New Dragonfly Red or used Mk1 Meridian Explorer?

[hal55]

After opinions please on the relative merits of these two headphone DACs , will be used equally for headphones (Audio Technica AD900 - 100db sensitivity and about 35 or 38 ohm load) and also for my normal stereo setup. Can't afford the Mk2 Explorer much as I'd like it. Music preferences are mainly MOR, vocals, strings and piano. A bit of classical, no screeching, hard rock, metal etc although I quite like chillout music like Moby. Like valve like, organic sounds rather than sterile or clinical. The Meridian seems to probably be the sound signature I'm after but the Red I could purchase new and will drive planars if I upgrade to them at a later date. All advice much appreciated.

Hal55

[Cycleallday]

The cost difference between the Red and Explorer 2 is only about £30 now (Exp 2 is £199 on Amazon)

I use the Explorer 2 and am very happy with it. However, it depends what you want to use it with as it does not work with any Apple iphones due to the current draw. There are ways around this but involve extra leads, power pack, etc. The Red pulls less current and according to the blurb will work fine with the iphone.

Personally I am a Meridian fan so am probably biased - I just like their sound and they have been in the digital domain for many years so know their stuff.

That said if I wanted a DAC for an iphone/pad I would likely go for the Red given the lower power requirement.

I see you are only looking at using it with a standard system so I would say have a few less beers this week and go for the Meridian.

Mel

[hal55]

Thanks, seriously trying to go for the Meridian, it's just that bit too pricey in Australia compared to the Red. Also considering a Version 1 explorer if I can get one cheaply enough, but I'll make sure it isn't one of the very early versions that apparently had a 50ohm impedance that didn't work well with the majority of serious headphones - how a company like Meridian stuffed that up is a mystery. Any thoughts on the Explorer 1 appreciated, particularly how they would go driving my 100db/35ohm headphones.