Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Complete Newbie Considering 808 or 808i

Hi Meridian Folks,

I have yet to own a Meridian piece of equipment so was very pleased to come across this forum. My current system consists of a Mcintosh C2200 Valve pre-amp, a Mcintosh MC2000 Valve power amp and Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento Speakers all deriving their illustrious signal from a Denon DVD 2930 player

I have been looking at all sorts of CD players and the Meridian 808 is at the top of my list. I see that it is possible to get a i version with pre-amp capabilities.

My question is, is it worth it to plonk for the i version for future flexibility. Although I have a pre-amp now that could change and having the i version would allow that to be a consideration. How good is the pre-amp of the 808? I understood that whilst many of these high end players have variable outputs and some have pre-amps they are not really designed for it and are not the best way to connect to a power-amp.

I guess the other advantage of the i version is that I can utilise its DAC for things like Sonos players etc.

Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

howiebrou

Howie,

Welcome aboard!

The i version has a premium of about �1000 over the plain 808, so that should give you a rough idea of the quality of the preamp you get with the i variant. I should add that I've not heard the 808 or 808i.

I have a feeling that the plain 808 also accepts other digital inputs, but I may be mistaken.

Mark S

Looking at M's website, it would seem I was mistaken re the 808 accepting digital inputs.

Mark S

Thanks MarkS,

I am also wondering if the premium is worth it but digital inputs (even if there is only a couple) would be a big bonus I think allowing one to use the DAC. Most two box CDP in this price range would allow multiple digital inputs.

howiebrou

Howie, you need to go listen to a GOOD Demo.

Try getting a factory tour, that will get your wallet out.
I think it was the 808 that we heard on the factory visit with the in wall speakers.
(If I am wrong, I will be corrected)

To say I was Impressed is an understatement.

Wow!!!

Cheers, Chris

This is a great player, probably the best 2 channel player I have yet heard - but it is ONLY a 2 channel player.

So, if you want 5.1 channel DVD-A capability, go with the 800.

I have heard the 808 but not the 808i. Presumably there is very little difference in the sound quality. Sound is extraordinary!

I have not managed to hear a 808i being used as a preamp. Does anyone with a 808i know how good the pre-amp is or actually uses the pre-amp section or has anyone been through this particular dilemma?

Thanks

howiebrou

Howie,

I just reviewed the high level specs. The 808 and 808i both appear to have the same Preamp/Analog output capability. The i in 808i is for INPUTS. The 808i adds inputs so you can plug other devices into it (i.e it can act as a preamp for other sources). I think you'd have to evaluate your own other sources with the 808i to decide that because everyones is going to be different. But as a Preamp for the 808 itself I think they are both the same.

I wonder if an 808i is an 808 with an 800 series IE00 and ID20 card and could be added later?

Hi George,

Sorry perhaps I wasn;t too clear. Yes I agree that both 808 and 808i can drive a power amp directly using the volume control. I also agree that the only difference appears to be the inputs.

I emailed Meridian re upgrading the 808 to 808i. They said it could NOT be done

I guess what I am getting at is the pre-amp quality of the 808 and whether it is worth the extra money. Long term it would seem nice to have that in case one wishes to dump one's pre-amp. Or is the pre-amp so bad that no-one (except unless you go direct to Meridian's DSP speakers) would go direct to a normal power amp so you are in effect, paying one thousdand pounds for a digital / analogue input.....

If someone uses the 808i direct to power amp and is happy with it, I guess that would make the 808i more tempting since you can not upgrade the 808 to 808i later on (which I find very disappointing because it is surely very easy to do????)

howiebrou

I suspect not otherwise Meridian would almost certainly offer an upgrade. I imagine that the motherboard is completely different.

Hi howiebrou,

If I were you, I would contact Meridian and ask where the nearest dealer is that could demo an 808i for you. If a dealer doesn't have one, then M can get a demo unit sent out for you. This is their premium player so I'd expect them to respond well to the request.

IMHO, it would be unwise to spend �808i or $808i (not sure where you are) without deciding for yourself whether the extra was worth it for the pre-amp inputs.

If the demo blows your socks off and handles a couple of other sources (of your chosing) in a way that puts a smile on your face, then you'll know what to do.

Unfortunately, I think there are so few members of this forum with 808's of either configuration, that you'll not get too many views back from direct users.

Would really like to know what you decide to do though

cheers

Before you spend that kind of money, be sure to read the threads on Squeezebox 3, Transporter and Sonos. There are several owners of high end Meridian transports who have switched to these devices claiming that they cannot tell the sonic difference between the $10k transport and the $300 media device. Combine that with unparalled access to your music library...