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Soulnote D1 v2 DAC upgrade.... compared to Holo Audio Spring 2 Kitsune

Hello fellow obsessives, 

 

I am thinking of taking the plunge in the Soulnote D1 dac. It's qualities I hope will tip my system toward the exuberance I yearn for... the energy and the openness... currently its sublime but somewhat... subdued... exalted and gorgeous, but somehow lacking the energy I desire....

What do you all think of the Soulnote D1 DAC, as an upgrade from a Holo Audio Spring 2 ladder R2R? 

And... should I keep my Holo Audio DAC for my second system (currently served by a Musical Paradise DAC)? Or should I actually learn to let go of these things and sell it to a online store for 1K?

 

thanks for all advice,

R.

whyrichard
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
7,934 posts
 

I only heard soulnote as a system in a brief listening session at a show. I can say the sound was open, detailed, airy and fast. But I can’t say how much of what I heard was due to dac. 
 

As to the holo dac…why not try selling it on USAM or here and get a fair value?

zlone
1,344 posts
 

There is a thread on the D2 that might help.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/experience-with-soulnote-dac2

@bluethinker Might be able to help.

iseland's avatar
iseland
254 posts
 

I've had mine for a couple of years ( the D-2 ) and haven't found something better yet..

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
324 posts
 

@zlone - I saw your update on the Fink Team speakers. Been meeting to respond to that thread. Congrats on finding that new speaker and happy it's bringing together the collective synergy of your system. 

@whyrichard - I've had the SoulNote D2 in my system for about 10-11 months I think now. For context, I also have the Merason Dac1 D2, which brings another set of strengths. 

The SoulNote D2, in comparison to the Merason, is more lively, energetic, and more emphasis on forward momentum. It's incisive and musical at the same time. 

I've been trying different audio components for about 4-5 years now. I've come to feel it's really about the synergy of the components in the system. I'm currently using the SoulNote D2 with Dynaudio Heritage speakers and AGD Audion Mkiii mono block amps. They combination is just fantastic. It's taken me years to put together a system with such complementary components. The Merason Dac1 MKII now is paired with a Gryphon 120 amp, which is another great combination that I have in my home office. 

If possible, I'd recommend looking at a used SoulNote D2. 

What amp and speakers are you using? What sort of sound are you looking to attain in your system? 
 

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