Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Ultra DAC - Q/A with Meridian's CTO Richard Hollinshead

That's more like it - apart from the cables, exactly the same system dCS use to demonstrate their equipment.

Yes Ultra DAC on demonstration here in Kent.

We could not wait to hear it and test it out with a view to buy.

The results we found were stagggering and basically it made Tidal sound similar to some MQA recordings. I mean internet radio was the best we have heard.

We would say it is an alternative to spending 30-40k on full analogue system.

We first set up with the new Bryston cubed and planted a set of PMC FACT 12 sopeakers on the end and the performance was simply stunning.

We then changed the speakers for the a pair of 802D3 speakers and my goodness, we were shocked to be fair. Anyone who has not bought into streaming due to lack of quality will enjoy this. Reference pre amplifier, Reference streaming and probably the best DAC on the planet.

Meridian are renowned inovators and what they have learned from developing MQA is impressive but to bring out a DAC that can offer the same improvement to any music you have or are going to buy is quite incredible.

For people who want the very best head unit on a new or existing analogue system.

Who is next for a demonstration here or at home ?

I’m somewhat sceptical about statements like that. No DAC, however good is going turn average speakers into great ones. In my experience, the latter has the greatest influence on the overall sound of a system.

Thanks for the impressions - interesting!

Could you clarify what you meant by this, please, as I think it's a little ambiguous.

Obviously the DAC has to go in an analogue system (i.e., not using DSP speakers, etc.) did you mean changing over to an analogue setup? For those of us with DSPs and processors, this would very likely mean spending at least that amount on the rest of the system, potentially?

Or did you mean the DAC as a source, instead of 30-40k of analogue front-end, e.g. a very very good turntable?

Or did you mean an alternative to spending 30-40k on a full *digital* system?

And how much does this analogue alternative cost?

Ultra DAC + Bryston 7B3 + B&W 802 D3 = £42,500 + cables.

+ room treatment (probably) as you have no RC

Meridian 2-Channel systems don't have RC either, though.

I (sort of) admire your enthusiasm. Some context would be useful though. There are some exceptional DACs out there and the incoming signal and its treatment can be very important. A bit more meat on the bones please?

I guess a question might be how this sounds vs 8000SE with the successor of the MS200 for a digital system of comparable price.

When there is a pre, a shootout vs 818v3 would be easy to accomplish in identical circumstances for the inquiring mind.

I also notice from the comments around the globe that M works quite well in a D'agostino pre/power wilson systems. Also Boulder pre/power is a nice match as we've had reported.

I really hope the DAC is a success and many new analog owners enters the world of Meridian.