Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What exactly would the 861v5 do for me? (split out from another thread)

Not to get off topic, but I have and 861 v.4 hooked to a Clux. What exactly would the v.5 do for me and would I have to get an HD621? I really want to stay with M but I am tempted to go with another processor with HDMI inputs to simplify my set up. Of course, M has always been the gold standard for me. My processor has been through numerous upgrades and we have been together for more than 10 years.

Rafael

Rafael,

You are OT; hence your question should really be in a new thread.

Meridian have stated that they do not (ever) want HDMI signals in the processor as they are detrimental to the sound quality. We can only speculate on the spec of a 861v5 but I`m 100% certain that is will not have any HDMI inputs, you have to think of the HD621 as an external card for the processor.

We suspect the 861v5 will have a speaker-link output card, a MMHR input card and apodizing.

Regards,
Carl.

Meridian may have something up its sleeve, but my hunch is that it doesn't. Expect new 861 cards for MMHR (connection to the HD621) and SpeakerLink. Don't expect an 861v5. Stick with Meridian and get an HD621.

As I understand it, MMHR can handle 8 channels (7.1). And the setup for the HD621 mentions 8 channels as well (one can choose between 6 and 8, I guess depending on processor). Of course all of the above is theoretical as there is no processor capable of taking the input, presumably until the MMHR input card which VK mentions.

From all of this, I hope we can safely assume that the HD621 can already handle a 7.1 PCM signal from the HDMI input? (I mean, the hardware/DSP is sufficient, even if the firmware may need tweaking.)

I am aware that there are few BD titles with 7.1 soundtracks. Just a theoretical question.

(I am watching what happens to the 861, because I would love to make it my next step after my 568.2MM rather than going up to a G-series processor.)

Yes. It has 4xS/PDIF out so it is clear that discrete 7.1 is designed in.

First thing I plan to do with a new MMHR card installed in my 861 is to watch for the first time, the Blue-ray version of 3:10 to Yuma. Besides having great reviews, it is still one of the few new titles around with a 7.1 PCM lossless soundtrack so I have been patiently waiting to watch it in all of its intended glory.

When this event will take place, only Santa can tell !

I wouldn't expect any news before January 7th when CES opens, so Santa will not be the bearer of glad tidings.

Not quite OT:

3:10 to Yuma Bluray is only UKP6.98 at Amazon.co.uk right now, if anyone is interested in picking it up. (72% off!)

Review here: http://uk.blu-ray.com/movies/3:10-to-Yuma-Blu-ray-Review/617/

I hadn't heard of it, but have just ordered it.

Glad to have put you on to the movie MrMarbach, I am sure it won't disappoint us based upon its glowing reviews.

For the benefit of everyone you should repeat your last post in the Movie thread at the top of this forum's thread page.

We watched the 3:10 DVD last night. At first, couldn't get the sound right thru Oppo as the 861 saw 2 channel input and played the Trifield preset. Couldn't hear dialog or effects thru Trifield...finally got the 861 to recognize multi channel after turning entire system off.

The surround is amazing...there's a lot of info in the center and suurrounds. Great experience, but I wonder why the 861 sometimes doesn't recognize the input stream. Has happened a few times, seems just after I've played a CD on the Oppo, then switched to multichannel DVD. Puzzling to be sure. But agree the 3:10 is a great sound experience.

Jim,

Recommend you read the 3:10 review on the link MrMarbach posted previously. The reviewer absolutely raves about the quality of the sound. I will wait patiently until I can watch and hear it in its intended full 7.1 lossless glory.


Cheers,


Steve

I will have to see it before i believe it..