Meridian 565 w/dts update vs Classe ssp 25THX

flrnlamb, you haven't known many HIGH END dealers. The meridian 800 series is considered by many to be not only the best HT unit made, but rivals levinson equipment for stereo reproduction. Given the 500 series isn't as good, but look at the reviews of the 568 ans 568.2. jGiven, the classe equipment is class but your knowledge of meridian isn't reality. BTW, by high end, a meridian 800 system without meridian speakers is $40,000 - $50,000 for pro and cd/dvd. To the question, you must listen to both to get your preference. I like meridian, but classe equipment is wonderful as well. The 565 is no longer being upgraded. Go the the 561 for a bargain and you get computer setup as well as continued software upgrades.

Yeah Jamesw20, your right I haven't known many HIGH END DEALERS...I've only worked for 6 of them over the last 15 years, and have known at least 6 more locally or so that dealt in Meridian! (By the way, all of which sold equipment that's far more expensive than most any dealer in the UK!!!!...which is limited in ultra high end products for a number of reasons). The dealers I've worked for, and am refering to, have and do sell products in the $80-150K range and above!!!!
I've sold Meridian personally in two high end salons. Personally, I do like some of the gear Meridian makes, sans the speakers(never liked em personally). However, I never cared too greatly for the digital pre's all that much. They were a bit warm and digital to my ears. But others will dissagree. I do understand some like "warmish" sounding kit.
I like neutrality. I think the Classe is better in that regard.
As for meridian's I like, I liked the amps, the CD players, and the Preamps were ok. I'll leave the Pre/pro's to those who like gadgets and surround modes, such as are offered by Sony. To each his own
BTW, at every high end show I've been to over the last decade, I've yet to hear any Meridian set up that won best of show or sound!!! It's always some oscure set up from some smaller manufacturer.

Sorry to underestimate your knowledge. I still don't think you can compare Meridian to Sony??? BTW, what kind of 150K two channel front equipment did you sell? You are obviously out of my knowledge base.

No, I was only bluffing...I work at McDonnalds

Haha, nice. That drive-thru speaker "system" in mono is awesome!