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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
bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
284 posts
 

@996turbo911 - Yesterday morning I was listening to streaming radio. A Danish station, DR P8, which delivers a wonderful playlist of consistently good jazz. At one point, a trumpet was playing. I could hear the subtleties and textures of the instrument in a way that I’ve not yet heard with other dacs. I did demo the Mola Mola Dac in one of my home systems, and in comparison, while the Mola Mola might have reproduced the accurate sounds, the SoulNote made the trumpets sound more like a real trumpet. It’s a very seductive quality. 

I do agree that so much of this is about system synergy, however. 
 

@zlone - JC at Unveiled Audio maybe able to procure one of the last D2s from Japan at a pretty steep discount. I understand there are only a few left before they change the design based on supply chain demands. 
 

I’ll work on the QLN & SoulNote demo today.  

zlone
977 posts
 

@996turbo911 @bluethinker Thanks for all the additional information. I decided yesterday to pick up a used Bricasti M3. I view this as a tentative step towards the world of more detailed, and less warm, DAC'S. It is also a lower cost, less risk path to see if this sound appeals to me and works with my system. I am a little deep in gear right now, and need to sell some to make any big moves. 

I did quite a bit of review on the SoulNote and I am/was very tempted, especially given your results. For now I will take the baby steps.

@bluethinker I am still very interested to hear your thoughts on the combo with the QLN's. Please share if you find the time to try it out.

 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
284 posts
 

@zlone - Totally get it. When my wife spotted the Soulnote Dac in my home office system, I definitely did undergo a bit of an interrogation. I also need to sell a few pieces too. And congrats on the new Dac. Please share impressions once you’ve had time with it. 
 

I will try to demo the SoulNote and QLN today, but no later than end of week and will share impressions. I’m very curious myself to hear the SoulNote with different components.

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