Classe vs. Meridian


I am considering buying a Classe cpd .3 to replace my current Medridian 506(18).Do you have any opinions on this substitution? (of course you do) I like the sound of my Meridian I would just like more, is the Classe a good move up or is it a latteral move.Should I upgrade my Meridian to a .24 ? Money matters so please don't recommend dropping 2 grand on something out of my range. Thanks
banksfriend

Showing 1 response by jmcgrogan2

I will side with the Classe here, though I do believe it to be a lateral move for you. A Classe CDP.3 will be different from your Meridian 506(18), not necessarily better. I have a Classe CDP-1 which I think is still Classe's best non-SACD effort. I liked it better than the Meridian 508.20 I compared it to. It's just a matter of personal musical taste. While I agree with Smjason that the Meridian is more refined with better detail, I'd have to argue his claim that it has better bass. The Classe's strength is warmth, musical with plenty of bass slam. The Meridian was a little too polite for my taste. However, if you like it, I would suggest that you stay with it, maybe upgrade it. As with many choices in audio, it comes down to your musical taste of balancing musicality with detail. I prefer analogue to any cd player, so when it comes to digital, I prefer a unit which sounds musical, even if it means that I have to give up that last pinch of resolution. Your system/room/taste may vary.