Hi,
Regarding the 101 preamp, I understand that there was a 101 and a 101b and there was an all discrete version and an opamp version.
Is it that the 101's were discrete and the 101b's opamped or isn't it that simple?
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.baldam/dogrun.gif

Correct...

Correct...

Hi Mark,
thanks.
It was just a guess as I have no knowledge of Meridian but I have one arriving in the morning.
It was described as a 101 and I'm hoping it is the discrete version as I tend to swap opamps with alarming regularity.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.baldam/dogrun.gif

pm me if you need circuit or module info etc.

Anyone got a MM module for a 101? I think a 101b module should work too.

Mark

pm me if you need circuit or module info etc.

cheers Mark,
It will probably need a re-cap at the very least and I will no doubt need advice.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.baldam/dogrun.gif

Anyone got a MM module for a 101? I think a 101b module should work too.

I have the original MM module for the 101 and all the component variations for the main mc & mm carts of the day. What do you want to know.

101b modules do not work in the earlier 101's. The b stuff is inferior as it is not discrete transistor based.

Hi MarkS,
My system is CD only, In a 101b would the opamp be in a part of the circuit that deals with line inputs?

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/john.baldam/dogrun.gif

I have the original MM module for the 101 and all the component variations for the main mc & mm carts of the day. What do you want to know.

101b modules do not work in the earlier 101's. The b stuff is inferior as it is not discrete transistor based.

Hi Mark, I wrote to Meridian and they (Dave Hall) said the phono modules were interchangeable between the different versions. But I'd prefer a discreet module anyway- how much would you sell it for?

Mark

Hi Mark, I wrote to Meridian and they (Dave Hall) said the phono modules were interchangeable between the different versions. But I'd prefer a discreet module anyway- how much would you sell it for?

The early two box(phono + riaa eq) unbalanced modules could be replaced by the unbalanced IMCOS module. The balanced(later) op-amp versions of the modules have more pins than there are connectors on the early motherboards...I own several 101 preamps of each type...

The module is not for sale...I thought you just wanted some info on it.

The early two box(phono + riaa eq) unbalanced modules could be replaced by the unbalanced IMCOS module. The balanced(later) op-amp versions of the modules have more pins than there are connectors on the early motherboards...I own several 101 preamps of each type...

The module is not for sale...I thought you just wanted some info on it.

Thats a shame! Is there such a thing as a balanced cartridge? Do you know how to change an MC module into an MM? Is it just a matter of changing the input resistors? Oh, and what does IMCOS stand for?

Thanks,
Mark

Is there such a thing as a balanced cartridge?

not that I know of...

Do you know how to change an MC module into an MM? Is it just a matter of changing the input resistors?

yes & no...

Oh, and what does IMCOS stand for?

see photo...

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/2753/101modsyu1.jpg

yes & no...





Hi Mark, I take it that you mean that you do know how to change the MC module into an MM? Would you be willing to share that information with me?

Mark

Hi Mark, I take it that you mean that you do know how to change the MC module into an MM? Would you be willing to share that information with me?

pm me your email address...

Is there such a thing as a balanced cartridge? In that a phono cartridge output is both ends of a coil, it is in effect balanced naturally. If you connect one side to ground, you unbalance it.

Just bought a 101 myself a bit scruffy but working with a Supex MC module dated Nov 1979,using an ATF5 OCC into it-first work will be to replace all the electrolytics then possibly the volume control even if it means losing the balance control and the on switch.
Seems to have been a bit of activity on them lately.

Many thanks to MarkS- a few resistor changes later and I have converted my 101 Supex input module into a MM module taylored to Decca carts! I am listening to it now and it sounds mighty fine with my Decca blue. I left the 2N4405 innput transitors as I don't have any 2N4403's as spec'd by Mark. Does anyone know if I should really replace them as they sound fine?

Mark

Interesting thread this…. I have a 101B and two 105 monoblocks (personally modified by Crispin (Meridian, many years ago) to 105s spec and using long leads to the monoblocks..The 101B has an IMCOS module for a Koetsu cartridge, but I currently only use cd's.

I bought these new in 1981, and they have been in continuous use ever since. The only problem I have had is an occasionally drifting balance and some talk-through between inputs.

My question: does anyone know of someone who could recap and reset the units especially the 105’s?

When refettled by a professional, how does the 101/105 perform against, say, a Naim 122x/150x amp? How good is the 105s? I could be tempted to by a new (remote control) suitable pre-amp to go with the monoblocks.

Any comments would be appreciated, thanks, Graeme

When refettled by a professional, how does the 101/105 perform against, say, a Naim 122x/150x amp? How good is the 105s? I could be tempted to by a new (remote control) suitable pre-amp to go with the monoblocks.

The 101b is the weak link as it's full of ne5532 opamps and not the earlier 2n440x transistor based modules. :(

The 105s is an excellent power amp, I have 4 and they will drive anything.

Meridians policy on recapping is if it ain't broke don't try to fix it...

If I had to recap my amps I would do it myself as it's not rocket science.

IIRC the benefit of the balanced output of the B version was not to do with the cartridge but for the benefit of those of us that ran long lead kits. I used to run a 101 in to 105s using some very simple leads, with the amps situated on the speakers, some 8 feet from the preamp. The 101B was definitely an improvement - imaging improved as did the bass, but the change was also accompanied by a move to DNM cables.

Hi Mark

I do have a MC module with one opamp and would like to adapt it to my new Benz ACE.

Can you provide me with some information ?

Regards

Ricardo

Not a technical expert but someone who can attest to Meridian excellence long term is me. I've owned Meridian M20 self powered speakers for 22 years. I bought some Acoustat Model Three electrostatic speakers around the same time but those bit the dust. I've auditioned them in my room with Dynaudio 1.3SE's, Sonus Faber standmounts, and B&W 805's with 150WPC monoblocks. More body and depth than those. They have outlived a lot of my components in my system, actually. Just changed tubes in my ARC pre and the tracking angle a smidgen on my tonearm and listened most of yesterday. I use my own product on these babies and they can produce a soundstage in the front end of my room like you could take a walk into. Lovely tonality, too. If there is ever a speaker hall of fame, they should be included.

I too can attest to the ruggedness of 105s. I've had apair for a while, they are great amps. One went bang a while back and Meridian fixed it for a reasoanble price, under £150 iirc. That's better than being ripped off 400 sheets for a recap.

They sound good and Meridian plan to support them indefinitely. Even when they are goe they are easy to repair,robust items.