Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP5000

Hello folks.

I am seriously thinking about buying a used pair of DSP 5000's.Is there anything specific to be wary of and by any chance does anyone have a set that they want to sell. I would also be interested in part exchanging my mint 557 if anyones interested. Also available is a 555 and a 551.

Cheers Peter.

Hi Peter

Not sure of anything to be wary of, but one point may be to look at buying used 24/96 versions straight off. It will work out a lot cheaper than buying 16/44s and upgrading the DACs later. I'm looking at moving to D55ks at some point, so have swithered as to whether it's worth spending �1200 to upgrade my D5ks. I can't accomodate both D55s and D5s as my room is to small to use D5ks as rears, (upgraded or not), so I'd be losing big time if I subsequently sold the D5ks after investing that amount in them. That said, the 16/44s still sound superb, and if you run your source through a 518 (which you can pick up for about �300), it's a huge, but inexpensive, upgrade. I don't think you live too far from here, so if you want to hear said kit in action, drop me a line (just wait 'till I get 'me woofers mended!)

Cheers

George

I may well have some rosewood ones to sell in a couple of weeks, depending on the outcome of a 24 bit 5500 home demo. The 5000s are 18 bit and about seven years old, but well cared for. I will probably keep my 518, but would be offering my custom fitted HNE granite plinths with the speakers. I found that these made even more difference to the sound than the 518, and will probably order a new pair to fit the 5500s, if I buy them. Are you based in England? I am in Leicester.

I recently saw some ex-dem 5500s for sale on the mountain snow website - the dealers were Suttons of Bournmouth. The asking price is �5,695 but they are 18 bit models and black. Might still suit someone at that price.

Hi Michael

I had seen your post on the granite plinths elsewhere, but do you really find that they offer such a substantial upgrade? If they are anywher near the same upgrade league as a 518, I'll buy a pair!

Regards

George

PS Peter, Whilst I referred to 16/44 version D5ks above, there have only been two models, the original 18 bit DACs (44KHz) and the newer 24 bit DAC (96KHz). The D5ks missed any 20 bit incarnation.

George: The biggest advantage of the plinths is in respect of bass and potential loudness, whereas the 518 seemed to me to affect treble and midrange smoothness. As Meridian warn, the speakers must be set up so that they are rigid and cannot rock on their spikes. Well, bolting them to heavy granite plinths does that better than any careful adjustment of the spikes themselves. Before fitting the plinths I found that excess cabinet vibration ruined some (admittedly difficult) types of music (eg pedal harp) if played at realistic volume. Once the plinths were fitted, the volume could easily be moved up by three or four points. Piano and organ bass notes became more solid as well. I suspect that the DSP 5500s are inherently less prone to unwanted resonance because of their more massive construction. On the other hand, since they go louder they may still benefit from such support. The polished black granite also looks very attractive. My neighbour's kitchen uses similar stuff for worktops. It looks good there too, but weighs a ton of course.

George,

I think you are right...don't upgrade before selling your 5k's. I don't think you will benefit enough sonically and certainly won't get it back when you sell. That upgrade money is better spent on the 5k5's.

And, FWIW, if you are considering an upgrade to 5500, I picked up an ex-dem set of 96/24 for �4750. Just pick the time and place to bargain hard.

I'd try the 5k's at the back, even if your room is small. Just so you know what a full-ish range of rear channel is before you chose what to have next.

Do let us know how your dem goes.

Rgds

Nick



[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 05-30-2003).]

Nick

Where on earth did you find used 5k5s! The only ones I've ever found were on audiogon and thus mainly in the US. Finding used Meridian gear in the UK is not easy :-)

Graham

Hi Graham,

They were ex-dem from an Audio T. I haven't seen many dealers carrying them for obvious reasons but they do pop up from time to time.

It may be worth asking M if they can tell you where they have sent any 5k5's to and then testing the water at those stores.

When my regular dealer heard (from me admittedly) that I was looking at an ex-dem from their competitor, there was a seriously good price on a brand new MkII pair also. Sadly, I just couldn't stretch that far.

I'll keep my eyes out for any around at the moment.

Rgds

Nick

have a look at http://www.suttonshifi.com/

They are flashing their site with 30% off ex-dem kit. On the bada.co.uk site, they are listing a pair of 5500's from the same store.

Suggest it's worth a call

Rgds

Nick

Sorry 30% was a different site...still worth the call though

[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 05-30-2003).]

[This message has been edited by ncpl (edited 05-30-2003).]

I think the Suttons ex demo speakers are 20 bit. They told me that they were not 24/96 or MHR ready, so I assumed they must be 18 bit,like my 5000s; but I hadn't realised they were ever made in 20 bit configuration.

Picking up a 24 bit version for under 5K sounds like obscenely good luck.

Has anyone else experienced the move up from 5000 to 5500, and if so was it money well spent?

I agree my deal on the 24bit at <�5k was great, however, nearly �6k for 20bit non-MHR is a crime. They must be a few years old as it is.

I would have expected that kind of price several years ago when they were new and at list.

Rgds

Nick

Nick, many thanks for that D55k cost info. I've been meaning to email you for a while to ask that very question, since you had mentioned before that you got a good deal. Couldn't agree more on the Sutton's price...daylight robbery for older 20 bitters.

Cheers

George

PS Can hear Harry Potter on downstairs just now, at the bit which topped 'me woofers last week. Heartbreaking. Still, have at least established from M that new drivers are �38.99 each ex VAT and delivery, so it could have been worse...