Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming MS600 system, upgrade-strategy

My MS600 has a "direct" setting for the digital output, which outputs the digital signal at its native sample rate (with the exception of high res files with higher sampling rates than 96kHz, which are downsampled as Meridan can't handle these higher sample rates). Not sure if this bypasses other types of processing by the MS600.

My MC200 (the older 500GB option) only had 1X or 2X options. 1X downsampled 24/96 files and left 16/44 files alone. 2X upsampled 16/44 files and left 24/96 files alone.

You really need to try out the DAC options you are considering in your system, be it a 3rd party DAC or a Meridian DAC. Just like all front ends, DACs from different manufacturers do sound different. An 818v2 vs. a high end DAC from another manufacturer will both be fantastic products, but each will have their own "flavour" of sound, with one likely being a better match for your system and your ears. Like you said, the ears have to decide.

I've compared the MS600 internal DAC to other DACs. It is a good DAC for the price but there's definitely room for improvement in terms of articulation, detail and soundstage width and depth. You're likely going to need to spend on a DAC to get an improvement, though. I've not heard the 818 yet but at it's price point I'm sure it must be substantially better than the MS600. If it's not, I don't know why anyone would spend that kind of money

It's via the browser interface:

If you're only using Sooloos for it's database/interface abilities and wish to use a 3rd party DAC to 'flavour' the sound differently to a Meridian endpoint, I would probably not bother with an MS, or 800 series component- the output of the MC200 itself is very low jitter and should provide any 3rd party DAC worth it's salt with a very good starting point all on it's own. I do suggest if you're even in the ballpark price range of something like an 818, you give one a listen, though, otherwise you'll never know what you missed

Nick is correct that an 861v4 + LPSU + ID40 is very nice, at half the price of a new 818. However, the 818 is certainly better (I just side by side demoed them) and a 2nd hand 818 might only be about �1500 or so more than the v4, depending on what cards are fitted, so might be worth watching out for...

@Kerry,
@Tintin:
Thanks for your input.
It was long ago that I accessed my MS600 via webinterface.
Usually I select the options by using the C15.
And same possibilities for me as shown on your Picture: I can set x1,x2 and DIRECT!
That should lead to a native digitial signal.
So everything is set for some comparisons.
Thanks again