From my comparison between the 508-24 and the 588 I felt that the 508-24 is a more natural, better sounding unit. The 588 is brighter with an uneven bass response while the 508-24 is one of the better cd players I have heard.
Meridian 588 CD performance & operating concerns
A Meridian reviewer reports the 588 CD Player is missing it's earlier trademark(506,508,etc.) load tray with its center fit cd placement. The player (he reports) takes a while to break in but never exceeds the performance of the Meridian 508.24. This person says the 588 "needs quicker TOC timing and overall punch,pinesse, and bottom end". I expect to listen to the Meridian 588 later this week but I am asking if these concerns are true. thanks....