Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Choice of Processor ( 561 / 568(.2) / G61 ) for 18 bit DSP’s

I have used a 561, 568.2mm and 861v8 with my 18bit DSPs for music and cinema.

The 561 was driving the 5.1 system that was the first time I heard a Meridian surround system. Awesome surround imaging. Best sound I'd heard at the time. Amazing speakers.

Then I got to use a 568.2mm, and the difference was distinct and stunning and ruined the 561 for me (at least for surround).

You have to remember that the 561 accepts Dolby Digital and DTS from 1995. DD compresses all 5.1 channels down to 640kbp/s. Two channel stereo is 1500kb/s. So 640kb/s is like a 256kb stereo MP3.

With a HD621 or 722 (or an Oppo with a vanity card) you get 5.1 16/48k channels into the 568.2mm, so nearer 3800kb/s. That's 3800 vs 640. It is a difference you can certainly hear, with speakers this good. It works by having three SPDIF stereo inputs for a total of six channels.

I have not heard a G series, but there was one on eBay for the price of a 568.2mm, but it has room correction. Like the 568.2mm, it has dedicated SPDIF inputs for surround content.

If you use this for cinematic (surround) content, then the input format will have a far bigger effect than whether the processor does 48 or 96 internally. Is it worth the price difference? I've seen a 561 go for $200, while a 568.2mm is nearer $1000. It would be worth it to me, but then I spent a bit more. If you can get a dirt cheap 561, you can always upgrade when you find a deal on the 568.2mm or a G. I still use my 561 as a stereo solution and will probably get a DSP33 for a center channel for Trifield. But if the 561 is nearer $600, then I'd definitely go straight to the 568.2mm or a G. The 568.2mm I heard was spectacular, and only returned it because it was faulty.