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Author Topic: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review  (Read 8499 times)

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Marvey

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Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« on: February 25, 2013, 09:24:37 PM »
This was too good to keep here. I posted on HF: http://www.head-fi.org/t/652910/meridian-explorer-dac-amp-stream-of-consciousness-review-warning-not-good#post_9201772

Measurements (into IEMs / Headphones) forthcoming.
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Marvey

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2013, 09:45:32 PM »
UERM measurements were off. HE-500 and HD800 FR measurements were similar (close enough). Indicates probable high impedance output. Too lazy to mess with alligator clips and resistors to measure it right now.

UERM quick raw FR (1/3 smoothed) below. This graph explains why it sounded like shit with the UERM.

Blue = Leckerton UHA-6 output.
Pink = Meridian output
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zerodeefex

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2013, 11:13:49 PM »
Well, I was wrong about that one.  poo


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itshot

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2013, 12:42:19 AM »
Is the DragonFly any better? Nevermind lol
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Marvey

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2013, 07:00:07 AM »
Quote from: zerodeefex on February 25, 2013, 11:13:49 PM
Well, I was wrong about that one.  poo


LOL. Not really. Upon initial listening (and without longer term use), the overly warm sound rolled off sound can be seductive. It's like desserts with too much sugar. Good at first, but it gets to you after a while.
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Anaxilus.

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2013, 07:15:02 AM »
I highly recommend the ME for 128k mp3's.  In fact, for those low on storage, the Explorer now makes it possible to listen at 64k!  It escapes me why Meridian doesn't market this fact on it's website.

FYI to all the skeptics of critical reviews, my expectation bias was very hopeful for this product.  The only thing left is to see far a potential FW upgrade can go.  It's clear Meridian knew such a feature would come in handy from the get go. 
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Deep Funk

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2013, 06:21:42 PM »
I logged into HF just to read that thread. It was worth it. Kirosia's post made me chuckle...
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Marvey

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2013, 08:09:59 PM »
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Tyll Hertsens

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2013, 08:47:31 PM »
Pushing to get my hands on one, mate. That number needs more confirmation.  Not that I don't believe you, just such a staggeringly stupid number. Also needs checking to see if you didn't just get a bad unit. I'll try to get confirmation quickly.
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Tyll Hertsens

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Re: Meridian Explorer DAC/AMP Review
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2013, 09:06:24 PM »
Todd's got one he's going to loan me tomorrow.  I'll let you know what I get.
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