Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Why does there appear to be zero resale value in Meridian?

The problem with Meridian kit, is that it's a very locked in purchase, proprietary encoding and cabling etc. It doesn't play well with others.

What can you do with a G68D if you don't own DSP 'speakers?

On the other hand, try to find a 502 for less than a 568.2mm!

I think this is true for any digital audio or video technology, not just Meridian.

Digital technology is changing rapidly; once a new technology is available no-one wants the previous generation. For video displays think VGA, XGA, HD and now 4K. To get the benefit, the entire technology chain has to be upgraded. HD video switches designed for original HD video resolutions don't work with 4K. Just one example.

In contrast, a high-quality analogue amplifier will retain more of its value for as long as you can find an analogue signal to drive it.

Hi,

Had similar frustrations on lack of Atmos etc, solved in part by adding 2016 Marantz receiver, using just the pre outs in to the analogue 5.1 input on the G68D. Then added 2 DSP33s as height channels via its zone 2 and plan to try soon on zone 3 option. This is similar to the 271 setup but utilises your old kit, gives you a chance to check out Atmos. You can even use the receiver’s power amps with conventional speakers on the height channels if you don’t want to invest in DSPs.

Also gives benefit of 4K video switching. HD621 almost has become redundant so tempted to sell on to fund better Marantz next year.

Kevin

Why would you have a G68D if you didn't also have DSPs?!

The point is, that it will have limited re-sale value because it can't be used with anything but DSPs, whereas a G68XXV can be used with any analogue amplifiers or analogue active 'speakers.

BUMP. I've been watching used gear at least weekly for the last 5-6 years and unfortunately what Bruce said seems to hold true. Someone lists a damaged piece at a steeply discounted price and that becomes the bar quite often. Actual dealer cost and fire sale prices affect the resale.

I would expect Meridian’s upgrade path to help hold value but when their upgrades cost more than competitors stand alone products, well. The biggest factor is markup! I recently saw a $225,000 pair of Raidho speakers sell for something like $12k! I had the money to 'score' these, buy once the markup is known the product has no market value.

Exceptions seem to be 506.24, 508.24 and G08 CD players. Those values have held pretty steady over the last few years.

I'm not sure it's just down to any perceived lock-in to the Meridian ecosystem. The 818's appear to be slipping in value, despite the fact that they are considered one of the best DAC's on the market and will happy drive any analogue equipment.

I suspect it is partly to do with a lack of advertising by Meridian and lack of coverage in the HiFi press that is driving second-hand values. If no-one has heard of Meridian outside of our niche group, there won't be much demand, so prices are bound to fall.

The in wall DSP520.2 speakers got a nice review(4.5/5 star) in the May 2020 issue of Home Cinema Choice, so perhaps there is some life at Meridian HQ after all.

Brian

Abandoning development of the Sooloos platform hasn't exactly helped- I watched Sooloos products plummet in value after that decision, and continue to drop now with Tidal no longer working through Sooloos. That ship has sailed, and I will stop there.

I think there are likely many factors at play and agree a lack of advertising and awareness doesn't help preserve resale values. The products are sophisticated and not 'plug and play,' and the policy of 'ask or speak to your dealer' doesn't help. I am lucky to have Bruce now since Talk of the Town went out of business, but a handful of other dealers I have visited have almost no product on display nor seemingly any great interest or knowledge of the products.

In my opinion, DSPs are incredible, but they are speakers that need to be heard and experienced.

Are we sure this isn't a common feature of high-end anything losing half its value or more once it's out of the box, or on the road, so to speak, nothing specifically Meridian?

That said, looking around recently I've actually been somewhat surprised by how highly a lot of Meridian gear seems to be holding its value. I dunno.

I agree.

I bought a used, first generation 55" LG OLED screen a couple of years ago, 2.5 years old at the time for £500. It first retailed for £8000. My 6th gen SD Panny plasma, bought for £1850, eventually went to a charity shop when I couldn't even shift it for £50. The class leading Philips DVD/SACD player with SDI output which was the best in class prior to the Oppo '83, dropped from £600 I paid, to £59 on eBay.

Meridian's analogue stuff, 551, 502, 555, 557 and dedicated CD players that Bruce noted above, have been pretty much rock steady in price since around 2005/6. It's the DVD players and processors which have dropped with the advent of Bluray, 4K, and market demands for ever newer audio "must haves". As many of us have found, properly designed and built legacy Meridian kit often trounces modern "mainstream" boxes for sound quality, despite their long-as-your-arm feature lists.

Cheers

George