Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Best Way to Get the Most from My Sooloos C15?

Hello All,

I have a C15 connected directly to my Legacy 5200’s. I use this to listen to my loaded CDs and have not figured out Rhapsody or Tidal yet (just got back into Meridian after getting my 5200’s for $1500!!).

I have an AC-12 and want to have the best system I can get. I’m hearing that adding a 218 will make a significant sound difference (reason I purchased the AC-12 due to no SpeakerLink on the 5200’s).

Now I’m hearing that I should go with “Roon?”’

Would a C15, 218, AC-12, and 5200’s work together with Roon, or what??

Even though Meridian as an organization has changed significantly, their equipment at fair used prices is still a great “hobby!”

Cheers Mates - Dr Jones

Yes the 218 will work with Roon. The C15 will still work as a Roon enpoint but the touchscreen will not display any of the Roon content. There are apps for IOS and Android that will work with Roon to play from your library and steaming services. There are some infrastructure changes such as getting a Roon Nucleus or NUC and doing a native export of your Sooloos library. Contact me if you wish to discuss in detail or would like to see how it works in person.

With a 218, you don't actually need the AC12 because the 218 has a coax SPDIF output. IIRC, you just need a cheap (Meridian) SpeakerLink to old-style comms dongle. I'm sure a dealer here can confirm.

I use a SpeakerLink to comms cable to allow integration from 218 to 500 series kit.

There is also digital coax out on the 218 (MHR)?

That's fine Chris, but what I'm saying is that there is a cheaper solution which will work with the original 5200 cables. The dongle that Meridian now produce is less expensive than a SpeakerLink breakout cable, AC12, or Reviver.

Well - it looks like my fellow Meridian enthusiasts are STILL very dependable and knowledgeable!!!

I already have the AC12. Purchased it for $250 off an eBay listing where it was originally being sold with a G91A.

Sounds like getting a 218 is a no-brainer? Based upon Meridian dropping everything Sooloos related, I’m looking to simply use my C15, AC12, Legacy 5200’s as a permanent stand- alone system to play my CD collection loaded onto the C15. I have a dedicated iPad that I will not update to make sure I do not run into any issues or software conflicts.

QUESTIONS PLEASE:

1. Getting an 218 will definitely improve my sound quality?

2. How would / could getting Roon play into my system (C15, AC12, 218, 5200’s), can Roon simply become part of my system allowing Tidal and Internet use (after I learn how to use it!)?

3. THIS MAY BE TOO MUCH TO ASK, but:

Does anyone know specifically how to connect the C15, AC12, 218 and the 5200’s (what to what, which cables, etc? An example is that I needed a custom master cable with one end having the slotted socket going into the C15, and the other end being a regular comms pin going into my Master 5200, then a regular slave pin going from Master to Slave 5200. Then the RCA or SPDIF coming from the C15 to the Master digital in and another going from Master digital out to slave digital in.

The AC12 has the same slotted socket for the Meridian main plus a regular pin for the slave. Before purchasing the 218, I just want to make sure everything connects correctly and whether I need another custom cable.

Any guidance would be helpful - if a phone conversation would be easier, please send me a PM and we can arrange it. I’m even willing to pay for someone’s time if needed.

Thanks much