At the same time, the Sooloos does have separate control, configuration, and set-up software for use with PCs and Apple computers. This makes downloading off the Internet a snap, and it allows you to use your computer for more complex operation of the Sooloos and management of your collection. This interface is still evolving and is far from as easy and intuitive to use as the touchscreen interface on the Control 10, but it also adds a substantial layer of sophistication. It will be particularly useful to serious music collectors, students, audiophiles who are managing large collections of recordings and switching from discs to downloads.
The Sooloos 2.2 system can also be integrated with a Crestron control system, and you can link it to the Rhapsody Internet music service. Rhapsody gives you access to an immense range of popular music with at least mid-fi quality, although not the kind of sound quality that will suit truly demanding music lovers.
The control unit is relatively compact and only needs a limited number of cables to connect to your system. This, along with the ability to store the drives in a remote location, means that the touchscreen can be placed directly at your listening position. I suspect, however, that most audiophiles will opt for the Meridian software that allows you to load roughly the same remote-control features into your iPhone, wireless iPod, or iPad. If you are computer-smart, you can then use this same device to access the Internet while you listen and get independent data on the performer, the composer, the nature of venue or hall, and sometimes on the specific performance or recording.
The Sooloos is also far more than sexy equipment with a pretty face. When I say the Sooloos is fun to operate and easy to learn, and allows you to concentrate on your music, I mean it! The large touchscreen data-and-cover-art display and touchscreen keyboard features on the control unit of the Sooloos make operating it extraordinarily easy, and the ergonomics of most operations are so well designed that they are nearly intuitive. Its touchscreen features are a real pleasure to use, and its large screen and touch-the-cover-to-play features engage non-audiophiles in ways no other piece of high-end gear I know of yet approaches.
As for features, the 808.3 is also a DAC, and a preamp with a wide range of both analog and digital inputs. In fact, I would not call the 808.3 a mere CD player. It has six unbalanced coax line level analog inputs, three S/PDIF coax digital inputs, and two TosLink optical digital inputs. It has a jack for input through the Meridian Sooloos digital media system connectivity via an RJ45 Ethernet connection. Its analog outputs include on unbalanced pair of phono outputs, and one balanced pair of XLR connections. It also has a Meridian SpeakerLink digital interface for single-cable connection of other Meridian equipment. These features are combined with source switching, volume control, and balance control capabilities, which mean the 808.3 can serve a high-performance pre-amplifier for virtually any source in a high-end system.
There is also a headless version of Roon call RoonServer as this does not a user-interface OPEN GL3 is not required. Though would still need Roon (running as a remote) on another OPEN GL3 platform to be able to control it. This again could be a Windows, iOS or OSX or android.
Personally I prefer a normal PC with mouse and keyboard for setup and general library grooming etc. However, Roon is designed to work fully with touchscreens. For sofa control I use iPad, but, you can use Windows tablets and android devices. Search the forum for many posts about specs required. You may already use iPad with your Sooloos. If not then make sure you get a 64bit model. Again check this forum for specs.
The Soolos system is quite flexible, and can read not only MP3 and FLAC files but AAC, WAV and Apple Lossless as well. While the system is designed to rip your CDs from scratch, it's possible to import your own collections using the Control:PC application. You can also control the system using a PC, and an iPhone application is available as well.
These changes represented a quantum leap in Sooloos audio performance and build quality, but users requiring a number of zones had no choice but to purchase the somewhat expensive Control 10. No longer. The Media Source 600 includes this functionality, allowing for a pair of analog outputs (one balanced XLR and one balanced RCA), an SPDIF digital output, and an RJ-45 Meridian SpeakerLink output essentially equating to the addition of three more zones to your Sooloos system. Each can be controlled by a Sooloos Control, iPhone/iPad, or via another computer that shares the same network as the Sooloos system.
This Control4 driver provides two-way control of Meridian Sooloos audio streaming devices, via Ethernet. There is full support for browse and selection of media sources, including playlists, channels and play queue management. Comprehensive metadata feedback to the Control4 interface makes for a rich user experience, whilst offering instant synchronisation with other applications. An automatic discovery mechanism makes installation a breeze, and an interface designed to mimic the Sooloos application should provide a familiar experience for users.
Meridians award-winning Sooloos delivers pristine lossless audio quality with an extremely intuitive user interface. Storage, playback, and control functions are all taken care of by this elegant, high-tech design. It automatically discovers and integrates with your network for instant installation, Meridian Sooloos is a modular, expandable system designed to suit your needs.
Offered today by The Music Room: One Meridian Sooloos Control 15 with Meridian Sooloos 3TB Twin Store. This product has passed all of our rigorous quality assurance testing and is performing wonderfully. It has been gently used by one owner. Approximately 3000 albums are stored on this unit in CD quality - an amazing curated collection of jazz, blues, classic rock, electronic, hip-hop and more. Everything is working perfectly. Amazing system. Serial #: control 15 = 001F7B570170 twin store = 332210180044 Voltage: 120v
Sooloos is Meridian's patented intuitive visual music management interface. It offers a simple solution for storing your CD collection, uploading digital music library or streaming music using TIDAL, all in flawless, hi-res audio quality. Meridian Sooloos can be controlled from anywhere on your network; simply setup for one or multiple zones on a range of devices including Mac, PC, mobile or tablet for one-touch access.
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