Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Thread Like Summary - New arrival - s/h 555 power amp to go with my 551/A500. Spinaltap's fault

On my thread about speaker position spinaltap saidSpookily 1. I had that day re-read the A500 manual which mentioned exactly that config and 2. oh look, there was one on eBay. Checked with the boss, (OK'ed), so it arrived today. Yay!



Fired it up and all is well.

The guy I bought it from (in Ireland) says he bought it - and has bought other stuff - from "a guy in Doncaster". Anyone we know? The serial no is 555 100030 so I guess quite early. Any info about the unit's history would be welcome.

It's now in the tender care of Parcelforce on its way for a service/recap (along with my 504 FM Tuner). When I get it back, the 551 will go off for similar.

BTW I see he also has a pair of 505 monoblocks and a 501 pre-amp on Ebay. He also told me he has a 508 and other stuff as well. I have no connection with him other than a happy purchaser.

So my list from the other thread is now:

• order Herbie's Gliders to make position tweak easier - done
• tweak speaker position as recommended - back to that when the new rack/gliders/serviced stuff is back and re-assembled
• order some Kontak cleaner (haven't cleaned the contacts before and this seems to be recommended) - post elsewhere said don't bother, just unplug/replug and that's going to happen anyway
• look for bigger equipment rack - ongoing
• change bi-wired speaker connects to bi-amped - fake-brand spades arrived and thanks to Black Rhodium for advice on conversion of my Speakerlink AST75s
• RTFM - always and several times
• check connect leads needed for 551 <> 555 comms - none needed
• consider servicing 555 before installation - on way for a service recap along with my 504 FM Tuner
• to be followed by my 551 when the 555/504 comes back
• all leading to enjoy the sound - that's the plan, watch this space
• thank the boss - done
• oh, and PS, will now have to get the Linn upgraded. - Arranged via Audio T in Portsmouth.
• do all these things one-at-a-time with A/B listening tests (of course I won't - just bung 'em in and convince myself of the major upgrade )

Ah, the delights of keeping a retro analogue system going. And I must stop reading this forum, it costs me money haha (but my ears love it).

The lockdown has meant that the last few bits of my system ugrade are a bit stalled. I need the Stands Unique back from the workshop to have space for the media server / Director and then insert the new cables and a few other tweaks.

That said, I still can't believe how good it sounds now after the new 555, full recap/service from Mr Tech Guy and the (sssh) ugrade / service to the Linn LP12. I find myself stopping and actually listening to the music. Bits of which I have never heard before. Last night it was Oscar Peterson (Night Train). Right now it's Help (I started through the entire Beatles catalogue a few days ago).

There's a whole new musicality and transparency letting me hear sublety and things in the mix new to me. Such fun There's many a good tune played on an old fiddle, as they say. Not bad for an analogue / passive system from the 80s / 90s (yes, OK the CD is digital as is the media server but you get what I mean)