Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming 818 plus MD600

Most people on the forum seem to agree that the pinnacle of Sooloos play back is the 818 combined with the MD600. As I am thinking of getting into streaming can anyone advise me on the capabilities of the 818 working as a pre amp in a conventional stereo system, i.e. power amp and speakers. From what I can read on the forum most members use Meridian DSP speakers but I would use it to replace an Audio Research LS26 pre amp in my system.

Regards,
Fred

There are some 818 owners here that probably use the device as a preamp. Sad to say I am not an 818 owner, however I would guess that it would do a very fine job indeed.
I would also humbly suggest that you try the 818 analogue out into your Acoustic Research to compare.
I suppose that DSP speakers are off the cards?
/Marcus

Hi Fred

Whilst the 818 is billed as the finest Sooloos end point, I think it will probably have a markedly different character to your Audio Research LS26. If you still enjoy vinyl (and I'm assuming that you probably do with such a preamp in an analogue rig?) or any other analogue sources, be aware that the 818 will digitise every input before converting back to analogue for the outputs. The quality of Meridian's conversion is extremely good, but if you seek the last ounce of performance from your system, there may be some degree of compromise. I haven't heard the 818 (I use an 861v4 and a mid range vinyl set up, which is great), but perhaps VinceHoffman can chime in here, as he's used a high end vinyl rig into a Meridian system, having previously owned tube gear.

I think this is one circumstance where a home demo in your own system is even more crucial that would normally be the case when adding the 818 to an existing DSP loudspeaker system.

Cheers

George

This is good advice. A couple of years ago, before the 861v6, I was considering buying a TT to get back to that analogue sound I really loved. I tried several very-high-end tt rigs and for the most part they all sounded muffled and lifeless. Move they same rig to a proper analogue kit and the sound was jaw dropping realistic and warm and immediate. Listen before committing.

@George & Marcus,

Thanks for the sound advice but a home demo is not on at the moment. What got me thinking was Ricks post in the restaurant about the 818 and the MD600 deal, which ends next week. You are correct assuming that my system is fully analogue and consists of the Audio Research LS 26, VS115, PH5 pre-power-phono amps with Sonus Faber Cremona M speakers with a Meridian G98A for DVD and CD playback. I have listened to most of the Meridian DSP speakers but apart from the DSP7200�s they are not to my taste so I do not intend to change my present speakers. I was rather hoping that some one on the forum had experience of using the 818 as a pre amp and chime in as I cannot find any reviews on the net.

I have spoke to Rick at Audio Images who assures me that the 818 compares favourably with other high end pre amps but as I am enjoying the sound of valves it is a big decision.

Regards,
Fred

I use an MS600 into my Staxes (with valve amp). The MS600 supplies a big pile of neutrality which balances the valves well. The resulting sound is heavenly, perhaps slightly warm (the Stax amp is not top of the range) but not really inaccurate, just friendly and helpful I would say...

I would suggest you try an MS600 first. Then if you want to upgrade it perhaps look at the Audio Research DSPre to replace your Audio Research preamp. (I haven't heard the latter, but it looks fascinating and I dream of auditioning it for an analogue room...)

The Audio Research gear I have heard has been wonderful, but it was all some time ago.

Hi Ludwig,

My first thought was in fact a MS600 but I would still need some form of storage and core therefore the MD600 will be the logical partner, but the offer of a 818 with a free MD600 is very tempting.
What kind of core are you using into the MS600?

Regards,
Fred

MD600 (as in my sig)

Hi Ludwig,

Thanks for your advice, I have just ordered a Meridian 818 and a MD600 from Rick at Audio Images delivery mid September, Rick made me an offer I just could not refuse. As I am a complete novice when it comes to streaming Rick took his time to explain things in a friendly and knowledgeable manner so I am buying from him with confidence.

Of course never having had any experience with streaming my music I am going to be relying a lot on help from the experts on this forum.

Regards,
Fred

I did have a LS26 for my analogue gear, it is a great pre-amp. My memory could be off, but I think the LS26 has a passthrough. You can run the Meridian gear through the LS26 to get to the front speakers, and your analogue and digital never have to meet, which is the way it should be.

I do the same now with a Bat51 pre and G68. Works great.

Fred, congrats on your order. Do report back how it goes when you get the units. Plenty of keen followers here to help you through.

Do read the manual and start ripping your CD's now if you haven't already. Start with your most popular ones and those you like to demo with. This will be helpful to get you started as it is a lot quicker to import CD that are already ripped than to rip and import from CD.