Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Advice please for my first M system

I beg to differ. To clarify: to get ANY analogue source into DSPs will require a processor of some sort capable of doing A2D. In the Meridian world the entry level would be the 562 (second-hand for �150-�250, depending on model, condition and whether it has the phono card and DAC) while the current production component would be an AC200. Other (lesser ) A2Ds may be available from other manufacturers.

Now we have an idea of budget, I agree that DSP7200s are the optimum (current production, latest s/w capabilities and connectivity, hopefuly in line for future upgrades). Their on-board environmental tuning offers a range of mitigations for room effects. The connectivity is slightly hampered by only having one SPDIF input, plus one speakerlink input. The processor options above resolve that issue supporting all the OPs source needs, however...

With that budget, in the current processor market, I would go for a 568.2 as it is economic, offers upsampling, has multiple analogue and digital inputs and is a route into multi-channel including DTS and DD which are not only relevant for films. Not sure of its A2D quality; it may be limited to 16/48 but the internal upsampling deals with that.

Presumably the Modwright valve transporters has valves in the analogue output stage, which would be bypassed if you use the digital output into DSPs.

Yes thats correct. Its a lovely bit of kit and so if I stick with M for any length of time, which I imagine I will, then it will be surplus to requirements and a valuable item to cash in.

I wasn't sure that I would be able to get a pair of 7200s within my budget?

I have had the Transporter and compared its digital output to the SBT.. same...I sold my transporter (they have issues with the displays)
however , you can use the transporters modded valve output for a DAC into a headphone system , should sound very good.

AFAIK the AD in the 568.2mm I have is 24/96 , I would also heartily recommend it for its flexibility and I/O options and routing and its great sound.

I seem to remember seeing a pair of 7200s recently with an asking price of �9,000 or so & thinking "that's lowered the bar a bit".

The 568.2 specification states 24 bit and "high quality" but not the sampling rate.

Your link say 96/24 for all sources and on all outputs

Agreed but I read that as how it is processed once in the digital domain. It does not specifically state 24/96 A2D on input. I was just being cautious.

For example the 562v3 specification only specifies 48kHz A2D.

I think this is still on topic as we are discussing optimum processor options for the OP.

Room correction.

Crimson
I converted to Sooloos last November from running slimserver through a transporter into my 861. I upgraded to an ID40 at the same time. Whilst there was an improvement in SQ it was not dramatic and given the pro's and con's between the two systems I concluded that the SQ of the transporter had much to merit. In fact I believe that the IPENG app is superior to that of the Meridian core control. Full page albumn art and the ability to search by artist (especially compilations) to mention but two. I would hang on to your Transporter and feed it into a pair of DSP 7200's..you won't be disappointed. Incidentally the �8000 quoted for a pair of used 7200's was I think the damaged pair sold by Peter Tyson and not neccessarily an indication of the true cost of a perfect pair.

Rod

Good point.

That takes us into G61R/G68 territory with a s/h entry point of ~�1100...

A s/h G61SL with health check/extended warranty would be around �2k? That offers everything except the phono card.

As a matter of interest - would you say a pair of 7200's will trump an older 24/96 DSP6000?

I agree 100% with RC, since I started with Meridian I have used RC or DSP EQ..to great effect.
I have never used the MRC..I can't say whether its more or less effective than something external.