Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming Meridian 210 Streamer - Released!

RAAT is not limited to 96 (correct) but the 210 is not a DAC. So, it has to pass the digital content via one of it's outputs and AFAIK the only link that can handle >96 is USB... and it is missing.

I also continue to enjoy the MQA experience.

Yet, Meridian clearly state that the 210 does not support AirPlay. If it did, they would have instead stated that AirPlay is not presently available.

That is a fair distinction spinaltap.

The 210 would require the appropriate AirPort hardware/antennae plus software.

That is, if we accept Meridian’s precise wording, it’s unlikely to require a straightforward firmware update to light-up AirPlay.

Which probably means that they didn't land the licencing arrangement in time/gave up/still working on it/launched without/may add later via an update (delete or combine as you see it).

Why no USB output to support streaming to USB inputs of DACs remains my query.

Anyone got it yet? Feedback on app and soundquality?

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?

The funny thing is my kids and friends can't be bothered to connect their phones to my system. One of them will pull out a portable speaker which they've all connected to at some point and the incidental music is played...Old man mode... There is a lot more competition in the entertainment area then there use to be. Anecdotally, music seems less important then it was when I was younger!

Interesting observation Tom. My observation is that kids have a lot more to deal with than my generation (who really did have it "so good" compared to the generations before and after), and that I'm very impressed with the current generation.

Give them a Radio Times and ask them to look up the details of a programme and you wont be so impressed...

Or turn off the Internet

A friend's daughter used to sit in her car on the drive and wait for the satnav to connect and tell her whether to turn left or right

Still we need them to do well to pay our pensions, sweep chimneys etc

Why the extraordinary cynicism?