Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming MC200 Purchase?

Hello all,

I have just registered for Meridian Unplugged. I have been using your site for info for a long time; however, an offer came up for a used MC200 1TB for $2,200 CDN (Roughly 1,200 Pounds) with a full warranty from a dealer.

I think it is a steal, but I would like to get some input from you all on a few matters as I'm buying it unseen.

1) Is the current core app on iPad really good?

2) How is it best run (I'm looking to get a pair of DSP5200's in the future, but in the mean time, how good is it being used as SPDIF, fixed RCA, and Variable RCA? Is variable ok?).

3) Is it easy to backup to my computer on a hard drive?

4) Does the TIDAL upgrade work like Rhapsody? In other words, does it allow for albums to become part of the playlist with a separate icon? If so, that would make it a game changer having all that music available as part of you music at CD quality.

Am I getting ahead of myself on that one ? Anyhow, I have heard Meridian stuff before (DSP5200 and Control:15), and I felt it was a system that was great and would take me off the audiophile equipment treadmill.

Regards,
Brian

I am sure you will get several different opinions so this is what I have to offer. The iPad ap works just fine. Of course we would all like to have some changes made to the app as it is getting a bit long in the tooth. Don't forget you will need to use Control:Mac or Control:PC for adding/deleting music and controlling some functions of Sooloos.

Yes Tidal is fully integrated just like Rhapsody. There are several glitches with Tidal that need to be addressed but the SQ is very good. Unfortunately I have found several artists missing that are available on Rhapsody.

In my opinion the MC200 sounds best output thru a 808vX or 818vX endpoint as compared to either its own analog outputs or via digital out to another DAC. (Others will have to comment on direct to Meridian Speakers)

Hi Brian
Yes lates update works perfect. Deleting albums has to be done with Control Mac/PC.
Depends on your system, right that up in your signature - makes it easier for us to advise.
SPDIF: MC200 will upsample and apodise all 44.1 Khz and 48Khz files to 88.2Khz and 96Khz, so the input source needs to support at least up to 96khz. if no use the RCA out.
Yes just use control MAC/PC.
Yes, just use the Tidal voucher that you get from Meridian after registering your MC200. to get 3 month free use you need to use the voucher to register!Recommend installing the Tidal app on your iPad -In Sooloos iPad app - Go to Tidal and you need to check to albums/songs that you like by pressing the icon to the left of the album/song and you will be asked if you want import or...

PerS

Thank you for the responses, most helpful. I have had my passive audio system for about 15 years, so I'm currently starting to upgrade components again. I have finally felt that things are worth upgrading. My system is an old pair of Missions 761's or my Totem Model 1's. My amp is a Classe Audio CA 100, which is bomb proof. I like this amp. As for a preamp, I have a old McCormack micro line drive preamp; it has passive and active drive. It's ok. My CD player is a Tascom and it sounds terrible . I had a NAD, but it broke.

Eventually, I'd like to get a surround sound processor as I'm also looking to get a projector and screen in the future. I know that Meridian is good for this type of thing, but I need to get my 2 channel up to scratch first.

Hi Spuds1111

Only fair to point out forthcoming Sooloos changes, have a read of The Roon blog on this forum.

Cheers

Russ

Jim, I just took a look at your system. Wowww You haven't decided to go the DSP8000 route then?

I must say I have heard some of that equipment, and it is tremendous. Love the Wilson Alexandria's. SME is exceptional too. Dan made great amps at Krell. I heard his last Krell stuff the Evo one and two a while ago, and they were magnificent.

I can only imagine what the new amp and preamp is like from him.

Thanks Russ,

What does this mean to Sooloos? Will we be getting updates to software from them now or will it still come from Meridian? I like the idea of an Android app.

I'd like to get a Control:10 or Control:15 in the future, so I can expand my storage and/or add a zone. Do any of you foresee a newer version of the Control:15?

Hi Spuds1111

There is only a little information on how things are going to pan out, Meridian will continue with the current version of Sooloos software and continue to 'develop' it, we have no development roadmap at this time.

Roon are a new company comprising the original Sooloos developers, they are planning on releasing new software that will provide a different frontend to the Meridian Sooloos one, this is not currently released, note that some but not all Meridian core devices look like they may be able to run the Roon software. Core devices are currently C10, C15, MC200, MC600 & MD600, again we have no definitive statement on this?

Roon suggest their software is run on a relatively high specification Intel NUC or Mac mini.

Software updates have always come from Meridian for Sooloos kit, again if you stay with Meridian Sooloos 2.2 then it should continue, if you go to Roon then we have no statement from Meridian on how software updates would be implemented?

Additional storage is best achieved by adding a NAS in my view.

Russ

Hi Brian,

1) I find the Core Control app great. Not as involving/immersive as C10/C15 but you can find/search for what you want pretty quickly or just 'swim' through your collection with ease... or search for new music using Rhapsody/TIDAL and add it to your collection.

2) I have used the RCA outputs from the MC200 for my STAX headphones and it sounds pretty good. If you are looking at getting some DSP5200 then I recommend a SpeakerLink pair.
These should have the latest EBA software giving better sound quality and using SpeakerLink (Ethernet cable) it's very simple regards to cabling (more convenient).

3) Easily backed-up to a PC or PC with external hard drive (my preferred method) using the Control:PC software.

4) I've not tried TIDAL yet as I'm waiting for MQA to be incorporated... then I'll give it a trial.

Even after listening to my main system, I'm still amazed at how good the MC200+5200 combination is. With the latest Sooloos updates on MC200 + EBA software on my speakers, its never sounded so good. You can always add an MS200/MS600/8X8/ to upgrade the sound quality if desired.

As others have said, there is a lot of uncertainty as to what will become of Sooloos/MDMS, how/if it's going to be developed. This is the gamble.

For me it's more about the quality of the music than the graphical interface (even though Sooloos has had a profound influence on how/what I listen to).

Even if Sooloos wasn't developed in the big step we've all been hoping for, for me it's a single box I leave switched on and lets me enjoy my music like no other system I've had in the past, without much hassle.

Meridian offer me a quality/Convenience that I'm happy to stick with... even happier with some MQA content to listen to.

I hope this helps a little.

Darren

Thanks gents for the responses.

I did purchase it. I haven't hooked it up yet as I'm in the processing of moving. I should have it up and running early next week. I need to save up for those DSP5200's I think. Any views on the DSP3200's? I have seen a heavily discounted pair of those. Also, any views on the DSP6000? They used to be $20,000 and can be picked up cheap. Do they use a coaxial hook-up, so I could use my MC200? Or is it just best to get the DSP5200's?

I'm know where near a Meridian dealer, so I need to ask.

Cheers,

From your new Meridian convert.

Hi Spuds111

DSP5200 are very good and depending on which vintage you get they can be upgraded to SE spec which will give you the best sound from MQA, if and when it is released?

DSP3200's I have these, I really like them but in a main listening room you would need to put them with a sub, even then they might not be enough if the room is on the larger side.

DSP6000's Lots of people here like these, have a chat with Joel (VK) on this forum, he will be able to enlighten you.

Russ

6ks versus legacy 5k2s is no competition, the 6ks are waaaaaaaaay better.

I've never been able to compare them against SEs, but the cost differential weighs heavily in favour of the 6ks at that point, and I wouldn't make the swap until I knew what upgrade path M was actually going to offer to get MQA into them.