Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Does AC200 really improve the SQ on MS200?

Hi all.

I believe I have seen number of positive comments on this setup.

Currently looking for ways to "improve" my system bit by bit, with limited funds available, and this MS200 and AC200 combo came into my consideration.

I wonder what is the logic behind this improvement. I always thought minimizing the circuitry in the path of music signal yields best "unbiased" results, and this is one of the reason why I settled with M's direct digital setup.

Does AC200 power MS200 (when connected through speakerlink?) in that case, there could be some improvement through more tailored power supply, but I am already using custom made (highly regarded in where I live) PSU for MS200, which means I can't expect any improvement.

Can somebody share their insights, thoughts and experience?

Thank You.

Why not just get a used MS600?

Russ

The AC200 reduces jitter away from the "noisy" environment of the MS200.

Asa

Do you mean an MC200 or is the MS200 noisy?

Russ

The AC200 gives you the ability to 'change' the sound

It gives you a 'width' adjustment to alter the soundstage, if it is hard to move your speakers around, you may find that this adjustment improves your enjoyment, and it can be tweaked as desired - however this would be something you have to try to see if it is worth it.

As a bonus:

It can be controlled by an MSR+,
It gives (recent firmware) the ability to have custom labels for sources on it's own display (your speakers being non-speakerlink will not benefit)
It will give you a collection of Analog, Digital (co-ax, optical and USB) inputs, a hard-wired volume control knob and a headphone output.

AC200 can power MS200 over speakerlink (can also power the iPod dock)

IMHO, yes the AC200 does improve SQ of MS200 to 5200SL.
However as Russ suggests MS600 to AC200 to 5200SL is even better.

This was my experience but MS600 is out on family loan due to legacy comms requirement. Maybe this is the best way forward for you.

I was advised by M that the stated improvement was to be expected, not huge but worthwhile. Or maybe I am being foo...

Hector

I also have been wrestling for some time with whether to introduce an AC200 into my stereo system. I suppose the question is whether any improvement is worth the additional cost, assuming there is no other reason to introduce a preamp (additional inputs etc).

I bought an AC200 for its (limited) extra inputs. IMHO to make it a killer product it needs an asynchronous USB input (and MQA depending upon the as-yet-unclear MQA decode path). I have a Teddy Pardo PSU that powers the AC200 which in turn powers the MS200 via SL connection.

Of course a pair of 5200SL speakers will also power your MS200 via SL, but in my case my 6ks can't power the rest of the set up.

You know what? It does sound good...

Convenience with a small increase in SQ, from where I sit at the dining table is enough to justify AC200 inclusion.

Hector

My mistake: you are right. I was thinking that the MS200 improves the sound quality of the MC200. The AC200 would also improve the sound of the MC200.

Asa

No problem and yes I agree with you.

Russ