Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Are Meridian speakers worth it?

Second hand for sure. But still I got to swap a 561 into and 861 for zero cost
Gonna upgrade it next month to Ver 3.0.

Chris

"worth it" is so subjective. but my emotional reaction to your question is a massive "YES".

to make a fair comparison with your N802s (another fine speaker, btw) youll have to add in some good amplification for each speaker, at least 150wpc, and Id say you really want 300 to make them sound good. I also think the 802 could use a subwoofer for movies.

I recently switched from an aerial setup with a great amplifier (llano hybrid) to a setup with 8ks and 7ks. yes, this is a very pricy step up and there should be an improvement. the thing thats shocking to me is I am hearing details I never heard before in all aspects of the music or movies. the aerials are very nice speakers. I am truly moved by the performance of the meridians. I really think they bring you that much closer to the goal of "realism". As you can tell I became convinced of the abilities of the meridians before I purchased them and now I am definately a "believer".

Good luck in your decision and please let us know what you decide.

Just to second one of Jerry's comments:-

I sat listening to the DSP7k's in Bristol. 1st demo piece, a Chopin piano solo. Quite breathtaking...probably better demo material than they used last year with the 8k's.
I drove home (150 miles) wondering what I'd heard. I could only conclude that it must be what a big Steinway Grand actually sounds like...cos it sure didn't sound like a hi-fi.
[I've never heard a Steinway up close, so, I could be wrong]

I spent longer in the B&W room with the Nautilus' (Nautilii?) and whilst they sounded really quite special, I didn't get the same thought about it not being a hi-fi.
I know it's horses for courses, and the B&W were fantastic in many respects, but, if I find �15k burning a hole in my wallet, I know which ones I'll be buying....even though I wouldn't be devastated to have the B&W if I 'had' to

Good luck with your choices

Rgds

Nick

yes it was a steinway piano concert played by a japanese professor of piano with video as well.

I pretty sure this is the DVDA:
http://www.aixrecords.com/artists/anita_chang.html

In my opinion, You should put the big money in the front, since that is where the majority of the dialogue in movies, and most of the effects occur. The sides and rear, from my observation provide the ambience which may be nothing more than a leaf rattling in the breeze, but could on occasion include a jet flyby. In either case, the frequencies are in the upper range, where even the M33 would be sufficient for the surrounds.

On surround music, you MIGHT find that this does not always hold true. A good recording mix will balance the sound relatively equally around the room's speakers.

The range of the speaker may not be a serious issue if you are using a good quality sub, since the LFE will be processed out to the sub. In that case, the 5000's would probably be a good choice.

If you plan to use the system mostly for music, go for a better set of surround speakers.

If you are going to use it for video exclusively, you may be perfectly happy with the 5000's in the surround locations.

One thing that I didn't see in your statment above, was the size of the room. This aspect of the equation will play a significant role in the speaker choice.

Jerry,

You clearly love your 8000 and 7000s. But I am curious, did you consider the 20Ts or something like the Watt/Puppy 7s?

I am toying with the idea of going from Nautilus 804s up to Watt/Puppy 7s, but an all digital Meridian system is so sexy that it's always in the back of my mind.

For 2-channel/Trifield listening, how low do the 8000s go? Do you use a sub with the 8000s? Do you feel the need for a sub for movies? Did you use a sub for 2-channel/Trifield listening with the 10Ts?

I am torn right now between high performance amps like the "low end" Halcros with the Watt/Puppy 7s versus the 8000s. Any insight on this dilemma?

Thanks,

Damon

With the 8000 i do not need subs.
Thats my 2cent,but how much "bass" you need?

Damon,
I 2nd Roberts opinion. the 8000s put out so much bass that I wouldnt think youd need a sub except for an exceptionally large room.

as to other speakers. yes, I considered them. as a matter of fact, the plan was always to go with an aerial or other highly thought of speaker. but then I heard the first of several auditions of the 8000s and I began to realize that- hey maybe they have it right. you know that opinions of speakers are very subjective, but I just love the way the 8000s and 7000s sound. if there is 1 word I would use to describe them is "natural". other words are "crisp" and "neutral". these are speakers that are massively powerful and will blow you away with the big boomy movie soundtracks that they handle effortlessly and then startle you with their delicate subtlity on vocals or instrumentals.

I cant comment on the other speakers since I havent heard them. I have no doubt that they are fine speakers.

as you can imagine, this setup set me back quite a bit. not a moment has passed where Ive experienced any "buyers remorse". they may not be for everyone, but I am thrilled that they are for me. let us know what you choose.

[This message has been edited by JerryL (edited 02-25-2003).]

[This message has been edited by JerryL (edited 02-25-2003).]

jerry - that's a really interesting comment about buyers remorse.

i've bought a fair number of really expensive things in my day and have experienced buyers remorse.

however, i have never experienced it with a Meridian product. from my first purchase ($3K for a used 500/518/566.24) to my 6000s to my bedroom setup, to my 861.3 - i've never regretted one of my Meridian purchases even for a moment.

the simplicity of it all. the elegance of it all. the aural wonder of it all. it's just great stuff.

please pass me some more of the kool-aid ;-)

group Meridian hug :-)

doody!

group hug

I was speaking with a friend who asked me what a company has to do to get the kind of enthusiasm a Meridan gets from most of its customers. All I could think of was that they have to put out great products, that are either the best, or have best in class performance, and have a great company behind it. in the case of an audio/video product, a company that has people who are enthusiasts. I dont really know Messers Boothroyd or Stuart, (although I met Mr. Stuart once) but I just get the sense that they are the sort of person who wakes up in the middle of the night, call the others and say "hey, Ive got this idea to make this even better". In short, the key word is "faith". I have faith that Meridian will do the right thing.