Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems What Hifi reviews 808v6

I used to be more generous but some of the stuff you read in articles just beggers belief. I'd go as far to say with respect to HiFi mags in general that, in the field of human publishing, never has so much BS been relayed to so many by so few.

I'm in complete agreement with that. My point is that if a review is less than 100% positive or not a full ***** then some on here will question the review / the reviewer / the magazine in question. None of that happens if the review is 100% glowing or the full ***** of course.

I think it's called "cherry-picking" in scientific circles.

No offence meant to anyone!!!!

aka 'confirmation bias'- you give more credence to evidence that supports your view than to that which challenges it.

As far as I can see there is no mention of what power amplifiers and speakers were used, nor any specifics about the source components.

This is less of a review than a poor rewrite of the product description followed by a few comments about a few recordings.

Compare this with typical Stereophile reviews which describe the accompanying equipment, the time taken, refer to specific listening notes and often acknowledge the preferences and biases of the reviewer. And they are accompanied by detailed and expert technical tests.

I am not saying that the Stereophile review is any more accurate (a correct subjective review - can there be such a thing?) but it is much easier to understand how the conclusions are reached and how much value to place on them.

It may also have been set up for WHF and we know that some demo's in the past have been less than perfectly set up.

Just because they give it 4 stars doesn't mean they don't think its cracking - they just mark it down for certain reason.

Often price is the instigator and £11k for a CD player is not small change.
They critique the player for "plasticy" buttons, rickety drive and a few things which rightly so at £11k for a CD player should all be the highest of quality - I make them right on that point.

They have a reference system which is a Naim CD player + Streamer and Power Supplies. It used to a Big Bryston AMP I think they changed that and ATC speakers. They also used MA Platinums for AV so could well have used the Pl300 for that demo.

In saying all that they moved premises so it could all be changed.
There is a section on the website that highlights the facilities and not sure if it shows their ref test gear.

The rooms were and I am sure they are again treated rooms.

They say they like the player but prefer a more cutting sound - The biggest compliment to me was "we could listen to this all day" - that sums up Meridian to me - when that one finishes I just want to stick the next one on.

If you think about it if you was listening to what is probably a lot of similar and mediocre hifi everyday with some stars along the way you would probably crave the more exciting sounding products as well.

Any outfit that rates HDMI cables as able to improve colour and image quality I am afraid is not worthy of a read or mention and cannot be taken seriously!

T

I am, frankly, very puzzled that Meridian still thinks that sending products to What HiFi is worthwhile and a fit with the brand.

All publicity is good publicity.

Except when they 4 star you on the grounds of audio quality?

I'm not sure Gerald Ratner would agree with you there.

Very good point!