Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Thread Like Summary - Auralic Aries G2, 818v3, DSP7200 worth it?

Hi,

I’m kind of new in the world of streaming but own a Pioneer n70a which I never use because it’s not really user friendly and perhaps a little of a lightweight soundwise (it’s comparable with a Cambridge CXN).

I’ve been reading up on music streamers and came across a second hand Auralic G2 transport.

Has anyone got of experience with this streamer combined with Meridian? Will it make a real difference compared with cheaper streamers as Meridian reconstructs the digital signal in the 818 and DSP's?

I know I can do Roon with the 818v3 but I don’t like the idea of having a server, paying 180 euro a year for the software running on it + the cost of a subscription for a streaming service.

Sorry, but I have to reiterate what Mimesis says: 818v3/ID41 + Roon IS the best streaming solution for the 818. If you own the v3, it is almost criminal not to use this, it’s sublime.

The price of the new Roon Nucleus One (€599) plus a lifetime Roon subscription ($830) is likely still half the price of a used G2.

You would need to pay for a streaming service subscription either way, unless you are only streaming files on your local network (at which Roon excels).

Roon also has a multitude of other benefits, it really is very, very good indeed.

Why not just install Roon trial on a PC connected to your network and get a Tidal trial and try it out?

I gave my 218 a Shunyata Venom V14 NR C-5 cord to good effect through DSP5200SE in a home theater -rather than the Farad Super3 lps which I am in love with in my living room. Worth it, though, for money spent and an easy addition -compared to rewiring- but a long way from 818v3 sound.

Usually the Dutch are more direct than the English..
But I agree with 3dit0r completely.

I stopped crying after one hour... but I think you are missing part of the question.

I’m trying to find out if a SPDIF output on a cheap or expensive streamer makes a difference in combination with the 818.

If I’m not mistaking Meridian uses FIFO memory buffer, re-clocks and uses appodising filters so how much will the distortion on the SPDIF signal matter?

Haha, oh I see.

Well I’ve tried the SPDIF inputs with various transports and they all sound subtly, or not so subtly, different, so the answer is, as good as Meridian’s FIFO and other tech is on inputs, it does not, in my experience, make them transport agnostic sound quality wise.

An LPSU conversion of a 218 with something like a Farad LPSU can equal the sound quality of an 818v3...

I've converted several units and modifying the 218 to use an external LPSU takes the SQ to another level.
I have compared them with my 818v3 and there is practically no difference (when using it as a Roon endpoint)

The difference (in my experience) is mainly because I use my 818v3's balanced XLR outputs, which the 218 doesn't have. If using the SpeakerLink outputs into DSP7200SEs, there was no audible difference.

I've not tried using the 218's inputs as 99% of my listening is through Roon (using Tidal). I suspect there won't be a difference when going to DSP speakers.

The only 'compromise' would be the 218's analogue output compared to the 818v3's analogue outputs.

After I had modified the first 218 I really thought I'd gotten some wires crossed but into DSPs the LPSU conversion could possibly exceed the 818v3 (with the right LPSU)!

You only have to take a look at the small matchbox 'brick' that is the internal PSU in the 218 to realise how much you can improve things.

Most of the upgrades used the Farad Super 3 LPSUs, a couple used Chinese equivalents.

I think the Farad sounded slightly cleaner, although anything is better than the factory-fit PSU (even a cheap 12v wall wart power supply!)

Or they desided not to connect the dots if the 218 came to close to the 818v3 with a external psu for 1/10th of the price of a V3 + the cost for the psu?