Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Is the 861 a dead end?

Sorry, when I said "new" to this space, I meant 3D sound like Dolby ATMOS, DTS-X, Auro3D.

Just saw that Classe is getting in: AVS on Classe.

Unfortunately, that Classe processor is only an eight-channel Atmos model which I don't think is going to excite too many HT builders. Now, if they were to upgrade their larger model to 13+ channels...

I do have a dedicated room, but I am (strangely) unmoved by height channels etc. Id just like to have the choice and also new and improved RC, the ability for MQA...

That could be delivered today with MQA limited to 2 channels. And then they could bring out a second linkable box to deal with the requirements of Atmos. Decoding would be done by the Oppo and a new HD621 would provide the link. Easy.

Highly unlikely that any player will ever deliver 12+ channels of LPCM (think of the processing power and data that would be required). Decoding has be done in either 861vx or HD621(2).

Yes, that is a very fair point. I was being overly optimistic.

It has been hinted through the Homecinema magazine visit that we are to expect a new HD621 this year(due for replacement).

If anyone did forget that.. Don't feel too neglected yet as there was a new 8ch amp released just now. And for a comment to a cinema magazine rep. to be made surely they ARE working on HD621v2 even though your Premium reseller can't speak about such things...

Thanks guys for the info and thoughts. Re processing power, that sure does sound like a lot of channels today, but lets face it, even with their first BD player, Oppo gave the option to decode the high res soundtracks to PCM for at least 5.1 and maybe even 7.1. The processing was available back then. I would imagine at some point the processing for all those channels would be possible. And then I guess the newer HDMI spec would have the bandwidth to take it... The HD621 really is the gatekeeper for us so if indeed they do an updated version, then I would hope it can do all we want and more. Thats the key to keeping the 861, and even its replacement if such a thing exists, relevant.

This article CE Pro Meridian Live Showcases Cinemas 200 Series gives an insight into the Meridian Live event put on last month at Huntingdon, to which system integrators and the media were invited.

On the plus side, it’s definitely seems to be the case that the upcoming products - e.g. the 271 theatre controller - exist now in the flesh. So hopefully not too long before we see production models all over the place at the ‘many’ M dealers showrooms.

On the minus side, in reference to the 271, there is a not unexpected comment made by the author regarding M’s future entry into immersive audio.

“The unit is compatible with any 3D audio processor, which is convenient since Meridian Audio doesn’t have a unit of its own, and has no immediate plans to build one.”

Given he was actually there at the M headquarters, one has to assume (?) that he didn’t invent that latter comment?

So whilst the 861 may still be up there as a fantastic sounding processor, for someone like myself who for a long time has been chomping at the bit to get into 3D audio, it is looking like my only path will be to kick the 861 into touch and purchase a 271 paired with a 3rd party processor.

The ‘only’ problem now, is finding the right partner processor. A unit like the Arcam AV860 processor would on the face of it be a relatively inexpensive choice, that would probably sound great. But it wouldn’t offer the ideal interconnect possibilities offered by the Trinnov or Datasat. I have no desire to pay M++ prices for my new purchase.

Ironic, now that I’ve finally decided I ‘must’ jump ship (for movies at least) to a different manufacturer, I once again find myself having to wait again for the ideal partner processor to arrive. Anyone else faced with the same dilemma?

btw nice to see at least that M marketing are willing to be more proactive, there are now a couple of M produced videos on YouTube showing you how to install DSP inwalls.

I have ask as to why you have to wait for the ideal 3D processor for you? There are literally dozens of choices available now at all sorst of price ranges from a grand to thirty grand.

My assumption was that it would be better to keep everything in the digital domain, end to end - I.e. all the way to my DSP speakers. That was the philosophy that got me into Meridian in the first place.

As I understand it, the Trinnov and the Datasat both permit a single digital connection into the 271, whereas if I were to use any of the other much cheaper processors, I would have to connect up multiple analogue outputs into the 271. Does’t seem a very elegant solution and I don’t know to what extent the overall audio quality would suffer. Or am I missing something?

There are many other processors capable of digital outputs, the Theta Cassalanca 4a, Storm, and McIntosh come to mind. As I understand it, ATI/Theta Digital bought or is buying Datasat. There are some mighty good processors out there that have quite good analog outputs driven by 24/192 dacs. The 271 would then just digitize what was an excellent analog signal for use in the DSP speakers. I honestly wouldn't expect that there would be much lost in the process if anything. Also keep in mind tbat many of these processors have as good or superior room correction, HDMI 4k switching, are Roon endpoints, etc.