Meridian is making its latest release into a real showpiece. (And really, it’s hard to top those gorgeous DSP speakers they just announced.) The 818V3 Reference Audio Core is an upgrade that combines reference-level two-channel amplification, Sooloos multizone management, support for high-resolution audio, and much more.
As part of the Meridian 800 Reference Series, the 818V3 Reference Audio Core is designed to be an audio hub. It’s a preamplifier that also packs in triple FIFO buffering, DSP unsampling and apodizing filters, an advanced linear power supply, and a new master oscillator that boasts 40 percent lower jitter for an improved audio performance.
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This third-gen machine also adds in support for Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) encoded music and an upgraded S/PDIF receiver, which allows for 192kHz high-resolution audio using the USB and RCA inputs. There’s also a new DSP chip, which offers lip-sync control, DSD playback (DoP), and MQA rendering capability on analog outputs. The analog outputs feature Bass, Treble and Balance.
Merdian is also including SpeakerLink connectivity on the 818V3 Reference Audio Core, which promises quality and convenience when driving Meridian DSP loudspeakers, as well as balanced and single-ended preamp outputs on third-party electronics.
“Traditional audio systems often require large, expensive cables to maintain their performance,” says the company’s website. “Meridian’s SpeakerLink uses an ‘Ethernet style’ cable that delivers pristine digital sound and control down a single cable between Meridian components. The result is simple, unobtrusive, and cost-effective cables that are easy to install.”
Other features include the aforementioned Sooloos capabilities and a new analog output card with an upgraded circuit designed to pump up the power of high-resolution music.
Meridian is selling the 818V3 Reference Audio Core in black, with a $16,000 price tag. However, the device is also available in 270 different colors, as part of Meridian’s Select Program color service, for an $800 premium.
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