Whilst the 218 is a pretty amazing bit of kit, I think when Roon introduce the first unfold update the MS600 may become the better bargain. As Bruce indicates it is hard to find words for what is different; more authoritative/confident/secure? But it is there.

Haven't tested the 218 with DSPs yet which may change this view, but was surprised how good the MS600 was given that it seems quite dated now. But that is the Meridian weak spot; they seldom (if ever) make a bad product, hence even the 5ks shine with MQA.

I imagine a Roon ROCK NUC, 218 and 5200SE set-up would be the most sensational (albeit pricey) MQA system.

Good times.

Richard

Zone 1: 861v8+ID41, 818V3, UHD722, Shunyata Denali, Network Acoustics Tempus, DSP7200SE, DSP5200SE
Zone 2: 818v3, PS Audio P5, DSP 7000, SOtM sNH-10G, Mutec Ref120, Ultra Dac, Cavalli Liquid Gold, Hifiman Susvara
Zone 3: Antipodes Oladra, PS Audio P20, SOtM sNH-10G & sCLK-OCX10, Devialet Expert 1000 Pro Amplifier, Wilson Benesch Act One Evolution