Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Sooloos v Apple tv & mac

Hi there,

I really interested in the Sooloos system & the MC200. I was wondering if anybody out there managed to compare a cheaper alternative, e.g. Apple TV streaming from a MAC or PC, obviously the snazzy interface isn't there but you still have access to playlists and your entire collection all in one place.

Have recently been told that the best way to listen to your collection is using Sooloos connected through an 800 series processor. Is this right?

The future seems to be downloads.

Squeezebox with Netgear Readynas works for me - just use it with either an iPad or iPod Touch with iPeng.

The most optimal way is to use a 808.3 or 861v6 fitted with an internal ID40 card, as it eliminates an SPDIF interface and hence jitter.
Note: the earlier 8xx series versions do not support the ID40 card.

After the above then you looking at a MS600 (almost as a good as an ID40 card).

Then a Control15 not far behind an MS600, and finally a C10.2 (no appodising) or C10.1 (no upsampling)

For more details have a look in the Wiki and Duncan's site (see links top of this pages).

Regards,
Carl

Are there any third party measurements that backup the reduced jitter claim with numbers?

I ask because I read similar claims re. Ethernet in to a Linn DS but the third party measurements (Stereophile) indicated similar level of jitter using ethernet or SPDIF.

Avii

Hi Avii,

Not that I'm aware of. I think the jitter levels are so low now they are pushing the limits of the measurment equipment used by the reviewers.

I've compared 800D, C15 and ID40 card all into a 861v6 driving 8Ks; the ID40 was the clear winner. However, I've not compared the MS600 I'm only going on what I've read from others.

Regards,
Carl

I use the AppleTV for Airplay from iPad mostly and Podcasts. I did some 44.1KHz listening from my iTunes library (networked PC) unfortunately it's not impressive to be honest, this was heard through an F80.

AppleTV is locked @48KHz which means it's unsuitable for CD music which is sampled @44.1KHz.

Rather use http://www.apple.com/airportexpress/ if you want to stream music from iTunes. As it's made to at least output 44.1KHz I don't know if the new model is still bit perfect but at least the older models were.

With your aspirations seen in other threads (auditioning DSP8k's etc) I think what you ultimately will want is the best digital source and that will probably mean ID40 (808.3/861v6) or the MS600.

I was considering alternatives a few months ago. I ended up buying one of the new MacBook Pros, and I use the digital optical output directly into the G68. My songs are all Apple Lossless on an external hard drive. I still prefer the sound of my 588 CDP, but for convenience, the Mac is a great way to go. I use the iPhone with the remote app as my controller. For the price, this is hard to beat.

Good luck,
John

I had both, iTunes and Sooloos. I must admit I had always thought the Sooloos is a waste of monies and an over priced music server. How wrong I was!
The iTunes stored in a 8TB NAS server (and also ripped DVD HD movies) while played thru the MacBook Pro does sound good by itself, but will be relegated to background music when compared to what Sooloos can do, especially thru the ID40 card of the 808.3.
To me, both can be operated using Apple's iPad2 or iPhone4, so operational convenience is on par. Its just the price viz performance factor that one would want to judge the "worth it" question between the two. Well, I started out with iTunes Lossless and now had both. The iTunes still served a purpose but more incline to movies than music, the later being the foundation library for me to burning a few CDs with songs of my choice for listening while I am driving. Serious musical enjoyment for me is now on Sooloos. If one had not played with Sooloos, then iTunes should suffice. However, this would take a complete change if Sooloos had entered one's life. Thats what happened to me!

Hi Pmeister,

I was in a similar situation to you for a long time. I was running my music all of my mac mini into my amps and speakers and it sounded... a bit horrible. So I thought the natural next step would be to bung a DAC on the end of the mac and get things going.

Except it didn't.

I know everyone will say 'Sooloos is a waste of money, you can get just as good results by adding a DAC to a mac mini', because I have spent countless hours online trying to do just that. I reckon I've read almost all the articles going on macs'n'DACs, and whilst by no means an expert, have backed up the theory by trying various DACs at different price points.

At first I thought it sounded thin and digital because I wasn't spending enough on the DAC (and yes - I know it IS digital but we are all striving for that lush analogue sound arn't we?). So I tried what I thought would be the ultimate solution - the Chord QBD 76, which everyone has said was the best thing since sliced bread and, having heard and liked a lot of Chord stuff in the past, I was rather excited about. So I recruited my best buddy who has the most discerning set of ears this side of Memphis, and had a listen.

The verdict? Still horrible, but with extra chrome.

Then I was pointed in the direction of Sooloos, and after having been demoed the MC200, and then the MS600 (which, incidentally produced some of the MOST jaw-dropping sounds I have heard in a long time) I couldn't believe what a bargain this �2000 box of tricks was. Just to recap, you get:

1. amazing sound
2. incredible user interface
3. potential upgrade paths (MS600)
4. potential multiple zones (MS600/MC600)
5. an insight into music you haven't heard in years because it sits inaccessible in a jewel case - I'm listening to stuff now I haven't heard in AGES and loving it
6. good WAF (should that be GAF?) as it's a relatively small, quiet box that can sit out the way
7. the ability to open your hifi up to other people - I've had so many people who arn't 'hi-fi people' playing and loving my music because the Sooloos is so easy to use
8. it's not dependent on knowing loads about computers (other than a couple of teething probs see 'MC200 troubleshooting for more details'...)
9. brilliant iPhone/iPod/iPad remote facility (and the App is free)

Not to sound like I'm too enthusiastic or anything...

Canula
Did you adjust the Audio Midi on the Mac???

Did you try Amarra or Pure Music???

Did you try one of the FireWire or Asynchronous USB Devices??

I am wondering the future of Intel's new Thunderbolt (Light Peak) technology. Apple was the first to start shipping this product and supposedly the home entertainment market might be releasing various products to connect using this interface. Future? Intel was showing a demo where they were streaming Bluray content as well as other data at the same time. I am wondering how this technology is going to alter the video and audio markets both pro and consumer.

I am also surprised that Apple has shipped a version of the Apple TV with the Marvell chip that can upscale 720p to 1080p. I remember a while back around the time when the F80 first shipped that Meridian was working on an iPod adapter to upscale video from an iPod from 720p to 1080p, but I never saw the product being actually released.

Hi Pmeister,

I was going to post here but it was that big I opened a new thread; please take a look.

Sooloos Alternative - Budget Digital