Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Impressions of the 861v8

I thought the ID40->ID41 change was marginal. The v6 -> v8 upgrade was substantial and really upped the ante.

Notwithstanding a few variables, I thought the 861v4 sounded a lot smoother than my G68 in an analogue system so I would expect great things from the v8. At least I'm hoping so as I�ve just ordered one.

I missed that comment before.

The answer is yes, definitely. SMPS are very noisy, and the more you can elimiate the better. Using a linear supply is a bit like have a mains conditioner for each piece of equipment.

It's also worth turning off and disconnecting unused equipment like TVs and video receivers and players.

Nick

Thanks Nick for supporting my findings. I had assumed that Not'arf's dismissive post was not based on personal listening experience or technical knowledge.

I recently traded in my G68 for a 861v8 so I thought I would very briefly post my impressions from the perspective of an analogue system user. I bought my 861 equipped with both OA18 and OA08 cards.

There are sound quality improvements in all departments. While I would describe these as subtle, collectively they significantly enhance the listening experience. Most important for me is a reduction in harshness at the top end. The hard edge on some female vocals has now gone. There are noticable improvements to the clarity of movie soundtracks also.

Build quality is suberb and I'm still getting used to the size of the 861 compared to my G68.

Any complaints? Yes, the display is a disappointment. Poor contrast, there�s a visible background glow even when brightness is significantly turned down. The �DSP processing mode' light which flags a multichannel input doesn�t dim with the rest of the display. No �standby� indicator light. I found the DSP processing mode light annoying so I�ve now programmed XBMC to blank my 861 display when a movie starts.

The display issue is a relatively minor gripe and I have no regrets about upgrading. I also now have 7 SpeakerLink outputs to consider using.

Hi Cliff. What speakers do you use in your system?

Hi Tottigoal


I have Wilson Benesch Discoveries for the fronts

Wilson Benesch Arc for rears

And, a REL Stentor III sub

Cliff, turn off all room light and then you can play with the display contrast and brightness to minimize the background glow
but still have enough brightness/clearness on daylight.
Its a littel game.

Thanks, I did that a few weeks ago when I realised it has a contrast as well as a brighness control. I'm happier now except for the DSP light.

What a great configuration!!!!

Thanks. I've had that combination for more than 10 yrs now and I fancy a change. The Discos will be difficult to beat however, they have the punchiest bass of any speaker I've heard.

This thread has been running for about a year and a half. Probably M is working feverishly on the v10. However, soon Martin Logan (my signature speaker company) will be delivering the Neoliths, their new of top line. So it's time to look at the rest of the system and upgrade.

I looked over the thread this morning and as expected everything was pretty much on the positive side. Some seemed overly enthusiastic with the clouds gone, sun shinning and birds singing gloriously. Of course this implies that something was/is wrong with the v6. And as Kal wrote in his 2011 mini review of the v6:Of course, if you stand still others will catch you. So other than money is there a down side to the v8? Anyone not see enough value. Should I add the ID41 heading toward Sooloos?

Gary