Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Which first - 861v8 or 7200.2?

I'm planning the next improvement to my system but would like others opinions as to the best route to take, DSP7200.2 first or 861v8?
I've recently listened to a few well setup systems, but not yet heard the latest 7200's.
I was mainly surprised by the improved top end naturalness, smoothness, inner space and lack of grain that I put down to the improvements to the 861v8.
In my current system the bass is more room limited than system limited and I control the bottom end with careful speaker positioning as well as the MRC. My existing midrange and imaging are close to reference quality (IMHO).
What have those of you who've upgraded found and given the choice, which would you change first?

8ks?

We recently did the 7200.1 to 7200.2 and 861v6/ID40 to v8/ID41 upgrade at the same time, so I can't clearly point to one or the other as the critical source of SQ improvement, but our current configuration is markedly better. I gather the 7ks and 7.2ks are rather different beasts. I'll state the obvious and suggest you listen to the latter somewhere first.

Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on how you think of it) the 8000's are too tall for our projection setup. The drop-down screen width is wall to wall and although 2.35 is ok, the screen for 16:9 format comes down to the top of my 7000's. It does take one option out of the equation though

(Am I imagining things or did a post from Ludwig just disappear?.)

Indeed, I decided it best not to state my intentions before I'd actually earnt the money.

Hmm. I'd compromise the projection setup to get 8ks!

FWIW, my 6ks straddle my screen and, when I'm watching solo and in the prime seat, I don't use the centre speaker.

That's actually quite a tough one to answer apologies if I have inadvertently caused this dilemma for you

I think the upgrades to both 7200 and 861 recently have both been very effective. The uplift in performance means that are both very worthy of consideration w.r.t. Upgraditis.

I would be tempted to go for the 7200.2 as they will probably be biggest improvement over your 7000. The benefits of the v8 might not yield their max potential through the 7000's.

Hi Geo3

Not quite the same here. I went for the 808.3 to 808.5 upgrade on the strength of the ID41 reports and I am satisfied with result.

I did manage to also compare the 7200's to 7200.2's (ID40) at MO and there was an appreciable improvement and not far off the 808.3 to 808.5 upgrade. However, I am not sure the improvements would be cumulative to my aged ears.

I would love to be proven wrong when I take the next step.
If you get the chance to compare ID41 to 7200s and 7200.2s I would value your comments.

Hector

7200.2.

I agree 7200.2

PerS

I have upgraded my system in 3 steps
1. 861v6/ID40 to 861v8/ID41
2. 7200HC to 7200.2HC
3. 7200 to 7200.2
My experience is that every upgrade was a big improvement. I can't say that any of the upgrade was better than the other. I think you will be pleased with any of the upgrade.

I had a system similar to yours and upgraded to 7200s. Single best thing I've ever done to my system. I too was challenged by screen (and WAF).

I learned from my father to fix the weakest link first; start with speakers. You won't be disappointed.

John