Hm, I just became aware (remember how new I am to Meridian) that the 808i series CDPs also have built-in preamps, and sometimes are quite reasonable (comparatively) second-hand?

Might be a good solution for me as it would allow reference quality CD playback which is most important for me, plus digi-inputs for other 2-ch sources such as Bluray/DVD, Sky set-top box, etc?

Just a thought...

HC: 861v4/ID40/LPS, DSP5000, DSP5000VC, DSP3100, SW1600, HD621, Oppo BDP-105, Sony VPL-HW55ES
2-Channel: Oppo BDP-105, TEAC VRDS-7/Trichord Clock 3/PSU, 551, Quad 303, Harbeth Compact 7ES-3, Kimber cables, Russ Andrews mains and supports.
Previous Meridian: 5000C, 5200SL, 7200.2, 6000, 562V.2, 568.2mm, 800v4, 808.2i, 818v2/v3, 861v8, 502