Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 15K Budget... what to buy ???

Hi guys,

A few years ago back I asked for advice on here regarding a new Meridian system, but without going into the details, it simply didn't materialise at the time. I now find myself in a position where I have about 15K available to buy some Meridian equipment and although I'm in no hurry, and can wait on good second hand gear coming up, I ideally would like to sort something over the next few months as I expect my new room to be finished mid summer.

I have always aspired to own DSP8000's ever from the day I listened to them at Bristol many years ago, but still think they are out of my reach.

Anyhow bottom line is, I'm starting from scratch, and if you were in the exact same position and had 15K to spend on second hand Meridian gear whats the best system you think you could buy for your money?

Could anyone who has followed second hand prices for some time give me an idea what you 'might' pay for the following second hand just to give me an idea ?

DSP8000's
DSP7200's
DSP5200SE's
Surround controller ???

My room would be 5m x 4m and I would be sitting as far a way as possible. Movies would be 80% of my use and music the other 20%.

I am disappointed Meridian don't seem to be attending the Bristol show this year which I plan to attend for the first time in quite a few years.

Also curious about the new SE upgraded speakers. Are they much better than the previous SpeakerLink version? As an example, what would you buy... a 7200 or a 5200SE?

Thanks for any help in advance.

Ricky !

For two channel, on that budget, I'd go straight for 8000.1s, a used 818v2, and a lifetime Roon subscription. Just about doable.

And then start saving for the 818v3 and SE upgrades...

For multichannel, you're going to have to spread the money around. But FWIW, my 6ks, 5k5hc, 33s, 861v4 with ID40 and linear PSU, and HD621 cost under £10k

Tough to beat VK's setup for that kind of money. What video source will you be using? Is it included in your budget or do you already have it?

Ken

Just considering the audio side of things at the moment rather than the video side. The video side is not in the 15K budget !!!

£15k left for speakers / surround controllers. I'm not saying I cant go a little further than the 15K, just wanted to see what you guys thought it would buy me in todays second hand market.

Happy to buy the best I can and wait for other parts of the system as money permits at a later date rather than just spreading the 15K across everything but would like multi channel eventually. I'd be buying once with the intention of keeping for quite some time !!!

Going to have to do a little research also as I have no idea of the differences in equipment like 818's and 861's. Also so many versions... all very complicated for a beginner !!!

The Meridian world can be complicated, even sometimes arcane. Go to Duncan's Meridian Info at the top of the page for a great resource.

Ken

G68ADV or 861v4 (preferable) for surround.
8K v1 (Front)
D5Ks (24bit) (Rear)
D5KC (24bit) (Centre)

It will be a Meridian Legacy System but as a surround system ... the dog's knackers and you've got the 8Ks you've aspired to.

You could add an ID40 card later if you go for the 861v4

My 2 cents.

TD4

I think I'd like to go SpeakerLink if possible, and multi channel is a must. Anyone like to comment on the following set up, and how likely am I to get it near to my budget, or am not being realistic ? I would really love a set of 8K's but realistically know I can't afford them. But out of curiosity, can I ask what you think the run of the mill price would be for a set of 8000.1 ? Would they really be a massive step up from the likes of the 5200SE I have in the below example ?

I know the example is relying on me finding lots of ex demo gear which could be difficult too !!!!!

Ex demo 5200SE for fronts
Ex demo 5200SL for centre
Ex demo M6 for surround
New G65
New HD621
Ex demo DSW Sub

Sounds like a great system for around 15k. Here in the US you can get 8k.1 for what you would pay for relatively new 5200SE's. This would give you a good upgrade path if you found that your taste for music with such a good system increased well above your stated 20% level.
Gary