Meridian Explorer 2 D/A Headphone Amplifier (57% off)

Original price was: $449.00.Current price is: $190.00.

The Meridian Explorer2 is a portable DAC that delivers high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz and decodes MQA files. Its lightweight design, versatile connectivity options, and advanced processing technology ensure exceptional sound quality, making it an ideal choice for audiophiles on the go.

4 in stock

Description

The Meridian Explorer2 is a portable and affordable digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed for discerning audiophiles. Its compact size and lightweight design make it ideal for both home and on-the-go use, providing exceptional audio performance.

Despite its small size, the Explorer2 offers a range of features designed to enhance your listening experience. It includes a USB Type B socket for digital file transfer and power, supporting high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz files. The 3.5mm socket on the rear doubles as both an optical and coaxial input, with the necessary adapters provided for convenience. This minimalist design extends to the front panel, which features a simple input selector button and LEDs indicating the active input and sample rate. The LEDs glow green to indicate MQA playback and blue for MQA Studio files, ensuring you always know the quality of the audio being played.

Inside, the Explorer2 is equipped with a powerful XMOS processor that up-samples lower-frequency inputs to 176.4 or 192kHz, using a Meridian-designed filter for superior audio performance. The DAC supports asynchronous USB, ensuring precise data transfer and reducing jitter for clearer sound. The headphone output impedance is a low 0.47 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of headphones and providing a significant step up from standard laptop headphone jacks.

The Explorer2’s sound quality is notable for its detail retrieval and natural sound reproduction. It brings out nuances and subtle details in both compressed and high-resolution files, creating a spacious soundstage that enhances the listening experience. Bass-heavy tracks are handled with depth and precision, maintaining clarity and avoiding lag.

One of the standout features of the Explorer2 is its ability to decode Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) files. MQA is a new digital audio format that promises big improvements in sound quality in small, streamable packages. The Explorer2 remains the most affordable way to access MQA, making it a compelling choice for audiophiles looking to explore this new format.

The Explorer2’s compact design and high-quality audio performance make it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their audio setup. Its ability to decode MQA files, combined with its high-resolution audio support and sleek design, makes it a standout product in its category.