Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 541 Question

I've seen a number of ads for the 541 processor where the sellers have suggested that its circuitry - and by implication, the sound quality - in two channel mode is very close to that of the 501 preamp.

Have any forum members owned both? If so, comments are welcomed.

hi,i haved owned the 541 and is an excellent bit
of kit,well worth investing in.my reason to change was only to upgrade to digital.
hope this helps
jon

Thanks for the reply.

The 541 will be used in a 2 channel A-V system, primarily for listening to music and secondarily for watching TV/movies. Used 541s sell for about half the price of 501s, making them a bit of a bargain.

I require only basic video switching: TV, a DVD player and a VCR, so the 541 seems just right for what I have in mind. I don't expect to use the surround modes.

The 541 allows you to use Trifield. Get a centre chanel, may I suggest an M33c with a pair of A500's and you will be well set up. You can add rears later. More M33's perhaps.
You can still compare direct stereo if you want to, but Trifield is addictive when its properly set up.

I cant bear to part with my old 541, I just want a dect room to set it up in.

Cheers, Chris

Thanks for the comments. I guess its time to dip into the slush fund.

Pressed the 'Add Reply' button too soon.

P.S:- Does the any 541 any weaknesses I should be aware of before buying?

The 541, Its Analouge only, so No DD or DTS. It does do Prologic.

It has Meridians own Cinema mode Based on Pro-logic, for films and Music mode, for classical music.
Analouge Pureists will love it!!!

It Has no DVD Logo amongst the options as DVD wasn't around then. Use LD for Laser disc.

It does have plenty of analoge inputs. VCR1, TV, LD, Radio, CD, Tape1/LP.

3, C Video in. 2 C Video out. Meridian Comms. RS232 and a Trigger. (Hi-Ho SIlver)
In the UK it has 3 Scart sockets.

It has Tape/two room outputs.
At this stage, I would read up about it from meridians web site. Try the 541 user guide.

Nearly 1000 posts, I must get out more!!!!

Cheers, Chris

Many thanks for your comments Chris.

A simple, not particularly expensive (by M standards), analogue preamp with A/V switching is exactly what I am looking for.

I've read the manuals of course, just wanted to get feedback from 541 users.

Trifield on the 541 does not compare to the 561 or 568. They have had to do the filtering in the analogue domain. But the ones going on eBay recently for around the �250 mark do represent good value.
Tim