I've been fortunate enough to have had my supplier lend me his own Meridian 808 Signature Reference CDP. I've had my eye on this unit for some time and this was the perfect opportunity.
I've just completed a long, enjoyable and concentrated listening session, playing tracks firstly in my present source player (Marantz DV7600 fed digitally to Krell Showcase Processor & converted to analog using Krell's DAC's), then immediately thereafter in the Meridian 808, converted there & the analog signal fed via balanced cables through the Krell pre-amp section of the Showcase Processor to power amp.
CD tracks played were:
1. Marc Antoine - Mediterraneo
Track: Mediterraneo
2. Patricia Barber Live - A Fortnight in France
Track: Gotcha
3. Jim Tomlinson - The Lyric (Featuring Stacey Kent on vocals)
Track: Jardin D'Hiver
4. Bob James - Urban Flamingo
Track: Lay Down With You
5. The Lord of The Rings - The Return of the King
Track: Into the West - performed by Annie Lennox
What I heard on the 808 was more detail, greater resolution and a whole lot more sound space mainly in the first two tracks in the above list (Antoine & Barber). Regarding the other tracks, there were differences. I have not yet been able to determine whether these differences were imagined, slight or quite material. My mind or ears or both are playing tricks on me. I need to rest first. Then I need more time.
I'd like to put forward an opinion at this point and that is that the 808 does wonderful things with good recordings. Bad recordings or even mediocre ones will be exposed, humiliated & turfed in the dirt.
I love this player already, but it is a big decision and a difficult one. Need to balance that which I've heard, that which I like, finances & any other bits of information which may be relevant.
Any opinions, bits of experience and info that anyone may have, please share. It's sleepless nights for me right now.
Thanks
I've just completed a long, enjoyable and concentrated listening session, playing tracks firstly in my present source player (Marantz DV7600 fed digitally to Krell Showcase Processor & converted to analog using Krell's DAC's), then immediately thereafter in the Meridian 808, converted there & the analog signal fed via balanced cables through the Krell pre-amp section of the Showcase Processor to power amp.
CD tracks played were:
1. Marc Antoine - Mediterraneo
Track: Mediterraneo
2. Patricia Barber Live - A Fortnight in France
Track: Gotcha
3. Jim Tomlinson - The Lyric (Featuring Stacey Kent on vocals)
Track: Jardin D'Hiver
4. Bob James - Urban Flamingo
Track: Lay Down With You
5. The Lord of The Rings - The Return of the King
Track: Into the West - performed by Annie Lennox
What I heard on the 808 was more detail, greater resolution and a whole lot more sound space mainly in the first two tracks in the above list (Antoine & Barber). Regarding the other tracks, there were differences. I have not yet been able to determine whether these differences were imagined, slight or quite material. My mind or ears or both are playing tricks on me. I need to rest first. Then I need more time.
I'd like to put forward an opinion at this point and that is that the 808 does wonderful things with good recordings. Bad recordings or even mediocre ones will be exposed, humiliated & turfed in the dirt.
I love this player already, but it is a big decision and a difficult one. Need to balance that which I've heard, that which I like, finances & any other bits of information which may be relevant.
Any opinions, bits of experience and info that anyone may have, please share. It's sleepless nights for me right now.
Thanks
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