Sooloos Control 15

[kev313]

Hi guys, I just started using the C15 and I thought I'd share my thoughts and, hopefully, get some good tips. Although my main system is Tannoy and tubes, my main motivation for getting this, along with DSP 5500 speakers, was to have and easy to use high quality system for my family (three kids) in our family room.

Once I get the music loaded, I'm pretty sure that this system will fit the bill. I was using an iPad controlled iTunes Mac set up in this system, but was tempted by what appeared to be a very user friendly Sooloos system.

The sound quality from this very simple system is, frankly, beyond my expectations. I have no complaints whatsoever. In fact, even if Meridian did not move to higher res formats, I'd be cool with it. Again, bear in mind this is not my main system so take that comment with a grain of salt.

If I had any complaints it would be with the design of the C15 itself. If you've used an iPad or iPhone, any other tablet, or purchased a Mac, computer monitor, or even a tv over the last few years, you probably won't be satisfied with the design of the C15. At this point it looks OLD. It's thick and clunky. The touch interface is not up to Apple standards and if you are used to a Retina display, be prepared for disappointment. It reminds me of a computer lab at an underfunded public school.

In short. Easy to use. Sounds great. I'm going to hide it and put the App on an iPad so no one makes fun if the way it looks.

[Crion]

Nice, if you want to hide it even more you can get an MS200 Audio Zone (better sound) and place on the back of the speakers. It's small. You connect it via a reviver adapter to the speakerlink out RJ45 socket.

Or: if you are happy with the C15 audio quality you can hide the C15 and just run a speakerlink cable from it (cat/RJ45) and get a reviver converter at the speaker.

MS200 audio source:
Media Source 200 | Meridian

Reviver, speakerlink to spdif+comms adapter.
Highend-Source

[Masterlu]

I still think it looks & functions very nice.

[kev313]

Crion - Thanks so much for the tips. Much appreciated! I'm going to look into those things. I really am quite happy with the performance of the C 15. Thanks for pointing in this direction.

As to the appearance, well, what can I say about that? It just looks a few generations old. Again, the display is certainly not up to retina standards. The touch interface doesn't seem to be as responsive as an iPhone or iPad. Also, it's about four times as thick as an iPad. Now, granted, you are getting a lot of extra performance over those products. Surely that has to be taken into consideration. I'm not disputing that at all. I'm simply saying, to the untrained eye, it looks like you put an old computer in your living room.

[Kingsrule]

If you don't like it why did you buy it?

[kev313]

I did not say that I do not like it. As I stated originally, "...my main motivation for getting this, along with DSP 5500 speakers, was to have and easy to use high quality system for my family (three kids) in our family room."

I bought it for the combination of good sound and ease of use. My kids are 6 and 8. They can use this system without worrying about any system crashes from the prior kluged together computer based system (mac / pure music / dac / etc.). I have some criticisms, but it does what I bought it to do.

[samger]

I have the Sooloos Control 15 and feel it is the best move I ever made. The sound is tremendous and it is easy to use. Yes, the screen is not as sharp as an Apple Ipad, however, you can down load an App for the Ipad so you won't hav to look at the screen on the Control 15.

[Car commander]

It works pretty well but I think a first class CD player Puccini, K-03 or a K-01 sounds better. I sold mine. If you want to use it on a non reference system it works great.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by Car commander

It works pretty well but I think a first class CD player Puccini, K-03 or a K-01 sounds better. I sold mine. If you want to use it on a non reference system it works great.

The Sooloos MC-200 thru the 808v3 is easily comparable to the Puccini or the Esoteric's you mentioned.

[Crion]

Yes, just get the Meridian streaming audio endpoint suitable to your gear level:

Reference audio endpoints:
818v2/808.5
818
808.3

G series audio endpoint:
MS600

Entry audio endpoint:
MS200

Starting server building block with audio output:
MC200 1TB
MC200 500GB
C15

Storage/Core only
MD600