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

A standard DAC in camera USB doesn't work due to too much power draw.
I tried a T3 hub which fools some devices (mic preamps etc.) but no joy with Explorer. I'm guessing it will work with battery power or mains hub power. I can't be bothered plugging a battery in my portable rig so haven't tried though.

My headamp pico works no fuss with direct USB connection to iPad because it has a battery powered amp stage. The DAC stage alone draws less than 200mA so it is powered by iPad ok.

The Explorer beats out the pico IMHO but not by a massive amount but noticeable added detail in highs and bass texture, oh... and sound staging.

Well, I have just picked up my Explorer this afternoon and can confirm that it works fine with an iPad 3 via camera connection kit and powered USB hub. Sound seems much better than direct out of iPad headphone port, however, with all the wires, hub, power supply etc - not sure I would want to use it like this.

John

I have just edited above - with more listening, sound is much improved over standard headphone port on iPad. Still difficult with camera connector plus cables etc... not something to use every day.

Sorry. I introduced the twist in the discussion. I plan to order an Explorer to use through AV receivers with a MacMini. I drag around a lot of ALAC files to play on iTunes through a Halide Bridge (at a second home, etc.), control via iPad remote app. My plan is to use the Explorer in place of the Halide Bridge, and control its play, as a "linked" MDMS zone running Control:Mac (effectively monitoring my MS600 zone at home). Now all I need is a MD600 and MS600/MS200 to monitor at the second home

I have a Halide DAC HD, and an Explorer on order. I very much like the Halide, but could not ignore the Explorer. I would be interested in your view of the Explorer compared to the Halide Bridge. Both Halide pieces are Stereophile Class A digital products.

Thanks for the iPad reports. It was more of curiosity than from really thinking of using it that way. I keep a backup of our home server at work, so I'll have all my music with me there anyway where my Explorer will live.

My local dealer got their lot of 20 (all spoken for from what I gather) today, and I picked mine up on the way home . No time to try it out till at work tomorrow

Hello All,

I wonder if anyone could help me, I am curious and wondering if I could use an Explorer in conjunction with my SOtM card in my PC?

What would the advantage be if any?

My PC is connected to my G61R.

Kind regards

Shaun

I'm sure you can, as it's a USB device and even with all the onboard filtering will probably appreciate the cleaner supply from the card.

It would be interesting to compare the difference between: SOtM to USB on G61R; SOtM to Explorer to optical in on G61R; and standard USB out from PC to Explorer to optical in on G61R.

Thanks Mudge & dpstjp,

I am very happy with my SOtM card into my G61R via a USB cable & so given the fact, I could use an Explorer it would indeed by interesting listening to an Explorer in my system. Would the optical be the best option? I thought it wasn�t - but what do I know, I am but a simple joiner.

CheeRS

Shaun

The reason I suggest optical is that it's the only digital out that the Explorer has. I struggle to believe that the analogue out into your G61R is going to trump going digital, even with the necessary conversion into optical and back.

Shaun, only you can decide what's best for your ears, you may prefer the analogue route.

Check out Audioquest. They have a variety of USB cables at various price points. But you would have to try different cables to see if you actually hear any difference, but at least they are well made.

Surely the recommended cable from M is supplied with the product. Perfect length for iMac and laptops IMO.