Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Farewell

I have sold my Meridian equipment and I will not be coming around here for a while. The reason for this note is to thank everyone for the cameraderie and the help. This site is a major asset for all Meridian users.

FWIW, the reason I am bailing on Meridian is that my interest is focused on high resolution, multichannel file playback and M (even aside from the MQA business) is not looking in that direction. And I am sad about that.

Thanks,
Kal

Just curious, which processor are you going to replace the 861v8 with, for conducting multichannel music playback you will need an AV processor, right? Trinnov?

Only Meridian know the answer to that one.

There are certainly rumours of 861/HD621 replacements coming in 2017. Personally, I will give them until this time next year to show their hand. If nothing materialises, I'll be off too.

Cliff,

At a recent show in London I spoke to Meridian about future plans, these are just opinions shared not guarantees.

1: Will there be multichannel MQA? No, this is most unlikely.

2: Where is Meridian heading? The focus is towards custom install as that is where the money is, consumer products will still exist but not be the primary focus

3: Is the 861v9 imminent? No, and it is more likely that there will be a completely new box than an upgrade to the current 861v8 due to processing power requirements

As I say, opinions not cast iron facts.

Kal, hold the bus I just bought a ticket!

Cheers
Russ

Hi Russ,

Interesting feedback, thanks. The 861 is a dinosaur processing-wise so I had banked on a new box with hopefully some trade-in options. My interest in MQA is currently limited.

The lack of a firm committment on the new box is much more of a concern to me. If M want to focus on making incremental (miniscule) improvements to 2-channel repoduction that's their call. However, unless they want to see their HT/multichannel client base rapidly disappear, then they need to give a hint of their roadmap.

Edit: Just read your point 2 again - perhaps it is time to move on.

Russ,

Thanks for posting. I can only hope that you have been misinformed! I am not sure what Meridian's focus is right now as they seem to be in deep hibernation. The news section on their website is over a month old i.e. anticipating CEDIA not actually documenting new products. The promised data sheets do not seem to have been forthcoming. And what has actually happened to the new amp intended to partner the Ultra DAC?

Does Bob actually work for Meridian any more or is he full-time MQA?

A bit more clarity from Meridian and a higher profile would be welcome.

I think its fair that a multichannel pre is specified from/for the installer market as this is where they just got passed succesfully by the Trinnov Altitude 32.

Releasing an updated multichannel ID XX card for audio endpoint does just seem too easy to accomplish not to do it. It will sell more higher end DSP's instead of ceiling speakers or actually both once you experience it.

None. The 861/HD621 has been in an audio-only music system for years. I can listen to discs via the analog outputs of my Oppo player but, generally, I rip my discs and store the files on my NAS. My HT is located elsewhere.

P.S.: I do not doubt that there will be a Meridian 861 solution for AV/HT but it is not clear that it will have the open support for multichannel file playback that I have now. The 861/HD621 have been out of my playback system for more than a year.

Good luck and judgement in your continuing search for your "Holy Grail".

Do visit the forum if you find it, and let us all know so that we can stop searching.

Thank you for your market insider past contributions.

Respectfully Hector

Thanks Kal

IMHO, given the 861 is in v8, having an all new model release is not unreasonable.

As a result of a house move, my 861v8 has been relegated to a stereo set-up. Might have to exchange for an Ultra DAC....

Sad to see you go Kal. Will continue to follow your columns as you discover new ideas and equipment.

Thanks,
Kaushik

Kal,

You have been very helpful over the years. Thank you for that. It's hard not to think your departure means more than others. That said, the recent release of custom install gear is largely the reason I am sticking around... where are the data sheets?