I agree that the meeting with Meridian (if there is one) should be positive and look to the future. But Meridian should also be invited to establish and maintain effective direct communication with their customers and not simply rely on their dealers. And they should be persuaded that this would have benefits for them.
Don't over estimate the importance of their traditional customer base. Their focus (product/service and geographically) appears to be quite different to what it once was.
Just as with most other purchases, Meridian want the first port of call should be with dealer who you purchased from. But the last communication that I had with them (since JB took charge but before mods seemed to have gone arms length - would like to know the real reason), they were still positive about dealing direct with customer and specifically mentioned the time frames that they operate to - which were not unreasonable.
So don't be surprised that if you get the chance to try and persuade, it’s pointed out that the option is still there.
Meridian owner since 1992 Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).
I do not expect more face-to-face communications with customers. Nor do I expect Meridian to reveal secret plans for the future. But some more information here and on their website about the implementation of existing products would be very welcome.
861v8+ID41, DSP8000, DSP5200HC, DSP5200, HD621, Lumagen Radiance XD, Panasonic TH50VX100, Dune 3.0. All controlled via Philips Pronto 9600 & iPad 3. (Living room). MS200, DSP320's speakers (Kitchen). Roon server on i7 Sonictransport supplying the 861,MS200 and a couple of SB touch. Explorer for my Mac Pro.
Now that there has been a few days for responses I have done a bit of housekeeping.
22 people have given definite expressions of interest in attending a meeting in Huntingdon, if possible. Obviously no one can commit because we do not have a date yet.
Of the 22, 2 are based in the USA and 3 in continental Europe. I imagine it will be much more difficult for people overseas to attend as I expect it would need to fit in with other travel plans. However, I will certainly include all as potential attendees in the hope that those more distant can find a way of coming.
There are also 4 UK based people who have commented on the day in what seems like a more than passing manner, but I am unsure where they stand. I have PM'd each individually to check whether they would like to be on the list of potential participants.
Nevertheless, it is clear there is sufficient interest for me to approach Meridian with an invitation to attend. At this stage I will only talk about potential numbers as no one can yet commit, but, as I said in a previous post, a Meridian attendee would be particularly helpful so it seems evident that they should have first choice in selecting a date.
However, I will emphasise that a meeting will be held whether or not they come and we will not give anyone a hard time, least of all a Meridian representative. This is an initiative among civilised people to share and perhaps develop ideas about fields of interest we care about and enjoy participating in. I hope Meridian will react very positively.
You are quite right and this is a matter of style and approach. Asking someone along to get a roasting doesn't work. Orderly, courteous and considerate exploration of ideas, thoughts and concerns usually does. And if it doesn't then one is probably on a loser anyway, but at least you know where you stand.
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