Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 3.1 or 3.0 setups

Just curious if anyone is using an M processor in a 3.0 or 3.1 setup? I have been looking at used M processors and was thinking that with limited budget it might be doable with an additional amp, center channel speaker, and possible sub. My room is 12 ft by 18 ft so not large.

I guess the key question is whether this would be enough of an improvement over the simple stereo solution I have now.

Al

Al, it's a stepping stone, you could use Trifield just without the rears. They can be added in later. Perhaps some pre loved actives. I have M30 mk'2 s which were cheap (as they are old) and work very well as rears. Perhaps an M33C for the centre?
You just have to keep an eye open for a bargain.
Good luck, Chris.

If going to 3 channel then you would really want to add a Confidence centre, and they are not cheap. and then another monoblock, so starting to get really pricey.

Trying to cut corners will probably leave you feeling disappointed.


If you fancy going down the Meridian path have you considered going DSP speaker wise?
Don't get me wrong I like the speakers you are using and the amps, but the M sound is very different and I would take it over the Dynaudio Bryston combo every time.

You don't say what use you'd be putting it to. If movies, then a centre is essential. I had 3.0 then 3.1 for a time, then went back to 2.0 and it was very disappointing and not very effective.

Now I'm back with 3.1 (5.1 when I install my rears) I'm a lot happier watching films.

Trifield for music is a little more a matter of taste, but I use it all the time.

I would estimate about 70% music 30% movies. I have some blu-ray concerts that sound great in stereo, but can't help wondering how good the HD multichannel tracks would sound with a center. Also have about 25 DVD-Audio discs and 25 SACDs. I am also thinking of getting an Oppo or some other universal player.

I agree that a good center channel speaker is a must. The Confidence center is very expensive, but I did talk to a Dynaudio rep and he said the Contour SCX would be an excellent match to the Confidence 5s.

Which DSP speakers do you recommend? I have listened to the DSP5200s hooked directly to an 808.3. Sounded great, but to my ears frankly not appreciably better than the Dynaudios. Even in the used market 5200s would not be cheap.

Thanks,

Al

You could probably pickup a Dynaudio BM6A fairly cheaply for use as a centre. No need for an amplifier then.