Ro_67,

I would never want to give up 7.1 surround sound if I have the room and have numerous DVD-A albums that are great to listen to in a multi-channel setting. I have an 861v8 and a 800D, but I too also still want to have the ability of listening to pure 2-channel MQA from my pair of upgraded DSP8000SE's front mains.

This flexibility is obtained by putting the 218 in between the 861v8 and the 8K's. No 3rd party switch required.

Playing unadulterated MQA files is simply using the network input into 218 as a renamed Source, which could be simply labelled MQA. For everything else you can play Hi-Res multi-channel music files through the 861 and of course get the best surround sound environment while watching movies.

Both the 218 and an 861 with an ID40 or ID41 are recognised by ROON and throw in Tidal and you are covered.

Based upon your photos, IMHO I would be rearranging the layout of the speakers which accommodates both the screen and the all important centre speaker.

The first time I had ever heard a Meridian Digital Surround System in the mid 1990's, which was down in the basement of a HiFI Store on Tottenham Court Road. Jurassic Park was being played with a 5.1 setup with DSP5000's. It blew me away and that was the start of my long and ongoing Meridian journey.

Do yourself a favour a find a dealer that has a proper 7.1 Meridian Digital Theatre setup or ask nicely if you can get a demo at Meridian HQ. You will want the best of both worlds IF you like to watch movies as much as listening to music.


Cheers,


Steve M

#1: 8000s, 5500HC, 8000s, 861v8, 800Dv4, HD621
#2: 6000s, 6000C, 5000s, 6000s, 568.2mm, 598DP, 511
#3: 5500s, 5000C, 5000s, 561, 800v3, 518