Cue03,
I agree with UA's advice. I would add: dont spend much on cables, I think its all hype, but there are others with differing viewpoints. I should tell you that I had some fancy cables and one day I decided to go to Radio Shack and try their cables- these were analog interconnects. You know what- the Radio Shack cables sounded no better or worse- they just cost a whole lot less.

UA,
I guess we're just going in a circle here- but: huh?

if Meridian went belly up today, the 8000s would be capable of playing back DVD-A for as long as they are functioning. what more could you want? Why would you want to upgrade the amplifiers? I can see the d-a, but at the abilities they have now, I can tell you that Id be fine waiting 10-15 years of advancement before I felt the need to change them. the speakers are certainly not lacking in resolution. as a matter of fact, if someone prefers tubes, you probably prefer a little less resolution in exchange for "warmth".

Sure you could say its expensive to stay current with the 8000s, but they are plain expensive to begin with. Youre no more obsoltete with the 8000s in your home than you are with other components- they are all obsolete the minute they are made as technology marches on.

As to the owner of the 6000s- they can upgrade the D-A section. Meridian does offer such upgrades- I dont know the pricing but I wouldnt think it is as expensive as buying a new pair of 8000s. And of course, that owner could choose to leave his or her 6000s alone or upgrade or get 8000s or go analog and get an analog output card for their 861 or use the analog outputs on their 5 series processor. An automotive example can be found in comparing a Ferrari Testorossa from the 80s and the Subaru WRX of today. The Subaru costs many times less, is more reliable, has more functionality, and has basically the same performance. Does that make the guy who bought the Ferrari in the 80s "wrong". No- he just has to understand that technology marches on. His Testarossa still drives great today. And of course, today he would have bought a 550 or 360 or something else, and on the cycle goes. Just imagine the guy in his Mercedes E55 AMG as he blows away the guy in his mid 90's Porsche Turbo. His MB costs less, does more and is probably just as reliable. The difference here is Ferrari and Porsche and MB dont offer a way to update their older vehicles to today's standards. Of course, no analogy is perfect.

I think its just a mindset differential. Its like the difference between seperates and an integrated unit. There is more flexibility- but some would say its more an illusion of flexibility. Cue03, or anyone else for that matter, if you feel trepidation about buying into a more closed system, then dont. Its your money and its your time and enjoyment, you shouldnt spend it worrying.

[This message has been edited by JerryL (edited 11-23-2003).]

Best regards,
Jerry
Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.