SooLoos Review

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by blacsno

Okay... I'm with you! So it's a recording studio dependent if I hear difference between SACD/Hi-Rez and a CD/FLAC.

The way it is recorded is not the only differences. SACD is capable of 120db of dynamic range a lot more than CD. CD filters limit them to about 22khz where SACD goes out to 100khz. CD's are 16 44.1 where SACD is 1bit and 2.8Mhz.

I think it is almost unanimous among the audio press and engineers that DSD sounds better than 16 44.1 CD.

[j3brow]

Originally Posted by blacsno

I'm not being dense! REALLY!! Let me ask this question? Does a SACD/DVD-A or Hi-Rez sound better than a CD in 2 channel mode?
J
Ken

Aaaaaaaaa....yes. HiRez will sound better than 16/44 with 1 speaker, 2 speakers, or 5 speakers. The 5.1 capability is not the only advantage of sacd. I would guess most are not even 5.1, but don't know as I'm two channel dude.

Are there bad sounding sacd's out there? Of course.
Are there phenomenal sounding rebook cd's out there? Absolutely.

In the proper hands, with good sources, sacd offers, to my ears, more high freq information with a more relaxed, musical experience ...inching closer to analog but not reaching that nirvana

I encourage you to try a few sacd in a MCD500. Sweet sounds indeed. Analogue Productions and MoFi have many excellent, easily obtainable sacd's currently available.

[j3brow]

Back to the Sooloos, I agree it's a killer piece of gear. My dealer had one and I got to spend some time playing with the interface. Hands down, no one can compete with it's GUI. Top shelf for sure. And fast. Instantaneous switching between songs. Simply awesome. My dealer sold his, wish I knew it was for sale, it prob had 6000 CDs loaded. Maybe he wiped it first, but ya never know. That is the one computer screen I would allow to become a permanent fixture in my listening room.

[blacsno]

Originally Posted by Still-One

The way it is recorded is not the only differences. SACD is capable of 120db of dynamic range a lot more than CD. CD filters limit them to about 22khz where SACD goes out to 100khz. CD's are 16 44.1 where SACD is 1bit and 2.8Mhz.

I think it is almost unanimous among the audio press and engineers that DSD sounds better than 16 44.1 CD.

Well.... I see the LOVE for (96Hz)! I went to HD Tracks found only two jazz artist I knew.

I knew squeezebox wouldn't play the file. Odd thing is the MDA1000 is playing the file via digital XLR as a 44.1Hz. Soooo gotta figure out what in the heck is going on! The MDA1000 isn't suppose to play 96Hz. YES! It still sound awesome played through MDA1000 as a 96hz format vs. via PC to C2300!!

[blacsno]

Originally Posted by j3brow

Aaaaaaaaa....yes. HiRez will sound better than 16/44 with 1 speaker, 2 speakers, or 5 speakers. The 5.1 capability is not the only advantage of sacd. I would guess most are not even 5.1, but don't know as I'm two channel dude.

Are there bad sounding sacd's out there? Of course.
Are there phenomenal sounding rebook cd's out there? Absolutely.

In the proper hands, with good sources, sacd offers, to my ears, more high freq information with a more relaxed, musical experience ...inching closer to analog but not reaching that nirvana

I encourage you to try a few sacd in a MCD500. Sweet sounds indeed. Analogue Productions and MoFi have many excellent, easily obtainable sacd's currently available.

Well I did download some HD track music.... Aaaaa Yessss I see! I do have some SACD's, guess I'm going to need a MCD301!, but I want the Sooloos. WHAAAAAAAAA!

[1KW]

So where can you buy one and what does it cost ? Does the sooloos have pre amp capability ?

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by 1KW

So where can you buy one and what does it cost ? Does the sooloos have pre amp capability ?

Answers:

1. It does have a preamp capability - if you choose the option.
2. Selling over here for S$13800 - thats approximately US$10k net.

As for the 808i.3 vs the 808i.2, I was told there are differences we CANT hear! So, the upgrade, special price is S$14800! Would I pay that for a Sooloos Card link, new CD Rom (supposedly the best there is), I dont think so.

With that cash, I would just go buy the Sooloos (now available in 2Tb/2Tb I was told) if I cant stand my iTunes played thru the current Meridian 808i.2 DAC, but so far, the itch had yet to start!

The rest you can go read at Meridian website.

Cheers!

[Still-One]

There is no doubt that the Sooloos GUI is probably the best out there and I have had fun playing with it at the dealer, but I still struggle to find a reason to pull the trigger.

As noted the GUI is great, but in everyday use how does the Touchscreen interface really help me. I would have to get up and go to the screen each time I wanted to use that Touchscreen or I would have to run a couple of cables across the floor and set-up the unit next to my listening position. That is not going to happen. Sure I could use the remote iPhone interface but I can do that with my Olive or use my web browser for the Olive or MS-300, saving me a lot of coin in process. The unit looks great, operates great, and probably sounds super. I just don't know if in everyday use it is better than the competition.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Still-One

There is no doubt that the Sooloos GUI is probably the best out there and I have had fun playing with it at the dealer, but I still struggle to find a reason to pull the trigger.

As noted the GUI is great, but in everyday use how does the Touchscreen interface really help me. I would have to get up and go to the screen each time I wanted to use that Touchscreen or I would have to run a couple of cables across the floor and set-up the unit next to my listening position. That is not going to happen. Sure I could use the remote iPhone interface but I can do that with my Olive or use my web browser for the Olive or MS-300, saving me a lot of coin in process. The unit looks great, operates great, and probably sounds super. I just don't know if in everyday use it is better than the competition.

Jim, I am in the exact same boat as you. I love it and want to buy it, but I'm not getting up every time to play with the screen.

[two dot]

Jim,

Totally agreed.

I just don't see having to have that screen wherever I might be able to change the music.