Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Wanting it all (digital)

The updated data sheet (link below) indicates that the DSP8000 now includes SpeakerLink and has a "new filter and buffering design". How does one know if this is the same implimentation as in the 808 or not? I believe the DSP speakers have the same Delta Sigma DACs as the 808. It seems logical that Meridian would just airlift this apodising filter/upsampling to their speakers.

New DSP8000 Data Sheet

I would regret any misunderstanding but I was careful to ask a question rather than make a statement.

I am trying to make sense of Meridian's "development" of Sooloos.

The updated data sheet (link below) indicates that the DSP8000 now includes SpeakerLink and has a "new filter and buffering design". How does one know if this is the same implimentation as in the 808 or not? I believe the DSP speakers have the same Delta Sigma DACs as the 808. It seems logical that Meridian would just airlift this apodising filter/upsampling to their speakers.

New DSP8000 Data Sheet

[/quote]

Meridian has repeatedly stated that the best implementaion of upsampling with apodising is in the 808.2 / .3. They have also stated that the upsampling / apodising should be carried out as early in the chain as possible. Their suggestion is therefore always to use an 808, including with their Sooloos system, if you want the best possible sound.

I suppose we will all do our own cost / benefit analysis.

It has been stated here that the apodizing filtering in the 808.3 is improved from the 808.2, and that both are different (and superior) implementations than in the current DSP speakers. Has Meridian actually stated any of this? If so, where?

If the above is true, and one has an 808.3 and the newest DSP8000 speakers, does the data get filtered 1st in the 808.3 (best filtering), and re-filtered when it hits the DSP8000s (lower quality filtering)? If so, does the DSP8000 filtering "undo" some of the benefits of the 808.3 filtering? If the filtering has been done in the 808.3, does it somehow bypass the DSP8000 filtering?

Suppose one ONLY wants to use a Sooloos and not play CDs (because playing from a hard drive is superior to a CD--Meridian says so!), and use no other audio sources. Therefore the ONLY benefit from an 808.3 is the "better" implementation of the apodizing filters. Given what must be a "good" result from the apodizing filters in the DSP speakers (Meridian does tout it, after all), why add, and pay for, the 808.3? If (and I'm still not sure I believe this to be true) the 808.3 filtering is truly superior, why not implement it in the Sooloos between the CD mechanism and the hard drive and call it Audiophile Sooloos (or Sooloos Reference), and charge more for it?

Re. analogue--has anyone fed a phono stage into a MPMax221 A/D converter, to allow the use of the DSP speakers? What are the connections, and how is the sound quality?

Thanks!

Apodizing occurs during the initial upsampling in the 808 and output at 24/96 to the speakers. The signal is not further upsampled in the DSP8000s so there is no further apodizing.

I think some dealers have this information, my local one tells me they have been kept well informed by M, but can't publicly release the information till next week.

Personally I do wish M would beta test their press releases first and then have the final & complete versions available to all very soon after a product launch. Better for M, Better for the dealers & better for us.


The apodizing filters are applied when upsampling (say 44K --> 88K)
Thus, if the 808.3 is upsampling the 8Ks don't. The Yellow light on the DSPs display indicates if they are upsampling & apodizing or not. Off = Apodizing & On = Not Apodizing.


I believe this will come in time, I think it's still early days for Meridian & Sooloos kit, but I'm sure they will add their "Special Sauce" given time.


Connections see data sheet and photos are listed on Duncan's Site - MPMax221

I can't comment on quality, but I don't think you can connect a phono stage (from a turntable) directly to it, you would still need a phono pre-amp.

Regards,
Carl

One suggestion would be to: (i) buy a Mac Mini ($700), (ii) upgrade the hard drive to an SSD ($300), (iii) buy Amarra software front end to iTunes ($295). Buy an iTouch ($200) if you do not have already. For under $1,500 you can play back 16/44, 24/96, 24/192 from the comfort of your listening seat looking at cover art with the iTouch (running the Mac Mini headless without a monitor). The sound quality is absolutely stellar with the SSD and Amarra. Many people with seriously high end systems are going this route over all alternatives as the best sounding (cost no object) way to play back digital media. Check out computeraudiophile website if interested.

I'm not convinced that this is possible. All computers go tits up, need rebooting and need updates / maintenance. Running with the monitor off, OK. Running without a monitor, not practicable.

I know I couldn't run my Mini without a monitor (mine being a TV)

Steve.

I agree with you on the inevitable system freeze, etc. I keep my Mac Mini in the equipment rack with other components but have a monitor/keyboard/mouse connected in an adjacent storage room if I need it. 95% of the time though, everything works fine using the iTouch alone. I also have an Apple TV connected to my video projector, but I use that for movies only (OK....an occasional YouTube video too).