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Meridian 206 Delta Sigma

The Meridian 206 Delta Sigma is the last version of the long-running 206 series of CD players, and arguably the best of them. It features a twin-box construction, the transport on the left and the main electronics on the right. The two 'shoe boxes' are joined together by the back plate and a metal strip below the player. The appearance is unique and elegant, especially the glass-fronted panels. The use of black enamel paint on the main chassis, combined with tough plastic and glass, ensures that the finish is durable and lasting in addition to being attractive.

The first ever 206 started off with a CDM4/21 Philips transport mechanism and a 16-bit chipset. This was followed by a bitstream revision to become the 206B. Later Meridian updated the 206B with a Philips DAC7 chipset and also a newer version of the transport mechanism (CDM4/19). The designation 206B was retained probably because the DAC7 is also of bitstream technology. The final version, the 206 Delta Sigma, uses also the newer CDM4/19 but now features the Crystal CS4328 chipset, as well as improved logic control and ergonomics. All four versions however share the same trait of having a fast-acting drawer that slams shut with a rather worrying "thunk".

The drawer assembly is unique in that the whole CD transport mechanism is moved in and out along with the drawer itself. This marries the mechanical advantages of a top-loading system with the convenience of a front-loading one. The transport mechanism is further isolated from the drawer with Sorbothane supports.

Along with the Quad 67CD and the Linn Karik, the 206 Delta Sigma has a distinctive open and clear treble characteristic of the Crystal DAC. The 67CD is however more mellow and smooth, the Karik drier and the 206 Delta Sigma the most expressive.

The sound of the 206 Delta Sigma is at once liquid, captivating and refined. Bass is satisfyingly taut and punchy while the mids are open and communicative. Like the Quad, this player is extremely enjoyable to listen to and in my opinion gives more modern CD players a good run for the money.


206 CD Player
206B CD Player
206DS CD Player
Documents
206 Delta Sigma User Manual (1,272.6kb)
206 User Manual (1,749.8kb)
 
Photos (view all)
206 CD Player front view (86.4kb)
206 CD Player rear view (109.7kb)
206 CD Player Rear View (2) (139.3kb)
206 CD Player; Controls (184.4kb)
206 CD Player; Drawer detail (157.2kb)
206 CD Player; Internal view (130.2kb)
206 CD Player; Transit screw (17.8kb)
206 CD Player; Transport (178.7kb)
206B CD Player; Display (78.7kb)
206B CD Player; Drawer detail (123.9kb)
206B CD Player; Rear view (94.8kb)
206B CD Player; Rear view (2) (126.6kb)
206DS CD Player Front three-quarter view (201.6kb)
206DS CD Player front view (238.5kb)
206DS CD Player rear view (206.1kb)
206DS CD Player Three-quarter view (255.9kb)
206DS CD Player; Display (260.8kb)
206DS CD Player; Drawer detail (201.5kb)
 
Reviews
206 Review; Hi Fi Choice April 1990 (1,860.2kb)
206 Review; Hi Fi Choice June 1990 (507.5kb)
206 Review; Hi Fi News & R R Nov 1989 (442.7kb)
206 Review; Hi Fidelity March 1990 (365.6kb)
206 Review; Stereophile July 1990 (1,339.9kb)
206B Review; Audiophile February 1992 (2,127.0kb)
206B Review; Hi Fi Choice June 1992 (449.4kb)
206B Review; Hi Fi Choice November 1990 (499.0kb)
206B Review; What Hi Fi (311.2kb)
206DS New release - Jan 1993 (487.9kb)
206DS Review; Audiophile February 1993 (474.0kb)
206DS Review; Hi Fi Choice June 1993 (463.1kb)
 
Internet Links
 

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