Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat No more Meridian HT for me

Perhaps already clear with the sale topics of my gear.

I have sold all my Meridian equipment except the MC200.

The reason is that I want to try out new things like Dolby Atmos and Auro3d, and I saw this not as a valid option in the system I had (timeline and costs).

The system I ordered back is: Marantz AV7702 with Genelec G series active monitors and a HTS4b sub.

Thanks for all the help I received from the members here. Also it was great fun to visit the factory.

Jaco

Hi Jaco,

Good luck with your new adventures into HT. It's nice to see you still have the MC200 keeping the M candle lit for now

Maybe one day the M bug will return...

Kind regards
David

No offense, my understanding is that the Atmos thing is just a Japanese yearly new trick. I wish I am wrong.

My guess is Atmos is here to stay. It's my understanding that an Atmos encoded disc can be decoded into 5.1 7.1 or any other flavor - bitstream only.

My additional guess is while it may be here to stay (for a while) it is a passing fad somewhat like 3D, most people have trouble already accommodating 5 speakers in a room, whilst I have no doubt it is good I see it's future primarily in cinemas.

Russ

I think the ability to go wireless will play a big role in Atmos adoption...

Hi Russ,

I fully agree with you, however, I think some may opt for the front speakers to use upward firing drivers instead of ceiling mounded ones. Just a thought.

Dolby Atmos upward firing speakers Example here

I think there are three distinct groups.

Those that don't care, those on budget/constraints that may want to try, those who will use it a foundation for their setup.

Its success will depend on group 2 above and only if it is easily accessible/cheap, a bit like budget 5.1 is now. I think part of issue with 3D was, amongst many other things, having different versions of the same release and the associated cost premium. Are Atmos encoded discs backward compatible with existing non Atmos players and 1 disc will fulfill both markets?

I suspect that, in the end, group 1 will prevail as its probably more than 99% of the market and it will fade into a niche market just like 3D has.

Imho

I have 11 speaker and 1 sub for 7.1.4

This is in a dedicated room..

Good luck with the new system, I had previously sold Genelec equipment and built some cinemas with them at my old job.

They are awesome speakers and not used enough in some systems set ups.

IMHO object-based audio rendering will take off. The studios like it and unlike 3D it doesn't require extras on behalf of the audience to enjoy a considerably enhanced experience.

I think getting on board with Atmos is a bit of a gamble before DTS shows its hand. I plan to add height channels but I want to ensure that their positioning etc is compatible with future formats. I also have no plans to ditch my Meridian system and will 'integrate' a 5.1.4 system with my 861. I'm going wait about 6 month before assessing the options. I won't be missing much as current Atmos releases are truely woeful.

Edit: Jaco - good choice on the 7702, it looks an excellent processor

Given Meridian's history with Dolby, I would be astonished if Meridian does not have an active research line here. Having said that I respect the OP's position and choice.