Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Streaming A beginners guide to steaming

Hi All,

I've fairly recently switched from Spotify to Tidal. I wanted to make the most of the high resolution streaming.

What is the best way to output streaming direct to my 7Ks?
What seems to be the most popular way to do it?

Many thanks in advance.

Budget?

Most of us here use Roon with a Tidal or Qobuz account to supplement our existing music library.

Some use a ready-made Roon Nucleus, while others use a custom-built Intel NUC with Roon ROCK.

Either a Meridian 218 or 210 is the obvious choice for streaming Tidal/Qobuz content via Roon to Meridian DSP’s.

You can even add a Sonos Port to a Meridian 218 (ideally via Coax) for access to most, if not all, streaming services that is controllable via the Meridian app on your preferred Tablet/Phone.

Roon + Tidal/Qobuz will probably give the best experience.

You can then use a 218 (only Roon) or a 210 which also allows Spotify Connect and UPNP streaming.

I never understood why the 210 doesn't do Tidal connect, I think it is a mistake from Meridian. I have had a 210 and it is great, but I have also tested a Wiim pro plus and this is a remarkable streamer for the price. It does everything from Tidal connect, Spotify connect, Apple Play, UPnP and Roon.

You could buy one of these and run it directly in the digital input of your DSP. I doubt if a 210 justifies its higher price. The Wiim also comes with a great free app. Of course the 210 will offer more seamless integration if you use SpeakerLink. But in your case I think I would try a WiiM Pro or Pro Plus.

I agree with Mimesis, the Wiim is a fantastic streamer for the price. I have many different streamers ranging from M210, M218, Cambridge, primare and so on.
But the features and sound quality for the price of a WillPro is unbeatable.
The Wiim Pro also has a built-in equalizer and a room correction that work perfectly well for that price.
But you don't need to buy the Pro+ because you don't need the upgraded analog part, otherwise they are the same.

I commend ROON wholeheartedly, it has been a game changer for me as I’m a music addict. I run it on an NUC, and it isn’t too expensive to implement. I have found using the 218 as an endpoint very easy and love the integration via Speakerlink but I assume you would need an AC12 to make that work with the DSP7000.
The WiiM ultra looks really good if you are on a tight budget, and a WiiM pro would get you started with HiRes for under £150. The WiiM app is also good but if you once try ROON, I don’t think you’d ever go back.

You don’t mention a budget, and the previous responses assume you want the cheapest solutions. However, I note you asked what the best way is, not the most cost-effective. The best way, in terms of sound quality at least, to take most advantage of Hi-Res streams on Tidal, would be with an 800 series product with an ID40 or ID41 card. In a 2-channel system, the best would be an 818v3, or 808.6. You would then need Roon (running on a suitable NUC or PC/Mac, etc.). Tidal is very well integrated into Roon.

[edit: sorry, posted from my phone last night and your signature wasn’t visible. As you have a multichannel system, you could consider a 861 with ID40/41 card to replace your Anthem. Many of us feel that the 861 is still the best sounding processor. Particularly with DSPs you might find it exceptional).

Hi all,

Thank you for your reponses. Budget wise I would say maximum of £500.

I agree the sound quality of the 861 is incredible (I had the v4 before deciding that I wanted Atmos).

My intention as such is to build a switching setup to have just the 7000s connected to the streamer so that I have a direct connection without a middle person. I currently have the Apple TV set up through the Anthem and I suspect that I have lost an ounce or two of quality.

The Wiim Pro plus looks great - does anyone know if the Ultra carries any extra advantage ?

The WiiM devices are remarkable value and the HiFi News review of the Pro Plus is worth a read.
The main differences between various models is improvement in the DAC, but you will be using the DAC in the 7000s.
The Ultra is said - by the manufacturers - to have a lower level of jitter on the digital output. Check here WiiM ultra faq

Hope this helps:

Chop: Chop the vegetables into uniform pieces.
Boil water: Place about 1 inch of water in a pot or saucepan. If using a steamer basket without a handle, add it to the pot now: the water surface should be right under the basket. Bring the water to a boil.
Steam: Once boiling, add the vegetables (in the steamer basket, if it has a handle). Steam with the lid on until crisp tender, taste testing with a fork to assess doneness. Make sure not to overcook! Set a timer and taste at the low end of the timing. Use a guide of: 3 to 5 minutes for asparagus and broccoli, 4 to 5 minutes for carrots and green beans, 6 to 7 minutes for Brussels sprouts, 7 to 10 minutes for shredded cabbage, 10 to 12 minutes for cauliflower, 10 to 15 minutes for baby potatoes, and 25 to 35 minutes for halved sweet potatoes.
Season: Carefully remove the vegetables to a bowl. Toss with olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like, add other flavors like dried or fresh herbs, spices, fresh lemon juice, or chopped herbs.

Cheers
Tom

Thanks Tom,

Suddenly it all makes sense. Thank goodness Christmas’s dinner can go ahead 🤣

Just received my Wiim pro over the weekend and it’s a great piece for the money just plumbed in my MS200 into line in and now I can stream and use my Sooloos with one pair of speakers namely the kitchen.oh merry Xmas.

Jonathan

I opted for the Wiim Ultra, there was a good deal at £269 for an open box version at Peter Tyson (that being said it was completely sealed when it arrived)

I’ve set mine up directly to the 7000s and I’m quite impressed with it so far ! I would say the app is good but not perfect when using tidal through it. For example it struggles to find any form of playlist. If you search directly through the Tidal app then it’s fine.

Thanks for all the advice folks. Merry Christmas 🎅