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At £95, this Meridian Explorer is a genuine bargain, sitting well below the typical used market range of roughly £120–£160 for this landmark DAC. The original retail price was $299 (about £240 in today’s GBP), and even conservative used valuations rarely drop below £110 unless the unit is questionable. At £95, you’re getting elite 24/192 performance and a robust aluminum build for less than 40% of MSRP—a clear buying opportunity.

The Explorer is beloved for its clean, detailed sound, dual 3.5mm outputs (headphone and line-level), and true high-res playback without upsampling. It’s a tiny, USB-powered DAC that bypasses the need for external power, making it ideal for laptops or desktops. If the listing includes the original cable and hints at original-owner condition, the value is even stronger. No major failure points are common, and at this price, even minor age concerns are easily outweighed by the performance you’re getting.

Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.

About Meridian

Meridian Audio, founded in 1977 in Cambridgeshire, England, by industrial designer Allen Boothroyd and engineer Bob Stuart, emerged as a trailblazer in high-end audio. From its inception as Boothroyd Stuart, the company quickly distinguished itself through relentless innovation, pioneering digital signal processing (DSP) and becoming the first to deliver high-resolution digital active loudspeakers for domestic use, such as the groundbreaking M1 and D600 models.

The brand's product focus centers on premium home audio systems, including DSP loudspeakers with integrated amplification, active speakers, and high-resolution components engineered for superior sound fidelity. While rooted in hi-fi excellence, Meridian has masterfully expanded into bespoke automotive audio, crafting immersive systems for luxury marques like Land Rover, Jaguar, and McLaren, with signature 3D surround setups featuring up to 23 speakers tailored to vehicle acoustics.

Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Meridian commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its British-engineered precision, over 350 industry awards, and museum-worthy designs exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum and MoMA. It remains a benchmark for acoustic innovation, blending heritage craftsmanship with forward-thinking technology across home and automotive realms.

See all Meridian listings on RADAR.

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