Reference Upgrades

[tunes]

Originally Posted by TommyC

I like how Meridian treats its customers by releasing future upgrades to existing machines. I hate companies that release a non-upgradable SE/MKII/Superduper edition every 2 years.

+1
Yes, however several earlier models of the 808 are not listed as eligible for the 808.5 upgrade, only the 808.3 and ruby anniversary (808.4) versions. Still, good business model and service for customers who own upgradable models and another way to build brand loyalty.

[Crion]

Well to be fair, those older 800 series were all eligible to upgrade to 861v6/808.3 a year ago or so. Heck I even upgraded from my G68 to my 861v6 with the upgrade to reference promotion.

[pers1]

Originally Posted by SRT-10 Viper

Here is a note sent to my Meridian dealer:


This is good question with a bit of a lengthy answer. The 808.5 will allow 24/192 playback in two ways 1) via the new ID29 USB card that comes standard in the new machine. 2) via the ID41 card for Sooloos that is standard on the new machine.

For 808.3 you can achieve 24/192 playback by installing either the ID29 and/or the ID41 cards and installing the new firmware when available. The retail cost of the ID29 card is $1,500 and the cost of the ID41 card is $2,000.

Purchasing the complete upgrade kit for the 808.3 would also include the new power supply, digital output card and analog output card at a retail cost of $6,000.

I hope this helps you and your customer.

Best,

Jeff Dean
Meridian America, Inc

Hi
This is directly from R&D at meridian UK
"The ID29 and ID41 will process audio at 192KHz, however, the output is 96KHz for compatibility with MHR and SpeakerLink connections. True 192KHz output you will need to listen to the analogue outputs from the new models (861v6 did this also) but the quality through a passive system is, as you know, inferior so listening to 192KHz is actually a technically worse experience than digital at 96KHz."

Pers

[Kingsrule]

With reference upgrades, ID41 still outputs max 24/96.....

Bummer!

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by g997

With reference upgrades, ID41 still outputs max 24/96.....

Bummer!

That is not what is said in Pers post. (#13) Since I will not be using Speakerlink I will get 192 to my amps via the balanced outputs.

I really do not believe Meridians position that 192 in inferior to 96.

[Kingsrule]

I think Pers info is incorrect
I hope he's right but I think not

Are you getting a Sooloos?

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by g997

I think Pers info is incorrect
I hope he's right but I think not

Are you getting a Sooloos?

I hope he's right too since I also use analog outputs from my 808.3

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by g997

I think Pers info is incorrect
I hope he's right but I think not

Are you getting a Sooloos?

I am not sure yet. There are several factors I must consider. Although I do most of my listening in the 2-channel room via the MS-300 and Olive 4HD the music on the MS-300 is accessed by SonoS for distribution via the speakers in my whole house system. I am not sure if that distribution can be performed via SooLoos. Also I have looked at the iPad ap that I could use with a 1TB Media Media Core 200 but prefer the 17" Control 15 interface. That product might not be produced much longer.

If I sell my Olive 4HD that is up for sale elsewhere here I may pick up a Media Core 200 and give it a try. 1TB is all I need because I get rid of music I don't listen to on a regular basis so neither the MS-300 or Olive are anywhere close to being full.

[Crion]

You will not regret picking up an MC200. I only use the iPad and ControlPC/Mac app with my Sooloos system. Got no itch for a bulky old C10/C15.. an iPad 4th gen suits the couch style more.

Are you preparing for the 808.5 upgrade or wait until more settled in?

[tunes]

+1

I love the mc200 (previous generation) and the ipad app works very well, though occasionally pauses when loading graphics. Great system if you are looking at streaming with the 808.3.