Meridian 808.3

[Talk2me]

The 808.3 was on my short list, but I decided on the Burmester 089. I have been listening to the 069 for several months now, and I can't get the Burmester sound out of my head. I've heard some good things about the 808.3 though.

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Howie, dont deny yourself! Go straight for the upgrade my friend! 808.3 is a "Must Have" ... Fantastic is not a word you could live by ... You can afford it! Go-Go-Go!

This use to be my "silly advise" to Howie when he had the 808i.2 + DSP8000.

Now I am finding myself in the fix cause .... I am itching for the upgrade although many well meaning friends advised me that the Sooloos C15+Twinstore (2Tb x2) + 808i.3 is more of a "want than a must have".

I am SERIOUSLY considering a matching Black 808i.3 (with both my DSP8000 speakers and the Meridian vintage tuner 504) and the Sooloos C15+Twinstore as against another 2 combos I have in mind, which are way much more expensive ... but sanity tells me I might be walking the dangerous path of the "wrong upgrade" again!

And IF even I made this upgrade happen, the next would be the TT, where I am now evaluating the Thorens TD550+TP125se arm (actually a DaVinci arm), Raven AC or Dr. Feickert DFA + Tri-Planar arm and the latest name that came across Clear Audio Innovation (wood).

Sigh, suddenly I am so SICK with the itch again!

[Victor]

Jerry,
Are you still waiting for your new Sooloos? If so, I wouldn't think about any upgrades until you get the Sooloos up and running in your system. Once you have the Sooloos for a while your priorities may change.

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by JSCC

This use to be my "silly advise" to Howie when he had the 808i.2 + DSP8000.

Now I am finding myself in the fix cause .... I am itching for the upgrade although many well meaning friends advised me that the Sooloos C15+Twinstore (2Tb x2) + 808i.3 is more of a "want than a must have".

I am SERIOUSLY a matching Black 808i.3 (with both my DSP8000 speakers and the Meridian vintage tuner 504) and the Sooloos C15+Twinstore as against another 2 combos I have in mind, which are way much more expensive ... but sanity tells me I might be walking the dangerous path of the "wrong upgrade" again!

And IF even I made this upgrade happen, the next would be the TT, where I am now evaluating the Thorens TD550+TP125se arm (actually a DaVinci arm), Raven AC or Dr. Feickert DFA + Tri-Planar arm and the latest name that came across Clear Audio Innovation (wood).

Sigh, suddenly I am so SICK with the itch again!

Jerry,

Bring your 808.2 to the dealer and compare it with the 808.3. If no different then save your money. I can't remember if it was sterophile or TAS that said they sound the same.

[Still-One]

I have heard there is no difference in the DAC's. Not sure if it is true.
Jim

[howiebrou]

Originally Posted by Still-One

I have heard there is no difference in the DAC's. Not sure if it is true.
Jim

I think this is correct. The main differences are the inclusion of a Sooloos input card.

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by howiebrou

I think this is correct. The main differences are the inclusion of a Sooloos input card.

Yeah, that is worth an upgrade.

[JSCC]

The difference (based purely on review) are:

1. ID40 Sooloos Card - This ID40 signal (Sooloos attached thru this card) is UPSAMPLED via the Aphodising filter of the 808i.3 in a way resulting in the LOWEST possible clock jitter, something the 808i.2 does not do.

2. New INTERNAL CD-ROM based drive which Meridian says "data recovery and error correction are many times better than that employed in standard CD systems, 808i.2 inclusive".

3. It also has the NEW master clock and timing circuitry to minimise jitter form improved sound-source localisation, clarity and imaging.

Bob Stuart added: BOTH CD & Sooloos are played back under the control of this NEW REGIME and the result, in our opinion, is another big step forward in openess, transparency, soundstage and low frequency definition.

4. It is truly an outstanding partner to the Sooloos. One not only get the best out of the CD drive ion the 808i.3 but also out of any CD or "Hi-Res" materials stored in the Sooloos. This combination will be a dream most audiophiles can only hear at hifi shows or at a dealer and is a top contender for the BEST DIGITAL sound around and one that will give a whole new lease on musical life.

Note the word BOTH COMBINATION.

Hence, buying the Sooloos ALONE will NOT render the best it is capable of. Sadly, this had to be a BOTH purchase or none at all.

That is why, IF I am ever going to buy the Sooloos to upgrade the Meridian system, I will have to go for the 808i.3 too! No choice!

Now the litmus test is to hear it together and "A" "B" it against the Sooloos + 808i.2. if the difference is immediate, then the decision is obvious isnt it?

Cheers!

[Still-One]

Until Meridian and Sooloss stop limiting their products to 24/96 they won't get a second look from me.

[JSCC]

Well, well, I did it!

1. First, there is an IMMEDIATE REMARKABLE DIFFERENCE one can hear between the 808i.2 and 808i.3. However, the strange thing is IF the Sooloos is to be routed thru the 861v6 (with Sooloos same ID40 card), it does not sound as good as the 808i.3 with the same ID40 card. Apparently, this is optimise for the 808i.3 and its aphodising filter as well as the DAC's. Put them all together, the end STEREO result is nothing short of smooth sounding!

2. So, tomorrow's the delivery of the NEW 808i.3.

3. In turn, most of my CD collection will be collected and ripped using the Sooloos ripping machine into the Sooloos C15 first! The Twinstore is not available and will only be in 2 weeks from now - 2TB x 2! Enterprise drives to ascertain stability and reliability.

There I have, a complete highest level Meridian STEREO setup. Happy? Certainly!

Now to the next hunt, and most likely the Dr. Feickert DFA Twin + Tri-Planar MkVII UII (latest model) and the Miyajima Shilabe cartridge. Phono stage? Dont know as I have yet to hear this highly recommended setup!

Well, I got to say something why I need another TT and where the current once is not up to par. Hard story to sell .... but I am going to put on my thinking cap!

Dear "mentor" Victor, be prepared for my calls ... to trouble you how to do nice cover arts! And the rest!

Cheers!