Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 562v Alternative

I have an ageing system and looking for a suitable replacement for the 562v. I don't use many analogue inputs these days as most of my sources are digital. Also I no longer have the kind of money I would need to replace my entire system comprising 565, 4 x DSP5000 and DSP5000c. On the face of it I need a modern receiver or preamp with a digital output. I have found many preamps with analogue outputs but the choice appears limited when it comes to digital outputs. So I only need 1 digital output that will pass multichannel audio onto the 565.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Trevor

Hi CarltonKid and welcome to the forum.

If you came here without the 562 and posed the same question I suspect that most responses would recommend buying a used 562!

The potential shortfalls with you current setup are, with respect (it is still a great system), the limitations on signal depth in the 565 and what are probably 18-bit speakers?

The ADC in the 562v is probably limited to 16/44 or 16/48 but the 565 and 18-bit DSPs cannot handle 24/96 anyway. The 562v has been shown to handle 24/96 but to no avail given your downstream components

What specifically do you want to do that you cannot?

Hi thanks for your reply. I realise the shortfalls of the system regarding sampling rates and bit depths. The idea of changing has come about due to my system appearing to die last night. I took out the 562v and fed the output from my mac mini straight into the 565 input and it worked. I have connected the 562v back up this morning and it is working again so it may just be an interconnect problem, have left it running a long film to see if it dies again.

Ideally I would like a preamp with HDMI inputs and at least 4 Digital inputs. Also Apple Airplay is high on my list along with control with an app. I have a growing list of DSF files which the Meridian can't play so a receiver with a separate stereo output with a second pair of good quality speakers in a second room.

I have had this system since 1996 and still look on it as a quality system but need some options in the event of equipment failure. I did look online and the only 562 I could find was in Australia.

Cheers, Trevor

Shameless plug but I am selling a 562v here. It has the optional variable analogue output which could feed a second room.

It would of course not solve your HDMI or DSD (I'm guessing that relates to DSF?) but your whole setup would need expensive revision to handle those things in the Meridian world.

Hi thanks for your input. The 562v you are selling is the same one I have. I thought that if I got an upmarket receiver then I could add a pair of speakers in a second room for the DSD/DSF playback along with other lossless formats. That would take care of most of my requirements, a digital output from the receiver would feed the rest of my Meridian kit for HT playback.

Regards

Be aware, AirPlay is limited to 16/48 output - even if you spend a significant amount on an AirPlay capable DAC. I would consider an alternative to AirPlay.

Thanks for the input, well aware of Airplay limitations. The use of Airplay isn't for anything serious, that would be done through direct playback through Mac or streamed over my gbit wired network

Hi,

While I can't help with the DSD issue, how about a couple of cheap and cheeky suggestions:

1. Buy a HDMI switch that has an optical or coax output. That would allow you to connect HDMI equipped kit and to feed pcm stereo or Dolby Digital to your processor.

2. Another possibly option for a digital pre-amp is to look on eBay for an old Dolby Digital AC-3RF processor such as a Denon AVD-2000 or a Sony Ep-9es. As well as the laserdisc input, they usually have a couple of digital inputs as well as a digital output. (perhaps not a great idea as I've just seen the price of an EP-9 on eBay)

3. Zektor 5/7.1 (analogue) audio/ video switchers also had digital switching (might find one on eBay)

4. If you've got the cash, think about changing your processor to a 568.2.

Brian

Hi Brian,
I spent most of yesterday looking at AV receivers, old and new. It is strange to see that most new equipment does not come equipped with any kind of digital output whereas I found quite a number of older receivers with the output. The only problem being that the digital output won't output from HDMI. I do in fact already use a HDMI matrix switcher which has an optical output. I use this mainly for an Apple TV4 which only has HDMI output so I use this to get DD to the Meridian 562v. If push comes to shove I could do away with the 562v altogether but it would not be ideal. I thought by investing in a new receiver of some sort it would give me the option of HDMI inputs, Apple AirPlay, DSD/DSF playback through a separate pair of speakers, and internet radio. Then use the digital output to feed the 565. Any alternative device would need to be able to handle DTS as well as DD. I don't want to keep spending money on old equipment but feel a little trapped having solely Meridian DSP5000's. I did come across a 568v2 for £620 inc delivery, does that sound like a good price to you ??

Much appreciate all the input
Trevor

Hi,

The digital output on amps seems to be getting scarce. There is probably a lot less call or need for them, and leaving them out saves the manufacturer (including Meridian on the G65) some cash to keep the price down.

If the 568 is a 568.2mm then that's a reasonable price. On the forum restaurant they seem to go for prices between £600 and £750 (someone will correct me if I'm wrong). A regular 568.2 with NO mm input would be cheaper still. The 568.2mm gives you the option to add a HD621 HDMI unit, to allow full playback from blu-ray within your current M system. I think the 568 has a few more inputs than your 565, so that might help a bit as well.

Other 562 units (V2 and V3) are also quite cheap these days, so you could replace your current unit if there is a problem with it.

Another option for additional digital inputs would be a streamer unit like the Pioneer N50. I've got a Marantz network audio player ( NA7004, a bit old now) but I use that for Airplay, FM, DAB and other digital sources to feed my G65. A more recent model might be an option to handle DSD via a analogue output and to keep your M system in the loop.

Brian

Hi,
Thanks for all the suggestions. My kit is working ok at the moment. I think that the interconnect between the 562 and 565 had a bit of a dry joint, after resoldering I have not had any problems. It looks like the 568 is a good option should my 565 pack up.

After going over all of the options for a few days now it is likely that I will get at some point a Pioneer receiver, they do quite a few with a digital output. Possibilities are SC-LX58, 59, 87, 88, or 89. They all have good write ups and will do everything that I want while maintaining the Meridian kit for the main listening area. I doubt whether I will ever be able to lay out the kind of money required to get DSD/DSF playback through Meridian. At the moment I am streaming all high bitrate files to a Marantz MCR611 in my kitchen, and even with a couple of relatively cheap ceiling speakers and JVC sub the sound is pretty good.

By the way what is the going price for used Meridian 500 CD deck ?

Trevor

There's a vanilla 506 on fleabay at the moment for £350 (no connection). Seems a little pricey as 24 bit versions have been going for sub £400.

Lee