Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 502 after 568.2MM?

G’day fellow Meridian enthusiasts.

The opportunity to pick up a 502 in excellent condition, with upgraded (metal) MSR, has arisen and thus considering (even though it doesn’t have MM phono stage, sadly).

Wanted to inquire if anyone has ever tried routing the analogue output signal from a 568.2MM (or other Processor/DAC) through a 502 before amplification? Thinking this might have a positive benefit given the pure analogue and true dual mono architecture of the 502. Maybe? Wishful thinking? Not currently running balanced power amps but will likely upgrade to this in future.

Thanks heaps for any insights

Hi,

This sounds just like the same question from your previous thread regarding having a (non- Meridian) preamp after a Meridian processor, except with a Meridian preamp this time.

I'd have thought the answer would be the same as the one Bruce made in that thread.

While I'm not familiar with the 502, I'd comment that it's an older product than the 568 so the additional analog processing may be just another 'box' in the chain or 'detrimental' to the 568 analog output.

I'm not suggesting you shouldn't buy it though!

Brian

Thanks Brian.

Yes, this is a very similar question to my previous; however, it is motived by the fact that I’ve noticed a pleasant modification to the resulting tone by running analogue output from 568.2mm through Sansui AU-777A preamp stage before amplification.

As such, I guess my question is really “what is the likelihood that the 502 could lend an even more ‘pleasant modification’ than the Sansui (given its dual mono architecture)?”

Seller said he ran 502 after 562, to great effect.

562 is not a processor or preamp. 568.2mm is a fantastic preamp and processor and I wonder why you'd want to run multiple preamps is series.

Primarily for the improved channel separation due to the dual mono architecture. Also about to trial a Metrum Octave NOS mini DAC, which could also be run through 502 for similar potential improvements.

Given that 568.2mm will remain in system (for 5.1 use and experimentation with and without 502 after for stereo playback) I’d set 502 to not respond to remote (fixed gain) and control volume of digital audio playback from media server via remote controlled playback software (Mac mini > Metrum Octave NOS mini DAC > 502 > tube buffer > monoblocks).

502 has only been for sale for 3 days and seller just informed me that there is another interested buyer, so it seems a safe bet to give it a try as resale should be prompt and fully recouping if not impressed with performance in various configurations. Very tempting based on the glowing reviews about 502!

Ended up grabbing the 502 to try and after 2 days in the system it is performing well. Most notably is the improved bass tone and control. Will commence system rearrangement experiments next week after getting a good feel for the sound of the current configuration.

Wondering if any 502 users know what “Volume mode (M, S, or N)” means? There is no description in the manual. “Max, Set, or Normal”? Currently have it set to N, which automatically sets volume to 65 on start-up, which is fine but ideally volume would remain were it was at turn-off as it has been calibrated to a specific volume. So perhaps this is “S” setting for “Set”?

Thanks heaps for any insights.