|
Review 2 of 7
Price Paid:
$3500.00
from local dealer Summary:
I bought the Meridian G08 player to replace an Ayre CX7e. I auditoned the Ayre at a local dealer in a system consisting of all Ayre components and Piega monitors. In that system it was a great performer, with explosive dynamics and great low level resolution. I was sold. Now, ofcourse, like any other component, a CD player's performance is system dependent, and in my system, comprised of a Balanced Audio Technology integrated amplifier and Aerial Acoustics Model 6s floorstanders, the Ayre proved to be fatiguing. Even after 100s of hours of play, it still proved to be too bright and forward to me.
My search for a replacement led me to audition the Meridian. I also planned to audition a McIntoch player, but after listening to song after song on the Meridian, I knew my mind was made up. The Meridian was smooth, silky, dynamic, and refined, all at the same time. It offered all the detail you could want, but was utterly unfatiguing. I brought in a broad range of recordings to audition the Meridian with, from artists including Fiest, Jill Scott, Dave Brubeck, Wilco, Allison Krause and Sade. Every song I listened to was absolutely thrilling. (I am sure it didn't hurt that the system I auditioned it on included Bryston and McIntosh integrated amps and Dali Euphonia and Linn Akurate speakers)
I bought the Meridian the same day and hooked it up to my system (BAT and Aerial Acoustics). I am happy to say that it provided the same gorgeous, smooth, silky performance in my system that it had in the store. The Meridian does not highlight any frequency range above any other, offering an extremely well balanced sound. Its bass response and impactfulness continue to impress.
The unit I purchased was a store demo so it was fully broken in by the time I got it. I have owned the unit for about three weeks and in that time hardly a day has gone by that I did not play at least one or two cds on it. In fact I have had several two to three hours listening sessions with nary a hint of fatigue. Female vocals are rendered with all the breath and high frequency extension the recordings offer up, without a trace of grain or edginess. This was proved out when listening to Allison Krause on "Jacob's Dream" and Fiest throughout her "Reminder" CD. The voices of Sade and Norah Jones are presented in all their smooth, lush, rich glory. Guitars, drums cymbals, horns of all sorts, strings, you name it, are all presented with great tonal accuracy and depth. Whether playing music loud or soft, this player will bring you closer to the music.
I have auditioned players from Ayre, Rega, and Arcam, and I must say that the Meridian smoked them all in its ability to remain composed at the highest frequencies. The Meridian's bass output is every bit the equal of the Ayre, and it offers all the suave sophistication of the Arcam FMJ CD 36, but with more life and excitement. The Rega Apollo is a great CD player at its price, but it cannot begin to compete with the Meridian in resolving complex musical passages.
In sum, I have no criticisms of this player. No matter what your budget I recommend giving the Meridian an audition. The Meridian will be staying in my system for a long time. Strengths:
Great resolution of low level detail
Tremendous bass output
Gorgeous sound on male and female vocals
Smooth and non-fatiguing sound
Great dynamics Weaknesses:
None I can think of. Similar Products Used:
Ayre CX7e
Arcam FMJ CD36
Rega Apollo
| 
5 of 5
4 of 5
