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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
Harmless
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Harmless
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1 |
New to Meridian and new to the forum.
Recently picked up a "vintage" Meridian 206 CD player and it sounds awesome. I'm looking to add a Meridian 551 integrated amp and was wondering if the 551 and 206 would match well and sound good together?
If so, would the 551 & 206 mate well with Vandersteen 2C speakers?
My space is small... approx 12x14. Most of my music taste is in prog rock, rock and pop (Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Tangerine Dream, etc).
The only other British gear I'm owned over the years has been as follows:
Creek 4330SE, 5350SE
Roksan Kandy MkIII
Exposure 2010s
Naim Nait 5i
What are the sound characteristics of the 551 versus the integrateds above?
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 169
Hitchhiker
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Hitchhiker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 169 |
Welcome to the forums. There is no better test for such a system than your own ears in the room you intend to listen in. 551 was/is a fine integrated amplifier and matches most sources and speakers.
Enjoy your music
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 327 Likes: 12
Hitchhiker
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Hitchhiker
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 327 Likes: 12 |
From a distant memory I would suggest: if you like the Creeks you will love the 551; if you like the Nait then the 551 *might* be a bit polite. It's a great amp (but also look out for a 501/556 combo which is even better!)
Hope this helps!
IMHO
Main: Roon-Mac, Oracle Delphi/SME 309/Cadenza Blue, GSP Reflex C, 218, DSP5200SEU, Sky Q, Samsung 49KS7000
Office: Roon-Mac, Quad Vena 2, DALI Opticon 1
Prototype and learning: 101, M30 mk1
Next project: Vintage LS3/5A, QUAD 303
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 67
Pan-dimensional being
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Pan-dimensional being
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,069 Likes: 67 |
I guess it largely depends on which speakers you pair it with, but I loved my 551 with my 508 player and A500 speakers. This combination made for a very smooth, enjoyable performance and was hugely listenable.
Prolific music listener / Hi-Fi addict!
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,174 Likes: 171
Hooloovoo
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Hooloovoo
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,174 Likes: 171 |
Recently used mine with Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, which are very revealing, and it didn’t embarrass itself at all vs 818v3 direct into an Avondale power amp. Yes, the latter combination was more out and out transparent and had more ‘slam’, but then it should! The 551 sounded smooth and realistic, with that lovely house sound Meridian used to have, warm but exciting with detailed-yet-velvety strings and meaty bass. Very nice!
HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,980 Likes: 200
Vogon Civil Servant
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Vogon Civil Servant
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,980 Likes: 200 |
Pity you’re not this side of the pond. I have a 551, 555, 504, 506.2, and A500’s that I will soon be selling on.
Not an Actor, nor married to Jamie-Lee Curtis.
#1: DSP5200SE|DSW.2|218|210|506.2|504
#2: Prime/PSU|SOtM sMS-200 Mini NEO SE|Focal Stellia
#3: Other stuff
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,174 Likes: 171
Hooloovoo
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Hooloovoo
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,174 Likes: 171 |
All very nice bits of kit. Love the 500 series.
HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502
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