Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Anyone using a K-scape player with HD621 for HD?

There is some confusion on the part of my dealer whether a Kaleidescape Bluray and/or DVD server will work with a HD621/861v6 for the latest 96/24 HD audio formats.

(I currently use an Oppo, which works well.)

Anyone on this forum know if that combo works?

Thanks

Hi,

If the Kaleidescape decodes to multi-channel PCM over HDMI it will work. If not you'll be stuck with old school lossy DD/DTS multi-channel.

Regards,
Carl

Hi,

I have a Kaleidescape system and it is great overall, especially for someone with a large DVD collection. Unfortunately, for Blu-ray, it does not decode the full capabilities of the lossless audio codecs. It does decode to PCM and to me it does sound very good, but I know it is "incomplete". I use my Oppo for lossless soundtracks where I want to get the absolute most out of it. For other, less intense soundtracks, the Kaleidescape system is fine, IMHO.

From Kaleidescape:

"Select PLAYER DECODE (default) to hear Blu-ray secondary audio, or when coaxial, optical or analog audio outputs are used. PLAYER DECODE sends 48 kHz PCM output over HDMI, up to 5.1 channels depending on the content.

Select BITSTREAM PASS-THROUGH to send Blu-ray soundtracks over HDMI at the highest bandwidth possible (up to 192 kHz or 7.1 channels) at the expense of other features.

The lossless audio formats available on Blu-ray Discs, such as Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio and 7.1-channel PCM, exceed the capabilities of coaxial, optical and analog audio outputs. These formats are output without alteration only over HDMI, and only when using the BITSTREAM PASS-THROUGH mode."

I hope this helps. There is a round about way of getting full-scale lossless audio from the Kaleidescape but it involves using an additional processor to decode the bitstream audio and then pass it on to the Meridian HD621/861.

Wayne

Wayne, thanks!

Can you elaborate on the "work around" adding a processor into the loop ... either as a post or as a PM

Given the physical configuration of my home, plus the need to have Bluray disks available on the K system, it's not really practical for me to have a separate player for the HD621/861 when I want high rez audio.

Hi,

Here is a link to the Kaleidescape Owner's forum where this was discussed. Thanks to JerryL, a Meridian owner and, I think, a member of this forum as well, for his ingenuity and willingness to share.

High Res Audio from Kaleidescape to Meridian

Regards,

Wayne