Meridian Explorer External USB DAC

The meridian explorer is an external DAC aimed at delivering superior Sonics from a laptop or a desktop computer. It works by using asynchronous USB clocks, which are of a higher quality than those built into most computers, resulting in less jitter. Its other vital attribute is that it can handle native hi-res audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz, which are becoming increasingly popular. Since most computer soundcards have to down-sample 192kHz to 96kHz or 48kHz, this makes the Explorer a natural fit for delivering maximum audio enjoyment from hi-res files.

Explorer external USB DAC

The Explorer consists of a 10cm-long cylinder, weighing just 50g and finished in high-quality brushed aluminum. It attaches to your computer’s USB 2.0 socket, from where it draws its power. Using this cord makes for a more elegant solution than other portable DACs that plug dongle-like into a USB socket. Using USB 2.0 also means the Explorer can be plugged into a hub and still handle audio up to 192 kHz sampling.

Connect more

One end of the Explorer sports two audio outputs, a headphone jack and dual-purpose 3.5mm analogue and S/PDIF digital optical output for fixed-level connection to a separate amp. When listening via the headphone output the volume is controlled from the computer. The Explorer’s approach to volume is critical in that it alters the analogue output rather than the digital signal when changing volume to maximize the bandwidth of the available digital resolution.

The Explorer consists of a 10cm-long cylinder, weighing just 50g and finished in high-quality brushed aluminum

The Toslink digital output is limited to 96kHz (with higher res 192kHz/176.4kHz files down-sampled to 96kHz and 88.2kHz respectively), as the bulk of the Explorer’s processing takes place in the analogue domain thanks to a six-layer circuit board that decouples the analogue audio stages using audiophile music-grade electrolytic capacitors. At the digital stage dual high-quality oscillators, based on those found in Meridian’s top-of-the-line Reference Series components, are used to extend its sampling reach to 192 kHz.

There are two USB clocks, one handles 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 176.4 kHz sampling rates, the other deals with 48 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz. Three small white LEDs down its spine light up according to the sampling rate of the active timing clock. The incoming sampling rate can be selected using the computer’s onscreen audio utility panel.

Setting up a Mac is a case of plugging in and choosing the Explorer from the Sound Output pane in System Preferences. Windows users have to download and install the drivers.

There are two USB clocks, one handles 44.1 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 176.4 kHz sampling rates, the other deals with 48 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz

Using an iMac with a set of Philips Fidelio L1 headphones and starting with a 24/192 download of Claire Martin and Richard Rodney Bennett’s version of I’m Gonne Laugh You Right out of My Life, the Explorer shows just how good computer-based audio can be. The gentle tinkling of the ivories by Mr. Bennett sound effortlessly soft and Martin’s husky vocals take a vice-like grip on your attention, as she delivers “affair” as a suffocated scream and softens the “r” to a Jonathan Ross style “w” in “dreams”. With the Explorer you feel that nothing is compromised as you are treated to a spine-tingling emotional roller coaster with all the presence and vitality of a live show. More heavily textured 24/192 material such as Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat majors equally compelling. The piano glides along, teasing out the strings and wind instruments, building to fully orchestrated peaks. The maximum bandwidth and absence of compression brings out the best of each element of the piece. It’s a joyful listen, that never becomes tiring or a strain, despite the great energy and changes of pace.

Special delivery

An Apple Lossless Audio Codec download of Emily Barker singing Nostalgia in hi-res 24/96 is gritty and raw, yet delicately delivered as the low accordion introduction blends with the gently picked guitar notes. Barker’s soulful vocals transport you to a bleak and sodden tramline in Melbourne.

With 16-bit/44.1 material the Explorer is tight, balanced and polished. It can’t perform miracles, an MP3 of Motorcycle Emptiness (Manic Street Preachers) still feels clipped and lacks detail, although Thom Yorker’s haunting vocals are certainly optimized in an AAC rip of Radiohead’s Fake Plastic Trees. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything offering the same levels of performance for the money.

Details

·         Price: $402.2

·         Website: meridian-audio.com

·         Our verdict: 5/5

Specification