Originally Posted by ncpl
Why no USB output to support streaming to USB inputs of DACs remains my query.
Presumably because -- when originally designed -- its primary use case was sitting in a cabinet, feeding other modular Meridian custom install kit like the 251, and allowing the kids (and their friends) to connect their iPhones to it using Airplay. RAAT useful, but not essential. Although there will be some retail sales (to whom now?), this is a product specified by a custom installer, not a retail one.

I won't beat about the bush though: lack of Airplay undermines the product in a big way, and Meridian will know this. I have no idea what happened, why it got pulled, or whether or not it can be added via a firmware update. I hope so, though note that there is a Bluetooth LED, but no Airplay one (if anything can be read into that).

The point about Airplay is that it's a network, not a proximity-related point-to-point (i.e. need to be near the box) protocol. Bluetooth is a deeply unsatisfactory fallback in this regard. I wonder if there are any "cheap" Airplay to SPDIF bridges that custom installers can use to solve the problem? Used Mac Mini?

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