But what does it sound like?
If you look at simply there are two kinds of amplifiers and DACs: those which color and change the sound and those which do not, aka the neutral ones. While we were talking about audio in general it became very clear that to Meier Audio, the only colorations (if needed) should be done by the headphone and not by the other elements of the audio chain. Either you agree or you don’t but that’s not the point I’m trying to make. The point is that as a result of this philosophy the Meier gear is very transparent. They have a neutral and clear sound, not influencing your music in any way.
As I mentioned before I used the Daccord a lot when I was testing other gear but also when I was just listening for pleasure in my couch. To me a good DAC is a natural sounding, accurate, not overly analytical and musical device like the Violectric V800 and this unit. I’m a fan of tube amps and I do use amplifiers and tubes to “color” the sound I’ll hear. The Daccord and Corda Classic clearly do not color the sound. The Corda Classic just amplifies the signal. Sure there’s the crossfeed possibility but it does not influence the sound signature of the amplifier. The sound will always be neutral and correct which is a great thing but it’s going to the more analytical side.
At the same time that also is what makes it extra hard to review this amplifier. Does it do anything wrong? Not at all. Does it “change” or emphasizes the low or high frequencies, etc? No, it doesn’t. Is it really good in one special thing? No, not really. But that exactly is what makes this combination so good (And, don’t forget there is the unique crossfeed function to add to all that). It excels in being neutral and correct while not going too much to the analytical side and staying musical. It shows you how well your music was recorded and how your headphones sound.
The sound of course is solid state like; it is dead quiet, fast, detailed, clear and uncolored. Bass impact is pretty good: not too big but definitely not small at all and it is always tight. I’ve mentioned the detail level of the units before and you won’t have anything to complain about. Of course there are amplifiers with an even wider sound stage, more extended treble and even more detail but from bass to mids to highs everything is correct, fluent, uninfluenced and it all fits together great. This combination (together with the HD650/Theorem setup) was excellent to complete Gold part of the Philips Golden Ears Training Program as well, like if it was made for it.
The A20 amplifier I reviewed not so long ago (and which I like a lot) is more musical sounding but has less detail and clarity in its sound. The Violectric V200 is more powerful and has a more dynamic sound signature with bigger body and bass and a more smooth and musical sound. The X-Amp has a lot more bass focus and less detail, etc. They are all great amps and I really use them all depending on the sound I want to hear. The CC is one of the most neutral solid state amps I have listened to in the last few years
Headphone Combinations
The Hifiman HE-500 and Audeze LCD-2: while there is more than enough power to drive these headphones I wasn’t the biggest fan of this combo. They seem to be missing in the lower frequencies. I am missing the bass and mids body I am used to hearing with these headphones. It is not a bad combination per se but the LCD2 and HE500 to me sound better on some of my other amplifiers and so I switched to the dynamic headphones rather quickly (We’ve been spoiled with really good amplifiers lately for the Orthodynamics). The 250Ohm Beyerdynamic T90 was sounding really good on the German gear. Good bass, great detail level. I think the T90 and Corda Classic have something going there. I didn’t expect the Corda to perform well with the Philips L2 but it did. I loved the L2 on the Duet because of the bass and thicker mids but I also find it to be a good match with this combo. Bass is very good and the mids section is very clear but it is less seductive as with the Duet or a warmer sounding amp. The highs on some recordings tended to sound sharper but that’s not the first time with the L2. Seeing the Corda likes a high imdedance Beyer and a low impedance Philips, I just had to try it with the 32Ohm Anniversary Edition of the Beyerdynamic DT770. And what do you know, great match! One of the better sounding amps I have heard the AE on actually. Fast, good, tight and punchy bass, good mids and sparkling highs. I found this to be the best combination of all the headphones I tried.
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a setup with an incredible sound stage and a smooth musical and very dynamic sound this isn’t the setup for you. If you’re a fan of neutral sounding units however, where you don’t want your amp/dac to influence the sound and you really want to hear what your headphones sound like, you certainly need to have a listen to the Meier Gear. This is a combo for those who want a clear, neutral, detailed and original/correct presentation of their music. In this price range there is a lot of competition but you should definitely put these Meier units on your shortlist if you’re looking for the above mentioned characteristics.
I enjoyed it most with all the dynamic headphones I had available and that’s not something I can say of all the neutral amps that passed here. (Like the O2 amplifier). For reviewing, the Meier gear is great. For my private listening sessions I tend to choose a more musical, warmer sounding (tube) amp but that’s just my personal preference. I could however live long and happily ever after with the Daccord DAC.
The Daccord price is 555€/$765 outside of the EU. Inside the EU it costs 645€ because of the included VAT. The Corda Classic costs you 515€ or $705 outside of the EU and 595€ inside. I noticed that Meier at the moment is having a discount till the end of March where you can save 200€ when buying this combo. If you’re interested in reading more on these units or buying one, go to Meier Audio’s Website.
Thank you Jan for letting us keep the review units for such a long time, they will be with you again shortly.
Punit Shetty
These are a great combination. very versatile, works with all the HP’s in my collection. HD 800, TH 900, T1, HE500. I actually prefer the HE 500 on this more than the Schiit Lyr. Did you try using it with the Low frequency boost switch on but crossfeed off with the HE500, this adds bit of weight ? I like how it gives you slight flexibility to add a mid bass boost when required, helps with the HD 800. I prefer tube amps (have BH Crack & Woo) but also listen on these when I want Pace & Detailed sound.
L.
Hi, I tried all possible settings really. I just couldn’t get to like the Orthos as much as the dynamics.
“Dynamics” is a tough one, seems everyone’s description of it is different.
Pace and detailed sound: there you go. Exactly one of the reasons to have this gear
L.
[rant]
So little comments, I’m surprised not more people are interested in the Meier gear. Sure there’s a bunch of Meier owners on Headfi bashing me/us for not writing a more positive and more in detail review of the gear but I don’t think it is needed. Imo opinion, the review was correct and it made its point. For those wondering, Jan did read the review up in front, and agreed.
It is so easy to criticize people while giving a positive comment seems very hard. Or maybe they can’t except any review that’s not stellar when they’re an owner. Or maybe the negative thinking surfers are more vocal? Anyway, I should stop reading head-fi,
[rant]
George Lai
Perhaps the reality is that the unique technological features of the product are a mite too complicated for the majority of the market? It certainly is for me as I don’t wish to chase audio nirvana to the Nth degree. For example the rave about the very expensive AK240 just leaves me cold. But we need products like that and the Meiers of the world so there will be an eventual trickle down to more mainstream products.
L.
That’s true George. I’m somewhat frustrated cause people only tend to comment when something is bad or when they don’t like it.
George Lai
I guess it’s human nature. It’s easier to criticize and harder to praise. Anyway keep them reviews coming.
dalethorn
I remember clearly when my current audio adventure began in 2011 – so many people were raving about the Stepdance, then they seemed to fall off of the map.
Sasmit
Hi Lieven,
I was very surprised by the lack of comments too. I have to say that this review definitely piqued my interest in Meier. Very sensibly priced in a world where overpricing is becoming rampant. It was bit of of a downer hearing your comments about their synergy with orthos but i am sure that can vary from person to person(as punit mentions below).
AS far as head-fi and other forums go, they are great as long as you can develop a thick skin and take the good with the bad. keep up the good work!
L.
Hi Sasmit and thank you. I agree it is very personal. I am used to listening to a custom built 300B amp with my orthos and the Meier just doesn’t sound as good. I realize that is a wrong comparison to make, but I even find it better sounding on the CypherLabs Theorem in example, a portable solid state.
For me it did great with all the dynamics.
Sasmit
I had read about your custom 300B in your previous reviews but I did not realize that it was still your reference. Do you prefer to use a mix of headphones for your primary evaluation or do you stick to a personal favourite for your 300Bs?
L.
Not sure I fully understand your question but when reviewing I try to mix up as much as gear as possible. For my personal listening, depending on my mood of course, I only use the 300B when I want to listen to the orthos. Or the Theorem when for some reason I can’t use a desktip dac.
Sasmit
I thought you might have a personal favourite for the 300Bs. Many reviewers like to use a particular headphone with their reference amp to evaluate any DACs and get a grasp of the sound. I guess they use them for the highest transparency or to limit the number of variables in the signal chain. I was referring to whether you like to use something like this for evaluations.
L.
To test dacs I use all kind of amps and headphones but they have to be combinations you know very well. With the 300b the heafphones always are the lcd2 and he500
Sasmit
thanks for sharing. I hope to try a Meier amp sometime.
m m
Hi Lieven, I also found strange that you didn’t like Meier combo with LCD2.
I own Meier stack and also ALO Pan Am(which is according to headfonia excellent
match for LCD2) and for me Meier stack is clear step up from the Pan Am…
Dave Ulrich
Well, to each their own.
L.
hi mm, I didn’t like the LCD on the Pan Am either, but Mike does like it.
I have heard so many amps on which the LCD-2 sound better so I honestly can not say I like the Meier for the Audez’e. Lots of people never heard how an LCD-2 can sound on different amps, and yet they bash us for saying their amp isn’t the best match around (and I don’t mean you just to be clear).
I’m sorry I don’t find it to be a good match but the most important thing is you find it a good match. Enjoy your setup 🙂
Dave Ulrich
I feel the need to underline this. It is fun compare thoughts on different combinations of gear, but the bottom line is, if you like how it sounds, then enjoy it and don’t worry that people might disagree. They aren’t doing the listening.
L.
I can be smart sometimes 😉
Dave Ulrich
Hmmm, I;m not convinced.
Nickjan Glas
hi,
Concerning the Meijer gear, did you by chance listen to the smaller ones, like the quickstep and the pcstep. I m quite curious how they perform in comparison to others. (pcstep vs dragonfly or sorts) and quickstep to piccolo/fiio e12 for example. Only head-fi as source I find a little too limited.
thanks
Headfonia_L.
I have not no, sorry
Nickjan Glas
no problem, maybe I ll just have to buy and try it then. I also read his announcement that he is working on a new portable DAC/AMP with rechargeable capacity and cross feed.
Dave Ulrich
Terrific review! Well Done! Look like interesting pieces of gear. I will have to try them out if I get the chance.
L.
Thanks Dave. Or are you just saying that because of my rant 😀
Dave Ulrich
ehhh, bit of both 😉
Sasmit
By the way does anyone have any detailed power output specs on the corda classic?
L.
Site says:
Output impedance < 0,1 ohm
Maximum output 15V / 500 mA.
I can ask Meier if you want?
Sasmit
I would appreciate it if you could do that, particularly power output, THD and SNR. The more I look up their corda classic the more impressed I am. Fancy volume control + gain switch + crossfeed + great power supply.
I have never heard one, but the attention to detail and the huge number of features for 600$ is definitely value for money. Thanks for your time
L.
Crap, I completely forgot about this. appologies
Sasmit
yup…no worries
likearake
Hi Lieven
Can you provide any more thoughts on the Daccord vs the V800? I notice you classify them as “device[s] like the V800 and this unit”, but are they very similar?
I own the V800 but am looking for another so I can keep one in my speaker setup and one in my headphone setup. The v800 of course is incredible but if the Daccord is very similar sounding maybe it is worth trying something a bit different… Although the price of the Daccord is appealing!
So I suppose, if not the Daccord, do you also have any other recommendations of Dacs of the same standard?
Long question I know… sorry!
L.
I haven’t had those units for quite some time now. No I would not say they are similar, the V800 is more musical and the Daccord is more analytic. IF you’re looking for a DAC I would at the moment propose you to have a look at the Resonessence Labs units. I absolutely love their DAC sound. We’ve done some on here as well.
Nickjan Glas
Hello again, I saw your comparison to the v200, saying (if I read and understood correctly) that the V200 is a little warmer and more musical. Did you by any chance listen to either of these two with the B&O H6. I liked the neutral sound of the meijer with the H6, but I now found a 2nd hand v200 for 450 euro. And I like a more bodied musical sound with a wider soundstage also.
So the main question is, what do you find better for classical/orchestral, based on liking both sound signatures. A 2nd hand v200 for 450 or a corda classic for 595?
thanks
Headfonia_L.
Tough one man. The H6 is a nice headphone but it isn’t high Fi and it doesn’t scale up like the classics such as the HD650.
For classic I would recommend the H6 with pretty much any amp. The Meier is great for classical but imho, the V200 is better with a whole lot more headphones and musical styles. Both very good units.
The Daccord you can always get, the dac is great for both amps. Tell Jan I sent you 😉
Nickjan Glas
I love asking the hard questions, means I am getting on the right track. you mentioned: ‘imho’ is that an abreviation? My budget only allows an amp at the moment, so if it is not going to be the corda classic, can’t help you there;)
and then on a little sidetrack…
I do plan to get a more high end headphone in the future. the hd650 appealed to me, but for the moment I ll stick to the H6 with the best sound for me personally (not the best quality perse but characteristics). (Except for the audeze that is). I know maybe a peculiar statement, with all those great headphones out there.
Headfonia_L.
IMHO = In My Humble Opinion
No problem man. I do suggest you think it over before you buy. What direction do you want to go, what kind of sound do you want? In example I would prefer the HD650 with the V200 but that’s me. Don’t just buy anything, try making it a long term investment
Nickjan Glas
exactly what I ll be going for;) For now I have my meridian explorer for pc use on the move. the amp will be for more semi-permanent use with turntables, cd players and eventually pc and dac (ME at first).
I ll be studying and eventually auditioning for a while, since I ll be abroad for some time and hope to settle on something early next year.
In the meantime, I ll just keep reading all the exciting new reviews and a lookout for the new units coming out, like the v281 you mentioned and the new Marantz HP DAC1.
Nickjan Glas
hey Lieven,
following your reviews and recommendations I have spend some time listening, auditioninng, reading and reading. Finally I came to a decision and I ordered the corda classic. many hours of listening and enjoyment ahead. next phase….higher end headphone to match and maybe a DAC in a way while longer.
Headfonia_L.
Congrats, I’m sure you’ll like it. Keep us posted
Nickjan Glas
just installed it, with the MF V90 LPS, Meridian explorer and some nice LP’s and high res downloads; very impressed already and isn’t even burned in yet. tomorrow on to SACD and more listening…..
Headfonia_L.
Congrats! Hasn’t the headphone upgraditis kicked in yet? 🙂
Nickjan Glas
It certainly has, (even tried a 1000 euro offer on an used Audeze XC (declined)), but I have a very effective anti-dote at the moment; fully spent budget 😉 on amp, phono amp, cables, portable amp etc. I have ideas enough. preferably start off with a low to mid impedance open headphone. Hifiman he560 or stg like that. It ll ply be a higher budget headphone than I have now, since I found most equally priced headphones I listened to, less to my taste than the H6; exception being the hd650, which is equally to my taste but different. For now I really enjoy the greatly improved sound on the H6 and the corda really bringing out the B&O sound in it. For the rest, I ll have to start saving again.
atoniolin
Dear L, hi again! I asked you on the A20 page and then came across the Meier DACCORD & CLASSIC combo. Again, I am trying to drive the Beyerdynamic T1’s nicely. Would you say the CLASSIC would go well with the T1’s compared to the A20, V200, etc?
P.S. I prefer SS amps for the fear of maintenance of tubes at this stage. maybe when i get a job and am confident of easily getting tubes, I will take the next step-up. Thanks!
animalparty
My unit has died twice within the span of a year and a half. First the power supply died, then I got it repaired and sent back to me, and within 6 months it’s died again (this time something else, the lights are on but there’s no sound…) Piece of garbage, stay away from this product.
dalethorn
I had a problem like that with my first headphone amp, the $400 portable from HeadRoom circa late 1990’s. It died a week after the year warranty, and they wanted $100 to fix it. So I tossed it. It’s hard to know what the actual reliability of an item’s going to be until you google for reviews and read all of them. Even then you have to read very deeply because there are false reports (positive and negative) mixed in with the real reviews. Not here fortunately, but on certain large merchandise sites it’s pretty common. One example is where I read reviews of the v-moda M100, and certain users were getting one defective unit after another – incredibly bad luck. Myself, I bought 4 sets over a few months time, from different vendors, all new items at the regular price, all perfect. So I learned how to interpret reviews better, and know who were buying grey-market, buying used and refurbs, etc. I remember Meier having a pretty good reputation on head-fi. Maybe survey some of their users and see what they say.
Headfonia_L.
I am sure Jan will get it fixed, he’s a nice guy. don’t give up yet
animalparty
@headfonia_lieven:disqus Yep, I’m in contact with Jan. Will see what happens. Thanks.
Son Manh
Hi, thank you for the review at first. I would like to ask if this Corda Classic has a warm kind of sound or not. Because i need something a little bit warm to pair with my Grado PS1000 for jazz and classical. Thank you very much.
Headfonia_L.
Reread the review please. It should be clear the classic is NOT warm 😉
N N
I have the DACCORD without the Classich with a HD 650 and it really sounds nice, very clean, bass is good, soundstage medium but nice. It’s just not very musical but rather sometimes clinical (especially when I tried with the old HD 580). As the review says: it does nothing wrong.
zoltandezoltan
Maybe it’s the headphones that are rather clinical, the HD 580 definitely is. And the HD 650 is also clean but with more bass, medium but nice soundstage.
Meaning that the DACCORD sounds as your headphones.