Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems G57 or G55 with 502 and B&W 804s

I’d be interested in opinions on my ideas here. I’ve just realised something of a long-held dream and rejoined the M fold 'proper' with a rather nice example of a 502 (I already had an Explorer 2 which I’m using with a Raspberry Pi 3 aa a Roon endpoint).

The 502 means I’m now in the market for a power amp. I’m playing with a friend's Ayre power amp (not for sale) which to these ears sounds slightly chilly through the midrange. It’s not cold or harsh at all - in fact it’s lovely and outrageously listenable - but I think I’d like something a smidge warmer. I really like the scale and authority, though - and how it hangs together at late night levels.

I have had success with the 804s biamping from my Yamaha RX-V1067. Ther 502/Ayre and 502/Rotel combos I've played around with have moved things on in many ways - but biamping was a great benefit with the Yamaha. (It continues to take care of HDMI sources and powers my centre and surrounds.)

So, my thoughts turn to M - and with fond memories of my 551 from many years ago (with B&W back then too) I’m thinking about power amps. Looking at current models (for now) I’m wondering about biamping with the G55 (using the fifth channel for my HTM4), but I’m also wondering if that money would simply be better spent on a single G57.

My other stereo source is a Timestep-powered Technics 1210 Mk 2 with SME 309 and a Denon DL-304 into (as yet unpurchased but probably) PS Audio Phono stage.

Thoughts?