Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian Explorer

The Explorer is an ASync USB Device and thus is expecting to receive Decoded LPCM over its Digital USB Input

Even if the Explorer could gain direct access to the Files on a Mobile Player, these files are in a mixture of MP3, AAC, ALAC and FLAC Formats

And nowhere in the Explorer Data Sheets does Meridian claim that the Explorer can decode these Files

Today was a good day when the post man arrived!





I will need more time to post my report on how it sounds as I am still waiting for my headphones to arrive. It's a shame they are not Meridian ones! A small hint to the Meridian team if there reading.

Carl

Hi

I have tested and compared it with my arcam rPac. M explorer was a huge improvement over the arcam DAC, and I was not using any sort of high grade cables. Standard USB, not the one included in the box. The one included in the box was too short for my needs. The 3.5mm to RCA was no name with gold plated contacts.

I listened to Steven Isserlis recording of J.S. Bach Cello Suites (Hyperion CDA67541/2 20-bit 44.1khz download). The cello was richer in sound, more addad body and weight to the instrument. The detail was clearer and more vibrant. All toghter a more pleasant experience. For playback I used Control:PC.

I give the M Explorer:
Sound 5 of 5
Design 5 of 5
Ease to setup and use 5 of 5
Value for money 5 of 5

Total 5 of 5

Best regards, Per Nilsson, Sweden

I just stumbled this article that Mac Explorer users may find useful. I have yet to assimilate it all, but thought the link may be useful.

I have been recommended BitPerfect from the Mac store as a way of extracting the best from the Explorer.

Golly, Per. High marks indeed.

Is there any classification (feel free to make one up) where you'd score less than 5?

I have to admit I'm tempted, and I don't even own a pair of headphones.

I sort of wonder, dimensions forgiving, whether M shouldn't offer a version that offers a 1/4" variable volume jack to allow owners of some of the higher end headphones to use their headphones directly with the Explorer rather than needing an adapter cable to use the Explorer as a headphone amp.

The Explorer as released is part of a as yet, unannounced lineup.

But I think it is clear that the restrictions of the USB interface has limited what types of headphones can be driven by the Explorer.

The clear plastic protective film is a pain to remove.

Oh dear, my purchase has opened up a "Cans of Worms".
Installed M Explorer this evening and have been round the world on the radio and an old pair of Panasonic RP-HG20 headphones I had long forgotten. These were a managers clearance bargain at Scottish Power 10 years ago for �10.
Staggering performance. IMO better than the B&W P5 (I think) previously auditioned.

This prompts the question and probably a new thread re recommended headphones to go M Exploring with?
Comments and opinions would be much appreciated
Hector

Hi dpstjp and everybody else.

Of course I can make remarks, but I feel that it would be a bad idea. I would feel like wining 3 year old then. "-No RCA out", "-It's small and flimsy", "-It does not feel solid and heavy". I think you get the picture. I can't say that I have any bad things to say about this product.

The only real issue I can remark on is that is hard to find 3.5mm to RCA with a good length in the RCA part of the cable. This can be due to small market for these type of cables in Sweden. But this isn't really M's fault and not a flaw in the product itself. Maybe M could make some decent/good 3.5mm to RCA cable. The only reason I wish for this is because of my speakers. Maybe somebody has a good tip where to find a cable of this type.

I would really recommend it as DAC for those people who travel or commute much. A great partner for the laptop/tablet. A great DAC for your computer sound at home or at work. I use it for my desktop audio at home.

Compared to the AQ Dragonfly and the Arcam rDac I feel it's a really good product. Here in Sweden its about �100 more than the two other DAC's, and it's almost twice as good.

I would not hesitate to write a bad review if it was a bad product, even when it's from M.

Once again, I really recommend this product.

Best regards, Per Nilsson

Here's a question (which may be relevant to Hector's experience):

What is the current necessary to drive a pair of HD600s *well*? And I mean current beyond that used in ancillary electronics. The 500mA from USB doesn't sound that much...

Edit: From checking the specs of dedicated headphones amps, 500mA is probably enough, but I'd be interested in comments from any headphones cognoscenti.

Hi All,
Well im going to visit apparently Europe's largest music store tomorrow.... They have a ton of headphones on display so I look forward to taking my MacBookPro and Meridian Explorer along for a good listening session and comparison!

As for the unit itself I have plugged it into the Mac and worked instantly without any issue at all which is GREAT! Super simple and easy to use. Due to the fact that I have crap in ear apple earphones I will reserve my opinion till I can really hear it properly. However even with these ones the audio difference is very clear!

I do however have a question..... I know for a fact that not ALL my audio content is top quality. What sample rates I do not remember at time of import. I am also listening to Spotify on the premium account where I have checked the high audio quality stream output which goes up to 320Khz if im not mistaken....

The thing is, since I have been listening to the Explorer, ALL 3 lights have been active on the unit. Is this correct? Even when I go to HDTracks and demo some 30 second trailers at various speeds doesn't effect the lights.... Has anyone had the same experiences?

Also has anyone got any experiences with low cost headphone amps?


Regards,


Carl