I upgraded my 818v1 to v2 and thought I would add my impressions. I use a MC200 to the ID41 card of my 818. From there I use SpeakerLink to my 861v8 so I can listen to Trifield in 7.1, which is how I listen to all music.

The upgrade is two cards, the OE34 and an ID29. If you do not use the ID29 then the upgrade is sonically the OE34 and new firmware. I found the reduced jitter from the OE34 to enhance transparency in the soundstage and reveal additional details in the recording due to a perceived reduction in noise. Although worthwhile, I felt this upgrade to be on the smaller side of differences. I imagine this has something to do with transporting the signal via SpeakerLink to the 861.

Despite the upgrade to v2 status for my 818 being a smaller difference sonically, I would like to add that the sound from the 818v2 through the 861v8 is utterly magnificent. It is a real testimony to Meridian and Bob Stuart that they keep improving the sound to the degree they are. I thought the sound from the 818v1 through the 861v6 was superb and it is. But the new sound is instantly recognizable as superior. Even more transparent, detailed and dynamically convincing than it was. Not just with high res files either. Everything you play is more musical. Wow.

mw