Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Is this a valid test to see if my ears will hear benifits of Apodizing Upsample?

George, the answer or much of the answer is provided by Robert Harley, TAS, August 2009. He confirms Meridian`s claims and the comments here in this thread how the difference is so obvious that it will “slap you in the face”. RH when reviewing the 808.2 referred to being “immediately stunned` by the “mind-blowing” improvements in CD playback from the 808.2. That all results from the apodising filter. That TAS also has a related interview with Bob Stuart.

RH`s key points were:

1. CDs limitation is not just the 44.1/16 sampling

2. The problem is a particular distortion, pre-ringing, that is unique to digital recording

3. Pre-ringing is avoided by 96kHz sampling that therefore sounds better

4. Meridian`s apodising filter removes pre-ringing imprinted in all 44/16 CDs

5. The results is a clearer sound with a fundamentally different and better soundstage and dimensionality that is very much like high res sound

TAS January 2010 gave the Technology Breakthrough of the Year award to the 808.2, ie, apodising filter.

When I first head the 808.2 through 7200s I too was immediately impressed and stunned by the sound. Fortunately it did not feel like a slap in the face. Maybe a slap in the face is reserved for the continued doubters.