Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems G57 or G55 with 502 and B&W 804s

I’d be interested in opinions on my ideas here. I’ve just realised something of a long-held dream and rejoined the M fold 'proper' with a rather nice example of a 502 (I already had an Explorer 2 which I’m using with a Raspberry Pi 3 aa a Roon endpoint).

The 502 means I’m now in the market for a power amp. I’m playing with a friend's Ayre power amp (not for sale) which to these ears sounds slightly chilly through the midrange. It’s not cold or harsh at all - in fact it’s lovely and outrageously listenable - but I think I’d like something a smidge warmer. I really like the scale and authority, though - and how it hangs together at late night levels.

I have had success with the 804s biamping from my Yamaha RX-V1067. Ther 502/Ayre and 502/Rotel combos I've played around with have moved things on in many ways - but biamping was a great benefit with the Yamaha. (It continues to take care of HDMI sources and powers my centre and surrounds.)

So, my thoughts turn to M - and with fond memories of my 551 from many years ago (with B&W back then too) I’m thinking about power amps. Looking at current models (for now) I’m wondering about biamping with the G55 (using the fifth channel for my HTM4), but I’m also wondering if that money would simply be better spent on a single G57.

My other stereo source is a Timestep-powered Technics 1210 Mk 2 with SME 309 and a Denon DL-304 into (as yet unpurchased but probably) PS Audio Phono stage.

Thoughts?

The G55 and G57 are the same price. Given your speakers, you might prefer 'bridging' a G55 for increasing its power output.

That always an option with a G55 as an alternative to biamping - thanks.

If you like a warmer sound, consider a Quad 405, current dumping amp that always sounds warm in the mid range.

They are cheap enough to pick up and try.

I use a refurbed 405 into some Quad S2 speakers and a modded 405-2 with dual mono PSUs into some Harbeths, also fed with Explorer 2 from a Pi. I prefer it direct into the amp than via the Meridian G68. I know that doesn't help as you have just bought a 502, but worth trying both ways when you get your amp.

Personally preferred the mid range on the Quad amps to the Meridian.

Also worth considering a Bel Canto, the earlier ones use B&O Ice Amps, they are incredibly smooth sounding, very deep controlled bass, big sound stage and all in all one of the most 'valvey' sounding amps I have heard. Can be picked up at great prices too.

Everytime I have owned Meridian power amps they have always been a little pushed in the upper mid for me, which is completely the opposite of what every other piece of M gear has been. Not much and nothing compared to Bryston, Naim and many others, but always felt I would rather it a little more laid back.

Thanks, GizzE - I’m kind of hoping for balanced inputs so the amp can be close to the speakers but I’ll try and hear iperhaps) something more recent from them...

Don't forget the G56, which is a less powerful version of the G57.

Thanks.

A pair of G56 I’m guessing would be lovely if they turned up, so I could bi-amp. 100w into 8 ohms may be a bit short for the 804s - where the G57 is probably up to the task.

I like the idea of the G55 as that would allow the same amplification across the front stage - with bi-amp and bridging options open. This may be the way to go if I’m going to go 'M'. (Or the 500 series version if I can find one.)

I need to do some serious listening in the new year.

Theres a 559 just up in the for sale section.

W

Hopefully you have a pair of 804S, not N!

I used a 556 and 557 with Celestion SL700, not really easy to drive..
But between the two amplifier i prefer the 556, more airy, more detail.

Considering the small woofer size of 804s, the G57 is useless, for me.
Look for a G56 or G55 for the different possibility (bridging/bi-amping).

Yes - they're the 'S' (a friend of mine has the 801N though, biamped by Krell FPB-300 - an incredible system!)

More and more I'm thinking the G55 is the way to go. (If I go 'M'.)