Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 861v9 speculation thread

In regards to the question of being crowded on analog outs, DB25 is pretty standard in the higher end pre/pro's that handle a larger amount of channels.

I'm not sure I like the HDMI inputs seemingly crammed next to the analogue outputs.

I think the real question is, where do you put 32 SpeakerLink connections? OK, 16 would suffice, but still. You have always been able to order a 861 sans analog outs, never without SpeakerLink.

I wish every pre/pro came with DB25, makes setting up so much easier and less issue over connection issues.

Probably using stacked 2x6 or 2x8 RJ45 industry parts to get the desired density they deem necessary to compete with a proper immersive audio experience in a SpeakerLink based system.

Room for 16+ SpeakerLink + 16+ optional analogue? I doubt it somehow. I think it may be an either/or option but not both. Or another box of course.

Edit: It's also possible that it may not be deemed necessary to have separate SpeakerLink outputs for of each height effect channels and that some could be daisy chained.

Let's increase the density then shall we?

If we start using DB25 for analog out channels then one card can easily fit 2x DB25 = 16channels.

That means that if you just swap the XLR output cards for 2x2 DB25 then you could fit 32 analog channels output on the same real estate that you today get 8ch of XLR.

Likewise if you use denser RJ45 stacks and/or rearranged to standing 3x1 RJ45 stacks, then you could probably increase the channel output from one SL output card to 12 or 16 channels.



Now, how are we doing for density?

Great! Can you put together one for me by the end of next week?

Seriously, I wonder if the design of the 861 will have to change to cope with heat generated by the extra processing power that will be needed? My Marantz 8802 certainly gets quite warm after a few hours and that's with a well ventilated top. The double skin of the 861 won't do so well and I hope this doesn't mean adding fans. The Datasat is a noisy beast from all accounts.

Interesting pics and suggestions Crion.

Could be some issues with the 3x1 stacks. Some high quality cables, with half decent retention clips, good screening and especially cable strain relief are unlikely to be compatible with this format.

Some "Mouth Organ" PCB mounting styles are dimensionally incompatible (gap between rows) with some RJ45 cable connectors. The examples shown by Crion look quite good though.

Screw locks on DB25 connectors are not very convenient unless you have easy access to the rear of your equipment rack.

Hector

Well, in reality, a Trinnov with 32 channels would likely never drive 32 separate speakers.

If it were possible for a M based DSP system, you would run a SpeakerLink to each driver. So I guess what you describe, might be the case. Makes me wonder if M ever considered a HT line of speakers that moved the processing to the processor and allowed for such a setup?

Sorry, maybe I missed it. Are there any news regarding the new version? Will it come out in 2015? Thanks

consult your Meridian dealer to find out more information about the rollout dates of the 818v3 and 861v9. They have some more info.

My dealer has no new information as of last week.

The new 818/808 was originally due at the end of March. Then August. So far nothing. This is all very disappointing and worrying.