[BigEat]

Just received my Meridian 808.2. I've placed it in along side my Esoteric and connected it to the Ray Samuels B-52 via balanced outputs. In the break-in process but already noticing very liquid, high definition comparisons to Esoteric. Particularly well paired with the RS B-52.

Pictures show my 2 B-52s. Esoteric DA 60, Esoteric G-03X Master Clock, the Meridian, 2 Bel Canto DAC 3s, and the McIntosh MS750.

 

[vcoheda]

that thing is built like a tank. i still am wow'd by the 2 B52s.

very nice.

 

[BigEat]

Thanks Vcoheda. I'm still getting used to the Meridian, but it's a nice constrast to the Esoterics.

 

[Dreadhead]

What are the DAC3's for? just to look cool

or do you use them when you want to do use the computer as a source?

 

[BigEat]

The DACs are for music files from the computer (Apple Lossless) and for digital output from the MS750. The McIntosh works infinitely better with its digital out run through the Bel Canto than it does directly from the RCA outs. (See Stereophile Review of the MS750, January 2008)

 

[Dreadhead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigEat /img/forum/go_quote.gif The DACs are for music files from the computer (Apple Lossless) and for digital output from the MS750. The McIntosh works infinitely better with its digital out run through the Bel Canto than it does directly from the RCA outs. (See Stereophile Review of the MS750, January 2008)

Amazing setup.

Thanks for clarifying. 6 grand for a music server and you still need to use a separate DAC? That's wild. I'd just get a squeezebox.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigEat /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm still getting used to the Meridian, but it's a nice constrast to the Esoterics.

if i had to guess, the 808.2 is warmer and more spacious while the esoteric is a bit brighter but more detailed (or analytical). something like that?

 

[BigEat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif if i had to guess, the 808.2 is warmer and more spacious while the esoteric is a bit brighter but more detailed (or analytical). something like that?

You said it perfectly and honestly, I've owned Esoteric for years. I've gotten used to the brighter, detailed, almost more "digital" sounding resolution. The Meridian is much "smoother" and "warmer" if you will. I thought that it might make a good companion for the "tubey" sound of the B-52. It also needs some burn in I suspect. I will confess at first listen I was a little caught off guard.

 

[BigEat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dreadhead /img/forum/go_quote.gif Amazing setup. Thanks for clarifying. 6 grand for a music server and you still need to use a separate DAC? That's wild. I'd just get a squeezebox.

That hurt LOL, but it's a good point.

 

[BigEat]

Added the additional pictures

 

[wower]

Looking at those pictures I have to say: head-fi'ers have great taste in gear.

 

[spookygonk]

Those are amazing photos, that's a severe amount of kit.

 

[Audio-Omega]

Top setup.

 

[penger]

Nice setup! Please share some more impressions when you get the time to stop listening.

 

[Namrac]

Excuse me while I pick up my jaw, it hit the floor rather hard. D:


Simply an outstanding setup, phenomenal. That meridian is a tank.