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Meridian CD Players

I am looking at buying a new (well used) cd player. It is between the meridian 506 and 508 series... (probably 20, not 24). I currently have a mcintosh mc-275 amp, c-22 pre-amp set up. I am wondering, what are the differences between the two products that justify the cost difference? Have any of you guys put them head to head? All I know is that the 508 comes with balanced outputs, which i dont need as my preamp doesnt have balanced inputs. What can you guys say about the difference in sound quality? Any information would really help....Thanx!
puc103
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I own a 508/24 and love it! Is it the best? No,but considering all the feedback you read ,most people that have it will tell you its one of the best in its price range. Its been around quite awhile and still holds up very well with the newer generation players. Is it worth the money? no! what is today ?????? good luck
extremephono
123 posts
 
I have the separate 566.24 and 500 for 2 years, then I found better. I can tell you the followings cost less sound better:

Yamaha CDR-1000 (also a CDR) New price is $1200.
Proceed PDT-3 (transport)
Marantz CDR620, CDR615 (transport)
Philips SACD-1000
Marantz SA-14 (SACD)
Sony's SCD-777ES or equivalent
Revox 226 (or Studer equivalent)
DAC:
Apogee DAC's (or Cello re-brand)
Althought there are other good DACs, most are too smooth to match your Mcintosh setup.
twilo
357 posts
 
Extreme, what have you been smoking. I had the
Revox 226 CD Player. I replaced it with the Meridian 508 20 CD Player. There is no comparison. The Meridian is light years better. Its smoother sweeter and silkier sounding. I'v also heard the Meridian 566 20 Dac, 518 Jitter reducer and the 500 transport and it sounded unbelievable.
pardales
652 posts
 
508.24 is one of the better straight 24 bit players I have ever heard.
puc103 OP
1 posts
 
Has anyone compared the 506.24 to the 508.2? Please, give a real response... No... "meridian 508.2 are really neat! i have one!"

thanx for listenin!
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