Ayre CX-7 vs. Meridian G08 ?

I have not seen the problem reported by Chinanico. The G08 seems to be wokring very nicely. One thing I have noticed is the following: when I use the volume up/down and mute keys on my conrad-johnson premier 16LS Series 2 preamp remote control and don't point the remote directly at the preamp, the G08 will shut down, just quit and go into stand-by mode. If I point the remote directly at the preamp, all is fine. I emailed Meridian about this but their answer wasn't very clear or helpful. FYI...

I've owned Meridians (506, 508, 588) for over seven years and have never experienced what Chinanico or what CJ relate above. On occasion I have experienced long read times when I load a hybrid disc but the platform ultimately accepts and plays these discs without a hitch. Just out of curiosity, Chinanico, what was the CD(s) that your G08 was having problems with?

Anyone heard the G07, which is less money? This one does not use a ROM drive, so it doesn't spin at the high speeds of the G08. Hence, it wouldn't have this 'problem'.

Cjlundgren...I used to listen to Meridian CD players at my dealer extensively and for some reason almost every remote in the store would control them. I'm not talking the "play" button on the Sim remote would play the Merdian, I'm talking the "play" on the Sim remote would turn the 508.24 on and off or try to jump to another track. It was really strange but it seems to me Meridian's remote codes need to be changed on the equipment(as opposed to the remote itself).

BTW, the 508.24 was the best player I heard at the time and the G08 would certainly be my first listen if I was in the mkt for a $4000 player. I feel one of the problems(problem for audiophiles, good thing for Meridian) with Merdian is it is sold at home theater type of places that have little equipment similar to what many of us own. There is one dealer in NYC that carries it and besides Rowland(which they don't pair with Merdian players) they are nothing more than a step above Best Buy.

Chinanico, what you describe would have me absolutely livid. The first job of a CD player is to PLAY CDs. Will be curious to learn how this resolves, if it does.