Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP3200 vs DSP5200 surround.

Hi all,

I currently have five DSP5200s with a SW5500. I'm considering moving from 5.1 to 7.1 in the cinema. I don't have a lot of space at the back of the room and the rear wall is currently built around the two 5200s.

Has anyone listened to the 3200s versus the 5200s for surround? I'm considering selling the the two 5200s and replacing with four 3200s. Any down side to consider?

Also, can the 3200s be built into a cabinet, within the wall? I'm running into a G68D, with the purchase of a HD621 in the next month or two.

Thanks in advance.

Chris

Hey Chris,

Do you currently like your sound with five 5200s? While I haven't heard the 3200s yet, I have a hard time believing they can be a substitue for 5200s full sound. I have 5200s and I feel they are powerful excellent sounding speakers.

If you don't have the space for two more 5200s to complete the 7.1, you could get two 3200s. It is my impression that the 3200s are the replacement for 3100s. I can tell you from my experience, I could never replace my 5200s for 3100s (and probably the 3200s).

Good luck

Nick

Thanks. Ideally, I would add another two 5200s in for surround. Possibly a bit of an over kill, but the main thing stopping me is space. I would need to bring the rear wall of the cinema in another 500mm and aside from the mess (rear wall is custom build into a curve), the room is only 5.2m long. I had thought by replacing the rear 5200s, with four 3200s, I could place them a little higher and provide a more full surround experience.

Don't get me wrong, I love the 5200s for the front (have 3 x vertical), but not sure if I would notice a large difference replacing with 3200s for surround.

I am keen to go 7.1 with the HD621, as I only watch Bluray and when not movies, then games on the PS3. I have a TV for, well.. television

I think for surround duties 4x3200s would be far better than 2x5200s.

I don't think the 3200s loose out much at all compared with the 5200s, in fact if you're using subs and crossover at anything below 80hz I think the 3200s may actually have the edge.

Don't forget that with a G68, you won't be getting straight 7.1 in HD from the source. the G68 doesn't support 7.1 channel input, only 5.1 input, so those additional 2 speakers in the back will be synthesised signals rather than discrete (DTS-ES and DD-EX excepted as encoded protocols of course). Basically 7.1 HD audio on Bluray won't come across in it's full glory.

Not saying that it won't sound great, just pointing it out

Dave

I use the 5200HC as sides and rears, works perfectly.

PerS

How about 3100HC as rears?

Regards I