Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 568 / 596 UPGRADES

Does anyone have any details of the UK cost of the upgrade to 568.2 / 598 yet?

OK...let the debates begin.

I understand from my dealer that M in the UK have not actually released confirmed prices but are talking about the following approximate prices:-

596 to 598mm (i.e. MHR but not prog scan) = �1200. Prog scan will be more.

568 to 568.2mm (i.e. MHR) = �1200

Therefore, to take my existing 500 series kit to DVD-A MHR capability will be in the order of �2500.....just to get the hi-rez tracks.

My initial thoughts on this:-

1) If I felt like spending that kind of cash, I may as well sell the 596 for half it's value, and buy a 598 new for the same as the upgrade cost. Either way it's going to be about �1200.

2) Can't see the same applying to the 568 based on its higher base price (i.e. 2nd hand 568 sale value plus �1200 probably doesn't equal a new 568.2). So, the only option is upgrades at �1200.

3) Dissappointed that the upgrades are priced as such since the 596 and 598 are so similar in rrp. My "598" will have cost me �3600 via the upgrade path. Similarly, my 568.2 would have cost �5200....OUCH !!!!

4) I was also optimistically hoping that M would help us (existing customers) with lower upgrade prices to help them with the DVD-A format war. Encouraging me to get more out of DVD-A thereby support that format with more purchases.
Can't really see that happening now. I may as well by the DVD-V equivilants of many of my discs since I'll get the pictures with the DD/DTS tracks.

Anyone else feeling like this or is it just me ?????

[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 01-15-2003).]

[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 01-15-2003).]

I was going to purchase a 598 and upgrade my 568. Given that the upgrade does not support SACD (even via a separate CD player with an analog in) I won't be purchasing the upgrade.

In fact, if SACD/DVD-A really take off (still doubtful), I might sell my Meridian gear (568, 6000, 5000, 5000c) and go with something more flexible. The only other option is to bite the bullet and sell the 568 and buy a 800.

The question is - can I stay married (with all vital appendages intact) under either option?

Just got the following info from Dave Hall

The 568 may be upgraded to either a 568.2 or 568.2 MM. Three upgrades are available.

568 to 568.2MM �1140

568 to 568.2 �700

568.2 TO 568.2MM �440

596

596 to 598DP �1675

596 to 598DC �1200

596 to 598DS �1200

596 to 598AP �1825

596 to 598AC �1350

596 to 598AS �1350

A 596 progressive video output upgrade is also available as a kit for �475. Prices shown are UK recommended retail including VAT.

Just by way of footnote to this thread I just noticed the real financial difference to me here in Ireland.My dealer quoted me these same sterling prices plus Irish Vat (at 21%) plus a minimum of 130 euros freight!!!!ie. minimum cost of 2030 euros for 598 DC !!!
This seems to work out at almost half the cost of a new machine !This really shows the problem of lack of communication between Meridian and their customers.Outlays of this kind need to be made known to (some of) us in advance.
I may not now be able to get the upgrade simply because I wasn't given some kind of ballpark estimate earlier on .

As has been said before,not their finest hour,
Regards,
Manus

I would not spend mony on this upgrade.

1. DVD-A and SACD is not realy out yet, and I can�t use SACD.

2. The digital link is not a standart, The digital standart for DVD-A is firewire and Meridian has sayd that they will support it. If this is true there will com another upgrade in a year.

jan

The digital interface for DVD-A is most likely not going to be firewire. There is a spec that includes it, but no one is supporting it outside of Pioneer.