Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems G68 and Power Amps

I recently bought a G68 to drive my new Home Cinema/Hi Fi system but at the time I ran the demonstration I felt the Meridain amp let the system down a bit. I have since run a ruther demo lining the G57 up against amps from Bryston,Dynavector,Naim and Classe. Whilst some of those were definitely more expensive than the Meridian Amp (not that much in the case of the Bryston) the difference when it came to listening to 2 channel music was tremendous. All offered much more detail, drove the speakers much better (B&W 802D's) and really brought the music to life.

I ended up buying the Dynavector HX1.2 which is quite an old design (has just been discontinued) but frankly made an incredible difference to the system. I would advise anyone to either look at upgrading or certainly demonstrate other amps when looking at Meridian equipment.

The Meridian processors and DVD/CD players are without a doubt the top of the tree, I just think the amps let them down a bit.

Each to their own opinion ..... I happen to think that the (physically heavier) 557 sounds better than the G57 ....

I haven't heard Dynavector amps but I've heard Bryston, Naim and Classe. Assuming a less than stellar budget, I'd recommend seeking examples of the 559. I have one and will buy a second when I see one. I don't understand why M have not produced a G version of it.

Steve

I didn't have a chance to demo either the 557 or 559, my dealer didn't recommend them. When the dealer spoke to Meridian on my behalf after the initial demo and they recommended bi-amping using twin G57's to get the extra performance.

Gents:

I find this thread very interesting as I am in the processing of converting from TAG kit to Meridian kit.

I have already replaced my preamp/processor and DVD player with the 861V4 and the 800V4 and am now in the process of looking to shift my amplifier.

I may...repeat may...be moving to active speakers in the near term and, as such, asked my dealer to try to find me a used 558 (i.e. 5 channel amplifier) to EITHER tide me over or create an all M system...interesting that some believe this to be better than the G57..would apprecaite more comparision/feedback/views on these amps.

Cheers,

Joel

Over the last couple of years, the 558.2 has been recommended by a number of people on here. A quick search of the forum will probably lead you to their views.

I always thought the new G57 was just a reboxed version of the 557, but it appears it isn't. I've got two 557s for my fronts and they never seem to run out of current to keep the bass controlled but powerful; but with different speakers (I use Ruark CL20 all around) they may act differently. Though if they work for you, for the typical Audiogon price of $900 the 557 seems hard to beat.

David.

Joel,

I would demo other companies amps as well as those from Meridian. The Meridian amps are definitely up there but there are some noticeable differences in character with other brands...these may or may not appeal to you but I think it's definitely worth a try.

Gents...I have found a Meridian 558 which I am interested in purchaseing...that said, I would appreciate a resposne to the following as I am unable to find it elsewhere, including a search of the archives:

1. What are the desig/technical differences between the 558 and the 558.2? To what extent and in what areas do these differences impact the sound quality?

2. What is a fair second price to be paid for such a unit, noting that I am licated in North America.

To the extent that this is of assisatcne I am mating this amp with M&K SW-95 speakers and a Meridian 861 pre/pro.

Thanks in advance.....

Cheers,

Joel

I believe the 558.2 employs some of the technology developed for the DSP8000 speakers.

It is some sort of bias circuit which is meant to make the amp sound sweater at lower volume levels.

If it is available in your area, you may want to look at the Halo series of amplifiers from Parasound. I am currently running the A51, 5 channel amplifier (250 watts RMS/8 Ohms x 5 channels). It works extremely well with my Meridian G68. You just need to remember to program the Meridian controller to output the trigger voltage to activate the remote turn on feature of the Halo amp.

prm177:

Many thanks for the feedback...I have heard the Parasound Halo A51 many times and think, at least according to my ears with my speakers, that the 558 is a better offer for a number of reasons.

The thing that I am trying to figure out, and Phil_h I thank you for your feedback as well, is whether or not there is a significant difference between the 558 and 558.2 as I have only been able to hear the 558. Perhaps a call to M would sort this out...

WIth respect to the trigger...good point, and one that applies regardless of whether the A51 or 558 is used!

Thanks to all,

Joel