It only took 20 years to get a new AV preamp out of Meridian but they are finally coming to market with a more modern, "affordable" product priced at $10,000. The new unit is still a two chassis device which is unlike any other non-Meridian preamp in the marketplace today. At its price point, the Meridian G65 will compete with some tough competition in the Anthem D2V, the Classé SSP-800 and the Krell Foundation. Despite its old architecture, Meridian's multi-chassis 861 AV preamp is still one of the best we've heard from any company at any price. Its often quirky setup software, once mastered, allows for powerful setup and fine tuning.
From Meridian
Meridian Audio has announced the introduction of the new-design G65 Surround Controller, an all-new product steeped in Meridian's rich heritage. Twenty years ago, in 1994, Meridian launched the 565, the world's first Digital Surround Controller. Conceived as a multichannel music controller, 565 defined the surround category and rivalled the finest 2-channel products available.
Meridian's G65 is the definitive surround processor of the G Series. In conjunction with the Meridian HD621 it allows connection of a diverse range of audio and video sources with unified control over time alignment, bass management and surround sound processing. The latest in the G Series line of high performance components, G65 builds on the achievements of Meridian's flagship 800 Series, with entirely new circuitry developed specifically for the product.
Sitting at the heart of a Meridian Digital Theatre, the G65 is designed to drive Meridian DSP Loudspeakers as well as providing balanced analogue outputs for conventional systems. Unique Meridian technologies include Smart Source, which automatically selects the correct settings for optimum listening, whilst Meridian's Apodising upsampling system improves audio quality and can correct problems in an original digital recording. Meridian Room Correction smooths out the low-frequency reverberation on a room to improve clarity and imaging for a more immersive experience.
G65 also includes new menu features to seamlessly control Enhanced Bass Alignment as well as Centre Elevation found in Meridian's DSP Loudspeaker range. These unique DSP Loudspeaker technologies provide the most immersive film experience while maintaining a no-compromise position for audio quality.
Inspired by the flagship 861 processor, Meridian's G65 features a card-based construction using 7-layer boards. This architecture makes it possible to build cards and handle specific audio tasks, rather than the large multifunction boards common in most audio equipment. This approach delivers performance improvements such as lower noise and crosstalk, providing immersive sound fields.
The position of every part on a board affects its neighbour - ultimately impacting sound and picture quality. Part of the 'Meridian Sound' results from the fact that co-founder Bob Stuart hand-tunes each card for maximum performance, and you can read his initials on every board he tunes.
Full installation configuration is achieved by running Meridian's proprietary Windows-based MConfig application, connected to the G65 via a serial or USB link, or direct from the front panel. A comprehensive back-lit learning/programmable MSR+ remote is included.
Key Points
• Hand-built in the UK
• Available in silver or black
• Bead blasted metal and glass chassis
• Intelligent Soft Keys that change by function
• Front panel wizard and full customization with MConfig
• Card based construction
• 7 layer PC board.
• 8 channels of SpeakerLink and XLR analogue output
• MMHR 6 channel input from HD621
• 2 x SpeakerLink inputs
• SmartSource for ease of use
• Linear power supply
• Resolution enhancement including up sampling with apodising
• DSP pre-sets including Trifield, Cinema, and Discrete
• Custom Bass Management and MRC (Meridian Room Correction)
• Bidirectional RS232 for control with feedback
G65 MSRP: $7,000
G65 Including HD621 MSRP: $10,000
Available: December 2013
