Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming MS600 system, upgrade-strategy

Hello @all,

After your kind help in my screen-issues with the C15 (it was finally exchanged and works now very well) I have to come back with some questions about upgrade-strategy...

At the moment I�m still using my C15 with an MS600 in an analog system:

C15 --> LAN --> MS600 --> unbalanced out --> Octave PA --> ML-Speaker

I want to upgrade my system with a new amp/preamp.
I focused on AVM and will listen to the "ovation" line.

Next step would be to update the "DAC"-position!

1) MS600 --> SPDIF-out --> 3rd party DAC! ...
2) C15 --> LAN ---> 818v2/ID41

As I want a new preamp "2)" would fit. On the other hand: I like the open system of AVM and its (expected) sound quality.

I am not sure how well an MS600 can be combined with a good 3rd party DAC via SPDIF to achieve a better result than using the 818v2.

Here my questions:

a) I read a lot about modifying the output sample rate. But I have to confirm my findings and wand to ask the "pro's" on this forum again: "force output x1" on the C15/MS600 leads to what result? 44.1kHz via digital out? With or without apodizing? Is the signal modified by Meridian or can I get the unmodified information? (My material is nearly 99.9% CD-quality ripped with dBpoweramp, at the moment nearly no high-res-material.)

b) Limitation to 24/96kHz on the digital out is given by Sooloos/SPDIF-out (even for higher-resolutions?

c) Has anyone experiences in the comparisons mentioned under 1) or 2)? I would be very interested in some input...

Thank you for your kind help.
MLsound

I genuinely don't think you'll find a better DAC than the one in the 818v2, it's simply sublime.

The DAC in the MS600 is pretty darn good. I did a direct comparison with the Naim DAC a while back, and each had their merits. The Naim had more 'PRaT' and better out and out dynamics, the MS600 was smoother and less 'congested' in busy passages. The beauty of the 818(v2) is you don't have to choose between which characteristics you prefer, it's got it all, and more. It's the only bit of Hi-Fi I've ever heard I genuinely can't fault in any way (apart from price!). If you can afford it, get that and don't mess around with the other options.

I think there's a third option you've missed - ditch the analogue stuff and get some nice DSPs!

Thank you for the "praise" of the 818v2.
Maybe I finally have to hear it myself and get a realistic impression.
But good to hear that this device shall be that powerful.

Ludwig will back me up on this, but an 861v4 with linear power supply upgrade (�500), ID40, and OA03 unbalanced analogue output card, sounds quite superb (better than the MS600 for analogue) ... and can be had for less than half the price of the (admittedly great) 818v2.

If you bought another DAC, would you still want to make use of the apodizing up-sampling filter in the MS600 or go with whatever up-sampling option the 3rd party DAC provided?

I wonder if there is a way to configure the MS600 to output "native" rate audio without up- or down-sampling? Probably not.

Hi Joel,

Unlike the 800 Series, 500 Series and G Series, I believe that the MS600 can be set up to output "native" rate audio... using either the 1x or 'direct' options will NOT result in any Upsampling or Apodizing taking place within the MS600

This was confirmed by Rick (in conjunction with Meridian) a few years back

I believe that the MS600 has 3 distinct options... something like 1x; 2x and 'direct' (or a similar description)

And Rick said that choosing the 'right' option resulted in zero internal processing within the MS600... which is obviously different to what happens within the other Meridian units... where Upsampling, Resolution Enhancement and Apodizing happen by default... and the User can only control what happens at the digital outputs

I didn't know that. The next question (assuming the 3rd party DAC route) is how an MS200 would compare to the MS600 if both were outputting unmodified "native rate" digital. i.e. Downsize from MS600 to MS200 and use the funds for the DAC.

Edit: Page 5 of the MS200 user guide also mentions the "Direct" setting.

That may depend on how the MS200 is powered.

Hmm, I didn�t see the option "native" in the config-program of my MS600.
x1 and x2 are options I know... I need to have a deeper look...

But as you mentioned above: if I leave the "M-world" I would like to try a native/unmodified signal and leave the job to the 3rd party DAC.

My problem is that the whole dealing with the "problem"/decision is at the moment too theoretical for me. In the end the "ears" have to decide.
It�s not so easy to find a place/dealer to compare the options.

Search goes on...

What is 'PRaT' ?

Pace, Rhythm and Timing

A phrase beloved of Martin Collums et al in Audiofile magazine and its progeny...

rings a bell, thanks

... and Naim owners, of course