I’m a little late to the discussion but I have recently directly compared the Soulnote D1-N to both Merason DAC-1 MKII and NewOnThech DAC07 as well as super expencive MSB Premier DAC. Both NewOnTech and Merason sound very good (both have a similar sound characteristic) but the Soulnote is just something else entierly. The holograpich soundstage and imaging is superb and with great clarity. One of the best DACs I have heard and sounds like a much, much more expencive DAC. It was much closer to the MSB than to the other two DACs and even had better holograpich soundstage.
Experience with SoulNote Dac2?
Fellow Audio Enthusiasts -
I'm considering purchasing the SoulNote D2 (SoulNote's mid-level DAC). From what I've read, it appears to have an energetic and engaging sound that some posters describe as sounding like live music.
My current reference system sounds great, but I think I've got several warm sounding components that is taking things into too far into the romantic domain. Don't get me wrong, the system sounds wonderful with jazz and atmospheric music, but I'm finding it less engaging with rock or even classical music. The room is large with fairly high ceilings with hardwood floors... The room is untreated but the system sounds great nonetheless.
I'm thinking of moving the Merason Dac to another system in my office...
My Current Reference System
- Innous Zenith MKiii
- Cardas Clear interconnects
- Merason Dac 1 mkii
- Linear Tube Audio Level 2 preamp
- Conrad Johnson Classic 120 amp with EL 34 tubes
- Cardas Clear speaker cable
- QLN Prestige 3 speakers
- Puritan 156
- Power Cables - Assortment of Cardas Clear, Kimber Palladian and Lessloss
I had the opportunity to demo with Mola Mola dac in the system and it sounded really good. That Dac absolutely changed the character of the system - adding energy, clarity, dynamics, drive - but I sensed something that might be fatiguing in the sound that might not make it a long term fit.
MY QUESTIONS
What is your experience with the SoulNote D2 dac? How would you describe the sound? And based on your knowledge, how would you conjecture the SoulNote D2 would sound in my system?
Thanks to everyone who I've already communicated with on this question, BTW!
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@aweloi - Did you end up purchasing the SoulNote D1 Dac? I was evaluating the Mola Mola, T+A dac200 versus the SoulNote D2. I never got the chance to hear the T+A dac, but I’m very pleased with the D2. Not too many people seem to know about SoulNote, but it it’s a brand worth seeking out in my humble opinion. |
@bluethinker I did not, but not because I am no longer interested. Right now was a little bad timing financially but if things go as planned I will have a nice budget for hifi in a year or so and I will more likely go with the new D2 perhaps paired with a pre owned A3 from the used market. |
@aweloi - Makes sense. Have you heard the A3? If so, would love to hear your impressions. |
A sort of tangent to the D-2 DAC, I just noticed Soul Note has a product called the S-3 SACD player. That thing looks seriously impressive. I can't find it for sale in the USA right now though. Their D-3 DAC sells here for around $27k which makes me think the S-3 would be in the low $30k range. Very serious piece of kit. |
- 63 posts total