA5000. Unless of course you don't find them one bit harsh or bright.

 

[xenithon]

Thanks for that feedback jlingo.

Quote:

I'm using my Grace M902 with Empirical Audio Freeway 2 and it sounded very musical and wonderful, the midrange is soo sweet full of high resolution, excellent details.

So would that be feeding the digital signal (from PC/MAC) using the Freeway and the m902's DAC section?

 

[jlingo]

----

 

[jlingo]

Yes that would be feeding the digital signal from PC/MAC using the freeway 2.
If you like musicality and warm, you should try the Meier Amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by xenithon /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for that feedback jlingo. So would that be feeding the digital signal (from PC/MAC) using the Freeway and the m902's DAC section?

 

[onocentaur]

This really turned me off the m902:
Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood All settings are lost when I power down.

(from page 2 of this thread)

 

[jjcha]

I've owned a lot of headphones and a lot of amps. SA5k and Grace m902 is still one of my favorite combinations. Just the weaknesses of each balances the strengths of each. I can think of a few other combinations at about that price range that I think are fantastic (e.g., vintage RS-1 + custom balanced RA-1, or a great Stax Lambda setup). But after all these years, I still think you can do no wrong with a m902 and a SA5k.

Best,

-Jason

 

[xenithon]

Much appreciated Jason - I recall reading comments from yoursefl and agile_one from a few years back regarding the combination.

Were you using the m902's DAC section too or just the amp section?

 

[xenithon]

I don't suppose anyone's had a sneak-peak listen to the Symphony yet perhaps?

 

[Kane-DK]

Don't know if it is worth anything, but I really liked my Meier Corda Aria and SA5000 combo.

SA5000 are really interesting headphones, I could see my self going back to them.

 

[WindowsX]

Not to mention when you modify it for its true potential:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/gra...w-pics-340227/

I've compared between this unit with Bel Canto DAC 3 + Apache and SQ wise is some what on par to each other...

 

[xenithon]

Does the m902 work well with low impedance cans, such as the Audio Technica woodies?

 

[davidxtb]

suggest waiting for the Symphony on market
anyway the quality of Meier's products is forward and we have new and better critic to such progress

 

[Anouk]

Hello all,
Well I think the op has already made the decision but I am still really interested. I use my headphone amp with my computer so I have to use an amp+dac, i also use it a s a preamp so rca-outs are neccessary. I now have a headroom pimped out desktop but I think i might like something a bit less neutral...
Greetings, Anouk,