Balanced and unbalanced

808.2

Signature Reference Compact Disc Player

Meridian is the acknowledged leader in high-performance Compact Disc playback, and has held that pre-eminent position since the release of the world’s first audiophile CD player, the MCD, in 1984. Over the last two decades, Meridian has introduced no less than two dozen CD player models, each one better than the last; each one redefining the state of the Compact Disc art.

This steady process of improving CD performance has been recognized by more than 50 awards and has made Meridian absolutely synonymous with the very best in Compact Disc.

The 808 was introduced in 2004 to immediate acclaim. Meridian hailed it as the best CD player they had ever made. But, since then, developments in technology and innovations conceived in Meridian’s own R&D laboratories have made it possible to better even the best.

Now, Meridian introduces the 808.2: a proud member of the 800 Reference Series and one specifically developed to render the ultimate performance possible today from the CD medium.

The 808 was the best CD player we had ever made – until the 808.2. For a quarter of a century, Meridian has been making the finest audiophile CD players. And now, with the 808.2, we have made our best ever.

Meridian has been deeply involved in developing technologies for higher quality sound and for higher resolution delivery. In fact, our technology was chosen to give the ultimate sound on DVD and blue-laser formats.

But, for a music lover the over-riding factors in selecting content are first the catalogue, then quality and finally convenience.

CD has an amazing depth of catalogue, and if you are looking for a piece of music, chances are that it’s on Compact Disc, and that you have a choice of recordings. You may find a download, but the quality or value will likely be lower and no matter how fine a new niche format may sound, if the music you want isn’t available, then it has only passing interest.

All the more reason, then, to continue our quest to make Compact Disc sound the very best it can. 808.2 inherits Meridian’s 25-year tradition of award-winning players, yet sets a whole new benchmark.

Product highlights

Highest quality CD player ever offered by Meridian

Unique new proprietary filter with ‘apodizing’ performance realises the promise of Compact Disc

New, improved DSP, CPU, clocking, decoding, buffering and analogue circuitry

SpeakerLink RJ45 single-wire audio/ control interfacing capability

808.2Player-only version, or 808.2i Player/Preamplifier version including built-in stereo preamp functionality

S/PDIF coaxial and RJ45 balanced (AES/EBU) digital outputs for connection to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers or controllers

analogue outputs, fixed or variable for connection to preamp or power amp

Meridian Audio Limited

Latham Road, Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE, UK

T +44(0)1480 445678

F +44(0)1480 445686

E info@meridian-audio.com

Meridian America Inc.

8055 Troon Circle, Suite C

Austell, GA 30168-7849, USA

T +1(404) 344 7111

F +1(404) 346 7111

www.meridian-audio.com

808.2 specifications

Meridian Audio, a prestigious brand in high-end audio equipment, has long been recognized for its innovative technologies and uncompromising sound quality. Among its noteworthy products is the Meridian 808.2 Reference CD Player, which exemplifies the brand's commitment to delivering an unrivaled listening experience.

The Meridian 808.2 combines advanced digital processing technologies with exceptional build quality. One of its hallmark features is the use of Meridian's proprietary "Master Quality Authenticated" (MQA) decoding technology. This allows the 808.2 to deliver studio-quality sound by capturing and rendering high-resolution audio files that are true to the original recording. With MQA, listeners can experience an authentic reproduction of their favorite music, faithfully preserving the nuances and subtleties of the recording.

Another key characteristic of the 808.2 is its precision-engineered CD transport mechanism. Designed to minimize errors and optimize playback, the transport system ensures that the audio signal is as pure as possible. This meticulous attention to detail translates into a sound that is rich, dynamic, and incredibly detailed, allowing music to come alive in a way that few other players can match.

The 808.2 also includes a meticulously designed audio DAC (digital-to-analog converter), which further enhances its performance. With advanced digital filter options, users can tailor their listening experience to suit their preferences. The flexible connectivity options, including digital and analog outputs, ensure compatibility with a wide range of audio systems, making it a versatile component for any high-fidelity setup.

In addition to sound quality, the ergonomic design of the Meridian 808.2 sets it apart. The sleek and stylish chassis not only looks great but also helps to reduce vibration and interference, ensuring that the internal components operate at their best. The user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make navigating your music library a seamless experience.

Overall, the Meridian Audio 808.2 Reference CD Player represents the pinnacle of digital music playback, marrying cutting-edge technology with exquisite craftsmanship. For audiophiles and music lovers alike, it offers a remarkable listening experience that captures the essence of live performances, making it an essential piece for any high-quality audio system. Whether playing CDs or high-resolution audio files, the 808.2 consistently delivers captivating sound that proves Meridian’s dedication to audio excellence.