Esoteric N-05XD + Weiss DAC502 + Enleum 23R 

Stay with what you have.

I would go with the Boulder and the 804D4’s. The Pass will have more balls and more warmth, but more heat, so again, personal preference.

@@highendaudio Cool thanks. So many options out there, I’m also considering McIntosh MA9000, Vitus RI 101, new Accuphase E-5000, Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated’ s. Also seperates like Michi monos and Parasound JC5/JC2. Do you feel there’s any advantages running these separates over an integrated if you don’t need that power?

@@AlexanderTG3 Audition the T+A M 200s mono pair, 210W each with new Purifi Eigentakt output stage, mated to Holo Audio Serene preamp.

Sound is similar, but with the Weiss you have so much more flexibility to dial in the sound in the digital domain, to your liking.

I have borrowed the MA3 at home to compare against my PS Audio DSD Sr with output transfo upgrade and the MA3 was , in my opinion, inferior: precise but edgy in the highs, colder, and I much preferred the mids on the DSD. Overall, I thought the DSD was better. However, when I listen to the Weiss DAC502 through my computer speakers (which are surprisingly accurate for such little speakers in their ability to capture the mids and tone for having listened to the real DACs afterward at the dealer), I must say that the Weiss DAC502 is in a different class as far of texture and natural tone: way above the DSD and the MA3. By the way, I tried the MA3 suggested streamer and the sound quality dropped significantly compared against connecting my Innuos Zenith MK3 to the MA3 UDB input: so, if you think of saving money by using the MA3 streamer, you will be disappointed with the resulting sound quality.

@@brunog.8920 I agree on all accounts. The MA3 gets smoked in the store by the Esoteric N-05XD and Weiss DAC502.

We aren’t. Just mentioning N-05XD.

@@highendaudio you subject line indicate that you use Weiss DAC

@@ayc868 did you watch the video? The N-05XD isn’t even on.

@@highendaudio My time is limited. Can not spend hours of my precious time on RU-vid. I do fast forward only listen on what I am interested in. why you have N-05XD on you subject line and it is not even on?

@@ayc868 because I talk about it and show it. Watch the video and you’ll see.

Good

Speed and timing is so important…but there are good number of ‘philes that aren’t sensitive to it / don’t notice. PS: only a general comment