How does this CD player compare with the latest and greatest? (At one
time, a few years back, it was very highly regarded.)

Donald Steven wrote:

How does this CD player compare with the latest and greatest? (At one
time, a few years back, it was very highly regarded.)

Meridian went through 508.xx numbers quickly for a while. I
tried out one around 1996 or 1997, but I believe it was the
508.20. I did not like it.

That particular model had been raved about by Sam Tellig and
was Stereophile Class A. I found the upper frequencies
(violin range) rather grainy and harsh compared to the Proceed
transport and Muse 2 DAC I was using at the time. Please
realize that the Muse was exceptionally smooth for that time.
Also, I should say in fairness that Sam's review did mention a
trace of dryness in the treble, or something like that.
Obviously, it bothered him a lot less than me.

Possibly the 508.24 was better.

In my opinion, the best digital has been continuing to
improve, so I would bet against the 508.24 in comparison to
today's best gear, including that from Meridian themselves.


Mike Prager
North Carolina, USA

On 28 Sep 2004 00:44:25 GMT, "Donald Steven"
wrote:

How does this CD player compare with the latest and greatest? (At one
time, a few years back, it was very highly regarded.)

A classic design, although Meridian are known for continual
improvement, and the later 506.24 is reckoned to be technically
superior, even though from a supposedly lower ranking series. However,
the basic engineering of all Meridian players is of such excellence
that it's very unlikely that there's any *audible* improvement to be
had over this model, from anyone at any price.
--

Stewart Pinkerton | Music is Art - Audio is Engineering

Meridian went through 508.xx numbers quickly for a while. I
tried out one around 1996 or 1997, but I believe it was the
508.20. I did not like it.

The '24 is a different machine from the earlier 508.20. Basing your experience
on a 508.20 isn't quite fair.

Moving on to the 508.24, it remains a very fine machine which, especially on
the used market at somewhere around $1500-$1700, is hard to beat. Will a new
$4000 machine better it? Maybe, but maybe not.

If I had to characterize the 508.24, I would say it is not grainy. Where I
think it could be bettered is a greater degree of low-end slam, if you will

Jut my 2 cents