Meridian 588 vs Schiit Modius


Recently purchased an earlier modius with ak chipset for audio duties from the optical output of my tv and so I could play with the second balanced input of my Ayre k-5xemp pre. Did some A/B comparison. This was not a level matched test, but I did attempt to compensate for the difference in volume for each of the balanced outputs from the meridian and modius. The output on balanced from the meridian seemed a few db louder than the schiit. System is Ayre pre /Coda Amp/Thiel Cs1.6 speakers. For this test, I was using the balanced outputs of the meridian to the ayre, and the coaxial digital output from the 588 to the modius then balanced to the pre.

Initially they sounded very similar, but once I tried some better source material the difference became pretty obvious. The meridian had a much smoother presentation and had a taller sound-stage, the bass was cleaner, the modius seemed to have slightly heavier bass but it wasn’t as pleasing as the 588.

On the modius the soundstage was located between the speakers and on the meridian it was 2-3ft above the speakers. Vocals were also noticeable much smoother it is kind of impressive that a 20 year old cd player was more enjoyable than an relatively budget but modern dac. The modius had a more grainy sound than the meridian. I do like the modius for the TV, it seems to be better than the analog outputs on the TV, its just sounds more real and works pretty well for movies and streaming audio apps on the TV. Before I had everything connected for the comparison, I was assuming the modius would be better and I would end up using that as a dac for the both the TV and cd playback but the difference is big enough that I am going to continue to use the meridian 588 for CD playback. I am curious to try a newer CD player if anyone has any recommendations for something in the class of the meridian, i am sort of tempted to try an ayre, but there is probably no way for me to do a demo locally, I do really like the ayre pre.

halifax

Everyone, Thanks for all the responses, I may play with some older dacs or look for maybe an ayre will pop up. I will probably hold on to the 588, I was hoping there would be something out there that would be a significant upgrade, but maybe that is not as straight forward as I thought

I heard a 588 almost 20 years ago and it was the first time a source blew me away. Even with a modest system of Sennheiser HD650 headphones and PPA amplifier. I always regret not buying it immediately (it was later sold to another attendee at that head-fi meet). I finally understood why some audiophiles adhere to a “source first” philosophy. Anyways, that was my first big source moment and I’ve always been chasing that feeling. I later bought a G08 and quite honestly I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer the older 588. That 588 just never came up for sale at the right time.

More recently I’ve owned a Yggdrasil, and it’s quite good but even then I’m not sure I’d prefer it to a 588? Now I have a Phison PD2 DAC and I’m certain that eclipses the 588 in all matters, but it’s also a lot more than a Yggdrasil. Also I’ve been mainly a vinyl guy for the last 15 years.

For more affordable DACs that sounds musically right, I do usually like those that use the Wolfson WM8741 chip. The Questyle CAS192D is a good one. ECP Audio has also made a few really nice ones with that chip.

Ayre still makes cd players, you can check it on their site (cx 8)

Not sure what is your budget, but you might try and consider ayre dac and some transport.Ayre Qb 9 in sh should not be too pricey and its quite decent sounding machine

I had a Meridian 588 for several years- wonderful machine.  If you are looking to move up the Meridian line, maybe you can consider the 808? 

It will be hard for you to demo Ayre disc players as they're all discontinued. I owned an Ayre C-5xeMP for a while and it sounded great. If you only have CDs, then the CX-7eMP is probably just as good.