Originally Posted by Simon
My experience with CD is that the Oppo via HDMI throught the 621 is very close to my 800 via MHR directly into 861. I simply have not done enough comparisons to draw any definitive conclusions but it is very close.

That is an interesting comment Simon. I had an 800 and even had it modified with a better internal clock (the standard one is pretty basic with Meridian relying on buffering for jitter control) but I was never wrapped in it and eventually sold it.

I have not tried CD on my Oppo (a CHT modded unit) but have not been impressed with the SACD output compared to the Esoteric UX-1 LE (modded by "The Upgrade Company"). The Oppo is a great Bluray player but not an outstanding audio player IMO.

Please do not misinterpret, I'm not knocking Meridian gear or Oppo and am wrapped in what the HD621 and 861 can do for MC audio. However, in common with all other processors I've owned, the 861 does mush up the stereo signal if set to sythesise surround from 2CH so I divert the L/R direct to amps & speakers but use feedback to the 861 for synthesised surround. Works nicely - best of both worlds.

And the HD621 helps produce superb audio from musical BDs. I've got quite a collection of BD operas here and some are outstanding. If you are interested I've posted a heap of reviews at http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=78878

Good as the Oppo is I cannot say that using the 620 -> 861 -> amps & speakers chain of command, the audio quality is any better from it than from the Panasonic BD 35 I used previously. Nicer loading times though.

John