I am sure Meridian of the past (and possibly of the present) could improve the SQ of the 861v8 but to what end?
Because it would sound better with every input and codec it currently supports and satisfy those who need it to be on a par with their 2-channel endpoints like 818v3/808.6.
The multichannel market would surely baulk at any SSP without the support for the latest and greatest cinema-oriented sound codecs.
Some of them. Some will never want beyond 5.1/7.1. DTS-MA and Dolby TrueHD are still state of the art in terms of actual audio quality.
Multi-channel music (in the discrete sense rather than Trifield, etc.) has never taken off as a desirable medium despite the efforts of the DVD-A and SACD designers and supporters.
This is true, although I suspect it might have been a media/marketing thing. Now we have streaming, and Bob Stuart has hinted before that MQA might support multichannel at some point...
So an 861v9 would not really offer a compelling USP over an 861v8 except for those who have already invested in the 861v8 and are prepared to pay for the upgrade - thus I cannot see it generating new sales of new kit. At that point the case for MQA on all (or at least two) channels could be made but you quite reasonably exclude it from your question.
I think it would appeal to both existing and potential new owners - better SQ can only be a good thing in a competitive market? I only exclude MQA as a necessity, not as something potentially desirable - I think it should be an easy upgrade for it to inherit the same basic SQ while MQA implementation might take more time - perhaps an 861v8.2, then?
I think also, in general, it would always have been possible to make the same arguments against upgrades for sound quality alone, yet that is what Meridian did with 861 and with 2-channel endpoints for years, decades, where no new codecs or features were added, 'only' basic SQ was improved. Most of the audiophile industry 'upgrades' components to newer versions continuously, adding 'nothing more' than better SQ.
The apparent end of development of the 861 series at v8 and the reported disparity in SQ compared with the 818v3 are what stop me buying a s/h 861v8. I have persuaded myself to be content with a G68 while considering how best to integrate it with an 818v3.
I think this might be a common occurrence, and it was the same for me currently, until we hear something about v9. This means Meridian are losing potential 861 sales due to uncertainty/disparity, hence my original question.
Movie soundtracks are (IMHO) not about audio fidelity but instead are about dynamic range, impact and positioning. Do we believe that an 861v8/all DSP system is significantly better at those things than a lesser Meridian SSP?
In my experience, Meridian processors and all DSPs are the most dynamic systems I've heard, so I would say yes, they're better at this.
Of course I would like Meridian to bring a v9 upgrade because it would show commitment to the legacy ethos of the brand and loyalty to customers as well as, no doubt, delivering great SQ. The price could be challenging as it would involve new A/D cards on the input, new processing cards and software and optionally new D/A cards for analogue speakers. That together sounds like £3,000+ but if I was already in an 861v8 place it would be acceptable. But the price of a new 861v9 would then presumably approach Trinnov territory without the Trinnov features?
Generally in the past, upgrades have depended on what cards you have, so it's hard to say with an 861. The basics would probably be around £2500 with additional cards extra if they changed them. Usually, price on newer units did not change, so I wouldn't see it approaching Trinnov territory at all.
Interesting question 3dit0r - thanks for making me think.
No worries!
Google Search
|
Meridian Systems
|
Meridian Streaming
|
Restaurant
|
WiKi
|
Duncan's Meridian Info
|
Board Rules
|
Restaurant Rules
