Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 5200SE + 818v2 + 568

I�m thinking of upgrading my system to 2x DSP5200SE and a 818v2. Is it possible to run the 818v2 with SpeakerLink to the main speakers and analog output to my two active analog subs for two-channel audio and the 568 for Blu-Ray/TV 5.2 setup?

The subs have two inputs so that shouldn't be a problem.

I think the 818 has live analogue outputs when SpeakerLink is being used, so yes if I've understood correctly (double check though).

I don't think that the analog outputs from the 818 will be a problem. What might be a problem is who will be the controller? In two-channel mode the 818 will be the processor and in 5.2 the 568 will be the processor, right? Can the 568 be controller in two-channel mode?

Maybe just run the 818 into the D2 of the DSP and create a phantom for that.

Hi,

IMHO you'd do better retiring the 568 and getting an 861v6 with updated LPSU, or a 861v8. This would yield a more elegant system with the added benefit of bass management and room correction.

If you're intent on keeping the 568 in the loop, why not consider a MS600 to boost AQ?

Regards,
Carl

Interesting replies. Are your priorities music (stereo) or movies?

If movies, I'd back Carl's suggestion of an 861v6. You can upgrade it to v8 later as funds allow, but a v6 is already amazing.

If music, I'd back the suggestion to try to run the 818v2 into a phantom input. The 818 is simply a sublime thing, the most musical digital source I've ever heard.

Finally, for a simple life go for the v6. Fewer boxes.

Do the analogue outputs need to be fixed or variable? (I didn't quite follow the proposed setup)

I had an 818v2 and 568.2mm running alongside each other for a while - although I didn't have subs/surrounds, just a centre channel, I'd echo some of the replies here about considering whether your priorities are music or movies, and considering an 861, depending on that.

What I'd add to the mix is that I found, although the 568 is a great unit, the 818 was so superior that it sounded better playing any source, including movies and TV, etc, through that than it did letting the 568 decode it and using a centre channel.

I can't say whether that would change when you add in subs/surrounds, but as Ludwig says, the 818 is a thing to behold, and once you've heard it you may find nothing else sitting alongside it can compare, and you may also find you don't feel the need for a different setup for movies.

Perhaps a dealer dem might help? I believe Rick had all these options in, last time I spoke with him.

My absolute priority is music so the phantom solution would suit me the best. How is it made?

- SpeakerLink from 818 to master speaker (left)
- SpeakerLink from master speaker to slave (right)
- DIN comms between 818 and 568
- 568 to master speaker digital input (D2) + DIN comms
- DIN comms from master to center speaker?

The analog outputs must be variable (active analogue subs).

The DIN Comms is not required as Comms is routed via the SpeakerLink connection.

I believe that the SpeakerLink outputs are still active even with variable analogue selected. However, as this would be a major issue if not the case it's important to get 100% confirmation they are still active.

I assume you will use the crossover in the subs, but without a processor they will not be time aligned. How much of a problem if any I not sure.

Regards,
Carl

Well, maybe a G65 will be an almost as good option?

If your priorities are music, I think you'll be much more satisfied with an 818 driving 5200SEs and using that for movies too, than a G65 driving a mix of the SEs with older subs/surrounds.

If your long-term goal is to have 800 series quality for music and movies, I think the advice to get a second hand 861v6 and then upgrade it as funds allow is the best option - that way you should equal quality for music as the 818 once you do the v8 upgrade and not compromise anywhere.

Maybe consider a dealer dem?