[Nick Dangerous]

My speaker system is uber-fussy.

I recently sold my Mensa Plus DI/O to a fellow Head-Fi'er because it no longer agreed with a slew of recent upgrades I made to my system.

The big news is that I'm switching my DAC from a DI/O to a Meridian 566... with the 24-bit upgrade installed. I don't know what to expect. It should sound OK with the Pioneer DVD as the transport, but will get even better when I upgrade to a Meridian 500 transport.

Should be an interesting experiment. Any Meridian owners out there care to chime in?

 

[andrzejpw]

Just wondering Nick: what are you using as a transport? I know that some Pioneer units make fantastic transports (47, etc), but others aren't as renound. I'm trusting that you're using a good transport?

 

[Nick Dangerous]

It's the same Pioneer (440) that is recommended by many Asylum fanatics because it puts out a true (un-resampled) digital stream. Still, I plan to try a Meridian 500 for transport duty in the future.

No takers yet on this thread, eh? I guess I'll be the first DAC user to jump from Team DI/O to Team Meridian. Expect a report soon.

 

[Calanctus]

Nick Dangerous, can you use the Meridian 566 to convert a digital stream from a DVD-A played in a Meridian transport?

 

[DanG]

I love my Meridian! I haven't had experience with the DAC, but I think you can expect a dramatic improvement. However, I would suggest that you consider a single CD player before trying to get a transport and DAC -- many have warned that the digital format conversion for transmission from transport to DAC can cause some degradation in signal.

Also, I believe the 566 has no balanced outputs (please correct me if I'm wrong). But I think it'd be worth looking into a 508.20, 508.24, or perhaps a 588 if you can swing it.

 

[Nick Dangerous]

Calanctus: No idea on the DVD-A playback.

Dan: The 566 is the same DAC used in the 508.24. I'd go for a 588 if I could swing it, but alas... $3500 is just too big a bite of the audiophile pie right now.

I'm expecting a $2600 upgraded 24-bit DAC to outperform a modded $100 DAC. I think this is a reasonable expectation.

 

[DanG]

The 508.24 is supposed to be very close to (and some say better than) the 588. You can get them on Audiogon for around $1600+ if you don't mind if it's an upgraded unit (from a 508.20). If you go with a DAC and transport, you'll end up spending a lot of money... not to mention the cost of a good digital cable and the need for an extra powercord.

Sorry, just wish there were more 508 owners around here.

I'm sure you'll be very happy either way. Be sure to let us know how the system sounds once you do upgrade!

 

[grinch]

Quote:

Originally posted by Calanctus Nick Dangerous, can you use the Meridian 566 to convert a digital stream from a DVD-A played in a Meridian transport?

i'd say no. the new meridian dvd-a transport alone runs like $18k. the dac that goes with it is another $18k (if i read that stereophile article correctly anyway).

congratulations on your meridian, nick. you will soon be a proud owner of one of the ugliest components ever designed.

anyway, i hope it works out okay for you, but keep in mind, for $2600 you could have a cary 306/200..

 

[Andrew Pielet]

I am looking for a 500 transport as well. I have heard that the 508 has a better transport than the 500, but I will be using the DAC in my Angstrom preamp for the time being. Since the CD player is the last thing I need for my system to be complete, I would like to go the route of a transport because eventually I will be upgrading my Preamp to a DD, THX, DTS etc. (rather than Pro-logic I have now) and I would use that DAC (in new preamp) for a while. I imagine I will always want to upgrade, and this leaves it open so I can choose DAC's as the technology improves. I don't know how the 561's DAC would stand up to a 566, but I imagine it wouldn't be too far behind. Bottom line is, the Meridian 500 is the best choice for me. Reading all the info on it, I think it will stand up for many more years, and always be a contender. I really like the idea of changing DAC's in the future rather than my tubes or speakers I have searched so hard and took so long to decide on (I will always stick w/ Maggies in this set-up, but I eventually want different systems in a few rooms). Also, with my music choices, it was the only one that I have found w/ the characteristics I am looking for: Neutral, uncolored, warm, good pace, not one thing really sticks out to talk about. By the way, I have only heard the 507, and 508.24, but NOT in my system. I can only imagine how it would sound, and I feel the 500 is the way to go.

 

[DanG]

I don't know, I find the reserved style of Meridian units to be beautiful compared to the extremely ostentatious designs of most manufacturers. With the Cary line, I hate those bright lights they use, especially on that huge display.

The Cary units do sound nice, though. Just not as nice as Meridian.

Perhaps I'll get a listen to a higher-end Cary side-by-side with my Meridian soon.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

Probably the most non-constructive post I have ever made, but god is it true!

 

[Andrew Pielet]

I think the Meridian products look classy. It is also the only other component that matches the black glass of my Audio Valve amps.

 

[Calanctus]

Quote:

Originally posted by grinch congratulations on your meridian, nick. you will soon be a proud owner of one of the ugliest components ever designed.

I'm with you on that!

 

[blessingx]

Is this a good price?

 

[Andrew Pielet]

Which are you talking about, $ 2195.00 or $0 ?