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Meridian 808 vs 808.2

Meridian has recently replaced its 808 CDP, which came out in '03, with a new model called 808.2. The 808.2 has been out for about 6 months, though it is not yet listed on the Meridian website. According to Meridian USA, though the casework of the 808.2 resembles that of its predecessor, the newer model is internally quite different, with new power supply, DSP, cards, filters other parts.

Is there anyone who has had the opportunity to compare the two players and would care to comment?

thanks
ubglub
bar81
791 posts
 
Small correction, the 808.2 has not been out for six months. Thanks to my fantastic dealer, I got the first 808.2i in the US and it was released about a month and a half ago.
ubglub OP
76 posts
 
Bar81, thanks for the response. Any reaction to share regarding your 808.2? Also, had you ever auditioned an 808?
bar81
791 posts
 
It was not to my tastes. In its favor it had above average bordering on excellent resolution, articulation, volume control and output stage (direct to amp) and ergonomics. I've never heard the original 808 but from what I've been told by those who have heard it and the 808.2, the latter sounds more "hi fi" fwiw.
ubglub OP
76 posts
 
Bar, what do you, or your friends, mean by "hi-fi" in this case?
It seems like an audiophile pejorative, but leaves me guessing as to specifics.
thanks again
Ub
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