I have acquired a pair of Meridian M2 active loudspeakers and both a 101 and a 101B preamp.
I'm completely new to the world of electronics DIY.
Back in the day I lusted after this setup - it was well regarded, but the design simplicity did it for me. In a world of shiny silver Japanese kit the style of the Meridian kit was a fabulous counterpoint.
I am going to replace the electrolytic capacitors in the amps and speakers as a matter of course.
I'm also going to 'upgrade' the opamps. I know this is something of a contentious issue but I want to have a play. I'm going to fit DIL sockets to the boards so opamp replacement becomes simply plug'n'play.
Are there any other worthwhile mods to either the 101s or the M2s that I can consider?
With regard to the 101s I have seen mention of mods to rectifier circuits but don't have any details.
I'm keen to learn and quite excited to learn some new knowledge and skills.
I am intending to completely refurbish the M2s - re-veneer the cabinets and get them looking as good as I can. The drive units appear to be in great condition.
Any advice/pointers/details gratefully received.
I'm completely new to the world of electronics DIY.
Back in the day I lusted after this setup - it was well regarded, but the design simplicity did it for me. In a world of shiny silver Japanese kit the style of the Meridian kit was a fabulous counterpoint.
I am going to replace the electrolytic capacitors in the amps and speakers as a matter of course.
I'm also going to 'upgrade' the opamps. I know this is something of a contentious issue but I want to have a play. I'm going to fit DIL sockets to the boards so opamp replacement becomes simply plug'n'play.
Are there any other worthwhile mods to either the 101s or the M2s that I can consider?
With regard to the 101s I have seen mention of mods to rectifier circuits but don't have any details.
I'm keen to learn and quite excited to learn some new knowledge and skills.
I am intending to completely refurbish the M2s - re-veneer the cabinets and get them looking as good as I can. The drive units appear to be in great condition.
Any advice/pointers/details gratefully received.
Meridian Lineage
HUGE long term fan of the product, from the initial products inception. I would go to the Meridian room every CES, got to know many of the people, including Alan Boothroyd and Bob Stewart (even Colin Aldridge) though I worked mostly with their VP Marc Koval. **He may actually be a resource that might be able to help you. I have thought of reaching out to him (listed as Repair Shop, in Douglasville GA) Without any doubt, he knows more than any one else, literally.
In the early 80's, I had a customer / friend that had Meridian powered speakers, driven by a Spectral front end ~ in his kitchen ~ [wealthy man, estate home] it made good sense to me. 🙂 It made a lasting impression.
I have a 200 series pre-amp and tuner, the CD transport died... I worn it out, literally over 20 years of use. I re-capped the tuner, I have all of the parts (Nichicon E/C and Wima bypass) to complete the pre-amp. As silly as it sounds to say it, the tuner (in the days of good FM) sounded fabulous, responded very well to the much needed TLC / bench time.
I cannot speak to the specifics [of you question] your exact equipment, but can say, the effort was worth it, to commit rebuild time these exceptionally well designed and built products. Naysayers are simply reluctant to take on the admittedly complex task... do the work themselves.
**Marc would know me as Mike, I used to work for Canon (like cameras).
HUGE long term fan of the product, from the initial products inception. I would go to the Meridian room every CES, got to know many of the people, including Alan Boothroyd and Bob Stewart (even Colin Aldridge) though I worked mostly with their VP Marc Koval. **He may actually be a resource that might be able to help you. I have thought of reaching out to him (listed as Repair Shop, in Douglasville GA) Without any doubt, he knows more than any one else, literally.
In the early 80's, I had a customer / friend that had Meridian powered speakers, driven by a Spectral front end ~ in his kitchen ~ [wealthy man, estate home] it made good sense to me. 🙂 It made a lasting impression.
I have a 200 series pre-amp and tuner, the CD transport died... I worn it out, literally over 20 years of use. I re-capped the tuner, I have all of the parts (Nichicon E/C and Wima bypass) to complete the pre-amp. As silly as it sounds to say it, the tuner (in the days of good FM) sounded fabulous, responded very well to the much needed TLC / bench time.
I cannot speak to the specifics [of you question] your exact equipment, but can say, the effort was worth it, to commit rebuild time these exceptionally well designed and built products. Naysayers are simply reluctant to take on the admittedly complex task... do the work themselves.
**Marc would know me as Mike, I used to work for Canon (like cameras).