General Information
It was the third best CD spinner transport + DAC from Meridian in the 5 hundred serie.
It costed 4250$ new in 2000. It is a beautiful intelligent machine. Jitter is extremely low.
The other two better spinner from that era was 598, and the 588.
The 588 is the same as the 596 with only symmetrical outputs and the video side removed, because the 596 is also a DVD player.
It came in different video output configuration : component, scart.
There is the 596P version that has on board DCI faroudja processor that outputs progressive scan.
The sound quality of this unit is better than all dedicated Meridian CD player of the 5 hundred serie including 20bits and 24bits version of : 506, 507 and 508. Only bettered by 588 in the words of Mr. Stuart the CEO founder and head engineer of Meridian at the time of its release. The 598 released afterwards can play DVD audio.
The 596 is a real bargain today for its exceptionnal CD replay quality, smooth detailed and true with the Meridian signature true to life and deep details quality lacking in todays offering.
Assymetrical outputs only.
It costed 4250$ new in 2000. It is a beautiful intelligent machine. Jitter is extremely low.
The other two better spinner from that era was 598, and the 588.
The 588 is the same as the 596 with only symmetrical outputs and the video side removed, because the 596 is also a DVD player.
It came in different video output configuration : component, scart.
There is the 596P version that has on board DCI faroudja processor that outputs progressive scan.
The sound quality of this unit is better than all dedicated Meridian CD player of the 5 hundred serie including 20bits and 24bits version of : 506, 507 and 508. Only bettered by 588 in the words of Mr. Stuart the CEO founder and head engineer of Meridian at the time of its release. The 598 released afterwards can play DVD audio.
The 596 is a real bargain today for its exceptionnal CD replay quality, smooth detailed and true with the Meridian signature true to life and deep details quality lacking in todays offering.
Assymetrical outputs only.