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Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?
stiggy
 

Posts: 51
Joined: Mar 2012
Location: Bolton UK
Post: #1
Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

Given that I won't be upgrading to dual view or watching DVD's in the car (so don't need the fancy surround features) is the upgrade to the stereo really worth it?
I'm coming from an S5 with B&O sound by the way and I do love my music!
13-03-2012 03:09pm
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Straydox
 

Posts: 583
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Warwick
Post: #2
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

(13-03-2012 03:09pm)stiggy Wrote:  Given that I won't be upgrading to dual view or watching DVD's in the car (so don't need the fancy surround features) is the upgrade to the stereo really worth it?
I'm coming from an S5 with B&O sound by the way and I do love my music!

As a fellow A5 owner (2.0 TDI Cab) with the B&O (is excellent) you have surround sound via the DSP already. Most people reckon the standard 380w system is more than adequate - and people have said it's comparable to the Audi A5 B&O.

The upgraded system's surround DSP seems to be more sophisticated according to all the blurb Meridian Evoque Brochure

Either way the Meridian active loudspeaker approach is a technology leap beyond where Audi are currently at with B&O.

Delivered 15th May 2012, rejected and returned 4th Feb 2013 - SD4 5 door Prestige manual with a bucket full of rattles Mauritius Blue. Crazy Audi MY2020 RSQ3
(This post was last modified: 13-03-2012 03:30pm by Straydox.)
13-03-2012 03:29pm
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sethor
 

Posts: 182
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Post: #3
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

Go the 380w Meridian. All the 825w system adds higher output amp with 3 extra channels for the centre speaker in the dash & a pair of coaxial speakers in the rear, IMO the 825w is not worth the extra cash.

Fuji White Dynamic Si4
(This post was last modified: 13-03-2012 04:15pm by sethor.)
13-03-2012 04:11pm
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mark_n
 

Posts: 1,720
Joined: Jul 2011
Location: London
Post: #4
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

I agree, the 380W system is excellent though it's just as well we're not dealing with Meridian directly. I am having a bit of a trial getting a piece of Meridian hi-fi fixed - they refuse to talk to customers directly and you have to go through a dealer who may or may not know what they are talking about. Meridian has recently gone through a change of control/ownership/interest and it's not entirely for the better. They have dumped about 2/3 of their product line.

Still, the standard RRE Meridian system is certainly good enough. As discussed elsewhere, the slow and slightly clunky user interface is more of a car-wide problem and spending the extra money will not solve that.

Mark

Evoque was great, now in an RRS SVR
13-03-2012 04:31pm
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berlin2011
 

Posts: 619
Joined: Jun 2011
Location: South Africa
Post: #5
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

Can't comment on the 380w system but can thoroughly endorse the 825w system - it's the best factory spec sound system I've come across.

Current: SD4 Dynamic Auto, 5 Door, Orkney Grey with Black Contrast Pano roof and 20" Shadow Chrome wheels. Pursuit interior. [countdown="Hand over"]15th June 2013 2:00pm[/countdown]

Gone: Si4 Prestige Auto Coupe, Orkney Grey with Panoramic Roof, Element interior, Shadow Chrome 20" wheels with most of the bits & pieces loaded. [countdown="Hand over"]29th November 2011 2:00pm[/countdown]
13-03-2012 06:52pm
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tetstb
 

Posts: 264
Joined: Aug 2011
Location: West Linton, Scottish Borders>
Post: #6
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

I have the 825w system and I wouldn't say it was as good as the Bose in my A6 but its pretty good. I think its worth the extra if you intend to use it in the special DSP mode which is great for passengers as they always have a good stereo effect but if you are in the car on your own most of the time then i wouldn't bother.

Besides, anything above 22 volume and the door panels vibrate too much anyway.

Cheers

Bob

SD4 Auto Dynamic OG , Verve, Panoramic Roof, Chrome Shadow, 825w audio, Park Assist, Privacy Glass.

[Image: 123130.png]
13-03-2012 10:44pm
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Daigriff
 

Posts: 655
Joined: Apr 2011
Location: North Wales
Post: #7
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

I've just got the standard 380 and it sounds great to me.

Arrived 16th December 2011: 5 door Prestige SD4 auto in Barolo black with ambience interior, pano roof, privacy and 20" style 6 alloys.Very Happy
13-03-2012 11:06pm
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QueJumper
 

Posts: 92
Joined: Nov 2011
Location: England
Post: #8
Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

Ears are like eyes. Sound preference like beauty is individual. Personally I think the 825meridian is way better than the Bose in my Audi.

You obviously need a good source to start with though. Lossless iPod Touch is now in my cars cubby hole and sounds great.

Now Sold - Small, clean, fun car mainly for me - Sd4 Dynamic Lux - White/Black roof

Still going strong - Big, dirty, fun car mainly for the wife, kids and dog - Disco 4 - Blue (with lots of mud outside, sweets & litter inside)
13-03-2012 11:36pm
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Westy
 

Posts: 272
Joined: Oct 2011
Location: West Midlands
Post: #9
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

I too have the standard 380w system and I am really pleased with the sound quality, again a good source is essential, I have an iPod touch with all my music and playing through the lead.

Menus slow but sound quality up there with the germans.

I haven't heard the 825w system though. I would save the money and spend it on another option

One of the happy owners, ordered June 2011, delivered Wednesday 8th February 2012, now 97000 miles. Scorpions lasted 78'000 miles.

Pure TD4 5 door, fuji white, ebony interior, Pan roof, Front fogs, spare wheel, privacy glass, towbar and black roofrails.

Cars got to go back to company March 25th 2015 Sad
14-03-2012 12:06pm
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MPK
 

Posts: 178
Joined: Jul 2011
Location: Australia
Post: #10
RE: Standard 395 Watt Meridian vs 825 Watt is it worth it?

Came across the following datasheet of the sound system found on the Evoque on the Meridian's website.

http://www.meridian-audio.com/media/3578...eet-a4.pdf

Pure 5dr SD4 Auto (01/2012)
19-12-2012 12:51pm
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