I agee with some of what was said above, I sometimes wonder the same thing about my system(which I believe you are familar with ;) Then I change something in the system-that I have been listening to for a long time-and then BAM a huge change from a subtle upgrade. I would say listen to lots of music through the meridian, for a few weeks at least, then listen to lots of music through the el-cheapo(bet you didn't know I spoke spanish)sony DVD player, if you can't hear a difference unload the meridan and enjoy the $$$ in your wallet, after all your ears are the only important judge when it comes to your system. Enjoy, and don't give up on this crazy endeavor that is audio, it is fun-despite the set backs.
tim
tim