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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! 

bluethinker
zlone
915 posts
 

Following with interest as we have very similar systems. 

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,925 posts
 

your problem is more easily remedied by swapping out interconnects 

 

the Cardas cables are known for their laid back sonics also adding footers under all main components.

look at the Wireworld platinum cables more neutral without being bright,

and critical mass footers will increase the systems clarity, dynamics and imaging

 

Dave and Toy

audio Intellect NJ

Wireworld and Critical mass dealers

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
271 posts
 

@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. 

laoman's avatar
laoman
498 posts
 

I agree with @audphile1. I really dislike dacs with Ess chips and I find them dreadful for female vocals. I much prefer R2R designed dacs.

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
271 posts
 

I'm listening to the system now with the Merason. It's cranked louder than usual because my wife is still at work. 

It sounds incredibly musical, rich and atmospheric. 

For anyone considering the Merason Dac1 mkii, it's really wonderful sounding in this system. And as mentioned earlier, it sounds even better with more resolving components. I'm absolutely keeping it.

My search for a (potential) new dac in my living room system is, like many of us here on this forum, partially based on curiosity and "audiophilia nervosa." 

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