Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Restaurant at the End of Universe Hitchhikers - Meridian Equipment INFO: Valuation Request

Another thing to consider is that the vast majority of Meridian enthusiasts are aging out, downsizing etc.
The hifi world needs to find a way to engage with the younger generations. Another thing to consider is that 500 series and early 800 series gear is 30 years old. As good as Meridian is, there are only a few iconic pieces of vintage gear that command top dollar. I have HD621's, 5000C's, D2500's that I can't even give away.

I think Bruce is right - hifi is an old person’s interest and aspiration, and there’s not much pulling in the younger people. The strange thing is that the younger generation are entranced by vinyl and delight in good sounding systems, so it’s very definitely a failure by the marketing and product development teams to engage them. We may think the 20-somethings are only interested in a Bluetooth speaker and a Spotify stream, but I’ve lost count of the number I’ve helped to find better gear because they’re genuinely interested in good music and a decent system. That’s the gap in the market.

And while we lament the prices for M gear - I paid a ridiculously low price for some M60s and then a pair of M3100s - the price of other brand gear isn’t much better; a recently acquired Audio Research preamp in very good condition and exemplary performance was cheap and very definitely not sought after. So it’s not just us.

This.

Some years ago, when in a design agency, I borrowed from Meridian a newly released M80 for a prop in a photo shoot. When I personally returned it to Meridian HQ, I was given a demo in the Meridian theatre by the then marketing manager.

During a discussion, it was evident to me (as a then marketing strategist and design consultant) the writing was on the wall for the ‘old’ Meridian. The support from the factory I enjoyed with my M3s and 101B, and subsequently my M30s, DSP5000s was going to be a thing of the past. The new regime was seeking the maximisation of the value for shareholders and thus the exploitation of the Meridian brand; licensing, partnerships, anything and everything. Does anyone else recall the Meridian headphones that were complementary in BA first class?

Given the very niche nature of audiophile hifi and the demise of many hifi brands, perhaps these partnerships added some additional longevity to the Meridian brand, which may have disappeared along with countless others.

After my career change, I worked for Apple for several years; I can’t recall one of my younger colleagues having the slightest interest in hifi. Too expensive, and it would compete with the many other demands placed upon time and limited finances. Apple Music (great via AppleTV and my M system I would add!) and AirPods or Beats headphones were the system of choice, with a wireless Bluetooth speaker in the mix for a shared audio experience at home.

The marginal returns perceived from hifi costing thousands as compared to modest equipment is lost on many. A case in point is my second TV which uses an AppleTV with two HomePods setup in stereo mode; many friends who hear it think it sounds fabulous.

I inherited my interest in hifi from my Old Fella, at a time when hifi was the foremost means of home entertainment, after the 26” Philips TV. I suspect had I the smorgasbord of devices available then, hifi may not have hit my radar.

One other factor I which I suspect may affect Meridian (in addition to the rarefied pricing) is the product design. I remain a huge fan of the Lecson equipment and the early DSP speakers. M20s remain my cherished Meridian design pieces. The new stuff is definitely ‘Meh’ from my perspective. The styling of the new equipment looked dated when it was new.