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The 559 is more powerful in wattage terms than the G57 but an older design. They reckon the G57 edges it on sound... which is really saying something. The 559 has an amazing dynamic range. The 558.2 is brilliant but noticeably less smooth than the 559. It is conversely twice as powerful (on paper) as the G55 but if it sounds better, it might be worth considering. Anyone know why the new amps are lesspowerful than their forebears ?

There's a fairly simple answer to this question. I spoke to the local Meridian distributor here last week and discussed the new G-series amps amongst other things. The reason the G-57 is less power is due to that fact that the G-57 isn't a replacement for the 559 at all. The 559 is not that older model and is therefore not due to be replaced by a G series counterpart any time soon. If the 559 shared it's design with the 557, which it doesn't, I might be more inclined to believe a dealer that reckons the G57 sounds way better than the 559. I also have my doubts that Meridian would want it's more expensive amp to be shown up by the a newer,cheaper model.

[This message has been edited by OzMeridian (edited 07-14-2004).]