Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian / Arcam / Denon !!!!!!

George

From the moment I purchased my first Meridian processor, I knew that I had something special. My 561 blew away anything "lo-fi" and it killed anything against Lexicon. Proceed did not have the magic, and Theta was not on my radar. The 568.2 took my sound into the stratosphere. I wrote my audiophile will on that product. The G68 and especially MRC were not epic improvements over the regular Meridian sound. My speakers go down to 20hz, and sub 20hz with my subwoofer wired in parallel.

MRC did smooth out the bass a little, but the system sounds amazing without it. I lost my profile at one point when trying to re-run MRC (due to Meridian's bass level software screw-up last year). But since the software fix, and the performance of my new amp, I simply haven't bothered - Meridian processors sound amazing without it. It's like why care about the next dollar when you already have millions?

568 has no tuner didn't need one, plus I use internet radio via Sonos which is far, far, far, better.
568.2mm has 1 6ch dig g68 has 2 - would never buy a Meridian transport - waste of money for DVDA
568 has no mrc don't need it
568 no 6channel analog input g68 has 1 I actually prefer the sound of my HD-DVD player through coax than HD+ through the 6.1 inputs
568 has no 24/96 ADC g68 does chasing specs. the 568.2 is an amazing machine, and on most software the two processors would run neck and neck IMO
568 has max 3 balanced out g68xx has 8 Do you really need more than L,C,R balanced outs? C'mon,be honest.
568 has 1 opt input g68 has at least 2 I have four/five sources all connected digitally. I only use one toslink, only because I had the cable.
g68 is more likely to get HDMI support That's a hefty price to get HDMI. The sound is so excellent as it is, that I may not even bother to upgrade.

If today I was choosing between spending $1,500 on a 568 vs $9k for a G68, the answer would be easy.

Ok, I honestly don't like hum from my rear/side speakers.

KIS, You might not use TosLink, care about analog, FM etc. but many of us do.

Absolutely. If your gonna run Analog run balanced all around !!!

I use 4 TosLink !!!

I love FM Radio too, in fact I'm looking for G91DH cheap just for it's tuner/controller function in my two channel setup.

You don't need a Meridian transport to use the MultiChannel inputs. Especially the analog ones available on the G68.

I think the 568.2 is a great machine. So is the G68. Depends on your budget.

Your also comparing new vs used prices. Compare new to new and used to used. You can buy used G68's too.

I think G68 with 5200's is a sweet spot as well.

I'm using RCA for all five channels from my G68, and my system sounds "Is it actually plugged in?" silent. Same with my 568.2.

Of course. It goes without saying that the topic starter needs to consider what his needs are. I was merely pointing out that in the G68 you can end up paying for a lot of what you actually don't really need. Allegedly but not transparent video switching, FM radio, MRC, more inputs than you'll ever need, etc. In other words, you can grasp the Meridian sound for most needs for an absolute steal these days. Don't buy a G68 for radio, if you have a SB3 or a Sonos. Or buy a decent receiver for a fraction of the premium it would cost to jump up to G68. Don't buy one for that second set of analog inputs if you only have one device to use those inputs in the first place.

Even a second hand G68 for $6k simply is not worth it if you don't need the extras. The 568 second hand is the best entry into the Meridian sound these days.

In relative terms of high end. Running balanced vs non balanced using Krell amps the difference in noise level is significant. Until you actually compare them you'd be suprised what's actually there on unbalanced. I have never seen unbalance be "silent" not even balanced is technically "silent" but an order of magnitude lower noise floor balanced. Again we are talking High-End here. A 5% improvment is very significant. I don't here differences on upsampling or cables but I certainly can hear the noise floor drop when using balanced. That's why it's offered on the 568 on the fronts and al around on the 861 and G68.

You could go buy your favorite Yami if you want too. I think the G68 has a lot to offer. If you don't care about FM, MRC, Toslink, Balanced Outputs, Firmware upgrades, 6 Channel Analog input, potential HDMI. Then get a 568. It depends on how much toy money you have to spend and how important High-End is to you.

P.S. You still have not told us your speakers, so that we can gauge your comments of usefulness of MRC.

I can't speak for Krell amps. All I can say is that with my amps there is no noise. Silent is silent. You can't get more silent. Maybe I lucked out with my choice of amp? Maybe it's my power conditoner? There simply is no noise. Personally I don't think it really matters until you get an improvement of at least 6%.

[q]If you don't care about FM, MRC, Toslink, Balanced Outputs, Firmware upgrades, 6 Channel Analog input, potential HDMI. Then get a 568. It depends on how much toy money you have to spend and how important High-End is to you[/q]

With all due respect, I sure hope you aren't implying that desiring the features you listed is some kind of proof that one is serious about high end. Or conversely that one who choses the 568 is not serious about high end. FM is not high end; Toslink is irrelevant if you are running coax; MRC is dubious as noted by running tests and getting different results, neither are the results night and day; balanced outputs are not a prerequisite to sublime performance, 6 channel inputs have very little to do with high end (not without pass through), HDMI is a bonus - not a prerequisite and firmware upgrades - well you know how I feel about that.

Meridian has been making outstanding products for years, and each new product has introduced marginal sonic improvements over the next IMO. This is probably the primary reasons why you see them messing around with projectors, switches, receivers, integrated units and the F80. I think most of their clients are wedded to their gear for many years to come. This certainly is the last processor I'll be buying for the next 5+ years. They probably need new products to maintain their revenue stream. It's the curse of having been great at what you do for some time.

PS: I already wrote that my mains go down to 20hz, and that with my sub wired in parallel my system goes below 20hz.

Guys many thanks for all the prompt replies !!! Just incase you think I'm not contributing to this thread please understand I'm a total beginner and all your chat and jargon is way over my head. But just like to point out that I'm reading and taking in every bit of advise given. Keep em coming guys........