There's a lot of people here who can make much more informed comment about the technical issues but some thoughts occurred in reading your post. It seems to me that many of the features you want are still with you although granted that they are diminishing. Initially I too was angry with Meridian about the release of the G series - I have 596/568.2 (with 5 DSP 5k's) and 596 residual value has particularly been hit. However, I feel we expect too much from Meridian:

Firstly, the fact that we bought our systems from them says we really appreciate the performance of the equipment. That has not gone away. I wish I had more time to listen and watch through my system [Linked Image from softronix.com] The money I spent with Meridian for this was worth it at the point I paid it and nothing has changed that.

Secondly, I do want my system to be up to date but I don't want to be right on the edge. For example, I do want to have DVD Audio but I decided not to go for 598 because of the cost and commercial uncertainty over the format. If I could have found a 598 at a great price, as you did, I'd have done it to get a feel for DVD-A but with the real buying point being stunning DVD-V and CD performance. These things are still true - don't you feel that your system still bears comparison with anyone else's products just as it is?

I'm not technically knowledgeable but reading the guys here who clearly are, it seems some major changes are coming - Jaco's point about height dimension being one - and there are format and standards issues to fix. G series seems to offer a platform for envisaged functionality but even it will require upgrade to fully absorb and present it.

It does not seem fair to expect Meridian to foresee industry developments which require changes to architecture and physical box size to implement. 500 series is neat looking but it seems like it was not designed with current development potential in mind.

Thirdly, the people with 861 report stunning improvement with the PLiix software upgrade. If the implementation of that for 568.2 is as good (and why should it not be?) we are set for a big shift in performance. It's still a stunning processor and, again, in it's price band, it's as good as anyone else's including Meridan's as, from what I've read and heard about G series so far, G98/G68 are not yet a significant aural advance on 598/568.2.

For all of us with 500 series equipment and with an itch to have the best we can have, there will be a decision point to upgrade or not. I know I'll do it (although I truly hope my wife does not find this comment just now!) but not yet. Sometimes, to step up we have to write off much of an existing investment - I'm in the IT business where that is certainly true - and it looks it is the case here. Would any other company have offered better whilst providing so much?

I'm sorry to have droned on here but your comments resonate with me. I'm frustrated too but when I compare what I have got from Meridian with what I would like to have but can't (mostly related to upgradeability), I still end up with a smile on my face. They are a fantastic company committed to innovation, excellence, quality, clarity, and customer service. Inevitably they are constrained by the sheer economic and commercial realities of life. I hope you end up with that smile!

Steve

Steve