Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming To Sooloos or not to

Need some advise from the Sooloos experts.


My G91 has died. I was looking at maybe making the move to Sooloos to connect to my G68.

Looking at a Control:10 or MC200. But not really clear the Sooloos family of products.

Is the Control:10 upgradable to the current firmware?

What is the difference between the Control:10 and the Control15?

SQ the same on the Control:10 and the Control15 or MC200?

Should I even be considering Sooloos?

Any thoughts or reference to similar threads would be helpful.

Hi,

If you go to this thread, I think it will answer most of your questions:

https://www.meridianunplugged.com/u...bb=showflat&Number=151099&page=1

Aloha,

Also look in the Wiki's (see link at the top of this page) Sooloos section for the information on the Controlxx versions. Plus more information over on Duncan's site.

Regards,
Carl

Hi,

Control:10 and Control 15 are operated in the same way, their screens look identical.
The Control:10 gets firmware updates and improves it's features the same way as a Control 15.

Control 15 has an internal hard drive, so is a stand-alone Sooloos system. The Control:10 requires some Sooloos storage to operate, Control:10 with a TwinStore would be a system for example.

Control 15 sounds better than Control:10, and there are two different sounding Control:10 versions. MC200 sounds a little better than Control 15 (and I mean a little)

Yes, you should be considering Sooloos!

Rick

Thank, everyone.

It seems from everyone's comments that I have read so far that the SQ on the Sooloos is only slightly better than that of the SB, but the ease of use and enjoyment of the Sooloos is top notch.

But Sooloos is certainly a lot of cash. Much to think about.

I'm sure this may kick off a few comments but from someone who has owner Meridian DSP's for over 20 years, and had an SB up until a week ago (before my missus amazingly bought me a Control 15 for my 40th) I have to say that the sound of the Control 15 into my DSP 5k2's is massively better than the SB.

It was a Duet rather than the new Touch but the difference is in my opinion is pretty big, and the difference of just swapping the front end is significant. Usability and not having to run and make sure my Mac was switched on, or dropping into pausing network connect issues that stop you having fun and just listening to music, is all to take into consideration, as is the great user interface and just simplicity.

If you can make it to a Sooloos, I would say go for it. You only live once!

C

Your sig. is a bit inconsistant, you say non DSP fronts but your post mentions a G68. I only say this because having any 18 bit speakers means you are downgrading the overall capability.

I have been in a similar situation to you, I know streaming makes sense but Sooloos is a big investment. My system is under going some changes at the moment, but I know I will end up with Sooloos eventually because M know what they are doing and I love the 'sound'.

I have been sitting on the fence a bit, but with the TwinStore replacement coming out recently and the iPad App enhancements in the works, it is starting to make a lot more sense.

Cheers Greg

I have not updated my profile I guess. I am currently running non-DSP speakers front and rear with G68, ATC actives and sub. I was struggling with the limitations of my G91 with only two analog speaker out and older DSP5000 speakers so purchased a used G68.

Can you tell me about your mac set up, this may be a good option for me into the 68.

Duet has a bad reputation as a digital source. It is most definitely one of the worst SBs.

The Mac is very flexible, and quiet for a computer.

For 2 channel music, as a cheap start you can use the optical out into the G68 if it has one (I get confused on what each model has). The next step up would be the Halide Bridge although I haven't personally owned one which would use an SPDIF input. I went for the Weiss but to be honest it was based on online reviews, I haven't directly compared the Bridge and the Weiss, but FireWire makes a lot of sense. I then use Pure Music which means I can use FLAC files easily, and has good quality upsampling built in. If you have an iPhone or iPad you can then use the remote app to control it.

If you add a HD621, you can then use the Mini as a movie server as well via HDMI. I use Plex as a front end which is incredible considering its free.

You don't need to buy the latest Mac Mini either, for a cheaper way in, use your favourite auction site to pick up the previous version, for music/film servers the older ones are just as good.

Ultimately, as I said before, I know I will end up with Sooloos because it's Meridian and they know what they are doing; you have to remember, in real terms, they only took them over fairly recently and it takes time to get things sorted out. But things seem to be settling down. But, of course, it will cost more!

"because it's Meridian and they know what they are doing..."

That thought scares me a little... unless you've already heard the resolution available from the likes of the Weiss Medea DAC for example and prefer the Meridian.

In the field of super high res video formats and decoders they are indeed world leaders but for home audio they were overtaken long ago IMHO. I would suggest that Meridian make a nicely styled product built (and compromised) very much with cost in mind, and you do pay an excess for the badge as with every brand that is marketed at the high income consumer.

Remember the 808 was THE signature / statement product, revised to the 808.2 (super statement?), 808.3 (Ok we got it wrong first two times) and now the 808 limited edition strange coloured box (ahh so power supplies DO make a difference, damn).

I find it's cheaper to open ones ears before opening ones wallet; then again, what do I know?

I'm writing this on an iPad so to be honest can't be bothered with writing too much, but yes I'm a Meridian fan.

Yeah so the 808 evolved, guess what, there may even be more evolutions in the future. Or they may stop making spinners. All I can say is, it's a fantastic brand, albeit with well known issues. Everything I have bought has pleased me, but I know it comes at a premium cost. Is it worth it, who knows. It's up to you.

Streaming is an evolving field, my point is, IN MY OPINION, Meridian will get there!

But if Weiss works for you, then buy it and enjoy it.