Meitner Audio’s MA3 Integrated D/A converter is a ground breaking product and the first of the next generation offerings. The MA3 combines Ed Meitner’s proven world-class sound techniques from the renown and beloved DA2 V2 and DV2 converters, with network audio streaming functions from the popular and simple to use NS1 Streamer – creating one sleek, affordable package to serve your greater enjoyment of music.
Designed and manufactured in Canada, simply connect it directly to amplifier(s) and speakers of your choice and enjoy! The MA3 is the perfect integrated digital hub for any minimalist high end system, regardless of budget.
If there was one thing to remember about the MA3, I think it would undoubtedly be its flawless operation. I wondered to what extent he [MA3] could compete with the standard bearer of the EMM Labs coat of arms. Hard to say, based on my personal experience, but this player and DAC will struggle to be faulted.
Joël Chevassus, Audiophile Magazine, December 2021. The Author’s conclusion, translated from the French original article.
At this price, and in view of its versatility, the Meitner MA3 is therefore a real bargain. There are sometimes devices about which we can ask ourselves whether our appreciation can be generalized to all audio systems. The MA3 clearly escapes this questioning: it is THE reasoned choice for passionate music lovers!
It is therefore impossible not to give it our highest recommendation.
The Meitner MA3 includes:
- 16xDSD MDAC2™ DACs coupled with Meitner’s proprietary MDAT2™ DSP
- VControl™ volume control used in the flagship EMM DV2 converter
- Supports DSD128/2xDSD, DXD and MQA®
- Built in network streamer for music streaming service integration
16xDSD MDAC2™ and MDAT2™ DSP:
The MA3 employs the Meitner MDAC2™ fully discrete single-bit, 16xDSD, D-to-A converters, coupled with their MDAT2™ DSP which performs real-time transient detection in addition up-conversion of all incoming audio. VControl™ maintains the input signal without re-quantization allowing for complete transparency at any volume setting, wide attenuation range, and no loss of audio resolution.
USB Isolation, MFAST™ and MCLK2™:
The USB interface includes EMM’s proprietary hardware galvanic isolation. MFAST™ our high-speed asynchronous jitter removal technology working in tandem with our custom built clock (MCLK2™) provides jitter removal from all digital sources.
Built in Network Streamer:
Connect to high resolution streaming services like TIDAL, QOBUZ plus support for popular music services like SPOTIFY, DEEZER, vTUNER etc. UPnP/DLNA support for network and NAS file playback, ROON READY and ROON ENDPOINT functionality plus direct USB audio file playback.
Designed and manufactured in Canada, simply connect it directly to amplifier(s) and speakers of your choice and enjoy! The MA3 is the perfect integrated digital hub for any high end system, regardless of budget.
The culmination of network streaming, Roon integration, local music file storage, and unflappable ergonomics supplemented by numerous proprietary technologies borrowed from the MA3’s more exotic brethren result in a product that not only redefines the benchmark in this price category, but raises the bar significantly. Yet again, Ed Meitner should be proud of what he and his team have created here, and the competition should be on alert. The Meitner Audio MA-3 is enthusiastically recommended!
Aron Garrecht, Soundstage! Ultra Review, October 2021
Key Features
- Up to 24bit/192kHz & DSD support over all inputs: USB Audio, AES, TOSLINK, COAX and Network (RJ45)
- 2xDSD (via DoP), DXD (352/384kHz) over USB Audio
- Full MQA® unfolding via USB Audio and Network (RJ45)
- Proprietary & discrete dual differential D-to-A converters (MDAC2™) with Meitner Digital Audio Translator signal processing technology (MDAT2™)
- MFAST™ instant signal acquisition and jitter-free performance
- Proprietary asynchronous clocking system (MCLK™)
- VControl™ high resolution volume control
- Galvanically isolated USB Audio interface
- Network streaming with UPNP/DLNA and ROON READY/ROON ENDPOINT functionality
- High resolution, Tidal and Qobuz and popular, Spotify, Deezer, vTuner plus many more, streaming audio services support
- AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV and WMA audio file playback
- USB service port for future software upgrades
- IR remote and serial port for wired remote control
- mConnect app for network control on Android, IOS and tablets
- Newly designed strong and elegant all-metal chassis
Power Supply:
Power factor corrected
Universal 90V-260V, 50/60Hz
Power consumption: max. 50W
Roon Ready network devices have Roon’s streaming technology built in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.
Specifications and Price
Digital inputs:
AES/EBU, S/PDIF COAX, TOSLINK, USB Audio and Network(RJ45) supports up to 24bit/192kHz and DSD
USB Audio also supports 2xDSD, DXD (352/384kHz) & full MQA® decoding
Network(RJ45) also supports full MQA® decoding
Stereo Analog Outputs:
Balanced (XLR)
Unbalanced (RCA)
Output voltage:
XLR outputs: 4.36V (+15.0dBu)
RCA outputs: 2.19V (+9.0dBu)
Output impedance:
300 ohms balanced (XLR)
150 ohms unbalanced (RCA)
Dimensions:
W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm
Weight: 7.43kg (with remote control)
Other Resources
Click on the links below to download documents and reviews
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Part-Time Audiophile Review
“for those listeners desiring a DAC which will never fatigue them in the high end, the Meitner MA3 will accomplish that trick while never leaving you wondering if you’re leaving detail on the table. At the price point, Meitner MA3 is amongst the top contenders for any DAC/Streamer I can think of.”
Grover Neville, Part-Time Audiophile, July 2022
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Stereophile Review
“The MA3 doesn’t just take you from Point A to Point B; it makes every journey a joy. It’s hard to imagine the music lover who will not fall in love with its sound.”
Jason Victor Serinus, Stereophile, June 2022
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Audiophile Style Review and Award
“I highly recommend everyone else consider picking up the MA3, sitting back, turning up the volume, and thinking about what to do with all that cash saved. Speaking of cash, the Meitner Audio MA3 is unequivocally CASH Listed.”
Chris Connaker, Audiophile Style, March 2022
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Diapason d’Or 2022 Award, Diapason Magazine France
“It’s (MA3) affiliation to the professional world is obvious, producing music with eloquence and even opulence. Whether it’s soundstage, dynamics, quality of timbres or the way it presents the piece, the MA3 consistently gets the music out of its digital straightjacket”
Diapason Magazine France
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Soundstage Hi-Fi Product of the Year 2021 Award
“The culmination of network streaming, Roon integration, local music file storage, and unflappable ergonomics supplemented by numerous proprietary technologies borrowed from the MA3’s more exotic brethren result in a product that not only redefines the benchmark in this price category, but raises the bar significantly.” Aron Garrecht (SoundStage! Ultra, October 2021)
Soundstage Hi-Fi Product of the Year 2021 Awards
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, HiFi Review (Hong Kong) Products of the Year 2021 Award
“No matter how long you listen to it, the MA3 can still draw you in. Whether it’s work or simply enjoying music, the MA3 won’t disappoint. For those who want a simple system to purely appreciate the music, the MA3 is well worth considering.”
Chan Wai Cheong, HiFi Review (Hong Kong, Issue 418) Products of the Year 2021 Award.
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Audio (Germany) Review
“A Bargain. SOUND VERDICT: 148 POINTS, PRICE/PERFORMANCE: HIGH-END OUTSTANDING”
Lothar Brand, Audio (Germany), February 2022
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, avguide.ch (Switzerland) Review
“Digital Excellence. All in all, an addictive sound experience that sets itself apart relatively clearly from most competitors.”
Daniel Schmid, avguide.ch (Switzerland), February 2022
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, SuperAV 2021 Award
We happy and proud to announce that the Meitner MA3 has won the Integrated DAC Outstanding Popularity Award 2021 from Super AV, China. Thank you to Super AV, our China distributor Jadis and all our customers for this award.
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Audiophile-Magazine (France), December 2021
“…(MA3) is THE reasoned choice for passionate music lovers! It is therefore difficult not to give it our highest recommendation.”, Joel CHEVASSUS, Audiophile-Magazine (France), December 2021
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Enjoy the Music Superior Audio Review
“The MA3 carries my warmest possible recommendation. It makes as strong a case for digital audio as anything out there.”
Phil Gold, Enjoy the Music Superior Audio Review, November 2021
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Soundstage! Ultra Review
“…quite simply, the MA3 is sonically superior across the board,…a product that not only redefines the benchmark in this price category, but raises the bar significantly.The Meitner Audio MA-3 is enthusiastically recommended!”
Aron Garrecht, Soundstage! Ultra Review, October 2021
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter, Hi-Fi News & Record Review
“A highly impressive performer, the Meitner MA3 is one of the finest streaming DACs at or near its price. It offers a taste of the best high-end designs in a slightly more affordable, practical and flexible package.”
Nick Tate (Lab: Paul Miller), Hi-Fi News & Record Review, September 2021 (Full Review…)