Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Anyone think a new sub is coming, something more powerful than the DSW DSP?

From what I have read, the DSW DSP is not on the level of something like the top JL Audio stuff, or the digital Velodyne subs, in terms of power. Is that true? If so, does anyone know if something larger is on the way from Meridian for room-filling bass for larger rooms on movie soundtracks?

Thank you.

I would suspect not Meridian have never been into massive bass subs. They would point to most of the DSPs as full range and not needing subs.

regards

Chris

Subwoofer design has never been a strength in Meridian's product portfolio. Over the years the subwoofer designs Meridian have offered would all be better described as add-on woofer systems than true subwoofers. They simply don't reach down low enough or offer sufficient output at the bottom of their passband. As Caldham implied their best to date, the D2500 and D5500, have not outperformed the low-end capabilities of the larger DSP loudspeakers in the line.

So all of us keen to own subwoofers that truly live up the standard of the larger Meridian DSP loudspeakers have had to purchase subs from companies like those you mention (and others- see my signature) and then ensure our pre-processors have the necessary compliment of both digital and analog outputs to support this configuration.

Happy Trails!
MTB Vince

Wow Vince!
That is a lot of kit!

That is why I really wish M would include an analogue sub out on their DSP speakers.

For those with a pair of DSPs and only one source having to have a controller just to add a sub is so frustrating.

I have been on an almost 20 year journey to get a great low end for my system, and although that continues, I have found (for me) a handful of truths:

1. No full range speaker, regardless of how impressive the low bass claims, has been satifactory for me below 30 hz. I think this has to to with optimal placement for full range and low bass are usually mutually exclusive.

2. A single sub, no matter the pedigree, does not provide smooth low bass response.

3. Multiple subs, particualrly if you place some in the rear of the room, can create all sorts of phase cancellation problems.

4. There is no substitute for large drivers moving a lot of air.

5. The peculiarities of bass response are such that optimizing low response for your main listening position is unlikely to be optimal for another listening position.

The net of this, for me, is to either just live with the performnce of your main speakers, or invest in multiple subs of the same manufacturer and type, and expect to spend a lot of time fiddling with placement (and with phase and delay as Vince points out).

By the way, how do you like your Danley DTS10? I was tempted by their kit offer last year, for under $1000. Thanks

Hey Simon,

Is that what you meant to say, or should it have read more like:
"Multiple subs, particularly if you carefully place some in the front and rear of the room and then adjust phase and delay to bring them into sync at the listening area, can greatly reduce modal peaking and cancellation problems...

Happy Trails!
MTB Vince

I meant to say exactly what I said

Your point is a different one.

Great sub, particularly given the cost. It is big, however, so you have to have the space.

Wow. No I wish Meridian would attack this problem directly- with something that blows most other subs out of the water and runs off of SpeakerLink with a DSP system.

A sub system that could daisy chain and perform room correction, but knocked the JL gotham on its butt...

Fair enough, but what percentage of the market does this apply to?
Small enough for Meridian to justifiably ignore it I fear, annoying though that might be for that small percentage.