Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems A Meeting for Hikers in Huntingdon: Interest Check

I don't think we have to be, or should be, apologists for Meridian.

Let's get real: on MQA, Meridian promised more than any other manufacturer. They sold it to us, sold it, and sold it again. *That's* why six months late providing a solution for MQA with 861 etc. is six months too late. There may well be issues with MQA licensing that need to be resolved, but that's no consolation when you've spent over £50k on a pair of 8kSEs and an 861v8 and can't get fully rendered MQA without a 218 or (as ludicrously suggested) an 818v3.

I think that the 218 is a *superb* product for what it is and, of course it can be used for "non-custom-install" purposes (as I do). But pretending it's remotely akin to one of the Boothroyd designs of the past is pretty disingenuous IMO.

It's clear that the company has been through one heck of a change in the last few years, in terms of demand on resource (the development of MQA), change in ownership structure (spin-out of MQA), departure of key personnel, and no doubt profitability targets from Richemont. I really hope that Meridian succeeds with its strategy and delivers the products (and de facto promises) that we all want and need.

Very often, I feel hostage to Meridian; the only reason I'm still here is that the engineering philosophy makes so much sense and the sound quality is so damn good.