[Frank I]

[size=1.25em] I found this on facebook by the professional reviewer Steve Stone who will be doing a review on this product. . Sounds very Interesting[/size]  
[size=1.25em]From their newly un-embargoed press release -[/size]

[size=1.25em]"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[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Separate low-jitter crystal oscillators for 44k1 and 48k based sample rates[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Asynchronous data transfer[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]6 layer PCB[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]USB2 mini B socket - Plug and Play with MAC (Windows driver available)[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Direct-coupled outputs[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Variable line out - Full Analogue Volume Control for headphones or powered loudspeakers[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Headphone amp[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Fixed line out - 3.5mm connects directly to audio system[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Optical digital output - full resolution for receivers or DACS (up to 96kHz)[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Elegant metal case - durable and increases audio performance[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Lights to indicate incoming sample rate[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Soft convenient USB cable provided for ease of placement to protect computer mother board from mechanical stress[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]Hand assembled at Meridian's UK headquarters[/size][size=10pt][size=1.25em][/size][/size]

[size=1.25em]US Price $299.00"[/size]

 

[size=small] [/size]

 

 

 

[size=1.25em]Steve  Stone posted this on facebook[/size]

 

[kingoftown1]

Hoping to see some comparisons to similar products in the near future, especially to something like the Dacport lx.  Gonna need to pick up another dac soon and this seems like a great budget candidate.

 

[Frank I]

Whats interesting is Meridian never makes bad products and never released any product this inexpensive. This will be an interesting product.

 

[wfranklin]

When something is a company founder's pet project, watch out!  Could be a world-beater in this price range.

 

[RHMMMM]

How is a 6-layer PCB a feature?

 

[MoonUnit]

Quote:

How is a 6-layer PCB a feature?

 
In itself, it's not. However, it's easier to lay out boards, particularly small boards like these, with lower noise if you have 4 or more layers. Also, it suggests that it has separate analog and digital ground planes.

 

[Frank I]

Meridian has always been a leader in digital prioducts through the years and this price is incredibly low for a hand assembled product made in the UK. Knowing Meridian this willl be a huge success.

 

[TooPoor]

 Has anyone received theirs yet? Initial impressions? Very curious about this for a new DAC.

 

[meat01]

There is a thread about this started by Jude in the computer source forum that also has initial impressions.
 

 

[tgx78]

Quote:

 Has anyone received theirs yet? Initial impressions? Very curious about this for a new DAC.

 
I might be receiving mine tomorrow. I will write initial impression here. I don't have many DAC to compare it against though.. only have fiio e7, ele usb & bifrost.

 

[wfranklin]

Mine is due in on Friday; there are a couple of guys on the other thread who have received theirs and are writing their early impressions.

 

[TooPoor]

Ahhh I see now! Thanks for the re-direction.