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Meridian 808 vs 808.2

Meridian has recently replaced its 808 CDP, which came out in '03, with a new model called 808.2. The 808.2 has been out for about 6 months, though it is not yet listed on the Meridian website. According to Meridian USA, though the casework of the 808.2 resembles that of its predecessor, the newer model is internally quite different, with new power supply, DSP, cards, filters other parts.

Is there anyone who has had the opportunity to compare the two players and would care to comment?

thanks
ubglub

Showing 5 responses by bar81

bar81
791 posts
 
Small correction, the 808.2 has not been out for six months. Thanks to my fantastic dealer, I got the first 808.2i in the US and it was released about a month and a half ago.
bar81
791 posts
 
It was not to my tastes. In its favor it had above average bordering on excellent resolution, articulation, volume control and output stage (direct to amp) and ergonomics. I've never heard the original 808 but from what I've been told by those who have heard it and the 808.2, the latter sounds more "hi fi" fwiw.
bar81
791 posts
 
Generally, a more "flashy" presentation that is initially impressive but potentially more fatiguing over time. I know of at least one person who feels differently and in the end, one man's flashy is another man's perfect (for example, and regarding a completely different level of performance, the Ayre CX-7e is loved by many but not in this house). With CDPs in this pricerange your dealer should be more than willing to let you have an in home demo to determine for yourself.
bar81
791 posts
 
The 808.2i has digital and analog inputs.
bar81
791 posts
 
& Analogue outputs

One would hope :)
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