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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
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,767 posts
 

@bluethinker awesome! Glad you’re trying the new dac in your system. I’d recommend taking your time with it at least 3-5 days if possible. Let it all sink in and settle down. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
286 posts
 

@audphile1 - Thank you! 

That's great advice. I'll continue listening for a few days and report back. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,767 posts
 

@zlone Meitner MA3 is a more detailed, faster and more engaging sounding DAC than the Bricasti M3. I had the MA3 in my system for 2 weeks.
I then ordered MA3i and sold my Bricasti. Meitner sound is airy, detailed and laid back. It takes a few days to start to really appreciate it. If you like the sound of DSD I would recommend the Meitner. It’s not forward but isn’t dark. I actually find Bricasti M3 to be a darker sounding DAC in comparison. I think what the Bricasti team did is darken the sound signature by design to mask the inherent imperfections of the chip DAC. Great DAC the M3 but the more expensive Meitner beats it. 

zlone
992 posts
 

@bluethinker Thanks for the tip, that is a good deal for sure. I am looking for something a little more lively, it sounds like the D2 is sounding that way to you. Keep us posted as you get used to it. 
 

@audphile1 Thanks for the commentary, I had thought you had tried both the Meitner and the Bricasti. Your description of the Meitner sounds a lot like Merason, I would be a little worried it would not be a significant change. I never thought I would say it, but I think I want a bit more edge, but certainly not bright. 
 

In the meantime a friend loaned me his Luxman DA-07x. It is quite nice. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
286 posts
 

@zlone - Unveiled Audio might offer an in-home audition. I’m going to try pairing the QLN speakers with the SoulNote Dac (I’ve been using Buchardt s400 mkii speakers thus far). I’ll report back to you… it won’t be for a week or so, but I’ll share my impressions. 
 

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