Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Should I buy a G68

Ok this is going to be rather long.

I want to buy a processor with room correction (I've just given my Onkyo 818 to a homeless charity shop) and really want to avoid a modern AVR. I've got my fronts sorted with a Naim NAP 200 connected to a NAC 202 which will allow HT bypass. I have a Meridian 555 which I'll use for the rears then hopefully get another 555 for the centre speaker (More about that later).

So my real questions are:

Is a G68 still worth the money? I can't afford a HD621 at the minute so i'd be using a Bluestream SP12AB-V2 to seperate the HDMI to coax audio then 4k to my TV.

Sooo

What would be the cheapest I could get a G68 for?
How do you set a 555 up for centre and would I be better off buying a Tag AVR32 or a modern AVR with preouts and room correction?

A long, and a bit of a ramble, but help would be appreciated.
Cheers.

It would be a big help if you can give an indication on your budget. I personally would try and hold out for a well priced 861v4. On top of all the features of a G68, you also have the option of ID40/41 which will give great audio performance with Roon/Sooloos.

Regards
Greg
(Original post had wrong processor, thanks Russ!)

Greg
I assume you mean 861v4?

Hi,

From a look at eBay prices, I'd have thought that (and depending on condition), a used G68ADV would be in the range £800 - £1k. A SL version would probably go for a bit more. A G61R (no tuner) would probably be around £1k (again more for the SL version). G65 prices usually run up towards £2k but there aren't so many around.

The G68 is no longer supported by Meridian, but I think (unless that’s changed) that some of the later versions of the G61SL are still supported. G65 is a current model, so does have support.

Obviously, there have been power supply issues with the G series processors, but replacements are reasonably cheap. You can also upgrade to a LPS but that would cost you around £800 in addition to the cost of the processor.

A HD621 is pretty essential for a M processor if you want full support for HD audio codecs off blu-ray. At the moment you're probably only getting basic Dolby Digital off your switcher.

I can't really comment on the room correction on other (non-Meridian) processors. The Marantz pre-processors get good reviews, but they are likely to be a bit expensive.

Hope that's a bit of a help.

As indicated above a 861v4 is another option but likely to be more expensive.

Brian

The best Meridian bargains out there at the moment are (IMO) the 568.2mm at £350-£650 and the 861v4 at £2-3k depending on spec.

The G68ADV (which I use) falls in between at £650-£1200. I prefer sound and features of the G68 to the 568 but others here do not. But the 568 is an outstanding performer. The 861v4 is a dead-end in terms of upgrades but then so are the other options (and probably the 861v8 )

It is important to get a history if you buy a G68. Mine went pop very expensively and these days it would not have been economic to repair. Some 861s can also be fragile while 568s appear mainly bomb-proof though some failures are starting to be reported here.

If you are just dipping your toes into surround sound to see whether you like it, then a late 565z3v6 can be had for cable money £100-£200 and is a great starter device for learning the Meridian way. It also sound excellent (for its age) and can handle DD and DTS. I keep mine around just in case...


All the above devices (except the 565) are best set up with a PC so there is a learning curve and investment there.

Hello TheLad

In my various set ups, I've found Meridian's room correction to be of marginal value. I've used the G68 and 861v4.

For the price of a used G68, you could buy a used 568.2mm and HD621 and have access to Bluray codecs (not Atmos).

For me, the trade off between the G68 and 568.2mm was more functionality and connectivity, vs better sound quality with sufficient functionality/connectivity. The 861v4 betters both units, but costs up to 5x the price.

And I'm completely with you on your choice of charity shop. I've been donating a lot over the past few months, homelessness isn't a sexy cause, and the local place does suffer in comparison to the big charity chains (worthy as they are)

Cheers

George

I actually found Meridian's room correction quite useful and I expect your experience will be highly room dependent.

With regard to processors, I wouldn't buy any M processor that isn't fitted with a linear power supply.

Agreed, very sound advice.

Hector

Note that the standard G61 does not have room correction. It would need to be a G61R, C61R or the equivalent SpeakerLink versions.

Or just replace the PSU like for like when you purchase the unit. At least you will know the provenance.

You can buy a great number of switch mode power supplies for the cost of the linear unit. A LPS is not immune from failure either. Although they do seem more reliable.

Ok so it looks like a 568.2
Does the mm mean it’s got a moving magnet pre amp for a turntable? I don't need that as my Naim has one and at the minute I don't use a turntable.

So I'll put a wanted add up, hoping to get one for as cheap as possible.
Cheers