Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems F80 @ HOME

So far the two reviews of the F80 I have seen could not even remotely be considered critical reviews. More importantly, I have yet to hear any claims that the F80 comes close to the sound of a $3000 stereo. The lack of tweak controls on the remote hint further that audio performance is not job #1, For that kind of money (my money)I expect to see people blown away by the unit either for audiophile reasons or ergonomic reasons. Instead it is more like polite admiration or industry talk for a lifestyle product carrying a major brand name. Where does Meridian's wizardy really play in this scenario? How much better is it than the Klipsch iFi or Focal Cub? Is it really just a very pretty boombox afterall?

KIS, you are just not looking at the glass half full and filling up are you? it's ok.

It is what it is and it deserves all the plaudits IMHO.

Go Listen, if you dont like it, dont buy it!!

Keep smiling, Chris

The point I was making above is that the two reviews, the comments thus far and the ergonomic oversights, do not incline one to go and listen to it - So far it does not sound like an audiophile product. I'm therefore keenly interested in by how much it bests its most likely competition ifi, Cub and Tivoli.

I think it's a lovely piece of work but it's priced a bit too high for what it is. At �800 I'd buy it.

We're also only a few months from the next generation of DAB chips that might have given WIFI and web radio functionality.

Its a DSP speaker of similar calibre to the 3100. Pair up a couple and for not alot more than a pair of 3100 on their own, you get CD, DVD, DAB/FM/AM too.

Just a shame there is no mono mode and Meridian comms.

No mono mode is interesting. No comms could be a deliberate omission to stop us getting Meridian sources on the cheap...

On the other hand, maybe the F80 simply has a completely different underlying mode of control and operation?

CD, DVD, DAB/FM/AM too are pretty much throw away features these days. $150 gets you an Oppo SACD/DVDA player. You find this tech in the cheapest of products, so I would use that is the basis for comparison. Yet the two F80s cost 500 more. I'd bet my bottom dollar that a pair of 3100s absolutely smoke two F80s. Based on the specs, there is no comparison.

Come on KIS, an Oppo may be a choice for a "Home Theater" but this is a completely different application. It's like the difference between a motor cycle and a sports car.

Some people enjoy quality at all levels. It's not meant to replace a Home Theater. I have not heard any negative feedback from anyone that has actually bought one or saw the demo. It may not be for everyone but for those application needs that have the bucks for those needs it fits the bill. If it was available in the US I would have certainly demoed one before I setup my small two channel setup. And probabaly still will when it does become available in the US.

It has got digital out so those sources are available, plus it can be used in MSR mode so it will respond just fine to change stations etc.

For me is the lack of bulk and one box simplicity. The unit had freed up about 40cm of shelf space, even more if the speakers had been bigger.

The most important thing for me is that the unit gets used, even when the other half and 1/4 have gone to bed and I am still working. I have turned into a Classic 'FM' listener and am experiencing a large range of classical music for the first time.

For me it was 95% the right product. The missing 5% I haven't seen on any product.

Ian, don't IPods have optical output (Mini-Toslink)?

I assume the F80 has a few digital inputs and possibly a Toslink. If so all you need is the proper cable and you'll probably get much better sound from the iPod.

Something like this:

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/fistore?productLearnMore=TA968

No, Ipods don't have optical - that would solve a lot of problems.

The other thing that it needs is SD card recording for DAB.

I'm not quite sure what your point in. I was pointing out that the technology like CD/DVD/DVDA/SACD/DAB are all available in products that cost a fraction of the F80. This functionality is not what drives the cost up. So putting those functions aside, what drives the cost of the F80? Is it unreasonable to ask how it sounds compared to a Tivoli, icub or ifi? Anyone in the market for a mini stereo would be looking at these in comparison.

And my point is that the two "non-critical" reviews have pointed out that it is not meant to replace a standard stereo (see the pound for pound quote in the first review). One review stated the product was great for the industry because it would attract college kids who know Ferrari (as if college kids will spend $3k on a mini stereo!). To date, no review has proclaimed that the sound is mindblowing, and Ian's initial posts about sound don't seem to enthusiastic. So I am keen to understand how much better it is than other boombox/mini type systems. Does it really sound that much better, or is the price really in the branding? Is this really about musical performance or not? That is the question for me.

Do you actually think that it could run neck and neck with the 3100s? I can't quite believe that.