Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Choice of Processor ( 561 / 568(.2) / G61 ) for 18 bit DSP’s

Appreciate members thoughts and opinions on choice of processor with 18 bit DSP5000’s & 5000C......


Main questions : is there an advantage in having the upsampling capabilities of the ‘go to choice’ of 586 (.2) over a 561 as both will be using 18 bit out only ? I understand the ADC in the 586 is probably superior in the 586 variants.

The G61 is a bit of an outsider choice as I have a preference for remaining g with the 500 series form factor, but has the benefit of room correction

Following house move, now able to set up a reassigned cinema and music system , adding a processor and rationalising what kit I have ( and hopefully moving on some stuff to compensate ) Background info - System for music and cinema in living room ( 5.5m x 3.6m ) Utilising existing kit audio - 500 CD source, airplay via Airport Express, video sources - Sony BD video, humax sat. etc

However, the home move that has enable the change has also added a financial constraint and along with covid19 impacts, the wallet isn’t as fat as would be ideal !!

Thank you muchly in advance

Gary

Hi Gary,

Dependent on budget, I would look at the processors in the following order:

561 - Very cheap, has plenty of inputs, max output 48K
568.1 Cheap, limited inputs, can do 96K (if I remember correctly, to fronts & center only)
568.2 Mid-priced, cab do full 96K to all outputs
568.2mm Mid-priced, limited inputs, does full 96K and had multi-channel input (for connecting a HD621 or Meridian DVD player)
G-Series (G68/G61/G65) - Plenty of inputs/outputs, some people prefer 500/800 series sound, make sure PSU has been replaced recently!
861v4 More expensive, customisable for inputs/outputs

You probably need to see what's available and what's affordable for your budget. I would personally be looking for a 568.2 or 568.2mm if I had longer-term plans to change out the DSP's for 24bit versions, but don't rule out the humble 561 - it was the first 'serious' processor that I had and was a major step up from the antique 541 (Dolby Prologic only). It is still in use, driving a pair of M3's!

Good luck with your search.

Cheers,

Steve

Hi Gary

There is also the 565, which is also pretty cheap along with limited capabilities in today's terms.

Personally, I would invest in a 568.2/568.2mm as they were the final versions made and therefore the youngest.

The 500 series processors have limited inputs, I imagine because of their size; in order to facilitate bigger systems/additional sources, the 562/562v was available.

I currently have a 565 and a 561 unused, if they are of any interest.

Best of luck.

Regards

Jon

Thanks Steve for the advice, appreciate it !

I guess I’m interested in getting everything in and working and could look to jump up to an improved processor as funds replenish following the move. In an ideal world I would be going with the 568.2mm , but currently they are pushing the budget unfortunately

The 561 would fit the bill as a surrogate in the short term, it was goood the hear that its performance was/is pleasing.

I’ll keep you posted,

Cheers, Gary

Hi Gary

i have sent you a PM.

Cheers

Jon

Cheers for the reply Jon, as mentioned to Steve , appreciate the input greatly !

The 561 is beginning to make an attractive argument, and I’m fairly sure could be found a new home when I come to upgrade without taking too much of a financial hit.

If you could kindly drop me a pm to discuss what you have available, that would be great. I did try to send you one, but apparently youre ‘over subscribed ‘

Thanks again, Gary

I have to say I have enjoyed my 561 for 20 years.

Back in the day, before HD, I used the video switching but now only use it for audio.

I use PiP on my TV to show the 561 OSD.

Just check that the serial port works if you need to use the config program.

I have used a 561, 568.2mm and 861v8 with my 18bit DSPs for music and cinema.

The 561 was driving the 5.1 system that was the first time I heard a Meridian surround system. Awesome surround imaging. Best sound I'd heard at the time. Amazing speakers.

Then I got to use a 568.2mm, and the difference was distinct and stunning and ruined the 561 for me (at least for surround).

You have to remember that the 561 accepts Dolby Digital and DTS from 1995. DD compresses all 5.1 channels down to 640kbp/s. Two channel stereo is 1500kb/s. So 640kb/s is like a 256kb stereo MP3.

With a HD621 or 722 (or an Oppo with a vanity card) you get 5.1 16/48k channels into the 568.2mm, so nearer 3800kb/s. That's 3800 vs 640. It is a difference you can certainly hear, with speakers this good. It works by having three SPDIF stereo inputs for a total of six channels.

I have not heard a G series, but there was one on eBay for the price of a 568.2mm, but it has room correction. Like the 568.2mm, it has dedicated SPDIF inputs for surround content.

If you use this for cinematic (surround) content, then the input format will have a far bigger effect than whether the processor does 48 or 96 internally. Is it worth the price difference? I've seen a 561 go for $200, while a 568.2mm is nearer $1000. It would be worth it to me, but then I spent a bit more. If you can get a dirt cheap 561, you can always upgrade when you find a deal on the 568.2mm or a G. I still use my 561 as a stereo solution and will probably get a DSP33 for a center channel for Trifield. But if the 561 is nearer $600, then I'd definitely go straight to the 568.2mm or a G. The 568.2mm I heard was spectacular, and only returned it because it was faulty.

@jamie_j_m_uk

Thanks for the reply, good heads up to use PiP for the 561 osd, mine too will only be taking on audio duties.

@JamieB

Again thanks for the very detailed reply, certainly lays out the advantage of the 568.2mm over the 561 and ultimately the former will be down as a ‘next step’ upgrade. It was heartening to hear that you’ve had the 568.2 giving good results with your 18bit DSP’s .


From the above, the astute amongst us will notice the good ol’ 561 is going to be taking on the job initially , recent house move and covid19 situation has tightened the screws on the wallet somewhat, so decision was influenced by matters monetary. looking forward to getting everything installed.

Will drop in an update soon..........


Gary