Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming 218 versus 818

Has anyone compared the 218 to the 818 and what are the differences?

Check out this post: 218 evaluation / testing.

A couple of years ago I borrowed an 818 from a friend (an expert member of this parish), in order to compare with my existing 218 driven set ups

Source Material was ROON /Tidal mostly MQA and good old Sooloos- stored CD material. A wide variety of music was selected.

Speakers - DSP 5200 SE - two pairs in different listening rooms. And DSP 5Ks 24/96 pair with centre in another room. We know there are significant differences in the three listening environments.

The results were surprising in that there was little or no discernable difference between the 818 ( V3 fully serviced) and either of the 218s. The tests covered several listening sessions and one could even try hard to imagine a difference but to be honest it was hard to spot. My friend owner of the 818 has more experience and younger ears than mine but he was somewhat perplexed at the lack of a real difference.

Conclusion- the 218 represents remarkable value. Of course if one requires the many other advanced functions available on the 818 it may be justified. It also may well be the case that with other sources more differences in sound quality could become evident.

We are music only here- mostly two channel so the 218 fits the bill very well.

Hope this helps.

Regards Huw

I think the differences would be quite more apparent when you are not using Meridians active speakers but a normal main amp and passive speakers as now the most important part, going for digital to analogue is done in the speakers and not the controller.

Hi Huw,


Thanks for your detailed response,
I'll stick with my 218 with the Farad power supply.
That will save me another expensive expense!

Greets Eric

I have heard about the Farad power supply but not changed mine- could you hear a major difference ? There are some different opinions about it
Regards Huw

I have good experiences with the Farad power supply.
The sound has become more beautiful in all respects.
Low is tighter and the high has become clearer.
And of course a good fuse, I have the SR purple.