Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian 800 and Naim Amp

Hi there,

Just wonder if anyone has used a Meridian 800 direct to a Naim amplifier if so what interconnects did you use and any thoughts?

Many thanks, Tim.

Not entirely relevant but I tested Naim and Meridian systems alongside each other yesterday. I asked the dealer about using the Naim Amp with the G68 and was told by the dealer that he didn't think they'd work well together.

The Naim system was noticeably better for music and the Meridian equally dominant when it came to Home Cinema.

I have previously owned Naim (17 years) and now own Meridian(1 year). Naim Power Amplifiers 'used' to be slightly unstable and the Naim preamplifier used to bandwidth limit the input signal into the Power Amplifier to ensure the Power Amplifier remained stable. This is why Naim amplifiers were not recommended for use with other pre-amplifers, etc. I don't know if this is true with the current range of products.

With regard to Naim being 'better for music' I would suggest that the Naim equipment majors on handling transients and therefore the music sounds urgent and alive, it isn't necessarily better just a different presentation. Its a very in your face thing, like you're sitting on the bands monitors rather than the Meridian equipment which puts you in rows 1 or 2 and you can see (hear) the whole presentation.

As I've aged I've grown out of the Naim and moved onto Meridian!!!

Mr Perceptive

Mr Perceptive. I think you've described it well by saying "urgent and alive" the Meridian was definitely more laid back. Obviously personal preference. The interesting thing to me was that the roles were almost exactly reversed for Home Cinema with the Meridian sounding "urgent and alive". I left a very confused person.

Hi there,

Thanks for the replies I'm going to link to a Naim 250-2 which I believe is a lot more laid back than the previous 250`s.

It`s just a nostalgia trip down memory lane as I`ve recently bought a pair of late Isobariks with 2 pairs of Mana Sound Stages and Mana Stands, just wanted to hear if they were as good as I thought they were when I last had a pair of Isobriks in my youth.

If the Naim doesn`t work I might be tempted to buy a 557 run it balanced from the 800 just to hear what it sounds like.

Again many thanks for your replies, Tim.

Fredo

I think there is no less detail with the Meridian kit, its just that the presentation is different, on acosutic and solo piano material the Meridian kit is stunning. Personally the Naim kit is great when you just want to listen to music, but if you want to do anything else (even holding a conversation) its impossible as the Naim kit demands to be the master in the room!

I spent an interesting evening with a friend who has a CDX/CDPS/NAC52/135s-->Shahinian Oblelisks, I took along a modded 200/203 and on out and out rock the Naim kit just inched ahead, but on acosutic material the Meridian front end on the Naim kit was sublime.

Tim-Ann

I recently heard an Isobarik system and I suspect that your past ears may be playing tricks with you, as although the Isobariks can put out a good tune, they are very slow (in the bass) compared with many more recent speakers. Enjoy your nostalgia trip.

Currently I run 557s --> Shahinian Arcs and they are very competent, everything that I've thrown at them, different material/different sources, they just seem to get on with their job without getting in the way of the music.

Mr Perceptive