Meridian 808.3 CD/Pre

[Still-One]

I did connect the Olive 4HD this morning and tried some hi-rez files thru the Meridian 808v3. The unit handled 24/88 and 24/96 just fine but when I tried 24/192 the unit was silent. I thought that Jerry indicated that the unit was capable of playing 24/192 after a software upgrade. I am not sure that Chuck has performed this update

[SRT-10 Viper]

Hey Jim; I haven't upraded the SW since I've had the unit since I only run 24/96.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......I apologize for my error. I corrected my post to show the Meridian 818. Meridian is calling it the 818 Audio Core. According to Jerry, the 818 is Meridians newest digital player, essentially the 808.3 without a transport, but with an additional digital board inside. It seems that Meridian is moving away from physical medium. Perhaps Jerry will see this thread and chime in with some additional information for us. I am not abreast of the Meridian line like he is. Here is a link to the 818 Reference Audio Core - Meridian

The major difference between the 808.3 vs the 818 are:

1. There's no transport (CD player) in the 818.
2. While the 808.3 had the ID40 card (meant specifically for the connection of their media core systems, a.k.a, the Sooloos, the 818 had a newer (and supposedly better) ID41 card.

Seriously, all I can add is (while not sounding like the singer singing his song) that the Meridian stuff is very musical and with each software/firmware upgrade, the musicality improves. Right now, its so close to being so analogue and smooth sounding, I sometimes wonder if I ever would go back t playing one CD again, given that the CD is still that tad much (so very little) better than digital files playing.

I think as a red-book CD player itself, and planning to add on a Sooloos Digital System, it is there at the very top ... but if you are looking for DUAL capability (red book CD and SACD) and wanting to try around other brands of digital files players (Aurender, Olive, ... etc, .. to name a few) then give this a skip.

To me, I dont think there will be a better Digital Music System than the Sooloos as an overall package. I could be wrong, or jealously defending my love for it.

US$9k is really a very fair deal for this excellent red book player (cum Pre, cum DAC). BUT in the end, its your choice. I wont try to spend your monies. For sure, I never would be more happier - and would have save myself tonnes of cash if I had been to this path earlier.

Today, I am just a happy man with a very satisfying and fulfilling system. I would not go to the extent of "never say never again", but for now, the itch had really stopped! Cheers!

[Masterlu]

Jerry... But there is a 2301 rash beginning to develop.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by JSCC

The major difference between the 808.3 vs the 818 are:

1. There's no transport (CD player) in the 818.
2. While the 808.3 had the ID40 card (meant specifically for the connection of their media core systems, a.k.a, the Sooloos, the 818 had a newer (and supposedly better) ID41 card.

Seriously, all I can add is (while not sounding like the singer singing his song) that the Meridian stuff is very musical and with each software/firmware upgrade, the musicality improves. Right now, its so close to being so analogue and smooth sounding, I sometimes wonder if I ever would go back t playing one CD again, given that the CD is still that tad much (so very little) better than digital files playing.

I think as a red-book CD player itself, and planning to add on a Sooloos Digital System, it is there at the very top ... but if you are looking for DUAL capability (red book CD and SACD) and wanting to try around other brands of digital files players (Aurender, Olive, ... etc, .. to name a few) then give this a skip.

To me, I dont think there will be a better Digital Music System than the Sooloos as an overall package. I could be wrong, or jealously defending my love for it.

US$9k is really a very fair deal for this excellent red book player (cum Pre, cum DAC). BUT in the end, its your choice. I wont try to spend your monies. For sure, I never would be more happier - and would have save myself tonnes of cash if I had been to this path earlier.

Today, I am just a happy man with a very satisfying and fulfilling system. I would not go to the extent of "never say never again", but for now, the itch had really stopped! Cheers!

Jerry
I am seriously considering moving from the MCD-1100 to the 808.3 after having it in my system since Friday.

Have you ever used the analog inputs on your 808?

Jim

[gshepardbuster]

Once you've had the Meridian transport and DAC, you can't go back!!! LOL

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by gshepardbuster

Once you've had the Meridian transport and DAC, you can't go back!!! LOL

Well it looks like I will be testing your theory. A 808.3 will be gracing my system very soon.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Still-One

Jerry
I am seriously considering moving from the MCD-1100 to the 808.3 after having it in my system since Friday.

Have you ever used the analog inputs on your 808?

Jim

Hi Jim,

The 808.3 is a very versatile piece of equipment. Yes, I have and am using 2 analogue inputs. One for my TT while the second is for the 504 vintage Meridian Tuner. The reason I am keeping this tuner is it sounded way much better than the digital tuner from the Sooloos, a complete let down. I suppose digital radio stations have a long way to catch up in being musical.

I dont think you will regret having this piece of gear as it also can serve as a Preamp .... A sort of 4-in-one, a CD Player, DAC, Digital Pre and Analogue Pre. All for the calling price? A steal! Plus in future, if you want a Sooloos, you just add it to the ID40 card that comes with it. Bingo!

Oh, if space is not an issue and you still want SACD playback capability, then the McIntosh is a very good piece of gear to keep, routing thru the 808.3. Thats what I think.

Hope this explains. Cheers!

[tweet]

Congrats, Jim! It was easy to this one coming.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Hi Jim,

The 808.3 is a very versatile piece of equipment. Yes, I have and am using 2 analogue inputs. One for my TT while the second is for the 504 vintage Meridian Tuner. The reason I am keeping this tuner is it sounded way much better than the digital tuner from the Sooloos, a complete let down. I suppose digital radio stations have a long way to catch up in being musical.

I dont think you will regret having this piece of gear as it also can serve as a Preamp .... A sort of 4-in-one, a CD Player, DAC, Digital Pre and Analogue Pre. All for the calling price? A steal! Plus in future, if you want a Sooloos, you just add it to the ID40 card that comes with it. Bingo!

Oh, if space is not an issue and you still want SACD playback capability, then the McIntosh is a very good piece of gear to keep, routing thru the 808.3. Thats what I think.

Hope this explains. Cheers!

Jerry
What phono stage are you using into the analog inputs of the 808. 3?

Was it easy to update the unit to plat 24-192 files?

Jim