Meridian 557 and Martin Logan Vista

[jerome]

I have a pair of ML Vista, an Arcam FMJ C31 preamp and could get a good deal on one used Meridian 557 amplifier. My signal source is a Transporter and I'm currently using an Arcam P1000 to power my Vista.

I'm thinking of selling my Arcam P1000 and replacing it with a better 2-channel amplifier (or integrated amplifier).
I really like the Arcam sound but I only use 3 channels (center and fronts) on the P1000, so it's overkill to keep it.

I've never heard any Meridian amplifier and the guy who is selling it unfortunately lives quite far from my town, so I can't really try it. It looks good on paper but I'm not sure ...

Is there someone who knows how good this amplifier is? What kind of sound does it produce (warm, neutral, ...)?
Will this amplifier would be a good match for my system?

Thanks !

 

[Audioquest]

Well, I can tell your first hand on the Aerius i if that helps. The Meridian 557 is a very good amp for the money. It has tons of power and is less brittle sounding than the Bryston (of which I have had several) and gives a nice warm, but still fairly detailed presentation on these panels, which are sometimes a little too edgy in my opinion.
The Meridian isn't quite as transparent as some, but what it trades off in that area it makes up for in natural warmth.
I just sold my Meridian and replaced it with Monarchy SE-160's which really make these speakers perform in ways I couldn't imagine.

If you can get a good deal, the Meridian is still a very good amp.