how good is Meridian 808 variable volume output?


Hi,
Since I am using only CD, I don't really need a preamp. I am therefore considering replacing my Wadia 20 / Wadia 25 combo with a Meridian 808 feeding directly an ARC ref210 amplifier. I have 2 questions:
- how good is the variable volume output of the Meridian (in particular compared with best in class amplifiers such as the ARC ref3)?
- how much have CD players improved over the past 10 years? the wadia 20-25 transport-wandler combo was considered as excellent.... 10 years ago. How would it compete today against a player like the Meridian?
thanks for your insights!
stereotaipei

Showing 1 response by chazzbo

Kelsey
How much of a price difference is their in the Meridian players?What wires feed it to the what speakers.This ios probaly out of my range but wondering if perhaps the top end Sony units getting A+ ratings in Stereophile might get me some of that quality.Surprised that a well rated DAC getting a $1K mod culdn't keep up.Wonder how much of that was the transport and how much of that was the DAC.Have you experimented hooking the Meridian's up to the Tri-Vista to detrmine if it was tarnsport or DAC that was bested by the G08.
Cheers
Chazz