Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP5000 24/96 vs. B&W CM5...

I know it's a stupid question but would they sound better than my B&W CM5s with an Audiolab Q-DAC and a Meridian 555.

Also could my 501 control them or would I need a new control unit?

Cheers
Phil

Hi Phil,

I can't comment on the comparison, but no you can't use the 501 as that's an analogue pre-amp and hence does not have the required digital ouputs required to feed the DSP's.

What audio sources do you wish to use? I ask as if it is only two digital sources then you don't need a controller at all.

If it's more than this or you have some analogue devices then you will need a digital controller.

568.1, 568.2 or 568.2mm are Multichannel but can be used for 2 channel, they offer varing degrees of flexibility/ features and tend to be easier to find than the 2 channel controllers.

Have a read up over on Duncan's info site.

Regards,
Carl

"Better" is highly subjective. Yes, they will sound different. Comparing my old B&W 705s powered by Meridian 505s, the DSP5000s image better, produce a better soundstage, the treble is smoother and they go just as loud but without ever getting harsh at the top end. Crucially, the digital active design (and probably analogue active also) means that the treble doesn't disintegrate at high volumes.

I'd say yes, it is better technically but whether your ears prefer it, only you can decide.

I had a pair of CM8s after I decided to move away from Meridian a year or so back.

These were run off a high end Bryston amp.

They lasted a few weeks and I came running back.


There is no comparison.

worth also mentioning the playability at low volume levels. Probably the biggest plus for me is how good they sound at low volume levels.

Absolutely, sounds as good listening at low levels at night as it does cranked up.

They will certainly sound more 'accurate' and for some recordings unforgiving which might not be what you want. I think they are untouchable for the money.

I have a 17 year old pair of 5k's which at this age needed the capacitors replacing on the amps and the tweeters had gone a bit soft which I serviced to bring back to factory condition, they sounded great until I got too enthusiastic with the volume and blew a tweeter.

They go very very loud and without distorting and the bass given their size is fantastic.

They would definitely best the CM5's IMHO.

My limited experience of B&W speakers is a tendency for a slightl lift in the top end. This tends IME to make them sound bright and quite forward in their presentation. Great for a demo at the dealer but I found them very tiring to listen to for any length of time. My 5Ks are all well broken in and probably have a bit of a roll of at the HF end. My newer 5.2Ks less so, but then my hearing (tempered by too many noisy jets where I work) has its own roll off. I spend many hours listening to DSP33 DSP5K DSP5200 and DSP5Kc in various systems round the house and never get that yawning tired feeling I got with other speakers. YMMV of course.

The thing with 5Ks is they tend to hold their value. Best thing to do is scratch the itch with a sensibly priced pair, they'll sell again for what you paid most days of the week if you don't like them. (You could say the same for quite a lot of older Meridian stuff, and in fact most older good quality hifi bits.)

Give it a go, you know you want to!

Richard

That's my (several years) experience with B&W also.

The CM range is quite forward, not just the top but also in the upper mid range too, which made them far too bright for me.

Meridian tends to have a very relaxed laid back sound, even when people talk about the G series being brighter it is still silly smooth compared with most out there.

Why did you go CM5 over the CM8s by the way? Do you prefer a book shelf speaker?

The reason I ask is I have DSP3100s and a D1500 sub which I prefer sound wise to the 5000s.
The 3100s were also newer and got apodising filters in the latest firmware, like the 5200s etc.

I have had some of the best results with my 3100/D1500 combo, sounding better than the MKII 5000s and the 5200s.
Plus they tend to go for a bit less than MKII 5000s and not much more than the MKI 24 bits.

Morning all

Although I have never owned B & W, I have had a few auditions over the years. I have always stayed with/recommended Meridian.

The alternative is to go down the M60 route, which will upgrade the sound quality and utilise the existing 501; the 555 is no longer required and can be used to help fund the M60 purchase along with the funds from the CM5s.

The last set of M60s I saw on eBay went for circa �450-500 for an immaculate pair. A cheaper option is a pair of M2/M3s.

I agree with the comments in respect of 5Ks, although I would also recommend the purchase of a centre speaker to take advantage of Trifield; I would use another 5K or a DSP33 if space is at a premium.

Hope that helps.

Cheers


Jon

And don't write of the 18bit 5ks either, I sold a pair for �400 recently as I simply had no where to put them, but they still sound truly wonderful, a bit more bite than the 24 bit versions.