Channel-aware playback
Core identifies mono, stereo, 2.1, quad, 5.1 and 7.1 channel layouts and negotiates compatible playback routes.
RC25 QUALIFIED · AUDIO ROUTING
Your music deserves all its channels.
Stereo and surround mixes deserve separate editions. For multichannel listening, use the Core machine’s HDMI audio output into a Meridian HD621 and compatible downstream equipment.
WHAT RC25 DOES
Qualified functionality, not a feature wish-list
Tested RC25 features, built around your own library and compatible equipment.
Hardware-led output
The qualified multichannel listening route is Core host HDMI audio to the Meridian HD621, then to the connected processor and speakers. This is a physical audio output route, not an OAAT requirement.
No accidental downmix
Core keeps source channel information and applies downmixing only when explicitly allowed and required by the chosen destination.
Different releases, different mixes
A stereo CD and a multichannel DVD-Audio or Blu-ray edition stay separately identifiable, rather than appearing as duplicate copies.
REAL-WORLD COMPATIBILITY
What to know before you install
The HDMI-to-HD621 hardware route is distinct from native Meridian V3/MS200 network endpoint playback, which remains stereo-limited. The available channel counts and formats depend on Core host HDMI, the HD621 and downstream audio equipment.
EXPLORE MORE
The other sides of Brimstone
All part of the qualified RC25 music platform.
Multichannel audio
Qualified surround playback uses the Core host HDMI output into a Meridian HD621 and compatible downstream equipment; native Meridian V3/MS200 network playback is a separate stereo-limited route.
Album editions
RC25 maintains distinct album/release editions and stereo versus multichannel masters, with precise queue and track identity.
Indie music and spoken word
Qualified independent music discovery (including Bandcamp Radio, Audius and Jamendo), internet radio, podcast queues and audiobook chapter/progress management.
Ripping and archiving
Qualified optical and analogue ingest: CD, DVD-Audio, Blu-ray Audio, MiniDisc/NetMD, and Mac audio-interface capture.
How does it compare?
See a balanced comparison with Roon and twelve other media-player or music-server systems, including excellent free options.