Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming MC200 Performance over Analogue

Having just read this clear explanation I have realised why there is so much confusion from customers about the Sooloos architecture.

It's that they have called an endpoint a "source" (which would normally imply the storage or server component of a system) whereas it's really a client.

Hi Malcolm,

I think the term Sooloos Source, stems from viewing it as an audio source for ones HiFi which is, as you say, confusing in the context of the Sooloos component architecture.


Regards,
Carl

That makes sense Carl. Viewed from the amp/pre-amp outwards.

FWIW - I chatted about MS600 and MC200 SQ with a well known (to HH) hifi store yesterday. Their view was that MS600 in either analogue or digital is significantly superior. It is their weapon of choice for any demo of amps, speakers etc.

How do they rate the performance of the MC200 as a standalone?

I didn't specifically ask but I would guess they'd describe it as good and a great entry level Sooloos unit. The MS600 is better. So, it's down to personal choice as 3 'levels' of SQ are available with scaling prices to match.

Start with MC200 ... a safe start.

When upgraditis hits, the MC200/MS600 (for small/medium libraries) in an anlogue system is a no brainier.

MD600/MS600 (for medium/large libraries) is a very nice option.

818 if you wants the dog's.....

I actually think M have a line up that makes a lot of sense now. I wouldn't have said so 12-24 months ago.
Just a few more items required e.g. M80 Sooloos gadget.

+1

The recent upgrade to the iPad app has also made browsing through your collection a real joy. You can download the Meridian Advanced Sooloos Guide from the M site to give you an idea of how it works. The guide was written form the persective of a C15 user, but the iPad app is close enough that you will get the gist. There are some stability/bug issues with the App, but M really are moving in the right direction.

I have just updated the Wiki section on Sooloos ripping, adding a few of my observations regarding the pain points when importing CD's/files into a Sooloos system. Getting good metadata is very important to getting the most out Sooloos.

Cheers
Greg

Apart from my own and a 506 16bit I have not heard any other Meridian kit

If the MC200 is entry level Sooloos and it is referred to as "ok" by comparison to the better M kit to an experienced dealer/owner listener etc.

However entering into this line of M kit comparing it to other kit i.e. older Meridian or other manufacturers kit might make an "ok" piece of kit can become "excellent" if that makes sense - depending on the comparison.

It's the later comparison I am trying to find out about - maybe I should have made that clearer in the inital post.

Thanks for all comments it's very interesting reading.

Indeed..."OK" was a deliberately vague and subjective word.

One man's OK is another's awesome.

Worth keeping in mind that going from a 506 to a MC200 brings so many other really positive aspects.

Find a good dealer near to you and get a loaner machine for a weekend. Or, as Ian mentioned, take your 506 to the dealer and test 506/200/600. It would be a very interesting experience.

Hi Al, I will try if I can to use the analog input of the 565' although it will be easier with the F80. No set up issues that way.
It is a lovely piece of kit though. I was shocked to find that SWMBO has loaded a bunch of discs properly with attension to meta data whilst I was at work this morning. I would never have believed it.
Cheers Chris

Hi again Al,

I have played the MC200 into the 565 analog inputs and it does sound good although I prefer the digital into 518 route.
This could be as much to do the the ADC DAC conversion in my 565 and in no way be anything to do with the MC200.

This was not an over criticle test just my impression. I will stick to digital on my system but a good analog system wil likely be great as Meridian conversion wil be good and you wouldn't have the extra ADC/DAC to consider, the weak point here I think.

I hope it helps but my system can't give you the definitive answer you need.
You must try one out for yourself as it is so easy to get into a collection.

Cheers Chris

Excellent Chris, thanks for taking the time to compare. I was wondering how the extra "conversion" would impact SQ. I wish I could try one out in my system, but here in California there doesn't appear to be much dealer enthusiasm for these new Meridian products. I have checked with multiple dealers near me and not one has an MC200 or MD600/MS600 combo for that matter, so couldn't even listen at the store, much less take it home. One dealer did offer a 30 day return with restocking fee, but that is not acceptable to me at these price levels.

Again, thanks for the analogue test. Hope it helps the original poster as well.

Al

I am still to get my audition of the MC200 - I was hoping this week but I have been too busy, hopefully next week.

I meant to ask before - the ad for the MC200 mentions

"analogue outputs delivering fixed 2V peak-to-peak or variable output levels"

How do you adjust the output level??

Reason I ask is my current 506.24 puts out too great a signal for my LX83 and it causes overload distortion - to combat this I need to turn Attenuation on the amp for the CD source.
Attenuation lowers the inpit signal and I boost the overall volume

My cousin has said the 506 puts out a slightly higher than 2volt signal so thats what I have attributed to the overload - the input signal being too great.

I am hoping If 2 volts is still too much to lower it so that I dont need to use attenuation on the amp as I know it will be better to control the signal at the source, rather than reduce it in the amp.

Thanks for the help