I had a 508.24 years ago. I replaced it with a Consonance Ref 2.2 which was way better. Now I have Esoteric K-05x far better yet (sacd & hrd). Digital keeps getting better. I still love vinyl the over all.
Meridian 508.24...sound compared to newer players
I've owned the 508.24 for about ten years now...having upgraded from a 508.20 to .24. I know for many years this CD player was highly regarded and my long term relationship with it is a testimony to how well I think it sounds. However, I know many advancements have been made over time but I have not really kept up with or listened to many newer high end players. While not on it's last legs, I realize that a 10 year old CD player will not be lasting forever (I already replaced the laser). So I may be looking soon at a replacement. To those of you who have owned the 508.24 or are aquainted with it's sound, I would like to know your impressions of it compared to the newer high end players in the $2000-$3500 price range. One player I am specifically interested in is the Bryston BCD-1. Anyone compared these two? Any recommendations or comments would be welcomed.
Thanks
Thanks
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I still have my 508.20 from 1995; upgraded to the 508.24 in 1998. I have since added to my main system a Meridian Director DAC that I bought at half-price when it was discontinued a few years ago. Today I mostly play FLAC files off a NAS drive, or stream Tidal, through a lowly Sonos Connect, outputting to the Director DAC. The 508 gets little use anymore. I actually prefer the sound of playing FLAC files through the Director over playing CDs through the 508. Very similar overall sound, but I think there is a tad more detail and air with the Director (plus the convenience factor). The 508 still sounds great and I'll keep it until it dies, but I rarely buy or play CDs anymore. |
“Does anyone have experience with replacing the belt to share with me?” Remove the bottom screws (all torx) on each side (6); remove the screws on the rear sides (4); and remove the rear top plastic cover (push in 3 clips) it will pop off, this will reveal (2) more screws. Once all those screws are removed, the entire top casing slides off if you pull/push it towards the rear. By hand, gently pull the transport out to the eject/open position. You will see the belt where the transport resides on the right side towards the front. You can order one here: https://www.meridianlegacy.co.uk/product-category/meridian-500-series-parts/ Being over 20yrs old now, it’s highly recommended to take apart the pick-up assembly and remove all the old grease and replace it with new. https://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/195557-meridian-508-20-transport.html After this service you will find the player plays and accesses chapters much quicker, without the usual “Loading....” message displayed. I still own a 508.24. Mainly used as a transport + Genesis Digital Lens + DAC -with wonderful results. With advances in PC audio and streaming, there’s no need to buy a newer CD player IMHO. |
Being that the Meridian 508.24 was one of the best in its days the $5k Hegel Mohican may be the contemporary replacement. http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/hegel-mohican-cd-player/ https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1033-hegel-music-systems-mohican-cd-playe... http://hifiknights.com/reviews/sources/hegel-mohican-cd-player/ http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/hegel-music-systems-mohican-cd-player/ |
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