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Meridian’s 561 has a solid reputation as a no-nonsense digital front end from a respected era, and at £198 this looks like a strong buy. It sits just below the median of £205 and under the 75th percentile of £229, so it lands in the sweet spot for value rather than asking for a premium.
What makes it worthwhile is the usual Meridian combination of clean, refined playback and long-term usefulness in a serious system. If it’s complete and working properly, the upside is straightforward: a well-regarded piece at a sensible price, with enough brand cachet and performance history to make it easy to live with. The only real checks are basic ones for an older digital component: confirm inputs/outputs work as expected and that it locks reliably.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Meridian Audio, founded in 1977 in Cambridgeshire, England, by industrial designer Allen Boothroyd and engineer Bob Stuart, emerged as a trailblazer in high-end audio. From its inception as Boothroyd Stuart, the company quickly distinguished itself through relentless innovation, pioneering digital signal processing (DSP) and becoming the first to deliver high-resolution digital active loudspeakers for domestic use, such as the groundbreaking M1 and D600 models.
The brand's product focus centers on premium home audio systems, including DSP loudspeakers with integrated amplification, active speakers, and high-resolution components engineered for superior sound fidelity. While rooted in hi-fi excellence, Meridian has masterfully expanded into bespoke automotive audio, crafting immersive systems for luxury marques like Land Rover, Jaguar, and McLaren, with signature 3D surround setups featuring up to 23 speakers tailored to vehicle acoustics.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, Meridian commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its British-engineered precision, over 350 industry awards, and museum-worthy designs exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum and MoMA. It remains a benchmark for acoustic innovation, blending heritage craftsmanship with forward-thinking technology across home and automotive realms.
See all Meridian listings on RADAR.
