Schiit Loki & Meridian Director shootout

[ronenash]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Yep. I've been buying native DSD files from Super HiRez and have been very pleased with the quality of files. I also have some DSD files that were "ripped" from SACD discs via a Playstation 3, and while those files sound good, I don't think they sound as good as native DSD files. Perhaps something happens during the SACD authoring process....I don't know. It's anecdotal with my data set at this point. But, as you say, it's also very much up to the recording and mastering processes. I've got some Audio Wave Blue Note XRCD24s that blow away some SACDs for sound quality.

But, regardless, Loki is very impressive.

The Audio Wave XRCD's are indeed amazing. I have most of them and every single one is a winner.

[junker]

Very interesting review Ronenash. Todah!

[ronenash]

After some more playing time the Loki DAC really turns out to be a real jewel of a DAC and for the price it has to be the bargain of the century!!! The fact that I can turn all my files to DSD on the fly with J.River enables me to use this DAC for all file types and not just DSD (this has to be one of the best new features in MC19). The Meridian DAC still has the edge with PCM by a small margin but the Meridian is currently connected with WW Platinum Startlight USB cable vs. the regular WW Startlight cable for the Loki. As I have Experienced the difference the Platinum cable can make this can very well change once I get the Platinum USB cable for the Loki next week.

I cannot recommend the Loki more enthusiastically and given the price its really a no brainer. Another great product from the Schiit team!

[ronenash]

Nice review of the Loki on AudioStream.

Schiit Audio Loki DSD Dedicated DAC | AudioStream

Michael used the Loki for all his music handing off the PCM to DSD conversion to J.River the same as I have mentioned in an earlier post.

[Puma Cat]

Yes, I liked Michael Lavorgna's review of Loki. You may also have seen my post in the comments.

On another note, I just recently scored another Audioquest Coffee USB cable with DBS, and Loki really benefits from a quality cable. Interesting to note that even used, I paid more for the cable than Loki!

As the review in Audiostream mentioned, Schiit hit one outta the park with Loki!

[Pider]

Hmmmm. I've decided to try the Loki. Will order one today. PCM to DSD via JRiver, eh?

[junker]

It's pretty easy to set up. You need to do/check 3 things. 1) Set-up for DoP with DSD64 with a single button;2) Tell it to use bit streaming (in a menu below the DoP; and 3) decide if you want to change where it does the low-pass filtering @ (30KHz/24dB). It's hidden but set on the lowest/safest setting by default. After 1) everything is converted or passed-through as DSD64.

I need to head off to the vet but can clarify any of these later, if needed. Then just import your library and you are good to go. JRiver is still a little unstable IMO but they actively update it and it is pretty good. Good luck!

[-E-]

He's using win... no stability issues with JRiver there...

[junker]

In that case, yeah probably a lot more stable!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Pider

Hmmmm. I've decided to try the Loki. Will order one today. PCM to DSD via JRiver, eh?

You will NOT be disappointed!

To really get the most accurate assessment of Loki's performance, though, you need to listen to some native DSD content. You can purchase and download over 150 titles at Super Hi-Rez at Acoustic Sounds.



If you want a short list of recommendations, I can provide one.