Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems I need more digital inputs what should I buy?

Hi,

First and foremost I am looking for a Meridian 'unit' to increase the number of digital inputs I have in my basic Meridian system. Ideally at least 2 optical in (I know the 518 only has 1) and 3 - 4 digital coaxial in.

Following a few recent purchases I have 3 sources with optical outs (Sky HD, HDD PVR, Mac), 2 coaxial (500 CD, DVD) and want to avoid further use of optical to coaxial converters and playing musical connectors when I choose another source!

I would also consider a Meridian surround processor that gives this number of digital inputs as it might give me the excuse I need to explore beyond the world of 2 channels. But I am unlikely to be able to afford any further DSP speakers to make the most of it in the immediate future.

The 'unit' would also need to be able select between sources without the need for further purchases.

Any surround processor purchase would almost certainly have to be a secondhand unit.

I don't think I am likely to have any great need for analogue inputs but who knows.

Any advice on the pro's and con's would be appreciated at this juncture.


Cheers

Spencer

Hi, get a 518.
That will give you 3 coax ad 1 Optical and it will also clean up your sources digitaly.

Dont buy Items with only optical outs or it forces you into a corner.

If you get a Meridian processor as well you will have at least another 'optical input' which will not benefit from the 518 treatment, but if its not so critical it will be ok.

My TV has dig coax in and out so that adds another input for me which I use with my HDDSTB.

Just my first thoughts, welcome to the slippery slope of great sounds and thin wallets.

I am sure other more knowledgable people here will chip in.

Cheers, Chris

why not a 562?

doody.

Thanks Chris,

I have read through the 518 user guide and have to admit (being an engineer) that I do like the sound of this processor as much from the point of being able to hear the effect that the various processing modes have on sound as anything, the fact it gives additional inputs is a bonus.

I agree about trying to only buy hardware with coax out but the Sky HD and Mac gave me no choice. I am likely to replace the HDD PVR and DVD with a single unit which will be coax out (Not likely to be able to afford a M DVD player any time soon!)

What have found experimenting with yur 518?

Do you know if any of the past or current surround processors have any of the functionality that the 518 has?

Cheers

Spencer

You should not under estimate optical connections since that is an excellent way to avoid hum when you connect cable and satellite sources to a processor. The ground is seldom 0v when it comes to cable installations.

Of course the DSP 5000's have two co-axials on the back. If you find a decent optical to co-axial converter and use the Mac as DVD/CD/iTunes/Freeview/DVR source you will only have 2 sources to plug in ....

Spencer, if you can stretch to �500-600, then a s/h 561 would give you all the inputs you need plus the processing...

I think a couple of people are selling 561's at the moment ..... (ahem cough cough) ....

I suggest the Octavia HDMI/Optical switch.

I dont know if the 561 has the 518 advantage?

The 568MM does I think.

If you'r low on cash, A 518, 565Z3, perhaps a 562v3 or a switcher box for any outsatnding inputs will give you a fantastic system. Sound for Pound.

If you have loads of money, the world is you Lobster!!

With the 518 I am not feeling any Upgrade pangs at all.
The whole Meridian set up (Listed Below) sounds so Natural and right. It rocks too if you want it too. (When the Nieghbours are out lol)


Cheers, Chris

You are correct Chris. The 561 doesn't have any de-jittering. If you can find a rare 561M, then that has FIFO dejittering akin to that of the 568.2, but is significantly more expensive.

Thanks to all,

I have read most of the user manuals for 561 / 565 / 568.2 / G68 / 861 (G68 & 861 - I wish!) and non seem to offer all the functions that the 518 has (Unless the 861 or G68 just carry out the 518 functions out without needing to trouble the user!) nor do they offer more than 1 optical in (G68 and 861 excepted)

As I have previously mentioned the 518 seems a natural choice as I can experiment with the effects it has on the various sources and gain some extra inputs in the process.

I suspect 518 availability is somewhat limited (unless you know otherwise) As it sounds like most who have one are somewhat taken with the device.

I am also seriously considering the Audio Authority 1177 (Thanks SMac770) in conjunction with the 518 but UK availability seems to be a problem and the shipping and import duty from the US nearly double the retail price.

The 562V2/3 was my original choice but they seem a little expensive as I am unlikely to use the additional analogue inputs they offer, but the 2 optical in's is enticing in my desire for a minimalist solution at the right price.

The surround sound processor option like the 562V2/3 may be a little steep for my current expenses but is a possibility depending on s/h prices. G68 seems ideal but �3650!!!

My Mac music server 'source' is a work in progress but I am sceptical about its DVD/video capabilities hence I'm not yet ready to dispense with Sky HD ,HDD PVR and DVD just yet, but i'm sure the Mac users here will correct me if i'm wrong - Thanks Andrew and 'kenliles'

Does anybody know of any objective tests which have been conducted regarding the properties of optical versus coaxial digital out as I have read many discussions about the 'isolating' properties that optical offers but would like to understand the physical properties of this choice

Thanks again for the informed discussion this forum offers

Cheers

Spencer