Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What chance of F80 / M80 replacement?

I'd just like to know if a 'single unit' end point is even on the roadmap.

Edit: and regarding 'composite' designs, the M6 is evidence that M have made progress here.

Given the recent evolutions to Sooloos, making entry relatively affordable, and high quality portable audio devices, what we once thought as essential in an F/M80 replacement has probably changed substantially.

How about a DSP33-sized (or smaller) wireless, portable speaker which may be set to play left, right or both channels.

The controlling device would provide wireless audio to the speaker(s) and offer connectivity for speaker-link (enabling Sooloos and other Meridian sources), portable devices and USB.

As well as acting as a portable music distribution system, the product could be deployed as a desktop computer sound system, a TV sound bar, as wireless surround speakers, etc.

Who knows if it will happen, but an S80 Sooloos endpoint with (at least) a USB input would be great.

Asynchronous, please.

And don't forget the optical which is mandatory for TV use and why it's used every day in my kitchen (tv).

Bluetooth aptx another important feature in todays mobile world.

Also, the F80 design is timeless. Even the screen makes my 800 series cry with joy.

The bass handling could be improved more.

PS. I actually enjoy the DAB but who knows for how long..

But as indicated above, perhaps too expensive to produce (at least in the UK) to make it economically viable. I agree, as a design it's superb - just lose the DVD player and replace it with a wireless endpoint.

How about a McLaren tie up this time using their composite construction skills, Meridian audio DSP and MQA streaming. The GT80.

The F80 was packed with amazing features but I think we have to be realistic about an entry-level or "lifestyle" product. I had many other ideas about what should be on board but tried to get to the absolute essentials.

You are correct, an optical would be essential and could replace the SpeakerLink connection (why was optical omitted from the Director 1?). And I sympathise with Bluetooth (a technology I had forgotten); perhaps that would be a better connectivity option than a physical link so the iPod/whatever connection could be omitted?

Are we looking at two devices? One a master portable speaker capable of stereo and L/R duties with all the control elements built in. And another which omits all the control features and, when partnered with the master device, acts purely as a wireless subordinate speaker for multi-room or discrete stereo deployment.

Anyway this is all idle speculation...

Just when I was about to write Meridian off completely they release the Explorer, Director and the Prime. I figured it would be a no brainier for Meridian to follow up with a successor to the M80 (no optical drive, asynchronous USB DAC and streaming capability) and an updated AC200. But it's been a few years and I'm still waiting.

I love the M80 ... so much in fact that I bought three. Not at retail price of course, I'm not crazy. But for the $1200-1500 I paid for each of mine, I consider the M80 a bargain.

While I applaud Naim for its success with the MU-so, I can't help but wonder what might have been had Meridian offered the M80 at a more realistic price point.

It is the insistence on keeping manufacture in the UK that keeps prices hi I believe.

the explorer DAC has brought the brand to an affordable level, which is great for the company. The IP spent to build the F80/M80 should not be wasted long term, as these devices were very well received by purchasers and need a little tech refresh to stay relevant.

I believe the R&D on MQA and the spinoff has reduced the human and financial capital (hopefully temporarily!) available to the "new products" area.

I love my F80 it does everything very well... well maybe not the (DVD) so much but DAB, CD and optical input works very well.