Meier Audio Corda Soul - TOTL DAC/AMP/DSP

[alexdemaet]

I’ve been thinking about this device, it’s looking it’s still quite relevant given how old it is. It’s a mki, and from above the changes are the dac?. I looked on the website and it mentions the FF is added, or revised?
Anywho, I was wondering if it would make a good buy in today’s sea of equipment. The alternative I’m thinking is getting the LTA velo and use the dac from the D16.

It seems indeed the original Soul already has the FF-technique (the DA-conversion stage as well as all the analog amplification stages fully benefit from the FF-technique and this enhances sound quality considerably.).

The MkII: A key element in the sound quality of the SOUL is the FF-technique. In the digital domain the amplitudes of the low frequency audiosignals are lowered to make the job of the DA-converter chips and the analog amplification stages more easy. At the last amplification stage the balance is restored by a stronger amplification of the same low frequency signals.

 

[Death_Block]

The MkII: A key element in the sound quality of the SOUL is the FF-technique. In the digital domain the amplitudes of the low frequency audiosignals are lowered to make the job of the DA-converter chips and the analog amplification stages more easy. At the last amplification stage the balance is restored by a stronger amplification of the same low frequency signals.

And does that create a smoother sound, reduce glare or distortions?

 

[alexdemaet]

And does that create a smoother sound, reduce glare or distortions?

I am sorry but I can't remember. I believe the changes were not that different

 

[alexdemaet]

I am sorry but I can't remember. I believe the changes were not that different

You can read more about @geoffalter11 's impressions here
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/meier-audio-corda-soul-totl-dac-amp-dsp.863876/post-18042972

 

[geoffalter11]

I’ve been thinking about this device, it’s looking it’s still quite relevant given how old it is. It’s a mki, and from above the changes are the dac?. I looked on the website and it mentions the FF is added, or revised?
Anywho, I was wondering if it would make a good buy in today’s sea of equipment. The alternative I’m thinking is getting the LTA velo and use the dac from the D16.

Such a different sound. I didn't love the Velo, I felt it was really underpowered and is not great with high impedance dynamics, and as for DACs, that is a personal choice. The MK1 and the MK2 are pretty similar. It is noticeable to me and I find the change was wonderful for the unit. The upgrade costs $300. That includes shipping back from Bavaria. Jan is a pleasure to work with. I absolutely love mine and when he did the upgrade he told me that many prefer the Mk1 vs the Mk2. Matter of preference.
'
You already know my stance. The soul is the best AIO I've ever heard and is nearly a perfectly created piece of kit. Plus, Jan is so wonderful to work with. Relevance is a hard thing to decide. That is up to you. I will only say that both the amp and the DAC are as good as anything I've heard and I own 3 of the best amps built. And my 2 DACs I currently use are both reference level and the Soul is as good as them in one box. It is really that good.

 

[Death_Block]

Such a different sound. I didn't love the Velo, I felt it was really underpowered and is not great with high impedance dynamics, and as for DACs, that is a personal choice. The MK1 and the MK2 are pretty similar. It is noticeable to me and I find the change was wonderful for the unit. The upgrade costs $300. That includes shipping back from Bavaria. Jan is a pleasure to work with. I absolutely love mine and when he did the upgrade he told me that many prefer the Mk1 vs the Mk2. Matter of preference.
'
You already know my stance. The soul is the best AIO I've ever heard and is nearly a perfectly created piece of kit. Plus, Jan is so wonderful to work with. Relevance is a hard thing to decide. That is up to you. I will only say that both the amp and the DAC are as good as anything I've heard and I own 3 of the best amps built. And my 2 DACs I currently use are both reference level and the Soul is as good as them in one box. It is really that good.

I read your review of the musician Taurus and made me appreciate the corda soul as an AIO. My biggest con is not being able to use it as a dac only.
I’ve been emailing Jan and his ‘direct, to the point’ attitude is reassuring. His been very patient with my questions.
The only reason why I haven’t pulled the trigger is its slightly out of my reach financially. Or I can use the dac I have, and spend that on an amp. And when I want to go mobile, I’m sorted also.

 

[geoffalter11]

I read your review of the musician Taurus and made me appreciate the corda soul as an AIO. My biggest con is not being able to use it as a dac only.
I’ve been emailing Jan and his ‘direct, to the point’ attitude is reassuring. His been very patient with my questions.
The only reason why I haven’t pulled the trigger is its slightly out of my reach financially. Or I can use the dac I have, and spend that on an amp. And when I want to go mobile, I’m sorted also.

I understand. Read my review on the Soul. It will help to clarify everything that unit is capable of. It is such a smart and capable device it took me 9 months to really learn it. I also couldn't write, which made it harder for me with my disease. I had to retrain my hands to write that length... And then it really shreds my hands. I am still sore from the Taurus review.

The amp section of the Soul is really incredible. If not mistaken, the first time he showed the device it won best amp at the show. It is simply that good. But, finances have to be taken into account and no one understands that more than I do. I hope you can figure out the right way to go. The Velo is not cheap, and I was underwhelmed by how it sounded and what it was capable of doing. If you want a tube amp, look in the UK at the Icon HP8. Regular or Signature. I'd get the Signature. I owned that amp for 18 months and it is an absolute dream and has impedance matching and hand made copper transformers. Plus, it is made in the UK and the owner is fantastic. They might even have a B-Stock HP8.

That amp is way better than the Velo....

 

[Death_Block]

I’ve also looked into the hp8. And also the feliks euphoria evo.
I did email icon and they weren’t rude per se, but not really helpful.

 

[geoffalter11]

I’ve also looked into the hp8. And also the feliks euphoria evo.
I did email icon and they weren’t rude per se, but not really helpful.

David Shaw is fantastic. The owner and main designer and that amp is ridiculous. The Euforia EVO is an OTL. I'd get an SET amp depending on your needs. The HP8 is about as good an amp as you will find for under $2000 for a tube amp and the sound is ridiculously good. I only got rid of mine to get an Eddie Current Aficionado.

The other amp to look at if you are looking at the Euforia EVO is the ZMF Aegis. But the Corda Soul is basically the same price as the Euforia EVO and the Aegis. Really depends on your needs. As a pre-amp the Soul might be best that way due to its superior components and fantastic volume solution...

 

[MRC001]

I've had mine (Mk I) for over 6 years now and the built quality & durability is proven top rate. In summary, the DSP features and analog preamp sections remain SOTA. The DA conversion is still solid but no longer SOTA. It is an excellent example and implementation of what was SOTA 15+ years ago. The Soul does have a "DAC loop" switch which enables you to use an external DAC with the Soul's DSP and analog stages. I've measured the Soul's digital & analog stages and it is the cleanest preamp I have seen, especially regarding high SNR at moderate to low volumes. In particular, the DSP functions perform and measure exactly as described in the manual and are super clean with no added noise or distortion. It also works flawlessly with the various digital sources I have used, from mobile devices to computers to disc players.

Both Mk I and Mk II have FF; the difference is that the Mk II has a steeper FF curve which enhances its effect, but also will clip signals having high level high frequencies. The risk of this happening is low, since high frequencies do not occur at high levels in most music. I never felt the need to upgrade to Mk II because the primary benefit is with the DAC, and (A) I find the Mk I DAC to be sufficient for most listening, and (B) if I want a better DAC I will use an external one which the Soul already supports.

Overall, the Soul is the best preamp I have owned and definitely a keeper. Build quality, transparency, DSP, flexibility, it's quite a piece of gear.

 

[Death_Block]

David Shaw is fantastic. The owner and main designer and that amp is ridiculous. The Euforia EVO is an OTL. I'd get an SET amp depending on your needs. The HP8 is about as good an amp as you will find for under $2000 for a tube amp and the sound is ridiculously good. I only got rid of mine to get an Eddie Current Aficionado.

The other amp to look at if you are looking at the Euforia EVO is the ZMF Aegis. But the Corda Soul is basically the same price as the Euforia EVO and the Aegis. Really depends on your needs. As a pre-amp the Soul might be best that way due to its superior components and fantastic volume solution...

Second hand euphoria for about 1800 euros. But as you said, otl. Not a good idea at the moment.

 

[Death_Block]

That HP8 is cheaper than I was expecting

 

[Death_Block]

@geoffalter11 have you tested the standard or the signature? Do you think the signature is worth the little extra?

 

[geoffalter11]

@geoffalter11 have you tested the standard or the signature? Do you think the signature is worth the little extra?

Without question. I owned the Signature, so I can't tell you what the regular sounds like, but the upgrade in the caps is worth it. I think the biggest change the amp needs are better driver tubes. You can also use 12AT7's instead and they lower the voltage of those 2 tubes by 40% which gives you more volume play. Plus, you can get incredible NOS 1AT7's for a 1/3rd of the price. The CV181's sound great, but I preferred it with 6SN7 VT-231's. With most SET tube amps, the transformers make up 85% plus of the sound and so you get hand wound transformers from Icon that are top rate. I have never heard better bass on a tube amp than the HP8. Just so well informed, deep and liquid with incredible tonal density. There just isn't a better tube amp for that price that I've heard. The midrange is like a gentle summer breeze.

The Soul is an amazing piece of kit. Almost impossible to find used. People who have them know what they have and don't sell them. For me, the MK2 was a noticeable difference. I have never experienced any clipping. The whole thing just sounds so clean. I use it solely as an AIO for reviewing and for when I want the absolute cleanest most neutral signal for my more colored headphones. I only use the crossfeed which opens up the spatial presentation when turned to the right for headphones. Speakers would be to the left. I don't EQ headphones, so I don't use those DSP functions. The DAC section is not as good as the amp, but I have found with the MK2 that the DAC section is better and it helps it remain extremely relevant. I did not think the Bartok Apex sounded better as an AIO. I felt the DAC was better on the Bartok, but the amp section was significantly better on the Soul and so I felt for 6x less money the differences weren't worth $20,000 plus. I do find that there is a bit more color in the upper midrange with the MK2 and I find that the low level detail is improved. I felt that it needed a bit of warmth as it was so neutral in the MK1. I love the Soul and would never sell mine. I just don't think for the price you will find anything better. It is not cheap, but there are AIO's and other devices significantly more that cannot offer the flexibility or amount of options and it is built by one of the smartest people in the industry. I don't think anything is done with the Soul that is unintentional.

 

[Death_Block]

The only other all in one I can think of is the lotoo mjolnir. have you heard it?

I just bought the Violectric hpa V550 and the icon hp8 signature. If SS is what I’m going to like more, I’ll probably get rid of it and save for the soul. But if tubes is what I’m after, I’ll keep the icon. Now I just have to wait.. gah!