Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Opinions / Reviews 598

Hi,

Is it just me or has there been a lack or reviews/ comments (even on this forum) on the 598. I'm looking at it vs the 800 (into an 861) but the information seems limited. Anyone care to comment ? It looks to me that the 598 represents real value.

Chris

yes i think there has been a lack of reviews on the 598, it is still very new, and also the 568.2mm, which i have both.

i am very happy with both boxes. i have a 2ch setup so cant comment on dd/dts etc but the sound quality of CD replay is fantastic and the dvdv picture is the best i'v seen.
if your intrested i could give a fuller review when time permitts at the weekend.

skooby

Yep very interested - currently have a Pioneer 646 DVDa - considering the upgrade to 598 (likely) or 800 (hmm sell the car maybe)

Chris

For what its wearth here my review of the 598:

some back ground first, my previous system was an all linn active

karik3/numeric karn 3xlk140 active av5140, so as you can see im mainly into 2channel playback and therefor cant realy comment on surround sound performace.

AS a cdp i compared it with audionet artv2 naim cds11 linn ikeime 588.


The 598 was the most deatailed of the players with the possable exception of the 588 which might just

have the edge on detail, but the 588 was not quite as good as the naim with pace and rythm but the 598 was defenatly faster than the 588

mayby slighthly more laid back compared to the naims forward presentation which i felt was

more tiring to listen to. the 588 lack some control into low bass which the 598 corrected, the naims bassdid not go as low as the Meridian and felt a little dry.

the combination of detail speed and low bass realy main the 598 stand out as cdp against the others giving the most relistic playback of all different types of music i like prog rock and classical choaral

the dvda ability is one which may come into its own latter at the moment lack of titles reduces the advantage.

AS a dvdv player i use the component out which give me the best DVD picture i'v seen(have not demoed the 800)

great detail and great blacks very natral colouring not false colouring.

i am very happy with my 598 as a dvdp and a cdp.

rest of system:
568.2mm
dyavector amp hx 1.2
shahanian obelsks


hope this helps skooby

I have had my 598 for a couple of months; I have a pair of DSP8000`s, IMerge Music Server for CD playback and a Loewe TV. I bought the unit primarily for DVD-A`s. I bought the digital out model with progressive. I feel that I get exactly the same sound and about the same picture as an 800.

What I give up is expansion. I am planning on getting an 880 in a few months and will use that for expansion cards. I am interested in getting a digital input card so that I can listen to DirectTV music channels and digital audio directly from my PC.

I first installed the 598 above a warm power supply. The unit would turn off occasionally, the 598 has operated flawlessly since removing the power supply and placing the unit on top of my Imerge Music Server.

I like the expansion options of the 800 and it is nice that such a wonderful unit is available; I was not able to justify the added expense at this time. I suspect that someday I will upgrade to the 800, maybe when they have blue HD DVD disks.

Thanks for the info guys. Think I will probably pop for the 598 but there is this nagging feeling that 800 is the way to go although it will take some justification.

Chris

don't you just love those �10k nags !!!

Hey
I haven`t recived my 598 DP yett
The stor had ordered the 598DC (just comp)
I`m reciving the DP version on Monday
So I will post my impressions then
But when U guys post could you please stat
what kind og 598 it is! DP, DC...or
I still haven`t tested out my new 568.2mm
Thanks

Pers