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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
platsolos
90 posts
 
I don't know what the exact physical differences of the innerds are, but I can say the 508 is a good deal better sounding!! Not that the 506 is bad, both are excellent and I feel the 508 has a big lead!
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,377 posts
 
I heard the 506 and 508 head to head at a dealer, and I thought the 508 was substatially better, I had a 506 at the time, and was sorry that I had not gotten the 508 after hearing how much better it was. The diffrences were not subtle and it was immediately apparent the instant playback started.
bigtee
803 posts
 
I own the 508-20 and it was a large leap over the 506 series players. Comparing the 508.20 to the 508.24 makes a lot more since than bringing the 506 series into the discussion. The difference in those two players is much closer with the 508-24 having a little darker background ands maybe a touch better overall presentation. The 508-20 is a class "A" Stereophile player along with the 508-24. The only caveat to the 508-24 is that Meridian lost the source of the original transport that was in the 508-20 and earlier 508-24's. They replaced it with a new transport that, although good, did not have the same stellar dependability of the original. I believe this is a small issue but one of note, however. Either player is about as good as it comes and on the used market, what a buy!
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.
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