Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Surround - Meridian G65 or other that is the question?

Hi,

This is for a media room project I may be involved with.
Surround - Meridian G65 & the new UHD 722 with combination of either DSP520/320 or just DSP320's vs Marantz SR7011 or Arcam AVR390 with the new 271.

I was maybe hoping to include height speakers but not sure if the dedicated Atmos/DTSX processing trumps the overall quality of a G65 with Trifield codec with the side/rears daisy chained for atmospherics.

Possibly might be analogue rears/sides depending on budget constraints.

Pleased to hear observations of the merits of either solution.

I would base my decision on the predicted use of the system with respect to the music:cinema ratio. If music SQ is important, then the Meridian option is likely to be far superior to either of the processor options you mention. Analogue processors into the 271 are always going involve multiple D-A conversions.

Edit: The 271 would allow you passthrough from a digital source for stereo music.

If you are set on a 3D audio set-up, to be honest I would consider an all-analogue system using a better processor such as the Arcam AR850 or 860.

Hi Cliff,

I understand your thinking as you have been down this path, however I would prefer to use the DSP speakers as other parts of the system will most likely be Meridian with Sooloos hence my question.

Not really set on a 3D audio but would be nice, it is only a lounge however it is the main system,

I did think about an all analogue system with Triad speakers but I would also like to keep control simple as well and the all Meridian system helps that with the MSR+, iPad control via a media source etc as not sure yet how the control works with the 271 etc.

Which way would you go with DSP's
G65 & UHD722 approx £4500
Arcam 390 & 271 approx £3700?

Again I would ask, how important is music and the Meridian DSPs to you? Option 1 gives you a clean digital path to Trifield and other DSPs. Option 2 give you a clean digital option for stereo (via eg a 218). The latter gives you more exiting HT building options.

I would try to stay all-digital for as long as possible, meaning buying Meridian (and/or Trinnov!) until you really have to make another choice.

I'd question whether you need a UHD722 at this point too. The HD621 will soon be rather cheap, and if it does the job...

+1

Maybe you could use the digital outs of the Oppo 203 Vanity HD and connect them to the digital in of the 271. Possibly this requires a custom cable.

Also depending on how many sources you need...

If 3D audio is not important, Stay with the G65 and 722 combo. The vast majority of surround systems we are installing are still 7.1 and 5.1. This is where Meridian does it best for music and movies.

Hi Bruce,

3D is not overly important although would be nice, what's your take on the Meridian pseudo 3D sound using the sides & rears daisy chained to heights are the true Atmos benefits worth it in a open plan living area?

If going 7.1 the rears would have to be ceiling mounted any way so maybe 5.1.2 with the sides as heights as well might be the best option if going down the Meridian route.

Hi Cliff,

I think I am set on the DSP's as they offer consistent output & quality just was not sure if the benefit of 3D sound outweighed a G65 Trifield with pseudo 3D?

I think the G65\DSP is the best of your options for SQ. Also the best for lounge cosmetics. The 271 is no looker

The calibration of the Trinnov allows for speaker placement issues and will calibrate accordingly.