Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 861v2 or v1 - Upsampling Redbook to 88KHz and 48KHz to 96KHz

I'm buying an early unit 861 with v2.81 firmware. My use is strictly limited to 3 DSPs in Trifield fashion.
Also 99.9% of my music is either 44KHz Redbook/FLACs or 48KHz stream.

I have read a lot about the 861 but all I find mostly are info for v3/v4 and above.

Could you please teach me what are the limitation I would have in a strictly DSP environnement with 3 speakers?

Things I would like:
- Upsampling for the 3 speakers OE12 digital output
- Accepting 96KHz stream on digital input IE16

Info I want:
I suspect it's a v1 unit because the analog outputs are two OA00U
and analogue input is IA00

Thanks

My cards are:
IE16 (digital in)
OA00U (analog out 22bit 48Khz)
OA00U
OE12 (digital out)
COO (COMM)

I got my responses by looking at the 861 2.5 firmware release notes.

(and possibly from my 596P)

(looks like my DSP3100 will have that feature)

(So my wish about upsampling may be fulfilled!)

The seller told me that he couldn't distinguish his v2 from his v6 when using his DSP8K.

I can't wait!

I own and love my 861v2. I use an Explorer v1 to handle USB audio from my computer and convert it to digital optical to feed the 861. It sounds wonderful.

Regardless of what any seller might say, it is worth understanding the general feedback when users moved initially from v2 to v4 and then v6 (even v8 beyond that). They are all great units but each major up version seemed to deliver better SQ... even through DSP's. I'd even suggest 8k's make the differences easier to hear (IMHO).

+1 on the 8k's, I also noticed the difference on v6 to v8.

Russ

Going from v4 to v8 was very clear to me, even without 8ks.

I shouldn't have added the last bit as I'm sure there is sound quality upgrades from all the incremental version upgrades. I never questioned those upgrades.

For my case I'm happy with my 561 and DSP3k1 that is to say that I have modest expectations and I'm already happy with the old processor.

Having the 861v2 is for me an upgrade that is also a backup for a Trifield ready option in case one of the processor goes wrong.

I need Trifield.

Also I'm beginning to worry a little about the claim about the seller... Did you follow the 861v2 that was on sale on eBay last week? The seller looks very trustworthy and I see no signs of the contrary.

The 861v2 is a great old processor. Hopefully you will really enjoy it when it arrives and you hook it up to your 3100's (I own 5!)

I think the objection was that the seller claimed the v2 sounded as good as the v6 through the 8000's. While the 8K's are great, I am not sure they are that great! :-) Too bad the seller never hooked up 818 to his or her 8000's!

The used Meridian market in the United States has taken a big hit, especially in the G68 marketplace. One recently sold for just above 1K USD on eBay, which is about half price from several years ago. I have a hard time not buying super cheap used Meridian gear. sadly I only own 1 home right now and it is full of M. equipment already!

There is a massive upgrade from a 561 to a 568, and again a 568.2 added something pretty impressive too.
The 861v2 has the same sonic signature to the 568.2, compared with say the G68, but sounds more grown up, it just does everything that little bit better.

Looking at the prices of 861v2 and v4s they seem to be absolute bargains in the Meridian world at the moment.

Yeah the v6 and v8 add another level, but there is a huge jump in price to get it.

Agreed. 861v4 with ID40 (in mint condition is a good cul de sac to be in) and is excellent value for both multi and 2 channel rooms.

With the M trend to 2 channel advances I am happy to stick and await developments.

Hector

I too will use my Explorer v1 first model to output USB audio into the 861. The recent trend of fan less minipc is godsend to create ersatz streaming zone with the good PC software. A real treat on the cheap.

There is a digital tape out on the IE16 that will feed the Director for a headphone probably the stay kit while another zone will be dedicated for a tube amp and Sony z7...

I hope I could find OE12 cards someday when I get. Bigger flat.

Its good to hear I will get a good upgrade from the 561. Really I love that modest processor so so much.

With MQA arriving I will begin to save for a full new kit with bigger DSP and a new processor with MQA, but seeing how expensive it might get, by the time I arrive there I would have moved to a house!