Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Ideas for M80 replacement

Well, the market is going towards Bluray, so that would be nice. Also, with the announcement of Thunderbolt, I would think that would be interesting to throw in a Thunderbolt connection. Maybe adding a Marvell chipset to upscale the video to 1080p. I know the Android phone users want compatibility, but the iPhone, is starting to catch up since they are adding more carriers. It is just a matter of time, so keeping the iPhone users happy is a must. Plus, the iPad market is getting pretty big, so keeping them happy is also a must. Obviously, since the case is only so big, in order to put a lot more features might force them to redesign the case. If the case stays the same, they can only put so much electronics on the motherboard. I am sure they will make some fairly conservative upgrade to it, since they have to keep the price the same, and functionality that makes sense for that type of product. They don't have much competition. Maybe they will upgrade it to 24/192 along with the rest of the product line. They have talked about that several years ago.

OK - This one is even more unrealistic than some of the other suggestions....How much harder can it be to build a better sounding portable player than the iPod? M builds the worlds best portable music player (the more expensive the better). This is loaded with some of the features that are required in the new C12 - which acts as a dock.

So that's a portable Sooloos and a Meridian dock with additional features.

Cheers
Tom

Hi Tom,

I'm unclear on what you are saying.

Are you saying Meridian should build an "Mpod"? Quite a left field idea, esp. as Apple hold most of the patents and it would require high production volumes (offshored) to make it commercially successful. And it�s not a replacement for an M80 either.

Or are you say that this new C12 should just have an iPod docking port and a Sooloos connection for its sources. So it would be a set of DSPs in a box with no internal audio source.

Regards,
Carl

The idea of the drive being usable as a Sooloos ripstation came up, also the idea of the beast having data storage for Sooloos use.

In that vein, I'd just like to bring up that the Evoque (I know, I know...) apparently allows you to rip and store I think 10 CDs in the car. I say "apparently" because it doesn't appear to be on the datasheet: my source is a mention on the FB page by a punter.

If the rip/store function is true, then something like 100CDs of storage on the C12 might be very useful for portability, and wouldn't represent serious competition for even the MC200 while of course lowering the price of entry for Sooloos. (When integrated into the main Sooloos system, this could of course not be used for extending Sooloos storage - it would have to duplicate selected albums or something like that.)

For comparison the data sheet also lists the following sources in the Evoque:

"an extensive range of sources � such as inputs for iPod� or other personal stereo player, USB media, and other compatible sources in addition to the built-in DAB radio and CD/MP3 disc sources."

I'd say on principle (so to speak), we should request at least what is in the Evoque from the point of view of sources. This also means that work they've done on miniatursation might be transferable.

Final note: the Evoque has a touch-screen display controlling the M system (and presumably other things too). Again perhaps some technology is transferable here.

Final final note: no mention of DVD player (let alone BD) in Evoque data sheet, FWIW.

If Meridian made the C12 a Sooloos client, then their iOS app could act as a Sooloos source - rather than just a remote control - for music on the iOS device. This would avoid paying a license fee to Apple for AirPlay, and enable full functionality of the Sooloos app to be ported to Android, WinPhone or whatever comes along without worrying about the lack of the proprietary AirPlay on those platforms.

Fairly sure that Harrods (used to at least) sell their main equipment as well. I do remember seeing a pair of DSP8ks there once.

Hi Carl -

I was suggesting that M did build a top end mPod. I'm not sure about the patents business, I'm not suggesting it is an Apple device that has been enhanced (all that might be a good idea). I'm talking about a new high end portable music player using Sooloos technology.

The mPod would tie in with the luxury market.

Is there any portable music player to aspire to that your average teenager couldn't own? (I know sweeping statement...).

This mPod could then slot into the new C12 mPod dock.

The C12 could be self sufficient - CD Player, Radio,Speakers, Sub out,(similar to the m80) & Apple connections etc. The mPod would provide it with additional features: Streaming, file playback, Sooloos, Internet Radio) - You can buy one or the other or both.

With the right marketing I'm sure an mPod type device could be used to lift the profile of the company.

As I mentioned not very realistic - When I saw all the comments others were making I thought about what I would like ideally.

Given the choice would you rather built in portable Sooloos or detachable Sooloos?

Cheers
Tom

I would like to see every aspect of the unit upgraded except the amp and speakers which seem perfectly adequate to me. I use mine as my main home theater system, and a secondary audio setup. People are amazed at how good it sounds. At Meridian prices, I should not have to compromise on any of the features below.

1) HDMI out.
2) Bluray, HDCD CD.
3) Receive wireless streaming without an Airport Express.
4) Take iPod signal digitally.
5) Internet radio.
6) More digital inputs.
7) Bluetooth input so you can stream music from an iPhone as you can do in a car.
8) FM stereo and more useful alarm clock.
9) Supported rates � 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96, maybe 192 kHz (user selectable), at 24 bit resolution.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the clarification.

Regards
Carl

There have been many good suggestions that I hope Meridian will gratefully evaluate. For myself, I still value portability and the ability to play CDs.

What surprises me is that Meridian should stop production of the old model before introducing the new one. Is this because it is too expensive to produce, or have the parts become unobtainable? The answer here could help point in the direction of what the replacement will be like.

I am sure that, as has been indicated earlier, it is a good idea to look at what the Evoque has introduced for clues for future developments. I have not heard it but people tell me the sound in the Evoque is very good. Perhaps we will be able to have that quality of mobile sound at the price of that system without also having to buy a car!

I have both the F80 and the AD88 and they work very well in their different locations. My suggestions for new features would be:

1) A stronger antenna would be fine. Make preset options for FM, and optimize FM quality. DAB and DAB+ as well.
2) Internet Radio would make it a great contender to radios from Pure, Roberts and other popular brands. Wifi with flexible options is good.
3) A more advanced clock radio with the option to set the radio or the CD for alarms.
4) Sub output. Some phono inputs would also be nice for those with turntables.
5) To me the video and iPhone stuff is not important, but might be for some. HDMI output has been requested often, so that might be important.
6) Focus most of the R&D on great audio sound as someone mentioned previously.
7) An option to connect a DAC, or a built-in one, would be great to be able to use it with PCs.
8) A more advanced remote control with options to adjust most settings from this.
9) Linux compability for connectivity and upgrades.
10) More ecological profile where possible.

Yes, if Meridian can't do a decent sound bar, then who can?!