Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Impossible Determinations G68 to 861v8

I am looking into upgrading my processor which is currently a G68 to either a 861v8 processor or to a non-Meridian processor. One difficulty has been that I have not been able to find a dealer within a couple of hundred miles that even has a 861 of any type with any speaker other than a Meridian speaker and I have not found any dealer who could provide a demo that would work with analog speakers.

This makes it pretty hard to judge the possible improvement in sound quality with the set up that I currently have (B&W 800D speakers, Classe amps).

If anyone has any opinions from personal experience or any ideas, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

Where are you?

I assume you mostly listen to 2 channel music, but what sort, orchestral, opera, Rock, Mingus jazz or Stars of the lid-type Drone (or all of the above)?

When I upgraded from G68->861v4->861v6 the v4 to v6 AQ upgrade was obviously evident. There might be a HH'er living near you that can give you a demo.

Or you could go to Bristol Meridian Event

Or you could just buy it anyway.

There is no dealer for "a couple of hundred miles" and the kit list includes Classe amps, so I'd say location is USA.

Given the OP would be going from the unbalanced analogue outputs using the DACs in the ADV to (presumably) the state-of-the-art balanced analogue outputs / DACs in the 861v8, I'd be astonished if the difference was not significant, but only the OP will know if it's worth $20k.

Surely an in-home loan is possible (with a hefty deposit)?

I went from a G61R to my 861v4. I use it just like you. I use balanced outputs into my Burmester amp and then to the speakers.

The upgrade is absolute huge. I think that upgrading when you use an analoge setup is alot more important as when using digital.

In stereo I use the G02 as preamp because the G61R just does not sound nearly that good as the G02. But when I upgraded to the 861v4 the G02 was not even close to the 861. I use the 861 in Direct mode when listening to music from the MC200. It is just stunning. I haven't heard a "surround" proccessor that sounds so good in stereo as the 861v4.

I did not have a chance to listen to a v6 or v8 but if you buy a v4 or even a v3 you would make a big upgrade.

As you can see from my sig, I have B&W 802D's with McIntosh amps. I was very pleased with the G68 but when I upgraded to a 861v6 there was a noticeable improvement. I have the v8 upgrade kit in hand but, sadly, have not had the time to do the install so I can't say much about it. If you have the funds and already like the Meridian with your set up I'm sure you will not regret stepping up to the 861. I would have been happy with the G68 if I had not heard the 861 with my set up. Hope that is helpful.

Hello Dave,

I live in Frederick and work in Arlington. I have an 861 setup with analog speakers.

I would be happy to demo, but I think you outclass me in speakes and amp.

Mine is a 861v4 with linear power supply and v6 firmware.

My speakers are Definitive and my amp is a Sunfire Signature Cinema Grand.

John

I had B&W 802D's, powered by TAG McLaren 250*3R's (now for sale !) when I bought my 861v6.
My source is a humble Squeezebox Touch, but I was very impressed & pleased by the processor upgrade.
This then led me to investigate the DSP7200 speakers, which finally led to my purchase of DSP8000.2's - and I don't think I'd ever go back!

Does JS Audio in Bethesda, MD not have a Meridian setup you could demo? I've done some business with them and they are top notch.

If memory serves JS Audio just have 861 driving DSPs. An inquiry might get them to set up an analog demo though. Dave, if you feel inclined to wander north, I'd be happy to let you hear my soon-to-be 861v8 with Analog Genesis speakers (Stamford, CT).

The cost of the 8K's is prohibitive to all but the largest audio dealers. I'm not surprised that most don't have pre-setup DSP speakers.

Though if you are ever up in NYC Stereo Exchange has a bunch of rooms and some very experienced sales staff. Don't just ruck up, though, you need to make an appointment in advance.

Delaware across the state line near you has a bunch of audio dealers, though Terry Menacker at Overture Audio doesn't sell Meridian anymore.