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

So would I, but given how long it took them to come up with HD621, it could be a while coming.

... and then there are people like us on here where, after "upgrading" to 5.1/7.1 systems, many are "regressing" to 2CH systems as they prefer them. MDMS is only 2 channel and is the best promoted product range of Meridian.

IMHO Atmos is another technical exercise doomed to commercial failure.

Malcolm, I am with you on that one. I have been 2.0 now for 12 months and haven't really missed the 7.0 at all. It helps having a very nice 2.0 though I have to add.

I am with the OP on this one. I will go with, "this time it is different". First, the application of ATMOS isn't a major financial burden. It will appear in all new receiver and processor technology. However, the difference is that the extra speakers are not cutting edge and one can actually use smaller fronts then are traditionally seen. In most of the big time ATMOS applications I have seen, the speaker tech isn't a major investment and the speakers are not massive. It is with this distinction that I think M will struggle with the application of ATMOS and others. Well that and unwillingness to let the processor decode codecs.

I guess technically I could be throw into the group of people that "downgraded", but I did for other reasons as well. Primarily as I felt that M was leaving the analog speaker user behind. Like the OP, sticking with Sooloos and anxiously awaiting whatever major redo M offers for that.

Personally I'm not a massive fan of HT. However, the very very reasonable prices of legacy Meridian processors (861v4) and speakers have proved too tempting for me!

I'm thoroughly enjoying BR movies, Netflix, in 5.1, iPlayer etc. Excellent HiRes movie soundtracks and the odd piece multichannel music.

Currently listening to two channel on a different set up.

I think the thing that is different about Atmos is that it is unashamedly artificial. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. The producer can create exactly the sound-field he or she wants in a virtual manner using objects without the need for microphone placement or mixing desk tricks. The technology is undoubtedly impressive on paper and mimics the use of object-oriented software for video objects in cartoon and special effects development - which we know can be very convincing. As an aside, I suspect that the height element will be for the minority who can accommodate (domestically and financially) the extra speakers rather than a must-have USP.

However I believe it is the antithesis of the Meridian objective which I would characterise as trying to attain the highest quality, multi-channel sound quality to emulate the original recording and which incidentally happens to do film sound-tracks in a rather pleasing way.

Atmos supports a single, currently rare use-case. I can see commercial applications such as directed and multiplexed public announcements in controlled spaces. It might even become an interesting tool in the hands of creative and innovative music producers.

I look forward to Jaco's feedback on his experiences.

Well, D&M offer Auro3d also, but in a 7.1.4 system it is limited to Auro3d 7.1 (as in 2 front height channels and 5 base layer channels.
This is as the speaker position in the height layer are too different between the 2 formats.

This processor is affordable enough to replace after 1 year when DTS has perhaps their format out. Muat some compromise than.

Unless I'm missing something wireless speakers will need power and if they're going to the ceiling it won't be the most straight forward installation.
Cheers
Tom

Here is an interesting take on two channel vs. Atmos. This reviewer, having just reviewed the new top of line Martin Logan Monoliths, concludes with comment that the Atmos offered a more realistic sounding presentation. Most interesting is that the author used music he produced, so is likely the one best positioned to make a claim such as this.

Skip to the end if you don't care about the ML review.

Martin Logan vs Atmos

Certainly time will tell and opinions vary, but just an interesting take.

I tried Atmos today with Klipsh speakers. I think it's pretty cool. Hopefully Meridian will add Atmos compatibility to the surround processor in the future. The 2 new in ceiling speakers are going to cost me the price of a small car though.

Before these new formats (well personally for me I have no room for lot of speakers)..first things first...

I am waiting for multichannel input support on USB in the 861v8, will Meridian announce this at CES?

I have the Marantz unit in. No connection the speakers. The base layer is working, I need to set the unit up with Audyssey as that measures the distance etc. also.

The on screen menu is nice, never had one with Meridian