Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 565 vs 568

Hello all,

I am wondering what kind of benefits I would have if I changed my processor to a 568.

Currently running All 24 bit 5KC, 55K L+R fronts, 5K rears, 2 x Rel Storm subs (with positive delay set on 565 to keep in time with DSP speakers speed), 500 transport and 518 for transport only (bought years ago for Pioneer LD Jitter issues). Looking to add a 562V for input expansion from digital sound sources (Sky Q, PS4, Sony Blu-ray/DVD).

How would the coms connect for the DSP Speakers as the 568s that I have seen do not have speaker master coms.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks Andy

I remember a significant audio quality upgrade when I moved from 565 to 568. I can't say how much of this was down to hardware, or how much was a change in setup/configuration. I went 565/508 to 568/596/508 - the 508 soon became redundant and 568/596 eventually upgraded to 568.2mm/598DP. The latter was probably my 'peak Meridian' even though I latter had G68/G98.

You say you have 24-bit 96kHz speakers all round?

The 565 is limited to 48kHz output so I imagine that a 568.2 (or 568.2MM if you could use a digital multi-channel input from, say, an HD621) would bring considerable sonic benefits.

Hi Andy

As has already been said, the 568 is a solid choice plus you can feed and output higher sample rates (96kHz) should you wish.

Regarding comms, you should have no issue running a master lead from 1 of the 2 available 568 comms connections to your master DSP speaker and then daisy chain the other speakers. You can then use the other 568 comms for the 500/518.

As mentioned above, M connection to 568 comms is fine and so is daisy chaining the slave comms speaker to speaker but sometimes a comms Y splitter or 511 patch makes things much easier to allow comms to be taken back to central point like the processor. The 511 patch is basically what is in the back of the 565, its just a passive parallel combiner for comms.

Andy, not sure what your budget is, but I don't think a used HD621 is *that* much more than a 562V these days. Add a 568.2MM and your system will be transformed.

Typically a 562 can be had for around £200 and a HD621 in excess of £250- 650 depending on who’s selling.

Hello,

Thank you all for the replies.

I will look out for 598.2 and investigate a HD621.

I forgot mention that I also have a G98 which is out of service at the moment as the CD/DVD drawer does not open (either off the front panel or remote). Any ideas of what could be causing this issue?

Would the G98 be better sonically than the 500 transport? Never did a direct comparison. Someone mentioned that the G98 would not benefit from going through the 518 which would make this redundant as all my other digital sources (PS4, SkyQ and Sony Blu-ray) are going into an optical splitter and then directly into the 565.

Just trying to make a clear decision pathway without costing the earth.

Thanks for the advice.
Andy

Hi Andy,

The problem with the G98 may be as simple as the drive needing a new belt or worst case, it may need a new drive. There is a small drive belt from the motor that operates the drawer, these can stretch and slip.

The 500 transport is an excellent transport and if you purely need CD playback, then I would stick with it.

Moving from the 565 to a 568.2mm would be the biggest step forward. You can still use the 518 to add additional sources but remember the 568 has four digital inputs, plus one optical, so there is plenty of capacity on-board.

If you want a great DVD player (with full MHR output), then get the G98 fixed and link it using the MHR input on the 568.2mm...

Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Steve

To use properly (ie discrete multi channel) with a HD621 or G98DP, you need the 568.2mm

The mm board is the multichannel (5.1) input board.

The 500 is legendary. It has a very smooth, analog-like sound and is highly coveted these days. They are now selling for much higher than the one I sold some time ago. It is an excellent player.

The G98 is more detailed, but not for everybody.