Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems The 818v3 is just that good

Before installing the 818 into the demo system I had always thought that the imaging from the G61 and the G68 with the 8000SE's seemed to lack focus when in direct or stereo mode.

The 818 has clearly fixed that impression. The imaging is so precise that it stuns me that the center channel is powered off as you could swear it was the only speaker on which with an 818 it clearly isn't used.

People who have sat and listened keep asking if the center is on or even better why aren't the 8k's on. I just have not heard this much focus from any system ever. The bass just pounds right out from between the 8k's. I surely wish I had more time to spend revisiting some old familiar music but gotta work. Going to not watch much TV for quite a while.

I know exactly what you mean.

The 8000SE with the 818v3 is just mind blowing. Music is so real. Amazing just how the 8000SE's make you feel when listening to them.

Very little to no 'work' has really happened today, we are all re-listening to our music collections again!

Cheers,
Ian.

Well I would hope so! One would hope that a company's flagship products are the best expression of the brand. Here's to seeing some of the greatness eventually reaching the rest of the product offering.

Of course I'm amazed by the combination of 8K SE (upgraded) + 818v3 (upgraded) (driven by Roon). The newer tweeter technology, the enhanced MQA electronics, etc. driven by Roon make it incredibly easy and enjoyable to stream music from my server.

The musicality of the MQA 2L albums I've purchased (and I've already purchased 4 or 5) coming out of my speakers is incredibly pleasing and non-fatiguing. It's very high quality but not clinical and sharp, which i've encountered before with non-Meridian streamers and players. Highlights : the Mozart Violin concertos by Marianne Thorsen & Trondheim Soloists, the Britten "simple" symphonies on Trondheimsolistene, The vivaldi "Bellezza Crudel". Onto Jazz & folk & rock!

I had a non-techie friend over who plays the Cello as an amateur, familiar with the "in person" sounds, and was very impressed with the Mozart concerto.

I would echo the praise for the 818v3. Upgraded from v2. MQA is terrific, but of course limited at present to 2L although excited to see streaming hopefully make a go of it.

I've got my 818v3 in an analog system (have 8000SE's in the theater system). My observation is that the DACs on non-MQA material (everything else!) vs. the v2 seem to throw a bigger soundstage, and reproduce with a greater ease. Non-fatiguing is a great description that was used before.

I'd say even without MQA capabilities, this is a very worthwhile upgrade.