How do I get the best out of a Meridian G51?

MorayMan

Hi all,

I've just inherited a Meridian G51 amplifier, and am looking for a bit of advice on how to get the best out of it. I've been around separates all my life but this is my first proper piece of "high end" equipment.
The fundamental issue I have with it, is that it just sounds flat and lifeless, everything is clear, but there are no dynamics.
Have to confess that as I grew up in the 80's, I like a graphic equaliser or tone controls, but I'd naturally assumed that once I acquired a really great amplifier, the extra EQ wouldn't be necessary. When I compare the Meridian to my Rotel 930ax or JVC ax550 it just seems dull.
The speakers I was using were Mordaunt Short Festival Series II (ancient but reliable) but I've since upgraded to Q Acoustics 3050s which I haven't tested with the Meridian yet - maybe this will make all the difference?

I'm a musician and listen to a lot of different genres. For me, the dynamics are just as important as clarity and this is where the Meridian seems to fall short (for me anyway).

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Cheers!

Hixs

Your speakers fall quite a bit short of the amps abilities.

Fannying around with tone controls/EQ will also make unmolested music seem flat too.

MorayMan

I did wonder that. If I have £2000 worth of amplifier then I need £2000 worth of speakers to back it up?

SickSquirrel

No, you don't need £2k worth of speakers!

The amp may need a service, always worth dropping Meridian an email and see what they have to say.  Do bear in mind these amps go for around £500-£600 secondhand so any service could be uneconomical.

Paul7777x

You don’t need £2000 worth of speakers, though the Meridisn will be happy driving most up to about that point.

The 3050s are not really up to the standard of the G51, but that shouldn’t stop you enjoying your music.

Make sure you have them set up optimally when you get round to it, for instance.

And I imagine your previous speakers were, for want of a better word, sh*te.

You’ll need to give your brain a chance to hear music as it should be reproduced too. Messing about with EQ of the ancient, non DSP type, is just asking for trouble.

MorayMan

Thanks all for the comments, much appreciated. I'll speak to Meridian and see what the score is with servicing. The amp belonged to my wife's uncle, I know it was well looked after but aside from that I don't know how much use it's had or if it's been serviced.

I'll set it up with the 3050s and see how they play together. Having spent a fair bit of time in rehearsal rooms and studios I'm used to playing about with sounds to get things balanced and "right", it's a hard habit to get out of!

Cheers.

Gregsta

I had Meridian amp mine was £300,  it would cost you a £1000 if you were going to buy new. I had some castle floor standers, the amp and the castle floor-standers match together perfectly.

Music just sounded amazing on it.

The castle speakers are lovely, I know you don't see them rated in any magazines but that does not mean they are bad.

You can pick some nice second hands ones of off Ebay for £200

Gregsta

Just a little up date it was Meridian 501 a absolutely stunning sounding amp  

Paul7777x

I’d certainly have a good listen to the new set up before you even consider a service. The G51 is hardly ancient, so unless it’s obviously rogered in some regard I doubt it needs anything done too it.

Paul7777x

I’d certainly have a good long listen to the new set up before you consider a service. The Meridian is hardly ancient or poor quality, I doubt it needs anything done to it.

If anything, and you have the money to spare, I’d upgrade the speakers again.