Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Is the 861 a dead end?

While processing analog signal for RC seems like a step in the wrong direction, it would seem that is the only option in a post MQA world.

It's likely better if your an M enthusiast, given than if Trinnov had a weakness, it would be its DAC, relative to the upper end of M. This might be due to the noisy environment that Trinnov DAC's operate in.

I stilll think that M should just license Trinnov and sell a processor that has SpeakerLink connections. Works for JBL....

That's something that's always bothered me about the Altitude32; the HDMI inputs are located right by the balanced analogue outputs - something M would never do. I put that concern to Trinnov and they replied that the two sections have different PSUs and there is no detectable noise.

Perhaps a way forward would be for Meridian to use someone elses processor but reengineer parts of it so the HDMI would not be in the same box. Updated HD621+ processor with all the goodies then out to either analog or SpeakerLink...

That would be nice. I cannot imagine that who ever they paid the license fee too, would care how they implement HDMI. I do wonder how many people would want the hassle of two boxes. That being said, gives the pace of HDMI updates, maybe people would prefer a separate box? Trinnov does work with JBL via its proprietary blulink. Which is sort of like JBL's version of speakerlink.

Very interesting. Thanks for that. I hate to say it but before I upgrade my equipment I will have to take a serious look at the alternatives, which would include my selling my DSPs and going with "normal" speakers etc...

There is another new player in this space, Lyngdorf.

They are hardly new. They were my first RC experience at CES over a decade ago. They have had their share of issues over the years.

They are the controller for the +$200k Steinway surround system, which I understand is pretty spectacular. It's entirely proprietary ... I think it's also used in Macintosh top of the line processors.

You would be a fool not to.

Interesting how mindsets are changing, I agree with Jerry keeping your upgrade options open rather than tied to a single manufacturer seems sensible.

Russ

I suppose it depends on your future plans for your HT set-up, specifically whether or not installing height speakers is even on the agenda. If it is, then installing 4 – 8 analogue speakers in the ceiling is a bit less daunting than installing the same number of DSP speakers which tend to be somewhat larger. For tonal matching considerations, I’m not sure I would want to mix analogue with DSP speakers so, if I had analogue ceiling speakers I would probably follow suit with the floor speakers.

Cliff,

That is what I struggle with in the end. Apart from the technical and logistical challenges of sticking all these heavy DSP speakers in the walls and ceiling, your now tied into M. At that point, your likely looking at a dedicated theater and not a living room. And the magic of the Meridian solution is lost.

For me, the 861 was always the best compromise processor, for someone who wanted great sound in music and movies -- and didn't have the dedicated theater. Striking that compromise today seems increasingly difficult. Atmos, multi channel, multiple codex, HDMI 2.1?

I suspect that whatever happens, it will be more of a compromise than in the past. Hopefully the next one will actually be a processor, and actual process...

My sentiments exactly and my concern about replacing the 861 is that any replacement processor will fall short on music SQ front. (That 861/ID41/Roon is a powerful combination). It’s also not something I feel that I can assess via a quick demo either, which adds to the risk of ending up with an expense alternative which doesn’t quite deliver.

Like you, I don’t have a dedicated theatre but I have installed 4 medium sized ceiling speakers which are relatively unobtrusive cosmetically. I am tempted to go with Trinnov but it’s not cheap and the above doubts linger.