Originally Posted by Nav Garayal
Based on several online blogs / reviews, the general consensus is that the Ultra DAC is a significant improvement on the 818v3.
That sounds about right with the 818v3 feeding the same high-end analogue system. The new DAC architecture and management in the ultra DAC is yet another step up in AQ.

Originally Posted by Nav Garayal
Currently, I have an 808v5 and have posted previously about upgrading to the 808v6 (to put it on par with the 818v3) when connected to my DSP7200SE speakers.
Sounds like a good plan to get the best out of your SE's and also to be able to decode MQA files as and when they become more available.

Originally Posted by Nav Garayal
However, I am feeling pretty short changed when I read that the Ultra DAC with all its new tech cannot be connected to DSP speakers.
It's a DAC, it is not designed to drive DSP's. All the new tech in the DAC control would be bypassed if it were to have digital outputs. You'd be paying a ton of money for all that tech that would not be used with DSP's.

Originally Posted by Nav Garayal
And even after upgrading to the 808v6, it seems I will still be missing the newer tech found in the Ultra DAC.
See my previous comment. Is there something specific that you are concerned about?

Originally Posted by Nav Garayal
Anyone share my sentiments, or do the DACs found in the DSP SE speakers share the same/similar tech as used in the Ultra DAC?
No I don't share it. The DAC management in the SE DSP's is similar to the Ultra DAC but they also operates quite differently in that ... in the DSP's they are optimised to drive the frequency band required for the amp / drivers they are feeding (High Frequency, Mid-Range, Bass).

There's a hugh amount of tech in the SE's, for example there's a dedicated DSP just to manage the rendering with the HF DAC pairs ... I believe this approach has been adopted in the Ultra DAC as well.

Can the SE's (or 8x8 or Ultra DAC) be improved... I hope so ... that's what R&D and Meridian are all about. One day there will be a SE mark 2 ... and a mark 3 ... etc.

Till then use what you have to enjoy the music... and upgrade to the v6 spec as and when you can.

Regards,
Carl

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