Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Impressions of the 861v8

I have just had my 861v6 converted to an 861v8. In 861v8 guise it gives a striking improvement in clarity to vocals on film or tv etc. which for me is very welcome. Bangs and explosions also appear more dynamic and dramatic. There appears to be more work for the sides and rears without sound from those directions being intrusive or artificial. One clear result is that ambient sounds are more fully present so that the overall sound field is better integrated and more immersive. The whole effect is somehow richer, like moving up to a better and more mature wine, with a more complex and mature flavour (this makes a change from the usual car analogies). Meridian claim a significant improvement in sound quality and for me that claim is justified.

Now for something a bit more fanciful and speculative, where I probably say something foolish. Is it possible that the cleaner power supply of the 861 is pushing back less contamination into the mains and adjacently connected products? Maybe I am just imagining it but picture quality also seems to have improved, with sharper definition and more detail.

Well done Meridian. And also well done Sevenoaks Exeter who provided a superb service as part of the upgrade: no-one could have been more conscientious.

[my system comprises Oppo 93, 5k2VC, 8k x 4, 5k2 x 2 and D2500]

Nice mini-review, thanks.

Wondering aloud whether re-running room correction will be warranted in moving to v8? I suspect yes.

Yes, new room correction has to be established. Just think of it as starting again on the config programme, albeit with having a good idea of what your virtual system should look like and what most of the presets and assignments should be. But you will also probably have new inputs to assign such as USB.

Thanks for first impression. Would you consider this leap to be smaller or larger than 861v4->861v6?

Is it a completely new version of Mconfig - i.e. you cannot carry over any exisiting settings?

I don't think so as you need to place a v8 in the centre of the system and only then can you get the right config. So, if you use an existing file you are effectively tearing it down to start again anyway. So, start afresh is the obvious route.

Yes, it is a new setup. There is a new 861v8 controller option in Mconfig, so you have to remove the 861v6 so that effectively means starting from scratch. You can print out your current config and then use that as a guide to configure up as v8 based system.

Regards,
Carl

Yes Carl, that is exactly right.

I am sorry but I cannot comment here: I never owned an 861v4.

Well G series is also relevant. I came from G68J->G61R-SL->861v6 myself so any hint would be appreciated.

Sorry, but I have never owned a G series processor. The 861v6 was the first Meridian processor I owned.

There were questions about the usefulness of the USB input over in the upgrades thread. I do not have Sooloos but used my iPod to play downloads in my systems.

I never bothered to investigate the BBC iPlayer before. This allows one to listen to radio programmes for a week after they were broadcast. BBC Radio 3 has good sound quality and so now I can use the iPlayer through my system via USB with very good results. The only drawback is that my internet connection fails during periods of peak demand (I can tell when the children come home from school and switch on their computers): I live in a semi-rural area.

I can also now play hi res downloads through my system via USB. I realise that this will seem quaint to those who have long enjoyed a Sooloos system!