Sonic Studio 302 (aka Metric Halo ULN-2)

[VPI]

John helped me set it up and I am listening to it through Mac Mini>Amarra>ULN-2>Cheap TRS-XLR cable>Toole Audio M^3> HD-800s.

No comparisons until I get it on the big system but the sound is excellent out of the box.

[jp11801]

It is a good idea to mute the first mix strip in the panel as that is your analog input. Now if we can get EQ setting we can make custom tape eqs to use.

[Hopstretch]

Can we piggyback some ULN-8/Amarra 4 discussion on here?

Just saw this nice write-up on the above versus some other current fave DACs.

Amarra 4, Ayre & Bryston | Computer Audiophile

[n_maher]

While my pedestrian audio budget will never be able to afford any of the Dacses mentioned in that review it is shocking how similar their impressions of the Bryston are compared to what I heard in NYC at the recent meet.

[digger945]

Can we piggyback some ULN-8/Amarra 4 discussion on here?

Just saw this nice write-up on the above versus some other current fave DACs.

Amarra 4, Ayre & Bryston | Computer Audiophile

Nice short read. Basically the same as CA's Chris Connaker's opinion. Like to read similar review's with the DAC2 thrown in.

[aardvark baguette]

As of right now, my tax return is either going to the ULN-8/Amarra 4, or a TTVJ 307A.

Decisions, decisions.

[Dusty Chalk]

Well, since the ULN-8 probably won't be FOTM any more by then, I'd go with the TTVJ.

[grawk]

the ttvj amp is passé now that the menace tc lite exists

[aardvark baguette]

when does that come up for sale?

[The Monkey]

While my pedestrian audio budget will never be able to afford any of the Dacses mentioned in that review it is shocking how similar their impressions of the Bryston are compared to what I heard in NYC at the recent meet.

I guess, but the Bryston is hardly mentioned, which is a comment itself a suppose.

[jp11801]

at some point Al and I need to compare the sonic studio 302 (ULN-2) to the Amarra 4 (ULN-. While I think the 8 will best the 2 in all areas I think it might be shades or grey as opposed to black and white. I am looking for a reason thought to go ULN-8 at some point.

I get the apprehension for those that will use it just as a dac but for those with vinyl these make really nice phono pre amps and can also serve as a system pre amp.

[VPI]

I got to spend a little bit of time comparing the two and I am now very tempted to upgrade. The ULN-8 would appear to me to be a very special DAC.

Although there is the Berkley Alpha that I want to buy also. Need to sell a few of the losers off to fund some more purchases.

This DAC stuff is way too difficult.

[Voltron]

I have to think the ULN-8 is something special because I already spent top dollar for mine in the guise of the Amarra Model 4. Not telling you to skip the comparison with the Alpha DAC, but I think the Model 4 was definitely the superior and better sounding DAC and does tons of stuff the Alpha doesn't do.

This weekend we should be able to at least start the 302 vs. 4 throw-down. Let's get ready to rumble!

[jp11801]

I'd love to do a two song vinyl transfer comparing the two as well to see how the ADC compares as well.

Let's see if I sell the Sonic 302, one bicycle, a guitar, my HF2s and went on ramen for a few weeks I think I could swing it.

[The Monkey]

I got to spend a little bit of time comparing the two and I am now very tempted to upgrade. The ULN-8 would appear to me to be a very special DAC.

Although there is the Berkley Alpha that I want to buy also. Need to sell a few of the losers off to fund some more purchases.

This DAC stuff is way too difficult.

Does this mean the PS Audio is getting the boot?

[VPI]

No the PS Audio is the best of the ones I have right now so it is not going anywhere. The Weiss, AR and ULN-2 will go long before the PWD.

[The Monkey]

Yeah, I liked the PerfectWave better than the ULN-2.

[VPI]

Yeah, at this point I would rank them:

1. PS Audio
2. Audio Research DAC7
3. Metric Halo ULN-2
4. Weiss DAC2
5. Apogee Mini DAC

After hearing the Amarra 4 at Ciamarra I am convinced that it is in another class than the ones I have now.

[jp11801]

Yeah, at this point I would rank them:

1. PS Audio
2. Audio Research DAC7
3. Metric Halo ULN-2
4. Weiss DAC2
5. Apogee Mini DAC

After hearing the Amarra 4 at Ciamarra I am convinced that it is in another class than the ones I have now.

Jeff Have you done any recording with the MH yet? I'll take that outcome for $1695 since I think both the AR and PS AUdio are 2-3x the ULN2 price

[VPI]

I have not recorded anything as I have only had it hooked up for a week after getting my cables from Nate.

I actually go back and forth whether I prefer the ULN-2 to the AR but I would definitely recommend the ULN-2 as it is just as good for a lot less. I also am using far more expensive cables out of the other DACs for those that think that might make a difference.

The PS Audio is capable of fantastic sound on two of the five filters and a bit closer to the others on the other three. The interface is nice and I am leaving it on Native with no upsampling for most use and find it to be a very good source.