Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Non Meridian CD transports

Given that Meridian no longer make CD transports or players...

Does anyone have any recommendations or warnings concerning CD transports (or CD players used via the SPDIF out) for use into Meridian SSPs (specifically an 818v3) or DSPs?

On my radar at the moment are:
- Meridian 500 Mk2/3 (used): cheap(er) but old and reliablility might be imperfect
- TEAC PD-507T: new model, nice
- TEAC VRDS-701T: current model, very nice but very expensive

I was thinking the same thing recently, having sold my 800V4 a while ago but now wishing I had a quality player for my CD collection.

I spotted the following unit in Sevenoaks and wondered if anyone on here has any experience of this machine linked to Meridian kit?

Quad 3CDT CD Transport £599

Jay's Audio CD2 Mk3. I would say that though wouldn't I...(I have one), Philips mechanism CDM4/19. I'd move this on to upgrade (CD3) if anyone was interested.

Alternatively, rip your music library to a Naim Uniti Core attached to the UPnP input of a Meridian 210 - or, Naim Atom HE connected to a Meridian 218/818 - and utilise the Focal & Naim app to play/manage music playback via a tablet of your choice.

Factory-refurbished Naim items are indistinguishable from brand-new retail units and are significantly cheaper.

How about a SMSL PL200T ?

I see a review here.

Seems good value for a monkey on Amazon.

Thanks all.

I already have a (slightly wobbly) Sooloos streamer and a BlueSound system - this is about playing red-book CDs. Also have a couple of Bluray players, one (ancient Sony) sounds terrible playing CDs the other (an Oppo) is OK but is in a dedicated cinema system.

Not a fan of slot-loaders (for when the disc gets stuck or chewed up). And top-loaders would be awkward in my setup.

Are my concerns about the Meridian 500 valid?

If it's about Red Book audio, I bought my 1st CD player in the early 80's Sony/Phillips can't remember but they wrote the RB standard 720mb 44.1khz 74 minute media lol. Basically buy a 808v* 2nd hand best player ever!

I don't have experience of this Quad transport, but have experience of many other Quad items. If I was looking for a CD transport this would be on my list. In addition Quads service department is UK based and has a first rate reputation! (Not that I think you will need it, but reassuring)

Regards I

I’d be wary of an old 500 as the laser mech is getting very old now. That said my dad is still happily using my old 206DS (>35 yrs old) with its original swinging arm mechanism and never had a problem. I was less lucky with later devices in Meridian disc players. I’m using an Oppo 93 and a newer one (103?) having almost given up on Meridian players. These will play the few DVDAs I have and various other music disc formats I’ve ended up with over the years. As well as BD and DVD movies as the systems are AV and not pure music. So far (15 years?) they’ve been reliable.

Is this in a separate system to the AV system with your Oppo? What’s the other kit you’re using in that case?

The new Quad stuff looks lovely and seems well received by folks who’ve used it. I love the retro look and £599 sounds not too bad after Meridian pricing!

My CD collection is also saved to Sooloos in MD600 form and I’m pretty happy with that but it’s nice to spin the odd (often new, pre-ripping) disc and I’ve not even tried to rip the higher res disc formats. I guess in the end I’ll have to go to streaming, especially as I’ve managed to get FTTP (to my amazement, we’re not that far away from civilisation after-all!) I do find playing a few DVDAs leaves me feeling a bit cold with RBCD quality.

Regards

Richard

There are still Philips mechanisms around (I have a spare) for future proofing.

Various instantiations:

Transport into 818v3 into
(i) DSP33s (yes really - an astonishingly revealing desktop system)
or
(ii) Chord Amplifier/B&W speakers

Transport directly into DSP7200s.

You echo my fears re the ancient Meridian 500. The Oppo is in a dedicated 5.1 cinema system.

I have now had the opportunity to listen to the Quad 3CDT CD Transport driving a very,very expensive non-Meridian system and even though it's £599 price was utterly dwarfed by the demonstration kit the 3CDT more than held it's own.

From my limited research so far it is looking like the favourite unit for me, with the strong Quad UK support & maintenance department being a real plus in my mind for long term ownership. It would be nice to hear it drive Meridian speakers before purchasing, which is something I will try to arrange next.

If you believe Meridian don't like responding to their customers you'll feel right at home with Quad.

I am feeding a pair of DSP33s with a very elderly Mark Levinson No37 as I write. Hardly dernier cri in matters digital but perfectly all right for 24/96 McCoy Tyner and Charles Mingus CDs!