Cees Ruijtenberg's Sonnet Audio has rapidly established itself as a significant player in the high-end audiophile market. Their audacious claim – to create components that rival and even surpass established industry giants – has been met with a mixture of skepticism and intense curiosity. This review focuses on the Sonnet Hermes streamer and its integration within the broader Sonnet Audio ecosystem, specifically examining its performance alongside the Sonnet Morpheus DAC and its predecessor, the Sonnet Morpheus MKII. We'll also touch upon the Sonnet Kratos and explore the compelling argument for pairing the Hermes streamer with the Morpheus DAC.
The Sonnet Morpheus, in its various iterations (including the Morpheus MKII), has already garnered significant praise and controversy. Its remarkable performance, particularly its ability to outperform established high-end DACs like those from Metrum Acoustics (a bold claim indeed!), has positioned Sonnet Audio as a force to be reckoned with. This review will delve into the synergistic relationship between the Morpheus and the Hermes, exploring whether the sum truly exceeds the parts.
Sonnet Morpheus DAC Review: A Foundation of Excellence
Before diving into the Hermes, it's crucial to understand the foundation upon which the Sonnet system is built: the Sonnet Morpheus DAC. The Morpheus, and its successor the Morpheus MKII, are not merely digital-to-analog converters; they are meticulously engineered pieces of audio equipment designed to extract the maximum detail and emotional impact from digital audio files. Numerous reviews have highlighted the Morpheus's exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and incredibly low noise floor. The soundstage is often described as holographic, with instruments and vocals precisely placed within a vast and airy sonic landscape.
The Morpheus MKII represents a refinement of the original design, incorporating further advancements in circuit topology and component selection. While many reviewers found the original Morpheus to be already exceptional, the MKII pushed the boundaries even further, offering a more nuanced and refined presentation. The improvements, while subtle to some, are significant for discerning listeners who demand the utmost fidelity. The differences between the original Morpheus and the MKII often center around a slightly smoother, less aggressive high-end and an even more natural timbre across the frequency spectrum. The improved power supply in the MKII also contributes to a blacker background, allowing for finer detail retrieval.
The success of the Morpheus rests not only on its advanced digital processing but also on its meticulously chosen analog output stage. This stage is responsible for converting the digital signal into an analog signal capable of driving a wide range of headphones and amplifiers. The quality of this stage is paramount, and Sonnet Audio has clearly spared no expense in its development.
Sonnet Hermes Streamer: The Digital Heart of the System
The Sonnet Hermes streamer represents the next logical step in Sonnet Audio's quest for audio perfection. It's not merely a device that streams music; it's a precision-engineered component designed to deliver digital audio with exceptional accuracy and minimal coloration. The Hermes acts as the crucial link between your digital music library and the remarkable processing capabilities of the Sonnet Morpheus DAC.
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