G06 vs. G08

[Jigglybootch]

Is there a major difference between the Meridian G08 and the G06? I know the G08 has balanced outputs and it appears to have very slightly better noise and THD ratings, but beyond that aren't they pretty much the same?

 

[gz76]

Have you listened to them? I'd suggest trying that if you're considering purchasing.

 

[Jigglybootch]

I really wasn't considering a purchase. I'm just curious.

 

[wower]

I would give up my own children to own the G08. Lucky for the kids I don't have any...

 

[FalconP]

The short answer is yes, the upsampling algorithm in the G08 does bring a big difference. The instruments are more vivid and have more presence. I've only listened to the G07 (the predecessor of G06) briefly; and for more detailed comparison you can always dig up other hi-fi forums.

 

[bhd812]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jigglybootch /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is there a major difference between the Meridian G08 and the G06? I know the G08 has balanced outputs and it appears to have very slightly better noise and THD ratings, but beyond that aren't they pretty much the same?

yes there is a difference, just like there is from the G08 to the 808..

 

[wower]

Interesting comments. I've only heard the G08 in less than ideal settings but I have always found it very musical.. a trait I find very seductive.

 

[euclid]

IMHO the G08 is a much better purchase considering the balanced outputs and upsampling

i wonder what the difference is from G07 to G06 and why Meridian replaced the G07 in the first place?

 

[Jigglybootch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid /img/forum/go_quote.gif i wonder what the difference is from G07 to G06 and why Meridian replaced the G07 in the first place?

The G06 supposedly sounds better than the G07, but I can't personally attest to that. Beyond that, I'm not sure what Meridian's plan was.

 

[vcoheda]

balanced outputs is a must, if not for the present, then for the future. with big purchases, you can't be short sighted.

 

[recstar24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid /img/forum/go_quote.gif IMHO the G08 is a much better purchase considering the balanced outputs and upsampling i wonder what the difference is from G07 to G06 and why Meridian replaced the G07 in the first place?

The G07 used a traditional 3 laser phillips style transport. However, I believe they wanted to switch it out for the DVD-ROM drive that is utlized in the g08 and 808, for a couple of reasons:

1) Apparently supply for the original transport was running low, which would create problems for returns and repairs if they no longer carried the original transport.

2) the DVD-rom drive is cheaper and easier to fix and implement. And they have plenty of them for repairs and warranty.

I owned the G07 for quite a while and upgraded to the G08 a couple of months later. The G08 clearly conveys more detail and dynamics, and digs deeper into the recording. The soundstage is more opened up as well. The G07 is a fine machine regardless, and can be had for a great price now that the G06 is in. They should still have enough transports to cover you if your G07 breaks down, but by the time it does break down, you will probably be better apt to upgrade from there.

 

[euclid]

Quote:

Originally Posted by recstar24 /img/forum/go_quote.gif The G07 used a traditional 3 laser phillips style transport. However, I believe they wanted to switch it out for the DVD-ROM drive that is utlized in the g08 and 808, for a couple of reasons: 1) Apparently supply for the original transport was running low, which would create problems for returns and repairs if they no longer carried the original transport. 2) the DVD-rom drive is cheaper and easier to fix and implement. And they have plenty of them for repairs and warranty. I owned the G07 for quite a while and upgraded to the G08 a couple of months later. The G08 clearly conveys more detail and dynamics, and digs deeper into the recording. The soundstage is more opened up as well. The G07 is a fine machine regardless, and can be had for a great price now that the G06 is in. They should still have enough transports to cover you if your G07 breaks down, but by the time it does break down, you will probably be better apt to upgrade from there.

thanks for the info, i was under the impression that the G07 was basically a crippled G08 but each shared the same basic components.

i have been considering a G08, but there are very polarizing opinions about the G08 being too smooth, glad to hear you like the sound.

BTW the 596, 598 and 588 use the ROM drive as well.

 

[FalconP]

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the info, i was under the impression that the G07 was basically a crippled G08 but each shared the same basic components. i have been considering a G08, but there are very polarizing opinions about the G08 being too smooth, glad to hear you like the sound. BTW the 596, 598 and 588 use the ROM drive as well.

The sound of G08 is extremely detailed and life-like, and while I think it serves well in most kinds of music, it may disappoint those looking for a full-blown PRaT sensation.

 

[recstar24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FalconP /img/forum/go_quote.gif The sound of G08 is extremely detailed and life-like, and while I think it serves well in most kinds of music, it may disappoint those looking for a full-blown PRaT sensation.

I concur. It's not a "ball-grabber", for lack of a better word. The G08 draws you in slowly, and really doesn't impress on first listen. It belongs to the camp of productst that illuminates from within, rather than from outside. It excels in terms of inner detail and resolution, and is a very refined machine that is subtle and finely nuanced. The soundstage and image focus is beautiful. But it won't grip you by the throat and take you for a ride like some other gear will, IMHO.

 

[recstar24]

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid /img/forum/go_quote.gif thanks for the info, i was under the impression that the G07 was basically a crippled G08 but each shared the same basic components. i have been considering a G08, but there are very polarizing opinions about the G08 being too smooth, glad to hear you like the sound. BTW the 596, 598 and 588 use the ROM drive as well.

Different parts, different circuit. Traditional laser beam transport, akin to the 508, output stage is different. G08 is dual differential, with separate dacs for the positive and negative for each channel.

The G08 is smoother than the G07 without homogenizing the sound. The G07 sounds "bland" in comparison, whereas the G08 is more "vivid".