It’s the time of year for saving money!
I rarely do two Blogs in one day, but this announcement deserves your attention…
From their newly un-embargoed press release
–
“Meridian has announced the introduction of its Explorer USB DAC. The
Explorer is a pocket-sized high-resolution USB DAC from Meridian that delivers
best-in-class sound from any computer. Featuring a range of connectivity, the
Explorer can be used in a variety of applications from private headphone listening to
full system playback.
Explorer replaces a computer’s
sound card with a USB-powered DAC featuring Meridian’s award-winning resolution
enhancement technologies, and makes any audio file, from MP3 to high resolution,
sound its very best.
Plug the Explorer into a Mac,
Linux or Windows computer and experience quality far beyond that of any sound
card. Explorer is a fully asynchronous, USB audio class 2 DAC for the ultimate
in audio quality. With premium parts such as high quality filter capacitors,
6-layer pc board, and elegant all metal enclosure, the Explorer, which is hand
assembled at Meridian’s Cambridge factory, is engineered from the same DNA as
Meridian’s 800 series Reference products to ensure the very best sonic
performance.
From its best-in-class audio
performance to the elegant presentation packaging Explorer is the perfect
introduction to the Meridian Experience, allowing users to discover more from
their music.
24bit/192kHz native conversion capability
Separate low-jitter
crystal oscillators for 44k1 and 48k based sample rates
Asynchronous data
transfer
6 layer PCB
USB2 mini B socket –
Plug and Play with MAC (Windows driver available)
Direct-coupled outputs
Variable line out –
Full Analogue Volume Control for headphones or powered loudspeakers
Headphone amp
Fixed line out – 3.5mm
connects directly to audio system
Optical digital output
– full resolution for receivers or DACS (up to 96kHz)
Elegant metal case –
durable and increases audio performance
Lights to indicate
incoming sample rate
Soft convenient USB
cable provided for ease of placement to protect computer mother board from
mechanical stress
Hand assembled at
Meridian’s UK headquarters
US Price $299.00″
And, yes, I plan to review this little darling.
