Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Is it the right time to buy a 861v8?

Hi all,

This is my first message in this forum, so please bear with me, also because English is not my native tongue.

I am seriously thinking about buying a 861v8. An Oppo BDP-105D would be used as a source (CD / DVD / Blu-Ray / streamer). I have many questions, though.

1. Is it the right time to buy a 861v8 with those rumors about an upcoming 861v9 or v10?

2. I am not very fond of the HD621, a newer version is badly needed in my opinion. So for the time being the Oppo will be connected to the 861 either by coax or by the analog multi channel output. The coax output sends only the core audio to the processor but hopefully the DAC’s in the 861 will compensate for that. Is this correct or is the multi channel output a better solution, despite the AD / DA conversion in the 861?

3. Hopefully I am not rude but I feel that the 861 deserves a better power amplifier than the G55. What would be good options? Bryston 9SST2? I have also read very good reviews of the NAD M27. All I need is a 5 channel power amplifier.

4. It is also possible to use the streaming capacities of the 861 with an ID41 card (and a QNAP NAS). Would that give a better sound quality than with the Oppo as a streamer? And why?

Many thanks in advance.

Kind regards,
Willy

Hi, & welcome to the forum..

My technical abilities are modest but others on here will help you. It may help if you could tell us what the rest of your system is; what speakers you use, etc.

Yes, welcome

Pros:
- Excellent sound quality for 2-channel and up to 7.1 cinema
- ID41 allows Roon\Sooloos music streaming support with an extremely high quality interface
- Good room correction

Cons
- Support for MQA streaming still unknown
- No support for the new Atmos or DTS:X object-based cinema audio formats
- Supporting HD621 out of date (no true 4k passthrough)
- Sound quality gap between lower priced Japanese and Canadian(Anthem) flagship processors not as significant as it once was.
- New model (probably) on the way

Key question: are you interested in 4k and the latest cinema audio formats? If so, then probably not the processor for you. If 2-channel SQ is your highest priority with the option of cinema sound then may be a worthwhile option.

1. If you want it NOW- then it is the right time to buy ASAP . I have no idea about timing of next gen 861 but I expect this will be Q1'17 release (maybe with announcements made earlier).

2. If you want Bluray/lossless LPCM then you have no choice but to use HDMI out of source and for this have to add HD621. If you are ok with lossy DD/DTS or 24/96 format then you can continue to use Coax Dig out without requiring HD621.

3. I agree though G55 is no slouch. You can use any of 'good' options or try your hand at recent Class D multichannel amps. Let your ears decide but not our opinion

4.Not compared sonic qualities but ID41/Sooloos provides for more elegant solution - and you will also need Sooloos core component if I recall between your NAS and 861.

If you have Atmos/Auro/front height speaker set up and want a processor now- skip 861 -it does not offer any support now.

For traditional 5.1/7.2 I would recommend you to buy demo 861v6 or 861v8-IMHO once you take 2 channel Sooloos+HT- I found 861 worthwhile premium over other brand models. You would have choice to upgrade (or trade-in) once newer version of 861 became available from dealer you gave business to


Regards,
Kishore

Re 4 above-a QNAP NAS can now run Sooloos core.

Bear in mind the QNAP NAS needs to have an Intel chip. The lower spec machines won't run Sooloos.

Also you might prefer to skip Sooloos and go straight to Roon, but this will cost extra.

All I'd say is that (a) you buy the 861v8 for what it is now, (b) you assume that there will be a new version in the next twelve months or so, (c) you budget for a several €k upgrade if that is important to you.

I have just bought a new 818v3, but as expensive as it was, I'm hoping for a room correction card upgrade sooner rather than later! (Note: I have no knowledge of Meridian's roadmap for the 818; this is wishful thinking on my part, though it would be a logical next step.)

I was told by Meridian rep in late february that I could run a height layer with the same feeds as in 7.x for a better sound bubble.

He said this configuration of 7 x 2 = 14 will always be supported. (L C R SR SL BR BL).

If you want to build something now run two cat7 to the height speakers. One that goes to the corresponding floor speaker for bridging that audio feed. And one to the 861 processor for later use when 861vX upgrade is available.

Meridian is using this interim layout in their demonstration theater I believe.

Hello,

if you don't already own an Oppo 105, you might prefer an Oppo 103 and a Vanity board, which will enable you to get high res multichannel digital output to the 861. Just another option.

Regards

Thanks for all the answers. Much appreciated.

It looks like the 861v8 is still good choice for me. It is difficult enough to place six loudspeakers in my living room, so I am not really interested in Atmos or Auro and that sort of things. MQA streaming would be another matter.

I don’t have an Oppo yet but I was thinking of a modified Oppo BDP-105D. According to the reviews it’s multi channel output is really good. A modified BDP-103D is not in the same league. A Vanity board with good quality interlinks is almost as expensive as a HD621.

I would like to know more about the sound quality of Sooloos with the ID41 card. Is it better than the Oppo BDP-105D as a streamer?

From time to time I have read that a Marantz processor is almost as good as a 861v8. Hmm, if this really is true, than I will have to reconsider everything.

Regards,

WillyP

Nothing, no comment on this forum or a review on the web or a magazine, will tell how good something sounds like your own ears. Audition both of them and pick the one sounding best to you.

You might find this thread interesting.