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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! 

bluethinker
udhasfan
3 posts
 

This is a late reply to OP, but wanted to chime in. I have a D2 for the last one year and love it. Recently, I added a CyberShaft clock input which has made a really positive difference. The D2 uses technology that can benefit from external clock. Cybershaft is highly recommended because they are Japanese too and use Soulnote as their reference for product dev. Apparently, the Soulnote X3 clock does not even come close to the Cybershaft quality. I don’t think you will regret D2, however in fairness I’ve not done any A/B testing with other similar products. Just like the quality focus and uniqueness that Soulnote brings.

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
324 posts
 

@udhasfan - Which of the Cybershaft models are you using? Super curious. How does it improve the sound? What are the changes? 

udhasfan
3 posts
 

I think most of their models are good. The clock accuracy is very high. The D2 uses a unique design where they use a chip that is used in Radar technology. The clock feed to that chip is known to improve performance compared to the internal clock of D2. Ultimately its all about time domain distortion management in digital music. If the whole signal is synched from streamer all the way to dac output stage, that is ideal. The change I noticed as a more natural music, more open. 

zlone
1,347 posts
 

@bluethinker I have been meaning to ask your impressions of the D2 now that you have had it for a while. I am enjoying the Bricasti and plotting a move to an M1 or M11.

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
324 posts
 

@zlone - Thanks for reaching out. 

As I've purchased and tinkered with all these audio components, I've really come to realize the importance of collective synergy. I'd made the mistake in the past of piling on warm components with a laid back speaker (QLN Prestige 3) and realized I wanted more drive and energy. 

I selected the Soulnote D2, based on what I'd read in reviews, for exactly that purpose. I'm super happy with it. I've only had the Merason Dac 1 MKII and the Mola Mola Dac in my system to test. I'd say the Soulnote hits the sweet spot between the two. It's lively and has rich tonality. It's never, ever bright, but has wonderful micro and macro shading. I don't really see myself looking for another DAC. If I come into some more cash, I might buy the Mola Mola as a change of pace, but I feel like I'd miss the Soulnote D2 for it's musicallity. 

I just purchased a pair of AGD Audion MKIII which I'll pair with the Linear Tube Audio Level 2 Preamp, QLN speakers, Soulnote D2, and the Innous Pulsar. I suspect this will be the main reference system in my living room for a long time. 

BTW, I moved the Merason Dac1 MKII into my office paired with a Grypon 120 integrated and it sounds fantastic. It didn't sound as great (too soft) with a EL34 tube amp. 

How is your system coming along? What's working? What are you looking to change up? 

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