I actually went from Linn to Meridian back in the early nineties. Prior to the switch I'd been pretty happy with Linn but only in a 2-channel analogue system (LP-12;4xKlout; activ Isobariks). The system went though numerous upgrades as recommended by Linn themselves and each time the sound quality improved (though at a significant cost). I did find the dealers to be zealots however often regarding owning anything other than Linn as heresay - maybe that was Ivor's influence. Reliability wise I'd say the kit was only fair - in particular the active crossover proved to be a regular bug-bear failing in numerous obscure ways during the time I owned it. To be fair Linn did try to fix it but it was always a slow process that left my system effectively dead for monthes at a time.

I switched to Meridian because at the time I considered multi-channel the Linn equivalent required a complete equipment change (ie unlike Meridian it was not possible to just add a processor you had to change the entire pre-amp and the quality of the 5103 was just not as good as the HiFi pre-amp I had at the time). Additionally the components had been styled differently (not good for WAF); were marketed by a different part of Linn, etc. etc.

So I made a wholesale switch to Meridian (though I still have the LP-12!) using 500 series components and haven't really looked back. Inevitably my system has been upgraded since then and while my current system still has quirks I've never had less than outstanding service from Meridian.

Current Linn kit does get good reviews and can look fabulous but to be honest I won't be going back

Graham

Meridian Owner since 1991