Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 861 Direct Setting Questions

The only difference is the distance setting.

My plan is to change the distance setting to where both direct and stereo sound identical - if that happens

I am hoping this is the case as I can then integrate my subs to extend the freq response down into the high 20's for the occasional where its needed.

I will report back and let you guys know but the difference is so marked currently its been a real shock.

Just to confirm the issue (I got a little lost and was about to post an irrelevant response):

- You have the 861 configured as a two-channel analogue pre-amp (see below).

- You can hear a substantial difference in the sound between Direct and Stereo.

- You have checked all parameters and you believe the only difference is the speaker distance.

Please confirm:

- MRC is not engaged in either mode (does it even work in Direct I wonder?).

- Did you do a factory reset on the 861 and select Type 0 (analogue speakers, no Music sub)?

- Did you create a new config file from scratch or modify an existing one?

- Have you tried swapping the channels and speaker wires to/from the power amp/speakers (no it should not make any difference but just in case...)?

Based on your screen shots, I cannot see how Stereo and Direct sound different. They should be the same. Speaker distance is not the issue. If you have MRC active and engaged on both presets, there should be no difference. MRC is active in Direct if it's engaged.

There is a huge difference, not a small can I or cant I hear it - it's huge.

I have a pal coming over soon to hear my new setup I will see if he can hear the same difference as me without prompting him in anyway more than necessary.

But it's honestly clear as day.

If this matters I feed in SPDIF from an audio PC / USB to SPDIF converter - I don't use any ID40/ID41 cards.

I am not doubting you, I'm just at a loss to explain it.

Maybe a red herring, but what was the +3dB fix for and does it apply here? Was it just DSP's and Direct preset or did it affect anything else?

The problem was with the digital outputs: the processor was attenuating by 3dB, to give some headroom for the multichannel presets Trifield etc., but not required for a 2.0 or 2.x setup.

Version 6 or higher firmware fixed this issue.

Hi,

If you wish, you can send me your Mconfig .msl file and I'll double check it...

Regards,
Carl

Thanks Carl - I appreciate it.
File sent to you directly.

Fingers crossed you fix it