MERIDIAN G08

Second-hand. In good conditions. Shows slight signs of wear as shown in the photos. Without original packaging.

The G08 represents a significant leap forward in Compact Disc playback, evolved from award-winning models such as the Meridian 588 and 800. Its fully integrated electronics are based on a computer-style CD/DVD-ROM mechanism capable of reading discs at higher speeds than standard, allowing multiple rapid rereads and thus providing error correction up to ten times more effective than a conventional CD player.

At the digital core of the G08 is a 24-bit DAC operating at a sampling frequency of 176.4 kHz, enabling upsampling of the standard CD signal from 16-bit/44.1 kHz to a higher resolution, resulting in increased sonic transparency and fidelity across the entire audio spectrum. The upsampling process shifts digital filters well beyond the audible range, significantly enhancing perceived sound quality. A triple buffering system minimizes jitter, improving clarity and precision of the stereo image, while a high-stability clock synchronizes all digital data to ensure maximum detail retrieval.

The G08’s power supply features separate circuits for the digital and analog sections, ensuring stability and consistent power delivery. For outputs, the player offers both balanced analog outputs on XLR connectors and unbalanced RCA outputs, providing flexibility and quality. It also includes S/PDIF digital outputs, both coaxial and optical (TOSLink), capable of transmitting surround-encoded audio streams such as DTS from specific CDs, to be decoded by external equipment.

The G08 integrates perfectly with traditional analog systems, easily pairing with control units and dedicated amplifiers, while also being able to drive Meridian digital speakers directly via the coaxial digital output, delivering an extraordinary listening experience. The user interface is intuitive and refined, featuring programmable controls and a vacuum fluorescent LED display that dynamically changes its indications based on context. Installation and configuration can be comfortably managed via dedicated PC software or directly from the front panel.

It is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-level CD player capable of delivering musical, precise, and richly detailed sound. Its technical and construction qualities place it among the best traditional CD players available today, with craftsmanship and technology that satisfy even the most demanding audiophiles.

Technical specifications:

• THD: better than –96 dBFS; Noise: better than –96 dBFS
• Mechanism: triple-beam laser, multi-speed, CD/DVD-ROM transport
• Converters: 24-bit Delta Sigma, 192 kHz-capable, operating at 4 times CD sample rate (176.4 kHz)
• Analog outputs: 1 unbalanced phono, 1 balanced XLR-3M; 2.3 V rms fixed, Class A, 47 Ω impedance
• Digital outputs: S/PDIF (IEC60958), coaxial and Toslink optical; up to 2 times CD sample rate (88.2 kHz), 24-bit
• Supported formats: CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, CD-R/W, DTS-CD (bitstream out only; external DTS decoder required)
• Communications: 2 x 5-pin 240° DIN sockets, Meridian Comms BNC socket, RS232 interface for full remote control and configuration
• Controls: front soft keys for Play, Stop, Pause, Previous, Next; On/Off, Open, Display buttons; full MSR+ remote control; Meridian Comms inputs (2 x 240º DIN and BNC), infrared and RS232
• Display: multi-character dot-matrix Vacuum Fluorescent Display
• Power supply: universal 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 25 W
• Dimensions: width 440 mm; depth 350 mm plus connectors; height 90 mm
• Weight: 8.5 kg