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

Atmos on NetFlix (as I understand from info that was discussed on this forum) is a trick to use lower bandwidth because it has more flexibility than AC3.

I meant web based streaming. But you have a point that things could be “full” bandwidth even now by “buffering” it to a server ahead of time. But that is a niche right now but could be cheaper and more seamless not too long from now.

One has to really watch these streaming services. They are not what they seem.

Downloading HD video from Apple TV still brings (last time I checked) an audibly compressed soundtrack. Yucky.

I was more thinking that it's such an odd quote.

For one, it seems a bit back-handed and superior. Secondly, Meridian don't support many of the modern lossy codec's, DD+ being an example. They support DD, DTS and LPCM and that's it (okay, ambisonics too, but I don't think that'll impress the streaming crowd).

Then there's the fact that the 271 does nothing to help support or improve "lossy, low resolution codecs" except possibly by letting something else decode them and accepting the input. I suppose that if the input is 16/48 then the apodising in the speakers might help somewhat, but I think it's over-egging it a touch.

Lastly, it then references Atmos, Auto and DTS-X as though it's providing that support when it's completely not. again, it's just letting something else do all the hard work and this is just a conduit to allow someone else's processor to send audio to DSP speakers.

As far as I can see, it's not even acting as a switching pre-amp (is it?) allowing you to use, say a 818 or similar for critical stereo listening and your Trinnov for surround. Now all your audio comes through the 3rd party amp so surely at the high end, you're gaining in home theatre, but losing in stereo.

All that said, I think a smaller 2, 3, 6 or 8 channel version would be interesting to allow users to use DSP speakers with, like an Denon or Pioneer amp. I could see someone wanting a DSP front three, but happy to have a receiver powering the other 3 and doing TrueHD/Master Audio decoding. Of course, that's not Meridian target demographic...

Preliminary prices released:

The 251 amplified IP zone controller is expected to have a RRP of £1250 (inc VAT)

The 271 immersive audio DSP loudspeaker controller is anticipated to have a RRP of £1,500 (inc VAT)

Expected availability is late September.

Orders are now being taken, on a first come first served basis.
Please contact your Meridian dealer to place an order.

Rick

Any extra charge for the digital version of 271 ?

Surprised to see only £250 between 251 and 271.

I have been seriously consider selling my Meridian gear to get an Atmos set up. The 271 might change my mind. Could one use a 271 with an Arcam AV860 (using the balanced outputs) and keep my DSPs and add 4 passive ceiling speakers (maybe Kef Ci200RR-THXs with suitable amps or DSP320s) for a 5.0.4 setup?

This would make my 861 and HD621 redundant. Just need a replacement for the ID40, maybe with a 218.

Yes, a hybrid system using DSP's and analog speakers is possible with the 271. Add a 218 for streaming and you will be all set.

So what would be the loss here? you'd lose Meridian presets like Trifield and Music I'd guess. Would you lose Meridian's surround processing? or with lossless formats, does that not matter as much?

I feel like you're replacing a Meridian processor with an Arcam one (because, ultimately you are) but does that mean you lose out on sound quality?

As Meridian do not support atoms in their processors there is no other option but to replace it (if you want atoms).
I think the release of the 271 confirms that they have no intention of releasing a processor with support for it.
If they were it would have made more sense to release such a product before the 271. That would have meant sales for the processor instead of customers buying a 271 to go with a new non-Meridian processor. Such customers would be less likely to buy a Meridian processor having just invested in new gear.

They could also be hedging their bets. The 271 doesn't mean no "871" (see what I did there...). There could be two parallel development courses. Or not.

It depends, of course, on the development of the market. And at least this way Meridian have ready "a solution" for those wanting their magnificent DSP speakers in an Atmos etc. set-up.

at this rate the 871 comes out with atmos as newer codecs that the 871 doesn't have are being released.

see what i did there?