I have a question for anyone out there that might be able to offer some advice. I have been listing to Tidal MQA files from my iMac via a Meridian Explorer 2 that decodes and renders the MQA steaming files and gives me amazing sound quality. I am thinking of swapping out my Moon Simaudio unit I currently use for the new Moon 390 Network Player because of it’s versatility but I do not want to lose any sound quality that I am currently experiencing with the Meridian Explorer 2. Now that Roon is capable of streaming MQA the same as from the Tidal home page I think I would love the 390. What is your advice ? Will the 390 decode and render as good or better then the Meridian ?
Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate it !!
The Explorer 2 is OK, not bad for a bus powered USB DAC but a decent quality DAC will see it off quite easily. The first unfold in Roon plus a good quality DAC will outdo the E2 even with MQA.
Agree, the 390D DAC+MiND2 should be a vast improvement over your Meridian Explorer 2 which is really more for mobility/headphones. Perhaps do a listening test with your local hifi store, Im sure they will oblige given the price tag of the 390D
Thanks Henry & Jared. I purchased the Explorer originally because a representative for MQA I met at a audio show said at the time it was the only DAC that could unfold every layer of MQA as oppose the other brands such as Dragonfly. So in researching the new 390 the Sim Audio Moon representative claim it will unfold all the layers as well and as you mentioned with the price of the 390 there should be a very noticeable improvement in sound quality . I sincerely hope all of this true and will l post after I make the switch and report my findings.