Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems G91 Break-in issues???

Just received my silver G91 and G57. I'm using B&W Nautilus 804's that are well broken in and square Supra Ply 3.4/S OFC bi-wired speaker cable bought in Sweden.

There is a nasty upper mid range peak when playing CDs or DVD-As - more prevalent on CDs, which is grating to listen to especially at volumes of 70 or more and emphasises sibilence in vocals. My older CD player plugged in via the TAPE analog-in on the G91 and played through the same G57 and speaker cable does not have this problem, so I suspect the G91 CD/DVD output.

Is this a characteristic break-in problem, if so how long does it take to go away? Or is it likely to be another problem.

Appreciate any input.

thanks
Sanjay

The brighter upper ranges of the G91/G68 have been commented on by several posters to this board.

I only find it annoying on a few CDs, my DVD audio discs are fine. I wasn't able to audition the G68 on my own setup and it didn't seem as bright during the dealer's demo. It may be a characteristic of the upsampling alogrithms, but I'm guessing.

I personally don't believe audio equipment will 'break-in' to make a signifcant difference to this attribute of the sound quality. (I realise this is not a view held by all contributers to this board!) My G68 still sounds as bright as the day I received it some 4 months ago and trust me it has quite a few hours on the clock.

I suggest you play with the DSP presets until you find a sound you like (or sell of it course).

Happy tweaking

Cliff

Hi Cliff

Are you using DSP speakers or analogue? Just wondered if this bright/hard sound attribute is due to the G91/G68ADV DACs, or if it's to do with the actual processing, in which case a G68D may suffer the same problem?

Thanks

George

Thanks for responding.

I am not using a G68, currently I am using the G91 as a 2 channel CD player into the G57, though I plan to get a G68 eventually for surround. With the G91 in analog preamp mode I don't appear to have access to any DSP settings at all. ("DSP Disabled" message appears when pressing the DSP button on the MSR)

The top end treble is not harsh at all, very sweet and open in fact. Its just the uppper mid causing a "shouty" effect. I left the player on disc repeat all night last night (with the amp in standby!) and have half convinced myself that things have improved.

Anyone else have similar issues?

Sanjay

Hi George

I'm using an analogue system (see my profile) so the brightish sound of the g68 could be a chracteristic of the DACs. DVD audio, however, is superb so it's difficult to blame it all on the DACs.

When I say bright I include the upper mid which as you say gives increased sibilence on some vocals. Nothing too unpleasant in my case just markedly different from the 500 series I'm use to.

Cliff

SanJay,
I've had the G68 in my setup. Before that I had an Arcam system which are a little bit more emphasized in the vocals (problably voiced). I found the G68 bright only the first couple of days, I used my Arcam DVD player as transport or my HTPC.

Just let the system be on and play a little 24*7, because your amp is also new. The SupraPly is a pretty neutral cable and shouldn't mess to much with the character of the system.

If your system sounds bright in a negative way in 2 weeks from now even though you had it playing soft for 24*7 I would investigate getting a new powercable for the G91 and the G57. This usually tames harsh things down and makes the sound more fullbodied. I understand that it's not what you want to hear but it might be the solution to your problem.

Harmonic Tech powercables or Acoustic Zen are good problemsolvers when dealing with harsh systems. Nordost powercables are getting raves on the Swedish forums although I have not heard them yet and they might be a bit brighter than HT, but still worth an audition.

BTW, you are running G91 and G57 directly from the poweroutlet with no extension leads right?

[This message has been edited by crion (edited 05-31-2004).]

I'd agree with Crion on power cables taming a hard edged upper midband. It can make the kit sound substantially more natural. Of course I'd prefer the kit not to need taming in the first place...

Cheers

George

[This message has been edited by Mr Meridian (edited 05-31-2004).]

Heh, wouldn't we all.

After reading this and a few other threads about the bightness of the G series components...it make me feel good agout my 568.2mm. I have no urge to move to the G series anyway...I don't need the video switching or any of the other options but this still bothers me that people are having these issues. This is unlike Meridian.

Ron

I don't think it's fair to extend the problem (of brightness and sssssibilance) to the whole G series. My G08 does not exhibit it, but it's also true that the G91 shouldn't ... Worries me a bit since I am seriously considering getting one. I do hope this comes rather from DSP and filtering software which presumably can be fixed via new software releases.

However, I think it's very unlike Meridian to have products behave like this. They probably rushed a bit the products to an eagerly awaiting market and now have to catch up on software ... Hope they fix it all soon.

Will be following closely all these issues to see how things go.

Regarding the power cord influence (I must admit I didn't notice ANY such influence on my stereos), shouldn't we credit Meridian with enough engineering and design skills to have designed decent filtering and conditioning into the numerous power sources inside their players?


[This message has been edited by goodolddog (edited 05-31-2004).]

In support of the G series, I have no regrets about buying the G98/G68 combo. In my system any upper range defects are minor and more than compensated for by enhanced mid-range clarity and an amazing sound stage. The G68 is a stonkingly good bit of kit!

I would, however, advise would-be purchasers to demand an extended listening session before buying.

Cliff

Well, 2 more days of listening and overnight disc repeat playing of the G91 and I am becoming more convinced that the objectionable elements of the brightness are diminishing.

Some of the warmer sounding albums I own, Dire Straits Communiqu� for example thats playing as I write this, still sound reassuringly warm.

Other tests: Mark Knopfler's strident guitar is not too strident. Mile's Davis on the opening track of Kind of Blue, the track I've most oftened auditioned hi-fi systems with, sounds plaintive again, not strident like he did two days ago, and John Coltrane on the same track is no longer making me wince.

Sound is generally outstanding - open, detailed, firm, controlled bass, great on classical, rock, jazz.

So I am inclined to think that break-in, either of the G57 or the G91 is occurring. I may still seek to try out some new power cords if the dealerships will let me try them at home.

I think I'll be keeping these units.

To answer some questions, yes they are both plugged into the outlet directly. I live in the US, yet my G91 came with a UK power cord, so I had to replace it with an old power cord I had lying around, nothing special. The G57 came with a US power cord of good quality.

As I continue to explore more cherished discs, the most noticeable thing is that there's nothing to notice. As break in occurs, its increasingly sounding like music, not hi-fi.

I'm relieved that this $11000 investment is not in vain......and so far I've mostly only listened to CDs. Video, a display and surround sound are all in the future....phasing the investment over time....

Sanjay