Bernie

Since that is what was achieveable with the options being compared it was a valid comparison. That the G91 will not upsample CDs with DSP5200s in Type 6 (not sure if it does so in Type 1) is a limitation that has to be evaluated alongside everything else.

And I have no hard evidence that upsampling was the cause of the difference since that controlled test was not done. It could still be the speakers. I do know that B&W does fundamental research on drivers. I have never heard of Meridian pushing that particular envelope, although the engineering in the digital domain is very innovative.

I have no desire to change your or anyone's mind. I am secure in my own evaluation process against the options that make sense to me. Each person's evaluation criteria and situation are somewhat unique. I don't appreciate the "claimed" remark either. The truth is what I heard not what you second guess me on what you think I heard and why it doesn't fit your perception of what I should have heard. I have no desire to be part of or engage in any particular equipment cult, even though I have invested $11k already in Meridian equipment.

When the option was to compare DSP5200 and no G68 ($11k) vs B&W803D + G68AXV ($16k) the 5200 looked potentially attractive. If we now must compare DSP5200 + G68D ($18k) vs B&W 803D + G68AXV ($16k) in order to make it sound acceptable with CDs the equation is different. The simplicity of the digital speaker cabling is worth paying for, but only if the sound is equal or better.

There is enough question over that to make it worth listening to the 803D. Which is what I will now do. Especially given that I could use my existing N804s as rears vs losing half the value of them in selling them.


It would be great to see a combination of Meridian's digital speaker technologies with B&W's cabinet, driver and driver loading innovations. Surely B&W which has become large and successful and has much broader distribution would entertain at least licensing the Meridian digital speaker technologies to bring them to a wider market.

Sanjay




[This message has been edited by Sanjay (edited 05-03-2005).]

G91 - G57 - B&W804 - Squeezebox 3