meridian 508.24 vs meridian 588

[euclid]

hi, ive been doing some reading about these player and some are finding the sound of the 508.24 more appealing, i'm hoping some members here have heard both on a headphone setup.

i have wooaudio3 tube amp and sennheiser 650. the difference in price between these two meridian players(used) is about 500$. im curious if there is a benefit to the 588.

also, im considering the 596 which is a dvd player, im curious how the 596 would compare to the 508.24 or 588 in redbook playback. the price of the 596 falls right around the 508.24 at $1500.

thanks for reading.
ian

 

[overlunge]

Quote:

Originally Posted by euclid hi, ive been doing some reading about these player and some are finding the sound of the 508.24 more appealing, i'm hoping some members here have heard both on a headphone setup. i have wooaudio3 tube amp and sennheiser 650. the difference in price between these two meridian players(used) is about 500$. im curious if there is a benefit to the 588. also, im considering the 596 which is a dvd player, im curious how the 596 would compare to the 508.24 or 588 in redbook playback. the price of the 596 falls right around the 508.24 at $1500. thanks for reading. ian

Hi ian,

I did a bit of research when I was looking for a CDP, end up buying a used 506.16 over 508.20. For me the increase in resolution was unwelcoming to my system at the time with some musics it was too bright.

However, the 588 has better components than the 508, though on the spec sheet they might look similar. And to me the 588 was more musical than the 508.

As for the 596, one problem I have with them is the transport mechanism, the CD tray looked very fragile and I felt my need for a DVD-A player is no necessary as I have virtually no DVD audio in my collection. But the dealer strongly recommend the 596.

If my budget allowed at the time, I would have go with 588.

Just my two cents,


Scott

 

[euclid]

thanks for the reply scott,

the 596 is not dvd-a, its a basic dvd video player... AFAIK the 598 adds dvd-a which is not a priority at all for me at this time.

i know the 588 (and g08) uses a computer rom drive rather than a cd transport, which has some compatibilty issues with certain copywriten cds, not a big deal but something im considering. i'd like to find a g07 for under 2000$ but they seem to be rare on the used market.

redbook playback is by far my biggest priority, if the 596 is a compromise in redbook playback compared to (at least) the 508.24 i will probibly pass. like i said i have not read consitant praise in favor of the 588 over the 508(you say 588 is more musical others say its more coloured, ect) im hoping members here can inform me better, maybe theyve shown up together at a meet or something.

edit: the 596 does have partial dvd-a support