@audphile1 - Thank you. I always appreciate your input and communication on this forum. Apparently - and I say that suspending judgement until I've heard it - SoulNote has implemented the ESS chips in a very musical way. I've read up on the Benchmark dac and I think I remember your past comments on it being a little bright in your system. If it's bright, there is no way I'll like it. I'm going to have the opportunity to demo it in my system end-of-month and will share my results.
@thriftyaudio - Thank you. I think trying stuff is absolutely part of the journey!
@zlone - If memory serves, we both have the LTA preamp and Merason Dacs, correct?
@audiotroy - Thanks for your ideas. After demoing the Mola Mola dac, I'm pretty convinced it's a question of the source in my system. I really like the Merason Dac1 mkii dac, but I think it pairs best with components that deliver a more analytical or detailed sound. It sounds absolutely wonderful with the Gryphon 120 and Dynaudio Heritage speakers, which I plan on pairing it with permantly.
But I do feel the source is the issue with my system sounding a little too smooth and warm.
Experience with SoulNote Dac2?
Fellow Audio Enthusiasts -
I'm considering purchasing the SoulNote D2 (SoulNote's mid-level DAC). From what I've read, it appears to have an energetic and engaging sound that some posters describe as sounding like live music.
My current reference system sounds great, but I think I've got several warm sounding components that is taking things into too far into the romantic domain. Don't get me wrong, the system sounds wonderful with jazz and atmospheric music, but I'm finding it less engaging with rock or even classical music. The room is large with fairly high ceilings with hardwood floors... The room is untreated but the system sounds great nonetheless.
I'm thinking of moving the Merason Dac to another system in my office...
My Current Reference System
- Innous Zenith MKiii
- Cardas Clear interconnects
- Merason Dac 1 mkii
- Linear Tube Audio Level 2 preamp
- Conrad Johnson Classic 120 amp with EL 34 tubes
- Cardas Clear speaker cable
- QLN Prestige 3 speakers
- Puritan 156
- Power Cables - Assortment of Cardas Clear, Kimber Palladian and Lessloss
I had the opportunity to demo with Mola Mola dac in the system and it sounded really good. That Dac absolutely changed the character of the system - adding energy, clarity, dynamics, drive - but I sensed something that might be fatiguing in the sound that might not make it a long term fit.
MY QUESTIONS
What is your experience with the SoulNote D2 dac? How would you describe the sound? And based on your knowledge, how would you conjecture the SoulNote D2 would sound in my system?
Thanks to everyone who I've already communicated with on this question, BTW!
Showing 4 responses by bluethinker
I'm listening to the system now with the Merason. It's cranked louder than usual because my wife is still at work. |
@zlone - Oh yes! Of course. I am looking forward to your review of the QLN Prestige 3s. I also have wondered about the 5's too. I'm especially curious about the bass output of the 5's. Maybe someday I'll get to hear them. |
@zlone - I just realized we also both have an Innuos Zenith mkiii. I noticed you are considering Antipodes. I was thinking of getting the pulsar for the living room and moving the zenith mkiii to my office system. Do you have the innuos usb reclocker in your system? If so, was it worth it. Sorry for side tangent everyone. |