Gotcha, so in that case, I think both are great choices, in that specific setup, I’d likely say that the meitner is going to be the more smooth and laid back one, it’s going to take more of a relaxed and forgiving approach, it’s also something that I think takes a stronger micro focus into things and while it doesn’t really give up any macro ability it’s not the main focus, it’s very smooth, balanced, liquid, but still feels fairly neutral. Stage is good but honestly not all that stand out from my demos with it, but it does have accurate placement and organic presentation. Speed was solid as well
The sw1x in comparison might be a bit less detailed but does offer a more immersive stage that’s both larger and more convincing imo, it will be tonally denser than the ma1 but not enough to tilt anything too far, the sw1x will also not be as laid back and will be more energetic. Dynamically very strong, stronger in macro than the meitner but potentially equaling micro. Timbre is also better, tonally though it’s a toss up as both are organic but the sw1x is a sweeter and warmer tuning in comparison. For control I do think the meitner might be a bit more tight but doesn’t have the impact and punch of the sw1x. Separation wise this does feel a bit more lively here.
It’s been a bit since I’ve heard a ma1, but I think basically the real thing it will come down to is if you want a more relaxed, smooth, and chilled out organic or a more forward, energetic, and lively organic (with a bit more fun but slightly less technical ability). Personally I think both are great, in your setup I might honestly lean more toward the SW1X as I slightly worry the Meitner is going to be a bit too relaxed with that chain. But the meitner is a better value used for sure as most sw1x really don’t come down price wise that much. I will also note that both dacs are somewhat picky about the digital signal coming into them, I might suggest investing in a streamer/server or a ddc if you use a pc if you go with either of these dacs as it will be a good improvement
I’d also throw totaldac into consideration like a d1-core (single if you could swing it) for something as in inbetween those dacs somewhat for being very organic and richer leaning but still being pretty technical, I’d say neutral-natural in both signature and presentation, overall good balance and I bet good synergy in your setup
If you wanted to lean for something even more energetic and rich than the sw1x, you could also consider a mojo mystique (used to be the evo but now it’s the mystique x), as they are very very energetic, very expansive stage wise, and still very organic as well. I’d just potentially be concerned it could be a bit too much for your setup as it could lean too warm and too forward (but not far enough to remove it from consideration)
I don’t really think you could go wrong with any of the aforementioned options, it will really just depend on what way you want to tilt your system. I’ve heard the parasound and grahm, but I’ve got no experience with the rega or herron (or most turntable stuff in general) so I can’t fully predict how your system leans right now
