Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian & HH Q&A

Message from Bob:

Regular readers of this forum will know that posts from HQ are rare.
However, following our CES press releases there are a number of threads with mixtures of misinformation or speculation that do not relate to the announcements we actually made.

Meridian has always valued its relationship with HH, as we have shown over the years in supporting the great efforts of Nick, George, Stacey and John Kotches and as we have shown in our HH days at the factory.

In the past, for good reason, we encouraged HH to formulate questions and have them presented through Stacey or John. We took the time to review to ensure, as far as possible, that our written answers were complete and not open to misinterpretation. This year the process was more informal and it has led to some confusion. Maybe someone would be interested to pick up this prior process on the HH side? If so we will be happy to respond.

So, what was it we announced?
808.3, 861 v6, G61R, G68R, ID40 and other Sooloos news.
These product announcements demonstrate beyond all doubt that Meridian remains totally committed to absolute quality of sound, to music and to functionality. We are very proud that we have been able to make important improvements, not only to the state of the art, but to maintain the ethos of the 800 Series.
It is no mean feat to improve CD playback again -- given that 808.2 is so fantastic and that it has been widely reviewed and awarded to be the best.
Uniquely in the industry, we have elevated the sound quality of network audio to the same level and produced a substantial step up in sound and functionality of the leading surround processor. Fortunately, these releases were seen, heard and understood as such by by enthusiastic press, dealers and distributors.

Here's what we didn't announce:
We have not said we are abandoning any existing customers, we are not reducing our level of support, we are not some kind of 'new, uncaring' company. On the contrary, our strengthened distribution, training and support teams are doing better than ever.
We have not yet made announcements about upgrade plans.
We made no announcement that our current products would no longer be supported or not subject to occasional software updates.

Two things were either misheard, misinterpreted or taken out of context from the informal discussions Frank had with Ken and we apologise for however this happened:
1) Meridian has not discontinued any DVD players. In fact the 800 and G9x players are very much in full production, in full support and in the catalogue.

2) Apodising: We already announced that this would be rolled out steadily throughout the speaker and processor range. Nothing has changed.
In the Q&A we can list software version numbers.
It was incorrectly reported that G6x will not have apodising. It will be available for existing and new models and we apologise that our team was unclear on this.

Finally, I am also prompted to post because some of the discussion has become personal, which is highly regrettable.
To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports that Allen Boothroyd has retired are highly exaggerated. Allen remains fully engaged as a member of Meridian and he and I have never been busier working on 'new stuff' and, no, we won't tell you what it is!
And finally, the reason I was not at CES was I have been recovering from illness. There is no conspiracy, this isn't a new era.
I am extremely proud of our latest creations and of our team and of the direction Meridian is taking.
I have missed two Vegas shows in 30 years and am looking forward to many more.
But please George, can we discourage postings that turn simple facts (my being unwell) into conspiracy theories?

Bob Stuart

Message to Bob

Thank you for this response. Many enthusiasts have been Meridian "devotee's" for decades and this response I am sure will be welcome news.

Regards

Thanks Bob, That was very clear and I am pleased to see Meridian doing such a great job, as usual.
Cheers, Chris

Phew, I'm looking forward to the bass alignment/apodizing upgrade to the DSP8000 then

Good to hear from you Bob!

@ Bob:

1. Above all else, continue to get well as your health is more important thatn anything else! That said, some here may view your continued development of products to be of greatest import

2. All of the concern, frustration and misconception -- some of the concern and frustration was posted by me -- is nothing more than positive re-informcement of the commitment, enjoyment, enthusiasm and passion that those of here have for Meridian...in short, it is a central and vital part of our lives which we do not want to be without and thus the nature of the response...again, I see this as a VERY strong positive.

3. As far as clarifying the communication this is greatly appreciated but, that said, it would be most helpful to know when the answers to the other questions can / will be porvided (i.e. DSP speakers, upgarde cost, upgrade timing, etc.).

4. Very good of you to confirm that you monitor this wonderful community and take our comments, concern and passion to heart.

And to the HH, in the event that no one here has the time or energy to compile a list of questions to forward to Bob/Meridian I would be happy to throw my hat into the ring to do so and be of whatever assistance possible in getting some of our issues addressed...

BUT ANYONE COULD HAVE WRITTEN THAT!!

I want PROOF!

joke.

very re-assuring, i look forward to upgrading my V4 to V6 and will re-instate my order for the HD621.

James

Oh ye of little faith!

Thanks Bob

A few words of comfort and all is well again, shows the need for press releases to be very carefully scripted. Something like the G68 now has apodizing should jump out from the page. Hopefully the last few days have been a valuable lesson to both the HH's and Meridian.

Hope your recovery is speedy

kind regards

David

Bob,

I am sure that all the HitchHikers thank you for taking the time to post on here clearing up some of the speculative issues. We are just glad that you read this board at all!!

Although I would not suggest frequent contributions, now and again it would be useful to hear from Meridian themselves (and you in particular).

Best wishes for your health in future.

14 posts in seven years, (Looking at 2003, ignoring the December part.) that is almost two a year.

What a great way to start Monday morning. Thank you Bob for taking the time to post here, and good health to you.

And unless I missed it, the rumor of being missing a conspiracy was quickly defended against and snuffed out by one of your biggest fans, biggest contributors of positive Meridian news and co-moderator (VirusKiller a.k.a. Joel).

Thank you for setting folks straight.