Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Replacements for M3s

It is time I replaced my much loved and long serving M3s. The natural choice would be a pair of DSP3200s, but sadly the Meridian aesthetic does not find favour with my better half.

I am completely out of the market re small active speakers - which are the good, the better or the best? So would appreciate the opinions of forum members as to where to start looking.

The function of the speakers will be to partner the TV with my stereo. Clear, clear clear dialogue are my 3 leading criterion. Not too much base as our living room is acoustically quite lively. Their aesthetic must very traditional (wood veneer), similar to the M3s.

They will be driven by my Oppo.

All ideas will be greatly appreciated.

FWIW, I recently auditioned Meridian M6’s hooked-up to a Loewe Bild 7.65.

Aesthetically and sonically they are exceedingly impressive for their modest size. My Wife instantly took a liking to them. I strongly recommend them.

Add either an AC200 or 218 and you’ll have no problem adding your Oppo.

The closest - design wise - to the M3 are the DSP3100.

Are they faulty, or is just time for a change?

No - they are not faulty as such. But don’t sound as crisp as I aspire, albeit in comparison with the 5200’s. I appreciate unrealistic to expect them to.

Have thought of renewing capacitors, but that would mean taking them out of service, or try and find a pair of M3100s. Presumably replacing drivers not an option.

I have looked at the various alternatives discussed on the forum. Most of them have fallen out of the ugly tree, even in my aesthetic opinion.

Anyway, interested to know if there are some really good uns out there that are not utterly unsuitable for a conventional living room. I do wonder what is in the heads of some of these “designers”.

For a design closer to the classic M3s, there is also the DSP5000 with wood veneer (cherry, rosewood, etc). It's a tower design, but about as compact as the M3s + stand. Unless your M3s were on a shelf?

Might be worth getting in touch with MrTechGuy of this parish for a quote and to check turnaround time. He's an ex Meridian service engineer of some renown.

Cheers
George

Before the M3’s, I used a pair of M60’s. Excellent speakers, but we’re not quite right. Too much base.

It really is a pair of small good uns I would like.

Not in a hurry!

A service and maybe some newer tweeters if necessary might be enough.

New tweeters

If you don’t want to go that route, I’d recommend dynaudio actives as a worthy replacement.

Many thanks for the advice re the tweeters. I had assumed as the speakers are circa 35 years old, replacements would not be available. I understand The “woofers” were special long throw ones made by KEF, but maybe wrong.