Clock synchronization issue?

Thanks Steve!

Very interesting, particularly that jitter in low frequencies can be more challenging than at other frequencies.

I predominantly use wave files ripped by Exact Audio Copy (with the program optimized for my laptop). Flac files (ripped by the Sooloos) I find don't sound quite as good.

Strange that so many of the audio reviewers use Sooloos to evaluate audio equipment if it's a limiting factor in sonic quality!

What's interesting is that the sound of the dac in the Sooloos Media Source 600 is quite warm and maybe a tad mid-bass heavy. What's also interesting is that engaging the Meridian up sampling anodizing filter before the digital output changes the sound quite a bit with my Simaudio dac - the music gets slightly rolled off in the treble and warmer in the mid-range.

Any suggestions for getting the best sound possible out of the Sooloos? I love the interface!

Thanks!

Cam

"Any suggestions for getting the best sound possible out of the Sooloos? I love the interface!"

If the problem is jitter, which is likely IMO, then the solution is to reclock it with a resampling reclocker like this:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=106328.0

You will not get bit-perfect, but it will probably sound better anyway.

If the problem is the playback software, there is not much you can do.

I would recommend using dbpoweramp with Accurate Rip enabled to rip CDs.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Thanks Steve. Your advice is much appreciated!

Cam

I compared the S/PDIF output of a Sooloos Ensemble with the MC200 into my Simaudio 650D dac yesterday. I got the best results with the Ensemble, which was basically on par with, if not a little better than, CD play through the 650D. Wondering why that might be - you would think that since Meridian took over the company and started to integrate their digital technology the sound would improve. Maybe the Meridian gear is designed to work best with other Meridian gear to the detriment of the sound through non-Meridian gear?

Contrary to what a lot of consumers believe, there is no "synergy" between digital components. Components are either well-designed or not. Cables are either well-designed or not.

Once you have a good digital source, all DACs will sound better with it. If it is a REALLY GOOD digital source, then most DACs will sound virtually identical. The input circuit on a particular DAC may have issues however, that holds it back. Resampling circuits are one of the things that usually breaks the SQ. Another thing that sets one DAC apart from another is the internal power systems. These are usually smaller effects compared to the digital source, unless you are taking about really cheap DACs.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio