Thank you so much for the help so far, especially to S.Coates.
Trying to answer all the questions:
Yes, I have a laptop - my Macbook Air, plus an Ipad and an Iphone, but I don't want them to be involved in my hifi as I am invariably using them! I definitely want to have a music server but not a network dependent system, hence my interest in the Olive. Whilst sound quality is important, I want simplicity and useability and am willing to pay for it. Budget, well, within reason, I will pay whatever it costs but ideally less than £10,000 or so. I didn't think the Olive is expensive but happy to take advice that it might not be the right solution. I really do not like the idea of a Mac Mini or anything else which is obviously pc looking. Having spent some time looking at the AVI website, I don't feel their speakers, however good they might be, are for me. They simply do not compare to the looks of the Meridians. Today, I actually got to see and hear the DSP 3200 and Music Core 200 in person and compared to other speakers I've owned over the years, they are just amazing sounding and look incredible. They are owned by a business colleague, someone who designs acoustics solutions for theatres and stadiums - he uses them as a second system, with the first being much larger Meridian speakers, if they're good enough for him they will be me! He did suggest bigger speakers though, maybe Meridan DSP 5200 or M6 and while I would consider the former, the latter's looks do nothing for me! Would definitely be happy with an all Meridan system - they also make the hifi in my car - so maybe I need to spend a bit more than £10,000 and buy the Sooloos system and bigger speakers!
Again, thank you to everyone for your suggestions.
Trying to answer all the questions:
Yes, I have a laptop - my Macbook Air, plus an Ipad and an Iphone, but I don't want them to be involved in my hifi as I am invariably using them! I definitely want to have a music server but not a network dependent system, hence my interest in the Olive. Whilst sound quality is important, I want simplicity and useability and am willing to pay for it. Budget, well, within reason, I will pay whatever it costs but ideally less than £10,000 or so. I didn't think the Olive is expensive but happy to take advice that it might not be the right solution. I really do not like the idea of a Mac Mini or anything else which is obviously pc looking. Having spent some time looking at the AVI website, I don't feel their speakers, however good they might be, are for me. They simply do not compare to the looks of the Meridians. Today, I actually got to see and hear the DSP 3200 and Music Core 200 in person and compared to other speakers I've owned over the years, they are just amazing sounding and look incredible. They are owned by a business colleague, someone who designs acoustics solutions for theatres and stadiums - he uses them as a second system, with the first being much larger Meridian speakers, if they're good enough for him they will be me! He did suggest bigger speakers though, maybe Meridan DSP 5200 or M6 and while I would consider the former, the latter's looks do nothing for me! Would definitely be happy with an all Meridan system - they also make the hifi in my car - so maybe I need to spend a bit more than £10,000 and buy the Sooloos system and bigger speakers!
Again, thank you to everyone for your suggestions.
A Mac mini would work, but the screen from the iMac (and other functions) would add a bit of flexibility if ever it was to be put to other uses than pure media roles, also, again as mentioned before, the cover art or visuals would look great.
A Mac mini (assuming new) would also need a Superdrive attached externally to carry out ripping duties, so making a slightly less elegant solution, albeit functional.
A Mac mini (assuming new) would also need a Superdrive attached externally to carry out ripping duties, so making a slightly less elegant solution, albeit functional.
Good stuff Susan - no better way to make decisions than listening.
With that budget and a desire for good looking kit, I would get myself to a load of dealers and audition like mad.
With that budget and a desire for good looking kit, I would get myself to a load of dealers and audition like mad.
S.Coates said:
Nothing sinister, I just find it interesting to know where someone's coming from. You're a lucky man, great system
Had never heard of the speakers before so had a quick google, they sound impressive How did you come across them and how do they sound?Interesting story, thanks Kronos are used by forum member CnoEvil so I wonder whether he's heard them also. I see what you mean on power hungry, nominal impedance 4ohm and recommended amps of at least 120w! Do they go as low as claimed? Oh and please tell me you got them in the optional orange finish!
Kronos are used by forum member CnoEvil so I wonder whether he's heard them also. I see what you mean on power hungry, nominal impedance 4ohm and recommended amps of at least 120w! Do they go as low as claimed? Oh and please tell me you got them in the optional orange finish! Not the lowest speakers ever but amazing for their size. Nah, obviously whimped out as went for white!
S.Coates said:
Anyway, apologies to the OP for going OT, but S.Coates you should start a thread with pics of your system in the system setup forum - i never tire of seeing chord and would be interested to see your speakers in a real life setting In appreciation of everyone's help, just an update on what I decided to buy. Having looked at the Sonnetter Morphesus, Naim and B&O, I have ordered the Meridan DSP 5200 with G96 dvd player and G61 sound controller - at some point I can build a more sophisitcated home cinimea system with these as the basis too, which was an added bonus. All looks and sounds wonderful and unlike the B&O in particlar, doesn't seem to mind what kind of music I want to play, which 99% will be blues and rock n roll. I took 'Elvis Is Back' (Follow That Dream verison with out takes, more songs etc), "King Creole' and BB King's Definitive Greatest Hits' with me, and all, but especially Elvis Is Back, sounds remarkable - the guy in the shop said he didn't quite appreciate how great a vocal range Elvis had until he heard this! As for a music server, still haven't found one besides nothing will match (in looks) the Meridians, so may consider the Mac Mini idea or back to the Olive but for the time being, my cds and dvds will keep me very busy! Again, thank you so much for all the help.
BenLaw said:Interesting story, thanks
Sorry, only spotting this now.
I haven't heard them, but I believe they have only been in stock for a relatively short time. Might try and get a listen sometime.....though I'm trying to stay away from the temptation in that shop!
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