Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat CES?

But do the improvements in the 95 over the 93 only affect the analogue output? This would mean that it would offer no extra benefit to a Meridian all-digital system?

And for that , you need a couple of these

http://consumerist.com/2011/01/how-this-2000-hdmi-cable-will-change-your-life.html

Everything just fits together lol


~M~

It certainly does seem that the 95 is aimed aquarely at the analog crowd. The player does have a more robust power supply, which clearly affects the ditital output, however, whether that translates into better digtial performance remains to be seen (I'd guess not). Of all the rebadged players, the Ayre seems the only one to have focussed on improving digital output performance.

Does anyone have any idea/knowledge as to whether or not the MSB's "MSB Network" digital output would be compatible with Meridian's speakerlink input on n 861v6 or 808.3? I think it is proprietary and likely incompatible, but I thought I would see if anyone had other information. Wouldn't it be a nice world if all components spoke the same language and all components could actually then understand each other?

Thanks,
Wayne

Audio on M SL is balanced digital audio close to AES/EBU

see here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AES3

but the protocol is SPDIF AFAIK.

Look at the msb site they have SPDIF and AES/EBU so that audio "should" be equal.
Read the protocol differences on wiki - dont know if that is important for that application as all is consumer base.

Robert

AFAIK the only way to achieve 7.1 with the 861 v6 is HDMI to the HD621 followed by MMHR (CAT5 terminated with RJ45) to the v6. Therefore if your're using this path it doesn't look like the MSB would offer any real improvement over the Oppo 93. At this point Ayre may be the leader (one and only) in improved audio using Oppo with upgraded HDMI.

The MSB offer 2ch Digital Out over Coax and Optical only

HDMI is Video Out Only

The Spec page referred to says that the current Player is 2 channel out Only

Yes, as near as I can tell the MSB will end up costing only a bit less than the Ayre when all is said and done.

Base 2-ch model is $4K
Add anywhere from $600 to $4.5K for a power supply
Add $2K for the future MCH option $2K

So, least cost MCH option is $6,600; recommended option more like $8K.

MCH is a 'future development' so buyer beware, and not clear if it is over HDMI or not.

Based on your lengthy discussion, I agree that something needs to be resolved. I had a problem with my DSP5500's when I first bought them, but they were used, but still under warranty and I bought them from a local dealer/service center at the time as the previous owner upgraded to the DSP6000s. Mine had that crackling noise too, but they just took the back panels of both speakers and replaced them and the problem was solved and never had a problem since. I don't know what causes these problems other than maybe a brown out, faulty components, etc. But Meridian is supposed to be using high quality components and the boards are supposed to be tested using sophisticated testing equipment. I wish I had an answer to your problem. If I was in your situation, i would pack everything up and deliver it personally to the M UK manufacturing plant and have them inspect it, repair and replace as needed while you wait. Unfotunately, that's a lot of money and time to invest, but maybe that it what is needed and maybe have Meridian reimburse you for your expenses.

I really hope things get resolved. I hope for the customer's sake and that of the company that issues get resolved quickly to promote excellent customer service. I feel top end mfg of audio equipment should have the best customer service, we are paying a premium for high end equipment and it should perform as such.

Customer service can make or break a company. With audio equipment, there are so many different ways things can be set up which can complicate things. As soon as we connect Meridian gear to another mfg, that's when they have little control and it is frustrating, I eish you the best of luck in getting things resolved.

Good catch. The following words prominantly displayed on their site ring a little hollow:

"SACD, DVD Audio, CD, Data Files on DVD or Blu-ray. All will play on this universal player. Two channel or multi-channel discs will play. Dolby Digital HD and DTS HD Music discs will play as well as all the movie formats."

when you read their current 2CH only details.

I'm not Robert and may think differently if I had the same issue.

But Meridian does not use sub standard components in general. It does sound like Meridian has dropped a notch in quality control but I suspect they will take care of things (eventually). Both on what slipped out and the quality. These things can happen if they start manufacturing in new Plants etc. And Meridian may have had to do that in order to compete. I think Meridian may have just chosen a poor DVD-ROM drives but it's cheaper to just keep replacing than redesign and replace them all. Same goes for PS. Meridian isn't perfect and they have been pretty good about the PS and Drives but that may become an issue if it's no longer free.

I think folks are confusing Martin Logan's message vs Meridian's situation. Meridian has always been pretty good about fixing old stuff. But if they can't sources parts they eventually have to drop some things and I think that is the only time they said they won't fix something. It also has nothing to do with direct communications. And I'd be curious how much direct communciation Martin Logan allows vs having to go through a dealer. Smaller companies can do that, but as they get bigger with more customers they have to have help from dealers. And Martin Logan didn't say (as far as I know, appoligies if I read that wrong) that they would fix anything for FREE, just that they would have "Lifetime Support". If it is lifetime repairs for Free and Transferable, then that is pretty amazing.

George I agree with you 100% on the state of manufacturing at M and the high quality components that they use. I am also impressed with the quality of staff at M. I am happy with my G98DH (bought cheap after discontinuation). I am happy with my HD621 and thrilled with the 861 v6. It is undoubtedly more difficult to support legacy electronics than electrostatic speakers.

As for Martin Logan, the amount of communication They allow direct with HQ is fantastic. Last year, for example, I had a problem with my 8 year old Prodigy's (rear channels). Over the phone tech support correctly diagnosed the problem gave instructions how to remove and ship the high-pass and returned them to me in one week. Oh, and the warranty is for 5 years but they covered them after 8. I believe the annual sales at ML is a little over $20 million. I applaud ML's decision of "support for life". And I am certain that all the support is not free, but it is nice to know if you want them fixed it is available at the factory. I have both M and ML in my system because I like their products and they are both fine companies.

Regards,
Gary