Currently I am missing a preamplifier so I decided to experiment with the variable output from the MS600.

I connected the balanced analog output from the MS600 directly to the input of my audio research Ref110. I then used the volume slider on the iPad to regulate the volume. At lower levels all sounded terrific but as I started to push the vol up to about 85 or 90 it started to badly break up and distort. It was loud and I thought it must be the amp running out of steam. But a week later I had the single ended analog output connected to my Denon 4308 and I was using the headphone output. Once again I noticed the same problem. If the volume indicated on the iPad creeps past about 85 things get ugly. I now have the balanced output connected to a Krell FPB-400cx and this amp has a bit more gain so I don't dare push the volume past 75 lest I risk going deaf. Together it sounds great.

So this brings me to few questions/conclusions.

1) Is it possible that there is something wrong with my MS600's analog out? Seems surprising to me that Meridian would implement an analog out that could be over-driven - that's what it sounds like. If it's normal then I would have to say I'm not impressed - not for the $ asked for such an inflexible DAC.

2) If this is normal and you want to use the variable output you will need a power amp that has enough gain to make sure you don't need to creep up the volume ladder.

Meridian MD600, MS200 and MS600, Denon 4308, Audio Research Ref 110, Krell FPB-400cx, Focal Electra 1007Be and 1000Be, Whise 319a