Hello All,

An update to this adventure, I managed to get an upgraded 818 that is now v3 for much less than a first hand v3 price. Once hooked up to the 5200s there was no turning back. Clear, vivid, palpable sound, with large sound stage, crystal clear detail and enhanced dynamic and bass range over the AC200. Without the 818 those speakers were certainly not justified. Glad to have taken your advice on this step.

I then managed to download and try some MQA native files from 2L Audio - it was like ascending into audio heaven. The MQA album Aernesen's Magnificat flooded our home with the most life like sound I ever heard from hifi equipment (http://www.2l.no/hires/). Even the Nielsen solo piano album that was remastered from mid-90s masters sounded astonishing.

Dont regret the decision though I am poorer for it bank balance wise. Word of advice to future owners of Meridian - skip the AC200.

Thanks again guys /bt

Zone 1: DSP5200SEs, 818v3, Sooloos MC200 (1 Master, 1 Slave), Samsung LED 55" TV and Bluray
Zone 2: F80, MS200