Hi Jeff

Welcome to the forum.

Welcome to the forum. I have a few answers and comments that may help, but I suspect that you will struggle getting all your answers.

Originally Posted by Jeff
- It looks like from the CEDIA press release that the US F80 is sans DAB functionality. That's understandable since DAB isn't used here. However, I saw brief mention here of adding HD Radio to the F80. Any details on that likelihood and, if so, a possible time frame?
I don't know the technicalities of HD radio, but the fact that the F80 is basically has a PC style architecture (it runs FreeRTOS V3.0.0), then, if DAV and HD Radio are similar in hardware requirements it may simply be a matter of developing the relevant software.

Originally Posted by Jeff
- There also seems to be some sentiment that the F80 may be the first in a line of Meridian products. I think I read somewhere here that Bob himself had said as much. Any info out there about what else might be coming? I like the F80, but like some folks I don't have use for the video functionality. Also, while the IRIS will be available shortly, an integrated dock would be preferable as a truly transportable docking solution.
Yes, Bob said that the F80 was the start of a new line. But we don't know any more. The 80 of F80 may, being quite high numerically (from 0 to 100), mean that the F80 is quite well specified. As for an integrated iPod dock, I suspect the answer well be no. The chassis design of the F80 is critical to its performance, and I don't think that there would be any space for an integrated dock either. Plus, on a �1500/$3k unit, its would be a pretty expensive mistake if the design of the dock connector changed and that function would become obsolete.

Originally Posted by Jeff
- One thing I haven't seen anywhere, and I've done a lot of searching, is the frequency response of the F80. Anyone know it, especially the low end? To that end I'd love to check out the user manual, but haven't found that online.
No technical spec in the manual. But there is no shortage of low end. I suspect that Bob would argue that the numbers would not do it justice. Its possible that on paper the bottom end is not that great, but the DSP works around this.

Originally Posted by Jeff
- As for the IRIS, it looks like it outputs an on-screen GUI and comes with its own remote. Ok, but what if you are just connecting it to the F80 without a display? Can you still use the iPod's own screen and menu? What, if any, controls or metadata is available from the F80's display when the IRIS is connected and an iPod in the dock? Obviously, you can connect an iPod to the F80 (preferably lineout via the dock connector) right now and control everything from the iPod, but I was wondering if the dock sent song tag info to the F80's display and allowed you to control playback from the F80. I realize that since the IRIS hasn't been released yet, no one may know but perhaps someone got to play with it at CEDIA...
In February, it was mentioned that there would be a specific F80 iPod dock. But that was a long time ago so it may have changed [John Kotches may have more info when he updates the Cedia Q&A). I have in my mind that the iPod controls would be visible on the F80 display. To be honest, what I would like is a simple iPod to F80 cable - one that has audio, power and on control/osd but allowed me to use my existing docking station.

Meridian owner since 1992
Prime & PSU, Focal Elear headphones, Roon (ROCK 8Gi5 NUC), Explorer 1 & 2, F80. 200/203, various Sonos (via Roon).