Meridian 5xx vs newer lossless systems

I am using 5xx series gear (562v, 518, 565) and haven't ever felt there was anything lacking in not having some of the newer formats. Be forewarned that the 5xx gear requires some patience to setup but it's worth the effort. When all levels and delay are done properly, the end result is a very natural and open sound. . . it doesn't sound like "special effect," but just right. As far as prices go, the 565 can be had below $1k, but be careful to make sure you get one with the latest software. This required the installation of a new processor chip.

The 568 has also come way down in price now that there's a fair amount of G-series product in the secondary market. With balanced outputs and the ability to do setup using Meridian's windows-based software, it's a more flexible and easy to install unit.

Kjweisner,

Thanks for the reply. I think I am going to go with either a 561 or 565. I'd love a 568.2 but the prices on these are still pretty high for such an old unit.

The setup doesn't bother me, similar to my VMPS speakers taking the time to set them up correctly is well worth the effort.

Brax:

I've never owned the 561 but recall that there might have been some issues with that particular model. I'd opt for the 565, but be aware that it offers very limited audio switching and virtually no video. I use my 565 with a 562v2--this gives me tons of audio input switching and it converts everything to digital, so there's only one digital cable from it to the 565. I don't use any of the video switching, as my TV does all that via HDMI. If you're using component video, you could get a 562v3, which has some component video switching, but they're fairly uncommon.

One last thing. . .the original 568 is less expensive than the 568.2 as it does not have the MHR link. You would only get a benefit from the MHR link if you have a Meridian 598DP DVD player.

Hope this helps.

I don’t need much in the way of hookups and no need for video. I run a PS3 as a Blue Ray player/game console/ CD/music server and use the optical cable for that. The video goes directly to the TV via an HDMI cable. I have a second DVD player (for the wife’s use) but could hook up the audio through one of the analog inputs.

The 565’s are running around $550 (just missed one that sold for $350) and the original 568’s around $1,000. Still not sure which one to go for and the price difference is large enough to make me hesitate going for the 568, after all we are talking about a 6+ year old unit that can’t handle the new lossless formats.

Hey Brax:

For connection, you're covered. Optical for the Blu-Ray and if you have a digital coax from the DVD, you're covered there as well.

With that price difference, you're right that the 565 is an easy call. Assuming you don't find a lot of value in using a computer to setup the 568, and don't need balanced outputs, the difference isn't worthwhile IMHO.

FWIW, I think the 568 uses some FIFO digital buffering whereas the 565 did not, but I defy actual humans to truly notice the difference. At least not without a $50k pair of Meridian Digital speakers! As I said, I've lived with a 565 for years and really don't have any motivation to replace it, other than new gear "lust."