Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian CEDIA 2007 HH Q&A Session

I know that there is work being done to create a modification to have 4 SP-DIF outputs on a HD-DVD or Bluray player.

So having 4 SP-DIF input might be a solution.
but, a HDMI input would be much prefered.

A bit off the off topic, but on topic ...

MHC is extremely dated. Audyssey, Lyngdorf, and others are whipping Meridian on room correction.

Great room correction fits within M's brand positioning of great sound made easy in real rooms.

I'd like to see M license the Audyssey or Lyngdorf code, which would still trounce most implementations given the DSP horsepower available in an M processor.

I am not sure they are any better but their user interfaces are friendlier.

I am not so sure. Audyssey works as well as an automated system can but lacks transparency and flexibility in use. I have less experience with Lyngdorf's stuff. My major beef with MRC is not what it does but what it makes you do. A wholesale change in the user interface is required.

Kal

My main problem with it is that you can run it twice in succession without changing anything and get different results. Any measurement system should exhibit repeatability and reproducibility. There is a statistically valid method for analysing measurement systems and this should be used by Meridian to improve their offer.

Audyssey tends to homogenize the sound of loudspeakers. Lyngdorf's approach (marketed as "Room Perfect") is a much better approach IMO than Audyssey.

Cheers,

@ John

Do you have any experience with Audyssey and/or RoomPerfect? I tend to be sceptical regarding RoomPerfect as Lyngdorf's theoretical approach (especially regarding subwoofer placement) is opposed to the theories of people like Floyd E Toole...

John,

Many thanks for taking the trouble (or more likely pleasure) to ask the questions yet again.

I would like to enquire about the following:

1. Are any Point of Sale bits of kit available from M yet (specifically lighted signs like which Dolby & B&W use that can hang on the wall or be stand mounted). Any news here would be greatly appreciated & how to get hold of the stuff - what ever happened to those directors chairs they used at a previos CES show? I know this is a little sad but it just might be different enough to get a firm answer on! - would also set my install off nicely and give me somthing to gawp at whilst waiting for a G68HD......

2. Given the contractual arrangements with Faroudja, is it possible to clothe any future video processor in a G series case to better fit in with current kit - M is after all a stylish brand aswell as a quality one. If possible any chance of implementation - I would pay a reasonable premium to have one in this way.

3. Are Meridian prepared to give their thoughts on the effectiveness of DSP speaker cable upgrades and full system aftermarket mains cables / conditioners. If no comment you could ask what they use at home to at least get a personal stance on the issue.

4. How well have the F80's been shifting and do you get one with your new Ferari?

5. Would M consider more user friendly custom options in their kit - eg. auto display settings & volumes per source (I would like my G91 display on for CDs and off for DVDs automatically cause I'm really lazy!). I would really like a shuffle function but if not possible it would be nice to be able to specify "repeat" mode to be auto set on CD replay.

6. Are the suggestions in the WIKI worth putting in - in other words please can they be addressed as I imagine most are fairly simple - specific request here for ceasation of the CD drive spinning on G91 when other sources are selected to avoid wear & tear & heat build up. Furthermore, do not change to CD on closure of CD drawer if no disc is present.


Many Thanks

Simon Mirren

Could be a showroom deal killer if you don't .

Yes and limited exposure in that order.

I have worked with Audyssey on 4 products and 3 sets of loudspeakers in the upstairs system. It definitely homogenized the sound so that they always sounded more similar than different. The upstairs room is my "normal" room which just means that it is a typical home listening environment with suboptimal acoustics.

My purpose built HT I've only had 1 product with Audyssey and don't have enough experience in that room to comment on it. However; the better the room the less effect Audyssey will have.

As for Lyngdorf's "Room Perfect" I have the AES presentation and I have listened to it once. It did an amazing job in a cavernous space. Good imaging away from the sweet spot; and incredible imaging in the optimized seat. But this is one demo; not any in home experience.

From a theoretical stance; it makes sense. Without more experience with the product in a known environment I can't comment on its efficacy generically.

Best,

I got better low end PEQ results from the Audyssey, below around 100hz, than with MRC. That being said, I didn't like what Audyssey did in higher frequencies and wouldn't use it outside the subwoofer channel. This is in a pretty well treated room.

Above 100hz or so neither the Audyssey nor MRC really nails my room.

User interface on MRC, and repeatability, both are pretty poor.

Well they haven't fixed much since last year so why ask? Everything in The bug list is still broken! So yes ask them why haven't they addressed the bug list?

Ron

I would like to add one more gripe that I failed to get round to asking at the factory tour:

How on earth did the MSR+ get deemed as acceptable to be supplied with M equipment? I am refering to the awful whine it makes every time the backlight comes on - which as we all know is every time you use it! I'm certainly no technology whizz but I do know my mobile phone has a very effective (and silent) backlight that does not appear to significantly drain the battery. Surely this illumination technology could be implemented.

Also, is there anything that can be done to muffle the noise or any factory mod to irradicate it completely?

I know this seems a little petit but it's always the little things that end even the strongest of relationships ya know!

Cheers

Simon Mirren