MERIDIAN: Their 101/105 pre power combination

[Neil McCauley]

I read your comments about vintage Meridian equipment, very interesting. I have a 101 preamp and twin 105 power amps, and I'm amazed at how they still sound after 25 years. Such wallop - as close to live as I've come across. I recently heard Musical Fidelity's much-praised A5 pre/power combination - very smooth and detailed but no "oomph". Same with a lot of expensive modern stuff. My only criticism of the 101 preamp is it seems a bit edgy, not quite so smooth, and I wonder if this is a consequence of the superb dynamics – I sometimes think punch and smoothness are mutually exclusive! Is there anything one can do with a 101 and 105's to alleviate this?

Best Wishes

Tony

I totally agree with you about the sound, 25 years on. In those days, pioneering days really before all the glass-fronted offices, ranks of secretaries and distractions re 232-ports, surround sound and related nonsense Meridian were at the very forefront of audio design. Not just the timeless aesthetics courtesy of Allen Boothroyd (surely THE man when is comes to audio externals) but the sonic brilliance of a true genius Mr. Bob (now Robert, apparently) Stuart.

You don’t mention which sources you are using that result in a slight edge to the sound. However here are my thoughts. First, if using a CD as indeed I still do through the .....

Continues at http://www.hifianswers.com/2015/12/q-boothroyd-stuart-meridian-101105-html/