Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems AC200 v 818v3

Hi Guys

I'm wondering if I should stick to the AC200 or move to 818v3?

Can anyone offer advice as to how I should evaluate this?

Thanks /bt

You should switch.

Only way for you to tell for yourself is to get a demo. However since you have a pair of 5k2SEs it really doesn't make sense to hold them back with the AC200.

AC200 has non-asynchronous USB, a much more basic set of filters and processing. 818v3 will give you full access to MQA (OK, this is slightly limited by software availability at present) and the ability to continue the upgrade path as well as an ID41 rather than your current MS200.

The AC200 is a dead-end, as far as technology is concerned.

I do have an AC200 which feeds my 6ks. I view it as a basic switch for sources.

I also wonder whether an HD621 would be useful. Even with 2-channel you would be able to get all the hirez tracks from your blurays. Currently you're limited to core tracks only.

Switch!

The 818 is the flagship stereo machine and is one of their very best products. The most transparent and natural sound I've ever heard.

Thanks Both for the forthright advice. Ill try and set up a demo.

How does the 808v5 pre amp compare to the 818v3? if there is a gap in peformance, does the 808v6 upgrade make things more comparable? thanks!

Short answer is: 808v5 is not as good as the 818v3. Because it is a generation older. It will also not play MQA.

The longer answer is:

818v3 = 808v6 minus CD portion
818v2 = 808v5 minus CD portion

That's why they are referred to as the 8x8. The middle number tells you whether it plays CDs or not.

The earlier iterations are not so connected:

808v4 was the original Anniversary machine, the first 808 with a linear PSU.
818v1 also had a linear PSU, and if I recall correctly, came shortly after.

808v3 and earlier didn't have linear PSU.

I just picked up an 818v3 on Thursday I traded in my AC200 and MS600 the difference in sound is astonishing, if you have the cash don't hesitate.

Andy

I think you need to change your signature...

Enjoy.

Feel free to share the details, in particular if you had the chance to listen to MQA tracks as well. Congrats, and enjoy!

Hi Thanks for this endorsement of the switch !

I was talking to my local disti who is very helpful, I wanted to confirm what he told me with you all out there: while the 818v3 will great upgrade the analogue input sound quality, the FLAC streaming from Sooloos essentially is the same in the 818 as it is in AC200. Sounds right but let me know if you have a different view or experience, I would be grateful for the feedback in making the switch decision. [90% of my music is on Sooloos, and more stuff just keeps coming online from TIDAL].

Thanks /bt

That's total rubbish! Nonsense!

Meridian should sack that distributor. They clearly do not have a clue. The USB streaming capabilities between 8x8 and AC200 use two different methods asynchronous vs synchronous with asynchronous as used on 8x8 far superior.