Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Datasat RS20i

Hey Guys,

I was wondering if any of you have auditioned or purchased the above processor? I am in limbo at the moment. I love my Meridian 861v4 and HD621 but am wondering if the Datasat is the better processor to the 861v8?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
G

I take it that you spend a lot of time on the AVS forum. It is certainly the processor du jour over there. I would add that the prospects are that the pending Trinnov HT processor could likely give it a run for its money.

In my opinion, they are pretty different beasts as the Datasat (and Trinnov) seems to really thrive is major installation. I believe it can output 16 digital and analog channels, allowing for some pretty elaborate loudspeaker installations.

For me, I recently upgraded to a new 861 and I can say that Trinnov had me won over for a while. I believe their room correction is more advanced and likely more applicable for analog speaker users, such as myself. However, I stayed with the M chassis as I really like the integration of the Sooloos into the 861 and I am a believer of the off board video switch. I also wasn't wiling to wait for the Trinnov processor, which I suspect will be big $$$. In the end, the 861 was enough for me, as I needed to strike a balance between use friendliness and practical application. Living in an apt in NYC, I don't think I would have been able to extract the full value from the Datasat.

BTW, do a Google search as there are some pretty strong opinions from seasoned members of the forum on MRC vs other room correction types.

Thanks Yetis,

Really appreciate you input on this. I am hoping to demo the RS20i in the coming months. I am interested at your comment about user friendliness etc...it is true that you have to live with these things at the end of the day. One major concern for the RS20i was the fan noise for me. It won't be a deidcated cinema room. It will be for my lounge.

Interesting times... will have to try the V8 too to really see the differences in both HT and music.

Cheers
G

Your post prompted me to look into the pending Trinnov Altitude. A card based surround processor with room correction. Seems like they are targeting someone and it isn't Datasat. I would certainly not want to be an early adopter, but competition is good in my mind.

On the dataset, I didn't realize it requires a home automation system to control! As in, there is no remote! Wow, talk about eliminating a segment of the market.

I've heard neither but I subscribe to Home Cinema Choice in the UK & they tested the RS20i / RA7300 combo recently & awarded it Reference Status, but did bemoan the "gale force fan noise". For use in an apartment that may be a deterrent.