Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems MiniDSP PocketADC - Cheap solution to integrate M speakers for home theater use?

Hello everyone!

I’d like to know if anyone has already read about or tested the new MiniDSP product called PocketADC.

It’s a compact analog-to-digital converter which, according to MiniDSP, offers very good sound quality at a very low cost — around 60 US dollars.

From what I could find, it is based on the ESS ES9821Q ADC, which on paper offers excellent performance, with very low noise and distortion figures (around 118 dB SNR and −114 dB THD+N).

The RCA inputs support up to 2 V RMS input level, and the digital output can be either optical (TOSLINK) or coaxial SPDIF. The unit works as a standalone ADC, without requiring a computer.

The digital output is 24-bit, with selectable sample rates ranging from 48 kHz up to 192 kHz.

From a simple analysis, using three of these converters I could integrate up to six Meridian speakers with virtually any home theater processor, for a total cost of roughly 200 dollars.

I’m fully aware that a dedicated Meridian processor would still be the better and more elegant solution, but this looks like a very interesting and affordable alternative for those who want access to modern codecs and external processors.

I’m starting this thread to hear other users’ opinions and also to get first-hand impressions from anyone who may have already purchased or tested the PocketADC.

Best regards.

Good price, nice PSU daisy-chaining feature.

As long as you either have another piece of M equipment ready to only supply comms, or an MSR - looks like a go-er!

With the exception of my M6, all my M gear has legacy coaxial connectors, so this part of the problem is solved.

I had two MSR (the grey ones), so I can set the center as the controller for the whole system, but if one day I implement this PocketADC idea I think I will adjust the volume on the processor and set the speaker for 87 volume, this way it is easier to integrate my JL Audio subs in the system, with only the processor handling the volume.

I have bought a pair of 218 to use as an analog to digital converter to feed my M speakers, with the PocketADC I can get the almost the same result with a fraction of the cost, so it seems a good idea but I want to hear from someone that have tried it before I import one.

Finally, my miniDSP PocketADCs arrived, and I was able to test them in my home theater, replacing the Meridian 218s I had been using to take the analog output from my processor and feed my legacy Meridian speakers.

My first impression of the PocketADCs was excellent. They are completely silent (no audible noise from the speakers), and the sound quality seems very similar to what I was getting with the Meridian 218s.

Considering the price, I think this is one of the most affordable ways to integrate Meridian speakers with coaxial digital inputs into a modern AV processor that isn’t made by Meridian. The best part is that, despite the low cost, the audio quality remains excellent.

For speaker control, I currently have two options. I can use one speaker as the master and control the system with the Meridian remote, or I can use an iPhone app that I developed to control the speakers via RS232 commands. The app lets me create presets specifically for processor use, so the speakers automatically switch to volume 82, reset the tone controls to flat, and restore the axis setting to zero.

For now, I only bought one pair of PocketADCs, so I’m still using a Meridian 218 for my surround speakers. However, I’m already planning to buy one or two more PocketADCs to simplify my setup even further.

The only downside is that the device provides optical and SPDIF outputs only. However, it should be possible to convert SPDIF to AES/EBU, which is the format used by SpeakerLink.

Although the miniDSP operates at 24-bit resolution, it should work perfectly well with older Meridian speakers that are limited to 16/18-bit and 48 kHz. I say this because my Bluesound Vault 2 also outputs 24-bit audio, and it has always worked flawlessly with my 18-bit Meridian speakers. The only exception I’ve noticed is that, on a few tracks, the 24-bit signal occasionally causes the yellow indicator on the speaker display to flash, indicating that the input is approaching clipping.

My front LCR speakers support 24-bit/96 kHz, and the PocketADC can be configured to output audio in that format (its maximum output sample rate is 192 kHz).

I’ll continue experimenting with the PocketADCs, and if I discover anything interesting, I’ll post a follow-up here.

Hi JorgeQ

Out of interest, what processor are you using?

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Hi Marcus,

I’m currently using an Arcam AV40 for home theater. In my opinion, it’s an excellent processor, and when Dirac Live is properly calibrated, it delivers outstanding results. It also does a great job of integrating my JL Audio subwoofers with the rest of the system.

For music listening, I usually switch to the speakers’ auxiliary digital input and feed them directly from Roon using either a Media Core 200 or a Meridian 218.

I did look for a Meridian processor to replace my now-dead G68, but the Meridian market is very small here in Brazil. The only used 861 I found was priced at over US$20,000. As impressive as the 861 is, that’s simply too much to pay for a used and older processor (v4) with no warranty or factory support.

What processor are you using?