Sonicorbiter and Meridian Explorer 2 - Can't control the volume [Solved, Settings]

Audio Gear Talk Sonore
1

Meridian Explorer 2 delivered this morning.

Plugged into Mac. Tidal MQA Master setup; all lights on Explorer lit; perfect.

Plugged into SonicOrbiter; checked the DAC Diagnostics; everything ok. Played Tidal MQA tracks from my Roon Library; music; lights; etc - perfect.

Apart from … I can’t manage the Explorers output volume into my headphones via Roon Volume Control so I’ve nearly blown my ear drums :blush:

Searching the forums hasn’t helped so far.

Any ideas?

Fixed Roon Volume Control - Roon Core --> SonicOrbiter --> Meridien Explorer 2 --> headphones.

2

In the sonicorbiter RoonReady device settings, hardware volume control? Rather than fixed.

Very interested in the outcome since I’m considering one (although will just be plugged into a Mac and not with Roon)

3

afaik you can control Explorer’s volume level using your Mac’s media keys
read something about it happening, then, in the analogue domain so not affecting bit pefect (thus MQA decoding)

no idea on SonicOrbiter though

4

Sorted. Thank you.

5

What was the solution?

6

Changed the Sonicorbiter Settings (as you advised; I’d looked at it several times but couldn’t see the wood for the trees yesterday!) for the Explorer 2 DAC to be Hardware rather than Fixed.

I can now control the Explorers h/w volume from Roon which enables Roon to pass through the MQA stream and Explorer 2 is unfolding as it should be. Headphones are now on my head rather than the other side of the room. Thx again.

I’m going to setup Explorer with my mRendu next {awaiting 3.5mm to RCA cable) plugged directly into main system. I’ll then A/B against my PS Audio Directstream Jr with hi-res tracks just for fun. :blush:

So far, Tidal/MQA streamed into my DS w/o any Roon Core or DAC unfolding is (very surprisingly) proving to be preferable in a significant number of cases to my local 24/96 and 24/192 streams. I’m beginning to think there is something ‘right’ about MQA’s focus on the timing domain and e2e chain rather than more bits per se.

1 Like
7

Great news. If it’s any consolation, I was using the Tidal app on my Mac pro - there’s clearly an issue with exclusive mode as it made the music play back fast. While in the settings I accidentally hit max volume. Nearly blew my head off!!! I’m really trying to look after my ears now (slight tinnitus) so was pretty upset. Hope yours have healed :slight_smile: