[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audio Addict /img/forum/go_quote.gif I spoke with Todd Green (TTJV) today and he indicated there is a new 808.2 player out now. However, the downside is the prior versions of the 808 or 808i are not upgradeable to the latest version. I couldn't believe Meridian would do that to their flagship player. To make matters worse, the new version is supposed to be even better.

the only info i can find on the 808.2 is that it is due out "first quarter 2008."

 

[Audio Addict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by vcoheda /img/forum/go_quote.gif the only info i can find on the 808.2 is that it is due out "first quarter 2008."

According to an email I received this week from Meridian America, it is scheduled for release in January.

Meridian indicated that the current 808 is really the result of the sum of the parts and just changing out a part may not improve it, thus they have elected to not have an upgrade path for it.

They did indicate they have done extensive listening comparison not only with their current products but "the competitors" as well and believe it is a significant step up.


The 808.2 was displayed at CEDIA but I haven't been able to find much on it from that event.

 

[Welly Wu]

I sold my 808i to a friend. I am going for the 808.2i later this year.

 

[vcoheda]

there are a bunch of 808s on audiogon. people trying to unload before the new model comes out.

 

[howiebrou]

So any news from CES?

 

[Audio Addict]

Stereophile had a brief write up and picture as part of their CES coverage.

I had a quote of 7500 for a less than 1 year old 808i while the new 808.2i is $15,995 and the 808.2 is $14,995.

 

[vcoheda]

15K for the new model. the 808 is looking like a bargain now.

 

[FalconP]

Interestingly the 808.2 is still using the drawer drive while the revamped G-series have all switched to slot drives.

 

[Jingo Lingo]

Damn this thread is nuts. I read the whole thing with fascination and was stoked when you posted that you finally purchased it Welly Wu. But damn, you sold it just like that? Is this just so you can get the new model? How much money did you lose? I'd be pretty bummed.

 

[Welly Wu]

Not too much at all. I am debating whether to get the 808.2i at all. When I had both of them side by side, the differences were apparent as was the glaring price discrepancy.

 

[vcoheda]

from stereophile

Quote:

Meridian has completely redone its Signature Reference 808 CD player, now the 808.2 ($14,995). "We've changed its drive, drive navigation software, power supply, DSP, and clocking and buffering. I'd like to say that the only thing we've retained is the case, but we've improved that, too," said Bob Stuart. Meridian's proprietary Resolution Enhancement system upsamples 44.1/16-bit CD data to 176.4/24-bit with 48-bit internal precision, and applies a newly refined delta-sigma digital-to-analog converter system of reference accuracy. Stuart says that allows the 808.2 "to extract from the finest CD recordings a degree of transparency, detail, and musical life that simply must be heard to be appreciated." The Meridian Signature Reference 808.2 comes in two flavors: standard and 808.2i. The difference? The standard Meridian 808.2 provides digital audio outputs in two formats, including an upsampled 88.2 kHz output that exploits Meridian's proprietary MHR resolution-enhancement system when connected via a compatible Meridian DSP Loudspeaker or surround processor. It also has two sets of analog audio outputs, which can be either fixed- or variable-level. The 808.2i ($15,995) adds analog and digital audio inputs, so it can function as a basic preamplifier in a simple two-channel system in conjunction with a power amplifier or active Loudspeakers.

 

[vcoheda]

CES 2008 Meridian 808.2 press release

CES 2008 Meridian 808.2 press release - The Hitchhikers Guide To Meridian

 

[Welly Wu]

You sir, are a terrible man.

 

[Audio Addict]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welly Wu /img/forum/go_quote.gif You sir, are a terrible man.

Not necessarily if you were looking to get a great deal on a used 808 as current owners sell cheaply to purchase the latest and greatest from Meridian.

 

[vcoheda]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Audio Addict /img/forum/go_quote.gif Not necessarily if you were looking to get a great deal on a used 808 as current owners sell cheaply to purchase the latest and greatest from Meridian.

i bet you could get an 808 for $6800 now if not lower.