Robert Harley just called the new Meridian 802.2 the most significant product in the history of the Compact Disk. (TAS August issue). It costs $16,000 ($17,000 for the 802.2i). Considering dCS has one that runs in the neighborhood of $60,000 for my money, I would rather spend $16,000. Considering the fact that I cannot afford a $16,000 for a CD player, I consider the PWT/PWD series (at only $6000) a bargain. Both PS Audio and Meridian use an Apodising filter system, which is said to illuminate pre-ringing (well beyond the human hearing thresholds).
If you get a chance to read the article/interview with Meridians Bob Stuart (TAS August issue) you will read some very interesting information about pre-ringing, which, according to Mr. Stuart, is responsible for the way CDs sound (the CD sound). Pre-ringing (timing domain issues) has more to do with this phenomenon than does jitter (according to Mr. Stuart). Apparently, the Apodising filter does a superior job of resolving the pre-ringing issue than other filters.
I can attest to the fact that the PS Audio Perfect Wave combo sounds fantastic perhaps because of this type of filter. I have not heard anything from dCS, or the Meridian 802.2. But I cant afford those products any way. If you have the budget, I would suggest that you try to audition the 802.2. TAS has not reviewed the Perfect Wave combo yet. I highly recommend auditioning those devices too.
If you get a chance to read the article/interview with Meridians Bob Stuart (TAS August issue) you will read some very interesting information about pre-ringing, which, according to Mr. Stuart, is responsible for the way CDs sound (the CD sound). Pre-ringing (timing domain issues) has more to do with this phenomenon than does jitter (according to Mr. Stuart). Apparently, the Apodising filter does a superior job of resolving the pre-ringing issue than other filters.
I can attest to the fact that the PS Audio Perfect Wave combo sounds fantastic perhaps because of this type of filter. I have not heard anything from dCS, or the Meridian 802.2. But I cant afford those products any way. If you have the budget, I would suggest that you try to audition the 802.2. TAS has not reviewed the Perfect Wave combo yet. I highly recommend auditioning those devices too.