Meridian purchase help
 

Im doing some research for a friend of mine. He wants to purchase a new system for both 2 ch. and home theater. He doesn't like all the amps, speaker wires, Interconnects, power cables everywhere. I suggested Meridian setup. Im assuming (im ignorant) that the amps are built in and only an phone type cord is used to connect the speakers and power cord to the wall. Is meridian proprietary to its components as well? In other words, does he have to buy a meridian pre processor? can he use his own cd/dvd player and blu ray player? His budget is around $30,000 since he will be saving a thousand or so on cables. if Im correct on my assumptions. I again assume he just needs a processor and speakers, no amps needed He listens to all types of music so I hope there no a jazz only speaker. Oh and he has a velodyne sub, would he need a meridian sub. I guess its easier to ask, if he buys meridian speakers, does everything else have to be meridian? The only thing I know so far is they connect through a comm port, or ethernet cable (seems they sell there own brand) any help would be great. Not sure if he wants rear built ins, trying to talk him into floor standers.

You can use as little or as much Meridian gear as you choose although a full set allows you the ultimate in flexibility and user friendliness. Starting from sources you could just go for the 808.3 which in its own right is a world class cdp. The 861 V.6 allows you to have a multichannel processor for stereo, trifield (3 front speakers) and multi channel as well as room correction. Naturally you could use the 808.3 or something else. For video you have to use something else as Meridian does not make a blu ray player. After that you can go the M route and wire up speakers with built in dac / amp. For two channel you could just add two M speakers and allow them to rock as I did for a while. Adding a processor gives you the HT options and room correction.

The whole system works in tandem so one remote can control all meridian pieces and they all know what is happening but you add pieces bit by bit as funds allow. I personally think it works fantastically well.

Now all I need is money to buy a sooloos.:thumbsup:

howie

So they wouldn't have to worry about after market speaker cable, I.C., and Power Cables. Just a set of meridian fronts, center and rears, a Meridian processor for surround sound (I guess equivalent to an mx-136 or pre-pro) and a cd/dvd/blu ray player. No amps needed?
It sure seems like he could buy a nice system by saving money on all the amps and cables. maybe nice speakers. like the DSP 5200 or 5500. not sure if he can afford the 7200. With the meridian surround processor can he use a standard sub or does he need a meridian sub?

No speaker cables. If you get the latest versions they are all connected with cat 5 ethernet cables. The older ones have a digital 75ohm plus a comms communication lead which are super cheap. You need power cables for the speakers which are active with amps built in.

He can use a M sub or a 3rd party sub. He just needs to make sure the specs allow him to use it. With M equipment, especially the 800 series you can configure them how you like, e.g. all digital, digital plus analogue, all analogue etc etc. That is the beauty of the system.

howie

Bro, I so envy your FULL Meridian setup. I may consider this approach, STEREO though. If I can pull off some tricks, will give you a call.

As for Sooloos, well 2 approach. Stretch out your hand to your better half OR pay a visit to the local HongKong Shanghai Bank lah! They will give you more than you would like to ask for. :D

Cheers! :banana:

Jerry,

I am now wondering if an Ipad plus Sonos might not be a better investment since I have all the dacs i need.:scratch2:

howie

This is certainly a way much cheaper investment. The only thing is you will have to wait till April or may to see this happen though! :thumbsup: