Sonic Studio 302 (aka Metric Halo ULN-2)

[Augsburger]

Dinny, you PM'd me in October asking me about how I liked my Model 4 so maybe your cold has gone to your head.

I use breakout cables with mine, and the analog output is all 8 channels. I can play simultaneously on 4 amps that way. I have a 2-channel breakout cable for the output also, but I usually use the big dog for more flexibility. The digital breakout cable is 2 AES/EBU out and 2 in (also total of 8 channels). The analog in is a simple 2-channel L/R pair, but that could be moar if I had other analog sources and wanted the Model 4 to be the preamp.

As Al stated, a the valuable feature of the ULN-8/Amarra-4 is the capability for multiple source inputs and multi channel outputs to various amps. A significant selling point for me with the ULN-8 is how it solves both my immediate and identifiable future needs. Currently the ULN-8 offers the ability to be a great dac for all my iTunes alac and aiff files, it will serve as a phono stage for my new TT, and it can take over as my new preamp.

The manufacturer is committed to standing behind the MH hardware and software as their product line evolves to ensure a degree of future proofing for the ULN package. I see my main system eventually evolving because of my association with this forum, to comprise of a stereo TT, mono TT, PC (w/USB to spdif converter) running 16/24, 96, 176.4 and 192K files in foobar, my mac mini running iTunes perhaps a AES source of some type and possibly a reel to reel source. That brings it to six channels of input, up to four channels of digital feeding a tube amp, a set of monoblocks now and perhaps Klaus's Odyssey monos or a Pass amp in a few years. So who knows but if I get crazy enough all of this can be handled in one box.

[Dreadhead]

John Greenham Blog Archive Extensive A/D testing

thought this might be of some interest

I'm sorry but I missed any findings in the post.

[morphsci]

I'm sorry but I missed any findings in the post.

You are not alone.

[jinp6301]

I think the findings are, "We have the files, ask us for the files if you want to compare them yourselves"

[morphsci]

As Al stated, a the valuable feature of the ULN-8/Amarra-4 is the capability for multiple source inputs and multi channel outputs to various amps. A significant selling point for me with the ULN-8 is how it solves both my immediate and identifiable future needs. Currently the ULN-8 offers the ability to be a great dac for all my iTunes alac and aiff files, it will serve as a phono stage for my new TT, and it can take over as my new preamp.

The manufacturer is committed to standing behind the MH hardware and software as their product line evolves to ensure a degree of future proofing for the ULN package. I see my main system eventually evolving because of my association with this forum, to comprise of a stereo TT, mono TT, PC (w/USB to spdif converter) running 16/24, 96, 176.4 and 192K files in foobar, my mac mini running iTunes perhaps a AES source of some type and possibly a reel to reel source. That brings it to six channels of input, up to four channels of digital feeding a tube amp, a set of monoblocks now and perhaps Klaus's Odyssey monos or a Pass amp in a few years. So who knows but if I get crazy enough all of this can be handled in one box.

Now that is an awesome sales pitch.

[diebenkorn]

I think the findings are, "We have the files, ask us for the files if you want to compare them yourselves"

you are correct

[Augsburger]

Well I have achieved partial success with the ULN-8. Most of my miss starts can be attributed to my ignorance of pro audio and sound engineers protocols, nonetheless what I am hearing so far is very promising. Unfortunately for now the impressions are only from the headphone jacks since I cannot get any signal out of the DB-25 analog port to my mono blocks. The music I am hearing is damn good and will only get better when I can send them through my speakers and sub.First and very preliminary impressions are very large yet realistic sound stage, very fast and accurate dynamics. currently I am listening to Friday Night in San Francisco [Original recording remastered] of Paco De Lucia, Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin and this is the best I have heard of this CD yet. The dynamics and decay of the guitar seems to me to be pretty much spot on. Every Saturday I take my son to guitar lessons where I am able to hear a lot of "amateur" acoustical guitarists playing classical pieces and I can say this ULN-8 seems to reproduce the music as if it is live. Very surprising and is much much more than I ever hoped for. Thanks Al and John this is a real find and a sick deal given the price to quality relationship.

[jpelg]

I had a chance to briefly listen to the ULN-2 last fall at a meet, and really liked what I heard. Still, the dependency on Mac-centric software to control things as simple as changing digital inputs (at least that's what I glean from the user manual) unfortunately makes me pause. Current lack of Windows support is doesn't help.

Wondering how the ULN-2 is holding up months later, and against other DACs y'all have had to compare?

[tyrion]

I will compare it to the PWD this weekend. I'm not expecting the PWD to blow it away as the ULN-2 is very good. Obviously, since I have it already the mac only issue and input issues are not problems for me. Where I am certain the PWD will come out on top is in feature present and in the future (Bridge). Both can be used as a preamp but the PWD has a remote. The PWD offers balanced output 24/192. You to move up the Sonic Studio/Metric Halo line to get those features. The ULN-2 offers the ability to use it as a phono preamp and has a decent enough headphone out, that can be a bit bright with certain headphones.

[jpelg]

The ULN-2 offers the ability to use it as a phono preamp.

Thanks for the update, Mike.

I recall seeing your posts about the ULN'2's phono inputs being too noisy. Also, this requires using Mac software for the RIAA equalization, correct?

[tyrion]

Many phono preamps are somewhat noisy. It's when the noise is more than you are willing to accept that it's a problem. Mine became noiser after I moved stuff around and added to my system. Jp's noise level is lower and acceptable. I just no longer want to deal with the problem any longer and don't necessarily blame the ULN-2 for the problem. You still need a mac. Jp can explain how the RIAA is done as he merely sent me a file that I use.

[audiosceptic]

Well this thread and the recent Stereophile article on the Pure Vinyl software got me intrigued about replacing my Modwright Transporter with a ULN-2. I also wanted to use the ULN-2 as a phono pre. I started experimenting needle drops with an old Egosys Waveterminal USB ADC/DAC I had laying around and downloaded the Pure Vinyl software demo. The results were that while the sound wasn't as good as my Manley Steelhead I just sold, it was better than the modified Fisher 400 I was using as a phono pre. Based on this test I ordered a ULN-2 Expanded with 2d card on a 30 day trial and started using it yesterday. So far I can't really tell the difference between the Transporter and the ULN-2 playing 16/44 flac's. I can't test the phono pre capabilities until I get some more TRS to RCA adapters. I'm still unclear if I need the DSP license to do RIAA equalization so if anyone can help me with that I would appreciate it.

[audiosceptic]

I figured out the RIAA equilization in the Mixer Console. I didn't have to buy the DSP license. I decided to keep my Live! MC-10 Step-Up Transformer in between my Rega turntable and the ULN-2. This is a really great phono preamp with the added ability to make some nice 24/96 recordings of my albums very easily. I still can't tell the difference between the Modwright Transporter and the ULN-2 when used as a DAC. I'm listening primarily through the BHSE and 4070's while I evaluate this thing.

[audiosceptic]

I think the interest in the ULN-2 has died here but I'll provide this update. I bought a new turntable even though I was perfectly happy with the Rega P25 and Denon 103R. I found a Pro-ject RM10 with a Grado LO Sonata for $1400 locally. Not a huge step up but the RM10 is so solid I could polka right next to it and the record would not skip. The sound improved somewhat with the new setup but I still had some slight hum issues through the ULN-2. I also had some cartridge loading concerns and was looking at solutions including soldering the appropriate resistors on the XLR to RCA adaptors to accommodate the correct loading for the Grado. Eventually I bought a Channel D Seta Nano phono preamp that provides configurable cartridge loading and XLR output jacks without RIAA equalization. Immediately the hum was gone and the sound was greatly improved. The top end is extended and I can really hear/feel the bass through speakers. I'm still playing with this setup but like where it's heading.