The 808v3 was a typo on my part. And the 80k referred to the whole Meridian system not just the dac, according to the poster(bmoura).
I brought home the 808v6 for audition in my system. And after comparing MQA files played through the 808v6 with non-MQA files played through the Esoteric N-05, the non-MQA files via the Esoetric sound better than the MQA files via the 808v6.
But this is with my system and ears. With your system and ears, things may well be very different.
My personal comparison experience would explain why it is so tough for Meridian to do an A/B demo or even allow other companies to do likewise. This does not bode well for
intent. And neither does pulling the plug from Auralic.