Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Power supply upgrade

Carl,

My 861v4 is the processor I plan to keep for many years. I don't see enough improvement in the technology to justify the upgrade price. Don't get me wrong, the new are an improvement over the v4 but it is a case of diminishing returns. When and if there comes a time to replace the v4 it will be pretty long in the tooth by then and won't have too much value left, so resale is not a concern.

The only thing I am concerned about right now is reliability. From reading the forum, there seems to be a better than average chance that my power supply will have problems somewhere down the line. With that thought, I feel it is better to be proactive and replace it before it falters and possible damage other components in the process. If I also receive an improvement in sound quality, that�s just icing on the cake.

The Health Check will run $1,000 plus shipping and insurance. The unit has no issues at all at the moment so all I would be getting with this is the new power supply and the warranty. I read somewhere that the flat rate cost for any repair to this unit is $850 plus shipping. If this is true, the cost of changing the power supply myself and one repair is a wash with getting the health check. If this repair is not needed, I am ~$800 ahead. Unless there is some other common occurring failure in this model, the DIY power supply seems to be my best option. I am open minded about this and if there is a compelling reason to do the Health Check instead, I would consider it.

I am surprised that there is not more fall out for Meridian on this whole power supply issue. There is no hiding the fact that the power supplies in these units have a huge failure rate and on a processor that retails for over five figures, the best they can do for their customers is a $1,000 health check? At a minimum, this health check should have been free to the original owners of these units.

Are the units Meridian is using as replacements available for purchase?

"Huge failure rate" this simple is not true, there are many 1000's of units out in the field that are just fine, but of course their owners don't shout about it. I believe there was a time where some switch-mode PSU's failed, but most of these where dealt with under warranty. I've been told that the failure rate of the PSU for units sold in the last few [circa 5] years is less than 0.1%.

From Meridian, the linear PSU's certainly are I assume same about the switch-mode. However, given the choice I'd plumb for linear ever day (less to go wrong, better AQ ... win win).

I suggest you contact your local M dealer or one of HH friendly ones that post on here.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks for the information and advice, I do appreciate it.

I have already sent an email to my local dealer to confirm price and delivery of the Health Check. I have read that it was $1,000 plus shipping here in the US but I will wait to see what the dealer quotes me. If the service was in the $500 range, it would not be a question and my unit would be on it�s way.

Hi Brax,

There are lots of alternatives:
HCAA-60W
HCBB-75W
CP-131A
HDBB-105W
HDCC-150W

Condor and Power One make all those models, they're effectively the same thing.

Nick

What PSU is in the G95, anyone know?

It looks linear to me.

Nick

Sorry, I meant the new G65 processor.

Where have you been Cliff?
I guess your wondering if it would work in your G68. Sorry can't help you with that one.

Regards,
Carl

Exactly. I know it's linear but which model and spec.

Hi,

The Linear PSU will be a custom toroidal designed by Meridian with a capacitor and PSU module also designed by Meridian.

It's not like a switch mode which are better purchased from specialist manufacturers.

Regards
Edd

Makes me wonder:

Any chance this could be retrofitted to a G68?
Assume the innards run on the same voltage specs?
Would they be available as spare parts at a decent price?

Thanks Edd.

Compatibility issues aside, this doesn�t sound like a potential �decent� price upgrade to me. Happy to be wrong.