Apologies if this is a stupid Q.

I'm looking for a CD player (Meridian or otherwise) to go with my existing Meridian kit (568 with M30 speakers). I'm thinking that there's no point going for a player with a particularly good DAC, or indeed any DAC at all (if I just got a transport), as I'll be taking a digital output from said device, and having the 568 do the DAC, right?

e.g in terms of the 500-series, I would be best of buying a 500 or 598, and not a 560, 507 or 508 (.20, .24 or otherwise)

Hi Pete,

I'm going to put a curve ball in and suggest neither ... have you considered ripping your CDs and using a streaming software?

Roon is very popular and there is Meridian's Sooloos ... I've run both but now only use Roon.

Regards,
Carl

Thanks Carl, I'm not anti-streaming, and use a ChromeCast Audio as a digital input.

I could rephrase the Q towards a streaming source. Shouldn't I ignore any DAC capabilities of such a source, as I won't be using them, or if I did use them the 568 would ADC them anyway, which would surely lead to overall lower audio quality?

500 series players were excellent, however it is increasingly difficult to find replacements for laser components to keep them going.
Meridian no longer support these 500 series products and even at the outset had to carefully match components to achieve optimum performance of products sold.
Take care in choosing your way forward to avoid an expensive doorstop

You don't mention budget, but the Oppo 203 is a good machine, that can also be used as a Bluray/UHD player.

Regards
Greg

I think you've answered your own question.

Your argument stands ... and also selecting a source device without a DAC is the most flexible option.

Regards,
Carl

Roon with an Allo.com digi one?

But may not be the cheapest, the prices of the 500 transport seem to be much higher than a 506 (for example). You can just use the SPDIF output on a CD or DVD player straight into the 568.

All the best,

Steve

I'm inclined to agree with people recommending an alternative route over a 5xx series.

Meridian's 5xx CD players were terrific, however the laser unit in mine failed after nine years (which isn't bad, but Meridian's equipment typically has a very long longevity, which is one of the reasons I like them so much). I gather the laser assembly failing is a common problem with these players, and given they are no longer available, any of these units is likely to be on borrowed time, sadly.

iirc, the laser assemblies for the regular (i.e. not CD-ROM type) 500 series players are more readily available as spares. Finding someone suitably qualified to fit them is probably the bigger issue. Lovely players, and sound, though, and the boxes all look pretty and match nicely.

For a disc-spinning transport, the Oppo players are very good, although I've also had problems with the laser assemblies in these.

Or, yeah, go streaming. Don't discount the idea of using something like an MC200 as a one stop shop for streaming/Sooloos...

Hi, thanks all for the responses, it has been most helpful.

I have got hold of a pro-level Pioneer DVD/CD player, really cheap on eBay.

• It has a very good MBTF figure, so I should be safe for some time to come (crossing fingers, touching wood etc.)
• It has optical and coax digital outputs
• It has RS232, so fits into my overall hifi home control plans

I'm just using it as a transport; 568 is the DAC and pre-amp.
I've been without a working CD player for many years, and it has been great to listen to some lossless music again - even if it is only 44.1KHz 16-bit...

Now my CD situation is sorted.

You need a 518...