Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Meridian 808v5 CD player with ID41 card

I'm curious about a 808v5 CD player with ID41 card ...

Can this be used just as a CD player, would it have to be configured to work with an 861v8, also DSP Speakers?
What would I need to do to use the ID41 card for? Also do I need Roon and would I have to add quite a few extras.

Also seeing Meridian deleting the CD player, would it be a wise purchase, in relation to repairing these units should you need it in the future?

My other question is would I be better off buying the 210 streamer and implementing this component into my present system?

Excuse my lack of knowledge in this area, I really struggle with some of this streaming and especially the Roon thing.
Also Trying to get over a bad bout of depression and I'll health.

Any help on this area would be very gratefully appreciated.
Yours Sincerely Ronald Griffiths

Hi Ronald,

The 808.5 can be used as a stand-alone CD player and can be integrated into a full Meridian system.

It has a great built-in DAC as well as co-ax digital output and SpeakerLink. You don't need to use the ID41 unless you want to stream.
The ID41 supports Meridian Sooloos (which has now been retired) which Roon also supports.

I run an 808.3 into my system (linked into my DSP6000.2 D2 speaker inputs) and it sounds wonderful.

Depending on how you plan to use it (i.e. either integrate it into your existing system or use it stand-alone) If it is the latter, you will just need a power amplifier and speakers as the 808.5 contains a full pre-amp with analogue and digital inputs.

Spare drives seem hard to obtain but the Teac drives seem pretty resilient and certainly longer-lasting than the ones used in the 800 DVD units.

With regards to the 210, it purely depends on what you are looking to do. Please let us know what you are trying to achieve and I'm sure people will chime in with suggestions on how to achieve it.

I hope you feel better soon and manage to relax and enjoy the listening experience.

Take care,
Steve