Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian 271 and 251

Plug what you got including the HD621 (yes!) into the 271 and you might find it's all you need or want.

I must ask. How many people do we really think will go the analog route? Option 1-2 seem a little absurd, give the brand, etc.

Seems to me there is now an opportunity for a slim line processor, that is made specifically for this option, with either a DBS-25 or AES digital RJ-45 connection. Do we know if the respective inputs are encrypted, or can other manufacturers join the fun by adding similar outputs?

I suppose M could add an HDMI processor box and have their own first box some day. Though I suspect the lack of a dedicated MHR connection suggests otherwise? The description says MHR, but don't see what is "MHR"?

The digital inputs of the 271 are not encrypted. The digital outputs of the Trinnov, Theta Digital, Datasat, etc are not encrypted as well. There are a few installations out there that are using these type processors with DSP speakers already. The 271 makes a much cleaner way to do it and allows use of the MSR. It is really a cool product that opens up a lot of possibilities.

Bruce, do you know if it does any funky processing with the inputs? For instance, recognizing the signature of the DACs providing the analogue inputs and correcting for their time domain flaws?

All I know is what has been published so far.

So with the twin RJ45 jacks on the Storm audio processor, you could output 32 channels of digital audio by stacking two Meridian 271s?

We are limited to 16 channels with the Trinnov, at least digitally, am I correct?

So I thought that MHR was introduced because it was"against the rules" to transmit that HD audio over unencrypted digital connections?

In fact:So have content providers relaxed on that requirement now? Seems unlikely but then how do Trinnov and Datasat "get away with" outputting all this valuable high res audio over unencrypted connections?

That's an old story and as far as I know, only Meridian don't support hires over digital audio... every "far-east" company does support that since a loooooong time.

RobertW,

It's one thing for a "Far East" company who is basically un-sue-able due to location and because they're fairly small, and it's another thing for a well known and expensive brand located in a country known for it's litigiousness to flaunt the rules...

Not that I'm doubting you, just surprised.

EDIT: Off topic question/discussion split out to My System with: 3x8k, 3x5k5 and 2x5kC.

Hi David,

I thought MHR encryption dated from the DVD-Audio days, when everyone else had to output analogue signals; M were the only ones who could demonstrate a suitably secure way of transmitting digital that gained the approval of the studios.

The fact that MHR had audio benefits beyond the practicality "DRM" is why it continued to be used after the DVD-A format died? Even back in the day there were companies like TacT who could transmit 96/24 without encryption though, such files might have been produced from one's own original studio files (musicians?)

Perhaps with DVD-A gone, and hi-res content widely available to download anyway, there's less imperative to encrypt?

Just my musings on this!

Cheers
George

Is it possible with an MHR processor to turn MHR off and still transmit HD audio? i.e. could one use a MiniDSP box to apply Dirac RC to the digital outputs between processor and speaker? (Mind you, I'm not sure if my 568 supports MHR anyway...)

Interesting that all the conversation is about the 271.

I'm wondering about what kind of stereo sound quality I might get from the 251 compared to a decent Class A/B amp. I have a nice modified Quad 306 sitting in a box, but if I can get the right performance from a 251 in a single box at the right price then it might be worth reconsidering.