Four months ago, at age 60, after 30 years of not visiting here, I made Aliyah to Israel under the country’s Law of Return and just last week my Lift (Container) arrived with the rest of all my belongings including my gear and music collection. I chose all dual voltage gear, items that can be converted to 230V/50Hz. I also wanted to get away from tubes and separates to have less boxes. I’ve always had this thing for shoebox sized British integrated amps and always loved British 2 way speakers. This was going to be my desert island system. Affordable, not over the top, tube gear is my favorite, but not knowing the electrical system here, the weather, and the cost of electricity, I decided solid state would be best. I also prefer class A/AB to class D and since I found a 220V Meridian 504 tuner, I figured I’d splurge and get the matching integrated amp & remote… and since I can’t decide on just one system, I got the Linn Majik I too. I love the Monitor Audio R700MD’s and when I had the opportunity to buy back the ProAc Studio Tablettes that I sold months earlier, I did it as well. Now, all I need to do is convert voltages on several pieces and then I’m up and listening.
In my experience the Linn has better PRaT while the Meridian is warmer. I had that Linn Majik integrated and added the Klout power amp and used the Majik as a preamp for a huge improvement in drive and power. It's been said the amp in the Majik is a lower powered mini-Klout. But the '90s Meridian is really good product, but he remote is large and cumbersome and expensive to buy if you can find one. If you go all Linn the Karik III as well as the newer CDPs are fantastic. Having owned a full Linn system and have never personally owned Meridian I love to try a '90s Meridian system. Anyways don't be too quick to sell one or the other until you use for a good long time to see what is good for you.
I love all your equipment choices and know the sound your experiencing. I'm a big fan of Meridian since selling in a hi-fi store in the early 2000, and having owned Linn with their amazing PRaT and now have Rega. Both your British speakers are great. All in all, spectacular.
Do you use the Meridian system for music and the Linn for TV/movies?
I can see a 508.24 CD player in your future. Good looking place and view too. :-)
