Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 861 which version?

I was reading the processor 101 and HD621 WIKI's and it is not clear to me what would be the minimum version entry point in terms of functionality for an 861.

Is there a document somewhere or can someone explain what improvements were made with each version 1-6? Do all versions work with the HD621 or only 4 and 6? I was thinking of getting an Oppo universal player and use the HD621 to connect via HDMI so I could do HD blu-ray audio, SACD, DVD-A stuff.

On Audiogon right now there are version 2, 3, 4s for sale with widely varying asking prices.

If you were going to buy a used 861 which version at minimum and why?

Thanks, Al

Version 4 as it is the last in a line and well regarded. You must make sure it has the input output cards you require, or may require in the future.
That's it.
Earlier versions may not so easily be upgraded as Meridian have moved on and the costs may not be viable when compared to just buying pre owned what you require.

Version 4's that have been traded in with Meridian for version 6 cannot be traded again if an offer is made in future, so are a dead end and should be priced accordingly. Still great equipment though and I wish I had more spare cash to indulge.

Just my observations, good luck, Chris

I don't know about v1 and v2 but v3 essentially added multi channel discreet inputs aka MHR smartlink, v3.5 a free firmware upgrade, changed decode/preset architecture (from how 568 pre v2.5 works to how G series works), v4 added room correction, v5 only existed in show preview model and v6 had revised backplane and support for Sooloos, speakerlink and 8 channel discreet input via MMHR RJ45 link i.e. HD621 to 861v6.

Not sure where upsampling came along (probably from v1), v6 supported apodizing out of the box and v4 offered it as a free firmware upgrade.

861v2 and under I have no direct experience with - I am not sure if they will do DVD-Audio or interface with HD621. If you are looking for DD, DTS and stereo inputs I guess it is an affordable entry point, but older.

861v3 is configured with the "old" configuration app, I used one for a while with an HD621 and it worked OK until I could get it upgraded to v4. It was a little tricky to get to work right but I got it to work. Sounded good, no problems, but tricky to configure (no suprise as it the old config app was released waaaay before the HD621.

861v4 is configured with the current config app, Meridian has released its apodising firmware (6.03) and is the most widely available currently on the used market. I think they sound brilliant and have 2

861v6 is a redesign, no direct HW upgrade from 4 to 6 . If you love listening to music, a v6 is definitely a strong step forward for music playback, plus it has the option for a ID40 card, which directly plays back Sooloos music, with a network interface.

It seems to me there are two sweet-spots in entry-level processors right now, 568.2MM and 861v4. If you are on a budget, the 568.2MM is a fantastic start, works with HD621 and sounds wonderful. If you can stretch further, there are great deals to be had on 861v4 if you are patient.

Right now, in terms of the market, I can't get that excited about G-series processors, although it has to be said I haven't compared a G6xSL to an 861v4 which would be an interesting comparison (as G6xSL new is comparable price to 861v4 s/h).

Also to be remembered is that with an 861v4 if you get the Health Check, you get 5 years guarantee on it - on the whole unit, not just on the PSU. That is not to be sniffed at.

Having bought a G68J for less than the going rate for a 568.2mm, it really does depend on price. Agree that for the right cards some 861v4s do look attractive.

Same goes for speakers, though it's rare to get such a coup as VK did.

Watch the cards carefully, the 861v3 listed on the audiogon is claimed to have a IE16 which seems wrong to me. Perhaps it's a bargain as the owner is confused or perhaps it's a v2 series and no real bargain.

I also believe the used "sweet spot" is the v4.