Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Thinkining about buying Meridian G Series

One thing that concerns me about going with the DSP's is that if I want to upgrade or change the system in the future there is less flexibility with the DSP's. I currently have a pair of bookshelf active speakers paired with a Bryston pre-Amp which I can't use as part of the new system.

Having said that I'm not spending all this money with the intention of changing it all in the near future!

Hi Fredo

I can thoroughly recommend the G68 - but you should audition for yourself to see if its clinically revealing character is to your taste.

I am not sure I can recommned the G98 with the death of DVD-A. While the sound quality is excellent, it's phrone to frequent lock-ups and not exactly cheap. With HD formats on the horizon I would think carefully about future needs and priorities. If money is not an object however,....

Cliff

Cliffs,

I understand what you're saying about the G98, one of the things that is making me look closely at Meridian is that there is some element of future proofing (at least that's what the literature says!). I could just get the G68 and leave the G98 for now as I've got an Arcam AV 88 DVD player and a Copland CDA277 CD player neither of which are by any means current technology but both still do a decent job. Maybe hanging on to them for another year is the wise thing to do especially with HD on the horizon.

Fredo,

In general, you can drive the B&W 802D's with modestly powered amps, but you will only exploit their full potential if you've got enough - and adequate - power. They should also have enough room to breathe. And make sure you use either the optional spikes or the Harmonix SF-200 EBS (pricy, I know). And don't forget: B&W's sound best bi-wired.

As for amplifiers: B&W obviously invests a lot of money to make Class� the leading high end electronics manufacturer. They own more or less the company. And yes, Class� amps are developped with B&W speakers. However, I don't think they're the ideal power amps for the 802D's. Some time ago I replaced a 5-channel Class� amp - driving an all-B&W surround system - by the 558.2 and was surprised by the sonic improvement. I can only agree with Colin: the 558.2 is a much-underrated gem.

In my book the Krells are a good match for a B&W: if you can afford the TAS, I'd go for it (or, if you want to upgrade step by step: KAV-3250 + KAV-2250), if not, the Showcase is very able, very stable and cool-running amplifier. My experience tells me that the Krell power amps are more reliable than the Class�s.

Although they have improved considerably, I don't think the 802D's are the ideal speakers for a surround system (and I like the center even less), but if they are right up your street, arrange a home demo and make up your own mind. If you like them, don't listen to what other people say. It's not important to have the "best" speaker (whatever that may be), the only thing that counts is if you've got the right speaker for you (!) and if it fits your taste and requirements, not anybody else's. Therefore: Try before you buy.

Cheers

-m

hello marcusp,

did the 558.2 drive the 802's bridged or was it thru one channel each inc surrounds as well, ie in a 5.1 setup?


many thanks


maz

Hi maz,

It was a true 5.1 setup, no channels bridged. The B&Ws sound better when bi-amped.

Cheers

-m

Phew! Nice Amp.

Thanks Marcusp for the info.


Regards

Maz