Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Explorer 2 with Apple iPad Pro

Hi Colin,

Glad you've got something working. My iPadPro (lightning connector) works just fine with no drop out.

I'm not sure about your drop out. I don't know much about the USB-C connector but was under the impression that it (and your USB-C iPad) would supply enough power for the connected device (the Explorer-2 in this case) to operate. The Apple USB-C adapter doesn't have any provision for 'additional' power, so I presume that your QGeeM adapter should also be supplying enough power.

Brian

Hi Brian

Yes thanks to you and others for your help on this.

I started with the idea of an Explorer but lost out on bid so thought why not see if l can use my iPad with The Prime rather than my slow running lap top.

Thanks to your input on Amara l have got there with a couple of small payments for MQA …

As far as “MQA through “it was showing ON in Amara but it wasn’t until l switched it off and back on that the green light for MQA on the Prime came on.

As far as the dropping out when typing l couldn’t readily detect any change in the sound quality as such but just that the display on the Prime kept moving back and forth. Supplying the QGeeM with power made no difference in all respects. l have found it very good in other applications and had the advantage of USBC connection.
Fortunately Amazon are happy to take back the Apple Camera adapter.

Thanks again

Best
Colin

I just got the 4th gen iPad air, with the USB-C connector and I tried to use my explorer 2.
It works fine but the cable you see on the photo below have some drop outs now and then. So in the meantime I have acquired the USB-C to USB adapter from apple and it works great! Also I lower the clock priority in Roon and I have no drop outs anymore!
I get the green light for MQA and the sound is great!
Just a minor grip is that my headphones require more power for low level vintage recordings, so getting a portable amp is mandatory. But this is a portable setup and is very convenient like this and for chillaxing is good enough. I have a full blown headphne tube amp and 861 DAC for a desktop setup already.

But this setup for modern compressed mastered music is plenty loud and very enjoyable anywhere in the house!

Hi

Yes thank you for that.

Have now got said adapter and though a much neater connector still getting the same when typing!

Answer don't type when listening….?

regards

Colin

Hi again

l have now got the Explorer 2 with very mixed results including drop out and at one time a very high fixed volume!

You refer to altering the clock priority on Roon which has improved yours.

How does one do this?

Regards
Colin

Hi

Final update

All now good and working A1

The lead with the Explorer was a bad connector

Replaced with a better quality and fit!

👍😀🤸‍♀️

Yes I got dropouts too until I bought the genuine apple adapter USB C to USB female.
Recent iPad pros and iPad airs have enough power for Explorer.
Cheers!

Hi Colin - I am rather late in the day posting this…. Apologies

I have an iPad Pro 2nd generation and I use with Explorer 2 without problems- no need for this camera adaptor. I get green or blue MQA lights as appropriate
Of course one needs a connection cable with USB C end plug to connect to the iPad- cots a few £ on Amazon
Connection from Explorer is either Parrot Zik 2 ( not the best actually) or quality wired earbuds - generally much brighter

I have also used this method on an iPhone XS and it seems to work too. Obviously connection interface in this case is using lightening connector.
I also of course use it on my Mac Book Pro using the standard USB connection

To be honest I have not used this a great deal as the whole affair is rather cumbersome . These days I tend to use Bluetooth earbuds I just ordered some AirPod Pros. Have been using te regular AirPods which are not bad either. My son has the latest Sony WF 1004XM4 earbuds which are pretty slick - he is Android based. As a very dedicated wired Earbud guy its the first time he has been satisfied with a Bluetooth device. Reviews suggest the SQ on Sony is somewhat better than Apple we will see how they compare when mine arrive.

I looked at the latest LG Meridian UFP8 Tone buds too but in the end went for Apple - still curious about the LGs- any body out there tried the latest models?
Best regards
Huw

PS correction I did not use iPhone for this test it was my son's One-plus phone which has a USB C input - that does work with the Explorer 2.

Nope, I went for the M&D MW08. Put some Comply eartips on them and they are simply awesome with their 11mm driver.
I compared to the Sony and B&W Pi7.

Pi7 was more natural sounding than the Sony but its their first gen so battery life etc. Is not great.

M&D MW08 feels like a mix of them with both strong SQ and battery life/ANC.

Hi Huw

Thanks for update.

l did resolve in the end but as and when but mostly use the Prime. As you said a bit cumbersome but there whenever and at least know how now. One problem l had was the lead with the explorer (bought Explorer 2nd hand) which proved to be faulty!

Best Colin 🤔7