Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Thread Like Summary - WTB: 518

I've always loved the 500 series. Thanks to several of you I now have a 500 transport, 568.2mm processor and 557 with 505 amps power some big Dali Helicons and a subwoofer in Trifield.

I don't really need another box, but I've always fancied seeing what a 518 would do. Though I may have totally failed to understand how to integrate one into my system (does it complement or replace the 568.2mm?).... So anyone selling one may have to educate me as well!! (Sorry)

Does anyone have one that they would be willing to part with, to go to a good home? Happy to drive around the Kent/Sussex/Surrey countryside to collect.

Thanks everyone, Will

Yes you could place 518 between 500 and 568. You could also connect the optical output of your HDMI extractor into 518, if you dont play much 96Khz music on Amazon. The 518 is limited to 24bit 48kHz.

The way I would describe what the 518 does, would be that it "Meridianizes" any input you connect into it, as in its most basic function it de-jitters and resolution enhances the input.

It will also add to the inputs of 568.

Have you read the 518 manual?

What a lovely 500-based system!

Good luck with your search - there is one on Ebay from the UK, which isn't perfect cosmetically as the lettering on the front is partly missing, and a couple from the U.S. which look cosmetically OK, but the problem with overseas these days is crazy import duty/taxes...

Are you sure you need a 518 with a 568.2mm, though? My understanding from a long while back is that while a 518 was thought to improve the earlier 568 (.1), that by the time 568 was at .2mm with the later firmware it wasn't neccessarily worth it...

I used the 518 as a buffer for all digital inputs into my 568 and later 568.2mm; I thought of it as a great equaliser, in as much as it made most digital sources become equal, especially with computer audio and optical from a TV; as Frank describes, "Meridianizes" any input.

You can also add gain to each source along with jitter control and resolution enhancement; very useful with TV optical outputs that always seem to be 8dB low.

The manual seems quite complicated, but it does make sense eventually.

All the best,

Steve