Experience with SoulNote Dac2?

@bluethinker 

Thank you and AI for your time and research.

While I haven’t heard the Tambaqui or the SoulNote, if one fell into my lap, I’m betting I would like it, but as of now I am leaning towards the DAC1 or the Venus 15th. 

This really made me laugh out loud!

<<I was demoing the Mola Mola with a Conrad Johnson tube amp and the gentleman who was selling the Mola Mola mentioned the amp now sounded like a great class D amp. >>

@curiousjim - You can’t go wrong with the Merason Dac1. If possible, I’d try to get the MKii version if funds allow. They do come up on the used market. I had mine upgraded. Paired with the Gryphon 120 and amp and Buchardt s400 MKii speakers, it’s just fantastic. 

I personally don’t think it pairs well with a tube amp, however. It’s just too much warmth on warmth. 

Regarding the comment about my Conrad Johnson EL34 tube amp sounding like class D. At that time, I had not heard the AGD amps, so class D still had a negative connotation in my mind. The AGD Audion MKiii are now probably my favorite amps.

But he was right. The Mola Mola dac was so neutral and clean sounding, it made an EL 34 tube amp sound like class D. And it DID sound like really class D in retrospect paired with the Tambaqui! 

Let us know what you end up with, Curious Jim. 

@curiousjim Excellent write up from @bluethinker, and while I have not heard all these DAC’s, from what I have read of them it all sounds accurate. I had the Merason Reuss, and was able to compare it in my system against the DAC1 v1. They were pretty similar, with the Reuss offering a touch more refinement. My friend who had the DAC1 came to the same conclusion. I understand the DAC1 v2 is a significant step up. 

At the time I was using QLN 3 speakers which are fairly warm sounding, and I decided to move my system more towards neutral. I started with the DAC, and added a Bricasti M3, like the SoulNote, it really lit a fire under my system. Not necessarily an end game DAC or on the level of the SoulNote, but I liked the new direction. An upgrade will either be their M1, or a Meitner MA3i. Just some options to consider.

I would try to demo one DAC that is a bit livelier, you might find you like the change.

@zlone 

Thanks, I truly appreciate your help.

@stuartk is getting a Mearson V2 and I’m waiting to hear his thoughts as we seem to have similar tastes.  I’m also going to order a Matrix Audio ND-1 for the trial. I haven’t dug into the SoulNote yet, but I will.