Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Re: New Firmware Impressions

I will wait with judgement until centerspeaker is upgraded. I have only sources connected to HD621. Only listen to Trifield, cinema and discrete. I ran the +3dB tweak but had the Trifield preset with center -3dB to avoid clipping.

Today I had my firmware updates thanks to Rick and initial impressions after an hour or so of listening are that there is a subsatantial improvement in the overall sound which I believe is more down to the speakers firmware rather than the 861. Bass is much tighter with no hint of any boom now (not that there was any significant boom before but there were traces on occasions), and the top end is much clearer, in fact it sounds as though I have acquired a completely different set of speakers. The sound is now much brighter than before, perhaps not to the taste of those who like a more mellow offering. Overall a worthwhile investment in the most reasonable cost of its implementation. (A word of caution to those who still advocate self installation..It took Rick a considerable time to upload the 861 firmware as it continually rejected the input of one of the files and only through repeated trying was it eventually successfully installed)

Happy bunny for now though

Rod

I've had a little time now to digest the firmware updates on my system at both lower (50), normal (65) and higher volume (75) levels.

I have to say I'm aligned with Rod, with the improvement to the 7200s a very pleasant result. I don't think the top end has changed (i.e. what comes out of the tweeter) but I suspect that the cleaner mid and bottom end somehow enables one to hear the top end with renewed clarity.

My 8000.2 sound the same, but I think they already had the bass alignment

I like having all the displays show SLS, I just wish Meridian would also support user defined labels on the DSPs then I could have SKY and PS3 (as displayed on 800 series kit) instead of SAT and GAME.

There is a new in the config menu of the all my DSPs �Support for M80 remote � Y/N�.

The undocumented �Front� / �Surround� option is still there; I set it accordingly by I was told from Meridian (via my dealer) that this option is none functional. It begs the question; "why do they leave it in then".

For the 861v6: I'd say the improved resolution to DIRECT & STEREO is very welcome and since the update I get less clicks / popping whilst pausing, re-playing SKY-HD DD broadcasts.

The only problem during the firmware installation was getting to the power switch of 7200HC, I chose to switch it off from the mains socket in the end as it was slightly more accessible.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks Carl and Rod
What do you think of Trifield as opposed to before the Upgrade??

Considering there is no sound related update for the 861v6 (it already had the apodizing filter), it would be very strange that the perceived improvement is caused by that.

I have to say that my preferred listening prior to the upgrade was in Direct as Bass response seemed better with no sub involvement for the centre speaker. Now however I am hooked on Trifield as the tighter bass all round now gives a much cleaner sound giving the impression of a larger soundstage.

Just my tuppenceworth

Rod

Thanks Rod........Just so I'm clear, do you use your Sub for Music?????.......or is it Movies only.......

I'm guessing Music & Movies based on your comments above??

Ronnie

I use my sub. for both music and movies although it is not relevant in respect of the 7200s which are set to 'large'. The crossover is set quite low at 45hz for music so most of the frequencies are handled by the speakers themselves.

Rod

I've always found Trifield substantially louder then Direct or Stereo

Thanks for your feedback Rod...........I'm sure many will find your comments on how Trifield now performs to be very interesting

My 861v6 has had its firmware updated.
I just have a quick impression about the changes and will report in more detail later.

What I can say at the moment, that the sound has changed independent if the 861v6 get high - or native sample rates -; Means if in my case that the 800 upsamples or not.

I did not listen to native hires music yet, will be much later if it's possible.

Does somebody have the "old" firmware so I can compare - old to new?

Robert