Both the Meta Laser 1 and 2 were manufactured
by Micromega according to Meta Research's specifications, hence
the similarities in construction to Micromega's own Classic Line
series. The use of metacrylate front and side panels, rounded
edges, as well as a special CD clamp, distinguished the Meta Laser
1 and 2 from Micromega's Duo and Trio CD transports.
The Meta Laser 2 uses what Goldmund regards as
the best CD mechanism from Philips, the CDM9 Pro. This mechanism
is still being used in Goldmund's top end CD players and transports.
The top-loading configuration uses a CD clamp constructed of metacrylate
and gold-plated brass, based on the research made by Goldmund
for record vibration cancellation. This innovative clamp considerably
improves the rigidity and deadness of the CD during play. My own
experimentation has shown this clamp to produce greater realism
to the music, in comparison with Micromega's magnetic/graphite
CD clamp. The CD mechanism is built into a sub-chassis that is
suspended from the main chassis on three columns, two with elastomeric
suspension and the third being a ball-and-socket arrangement.
The main chassis uses a three foot suspended structure
and displays a remarkably efficient use of the "Mechanical
Grounding" technology (under license from Goldmund), to further
improve the evacuation of detrimental vibration modes generated
in the unit during operation. Two digital outputs for external
D/A converters are provided, one RCA coaxial and one Toslink fiber
optic.
The Meta Laser 2 uses the Mimesis PS3 external
power supply, especially developed in collaboration with Goldmund
for providing three fully independently regulated separate voltages
to each part of the CD player's circuitry. To avoid any hum or
vibration disturbance, the power supply is recommended for placement
as far apart as possible from the CD player itself.
When linked up to the Meridian 606 (DAC7) D/A
convertor, the sound of the Laser 2 was luxurious and smooth;
vocals come across as full of energy and body, and overall transparency
was of the highest order. These results were achieved with a simple
Deltron 75 ohm digital cable that was supplied with the 606. As
mentioned earlier, the use of the metacrylate/brass clamp must
be considered critical to achieving this excellent sound quality.
