Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 2009 CES HH Q&A Thread

Thanks JK, Bob and Richard. Lots of info there.

Personally, I am very disappointed that existing F80s almost certainly won't/can't get DAB+. I hope that this lack of upgradability doesn't end up biting M and its customers, particularly given that DAB+ was announced prior to the F80 release. I will not consider another F80 until the DAB+ dust settles or I judge that internet radio (via Squeezebox) has reached DAB+ equivalent quality levels, thus rendering the F80's radio functions irrelevant (an F80 is for life, not just for the Naughties).

A couple of questions were answered with respect to current products only, which was a little frustrating (such as the question which explicitly asked how many bits are fed to 18-bit loudspeakers).

It looks like the DSP33s don't upsample either (aren't their electronics the same as the "current" DSP420s?). This isn't a big deal for me though as my G68 takes care of upsampling duties. It might be more important in a standlone system (where DSP3100s would have an advantage).

However, looking at a half-full glass, we now know that:

- The F80 has a PLL on its optical input.

- Apodizing *is* coming to the 861 and G6x.

- The G61R is MIPS and software identical to the G68.

- "We have not enabled a second drive, but 800 has an HDMI output." Now that's an odd thing to say! So if M does a Blu-Ray player, look like it will be an upgrade to the 800...

- Finally:
Please get back to us on this!