Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Restaurant at the End of Universe Hitchhikers - Meridian Equipment IC: G9 series DVD players

Hi all

Im thinking of possibly buying a G9X series DVD player, mainly because the HDMI output would be useful and i think my 598 DVD player is ill.

At present, I have a Component version of the 598 DVD player but when I connect to my new 4K TV through a separate Component to HDMI box, the display is rubbish. (My old 4k TV had separate component inputs at the back of the TV which worked fine). I upgraded the TV recently that does not have the component inputs, so am using a Component to HDMI converter box. Im using good quality Component and HDMI leads. The Converter box may be the issue, as it was £30 or so off Amazon. I was thinking perhaps a better quality Component to HDMI converter box may be the answer...however, yesterday my 598 started emitting a horrible burning smell, so seems to be ill.

So looks like a repair to the 598 is required and a better Convertor box....OR perhaps a G9X DVD player may be the way to go but Im not sure really which one to go for. I have atm, a 502 tuner and 561M processor feeding 24/96 DSP5000s, and believe a G9X could replace the 502, 561M and the 598. Any advice would be good (i.e. some versions may be harder to fix if anything goes wrong etc, price versus quality etc).

And of course, What would I be expected to pay?

regards

No disrespect to Meridian or you, but buy a Sony or Panasonic Bluray player. Better at all things visual.

Hi Stuart

It seems I have fixed my 598.

I pulled the 598 apart...completely stripped it down. On inspection internally, looking from the front top...the bottom LHS rear pcb had a naughty bulging 1000uF 10V electroytic cap. I replaced it with same and found when reassembled, the 598 display to be much better. Also the horrible smell has gone! The cap read 200uF...not 1000uF, so definitly duff... My Thermal camera also says all is cool so Im hoping its fixed. Time will tell...

I forgot to say, I also have an oldish Sony Bluray player (BDP-S360), and would agree with you on the video quality. This seems to upscale DVDs to 1080p or so a little screen popup on the TV says so...Apparently the same popup says the 598 is only 576p.

Anyway, after fiddling with the 598 and TV settings, I am getting similar viewings with DVDs on both machines...with the Sony probably edging it for ultimute video quality if you look closely...but not by much. However, sonically the 598 is better, which is why I was trying to use it more. I am finding that although the Sony DVDs and Bluerays and also streaming say of Prime videos are great for actual video quality, none seem to match the 598 for sonics when watching videos which kind of spoils things...and I have loads of DVDs.

As you say, it could be the more recent Sony and Panasonic Bluerays players are even better...Im tempted by both the 4K Panasonic DP-UB820EBK and the 4K Sony UBP-X700 (both going for around £250 or so)....but Im also still tempted by the G9X route...I do like the idea of 1 Meridian box replacing 3...assuming the video AND sound quality is there.

Incidently, research tells me the general consensus out there is the Pany 820 is the one to go for but I see it only has HDMI and Optical out connector for dig audio. The Sony has HDMI and only Coax, which I would have thought to be better.....discuss. (I also use the coax out on the 598 to the dig i/p of my 561 processor)...

Such problems to have at Xmas time....

All comments from anyone welcome BTW.

Also the 502 mentioned in the 1st post should read 504...

regards

I have the Panasonic. I only use it for video as all my music is either ripped or streamed via an Innuos Zen Mini, into my Lyngdorf MP40 processor, with some Tidal streaming for Atmos.

Video quality of the Oanny is amazing with Bluray and 4k uhd

A second hand late model Oppo might also be worth considering. I have the 105d eu model (as well as a more recent Sony UBP X800 which is, I think, a current model).

Video quality is excellent, there is an HDMI input and an HDMI sound output IIRC. It also plays SACD if that matters to you. With a little tweak you can also rip SACDs into DSD if that’s your bag.

Hi

I have just bought a 2nd hand Panasonic DMP-UB900EBK for £160.00 from Fleabay. 4k UHD Blu-Ray with digital co-ax and optical along with dual HDMI and a backlit remote. There are also multi analogue outs if required, I use the co-ax. Picture quality is excellent, as is the sound. I feed it into a G95 and B&W M1 5.1 system. Great value for money, was orginally around £650 when new back in 2016/17 and was highly regarded. I looked at the Panasonic 820 but decided the build quality of the 900 was better, more in line with their current 9000 model.

I have a G68/G98/C15 into DSP5500 as my main system and tbh, I don't really use my G98 anymore.

Only had it a week but so far, so good.

Hope that helps.

Cheers and Meery Christmas

Jon