Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Please Help me Get Into a Meridian Processor

I am currently using a Lexicon DC-1 that I have had since I bought it new in 1999. It is v3.1 with DD and DTS. I am presently running an Aerial Acoustic CC5 center and am looking for Aerial mains to match. My amplification is a Proceed HPA-3 for the front channels and a Parasound HCA-1206 I am using for the rears (extra channels for future side channels). My sub is a Velodyne FSR15.

My only sources are a PS3 I use for Blu-Ray, DVD and NetFlix streaming; as well as a digital cable DVR box.

My goal is to replace my Lexicon with a newer pre-pro. I cannot afford to purchase new. I have priced used 861 models and even used they are out of my price range.

Would it be possible to obtain a used Meridian processor in the $2K range that would better my Lexicon in both HT and music? My mix is 90%HT / 10% music. If so, which model should I consider?

Room EQ is not that important to me as I am of the philosophy that it is better to treat the room. I have nothing against the room EQ option, but, if it makes buying into Meridian more affordable that is something I am willing to live without. Though it would it would be nice to have.

Also, I am a bit confused with the options available: Since I am using passive speakers and separate amplifiers do I need to have a unit that is designed especially for that type of system? It appears to me that different models are required based on whether you are going with the Meridian active speakers or with separate amps/passive speakers.

Sorry for all the questions, but, I am about as new as one can get with Meridian. I was going to stay with Lexicon, which i am intimately familiar with, but, I am ready for a change into hopefully something better.

David Lynch

Hi David

Welcome to the forum.

My vote would be to get yourself a 568.2mm processor. ridiculously good value on the used market these days (about �900 in the UK) it was a �4350 machine in it's day, and IMO is only bettered by the 861v4.

No room correction to fuss about, handles full analogue systems as well as digital, can accommodate the HD621 add-on box which will give you the newer BD codecs. And most importantly...sounds gorgeous. You'll pay twice this on the used market to get a G61 or G68 variant processor, which add more features, but also complications if you want full flexibility in terms of the downstream kit you use.

Audiogon would be a good place to start looking.

Cheers

George

PS there's also the 568.2 (not 'mm') which sounds identical but will cost a bit less, but it lacks the 'mm' expansion port for the HD621, so none of the high res Bluray codecs are possible with it.

A 568.2mm would suit you well.

It has balanced analogue outputs for front centre and right to suit your Proceed amp, and unbalanced analogue outputs for all other channels to suit your Parasound and Velodyne sub.

A cheaper option would be a 568.2 (no multi channel input) or even a 568.1.
More expensive options are a G68AXV or 861 with suitable cards.

All these Meridian processors can do both digital and analogue speakers or a mix of both.

I hope this helps,

Steve.

Edit:George beat me to it!

Thanks for the quick responses. Just having this forum available is almost enough reason by itself to switch to Meridian.

Just one question regarding 568.2mm; How old is that unit now? Should I be concerned with reliability and/or repair ?

Thanks again,
David

I have a 565 from 1994 works perfectly, so I guess 568's are just a few years newer. The reliability of later processors seems to be more questionable (power supplies)

Worth checking though with a Meridian dealer on availability and cost of repairs.

Regards I

David,

there is a G61 on Audiogon right now for $1,799, no Meridian Room Correction but an eventual upgrade to HD621 is possible with this model (newer than 568.2MM).

G61 on Audiogon

there is also a G68XXV for $2,350 or best offer. G68XXV on audiogon IMHO this is underpriced, but then again a G68 went for $1,400 a couple of weeks ago on eBay.

Another vote for 568.2MM here. It was my first step and I was very happy indeed.

Note also that 500-series devices don't have universal power-supplies, whereas G series do (all that I've checked, anyway). So if you go for a 568 you can't get one from Europe without modifying it.

Just 2 points;

G68XXV doesn't have the right connectivity for the Parasound HCA-1206 and Velodyne FSR15.

Although the 500 series don't have universal PSUs changing the transformer from 220/240VAC to 110/115VAC is very simple and requires no new parts.

All the best,

Steve.

The 500 series processors and analogue items are extremely reliable workhorses. Not much to go wrong with them. The G Series processors and 800 series units have never enjoyed the same PSU reliability as the 500 series with their Linear Power Supplies (rather than switch mode). I'd suggest that a 568.2mm is likely to outlast a G processor on that front before needing any service work, even if you were to make your choice from what's available on the market right now.

You also have the considerable benefit of Marc Koval, formerly of Meridian US, who now provides service work for out of warranty items should it be needed.

Cheers

George

PS the link at the top of the page to Duncan's Meridian Info will let you browse a huge archive of data sheets and reviews on the products.

I would stay away from the G61 (without room correction). That's just an opinion, but they were never around for that long and, consequently, resale may be difficult. I would only get one if you can't afford a G61R or G68 and *need* 5.1 analogue inputs. If you don't, as posted above, the 568.2MM is the way to go...

Based on the responses I will keep my eyes open for a 568.2mm.

Even though I am VERY happy with my Aerial Acoustics CC5 center channel speaker, I can't help but wonder if any of the Meridian speakers can even get close to the excellent performance the CC5 provides as a center channel speaker. The ability to not have to worry about separate amps is definitely a plus. Any experience here comparing Aerial centers to Meridian offerings?

Also, does the 568.2mm allow you to run the mains as active while you run the center to a separate amp and passive speakers, or, vice-versa?

If down the road I decide to go to a complete Meridian system this would allow me to buy the active speakers as funds allow. If this is possible I would most likely keep my surrounds passive as the wiring is already in place.

Yes. Have a play with the legacy configuration utility - you'll see that the speaker layout is very flexible. The only thing to be aware of with the configuration utility and the 568.2MM running the v2.5 "beta" software is that the frame delay feature was removed from the v2.5 software, but not the configuration tool.

Incidentally, you will almost certainly want to be running the v2.5 software on a 568.2MM - it really isn't beta.