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)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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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