Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems No Clue - Acquired Meridian setup

Greetings,

I acquired a Meridian system from my friend and have no clue on how to setup or do not even know if I have everything that is needed.

The set I got has the following components:

3 DSP33 speakers (one of them says center)
2 D1500s (subs)
HD621 - HDMI audio processor
G61R - Digital surround Controller.

Do I have a complete surround system or is something missing?

Would appreciate any ideas/pointers on how to move forward in setting it up.

Appreciate all the help.

Regards
Ganesh

You have everything except rear speakers. You will need a PC with the Meridian Config software installed. Read the manuals, at least three times.

As Bruce mentioned, you will need 2 speakers for the rear. Ideally you could find some more DSP33s or get a floor-standing model (DSP5000 or later ) to upgrade your mains. Theoretically, you could add a two-channel amplifier and any passive speaker as well but this could complicate the config process. Here is a link to a decent video Meridian put together as an intro to the MC Config software which like the manual may need a few viewings to sink in.

If you don't have the user guides, they can be download from Duncan's Meridian Info site, see links at the top of this page.
The Wiki site is also worth exploring.

Be prepared for reasonable steep learning curve, as Meridian kit is not plug and play.

Regards,
Carl

I also recommend getting a Radioshack SPL meter and a long unbalanced cable ( one that can extend from the back of the G61 to the primary listening position ) to use for setting your surround levels and for the MRC ( room correction ) setup. You can choose not to configure the room correction but I find it makes a significant difference.

Many Thanks Bruce and Nrighton. I was suspecting of missing speakers. I have all the manuals, overwhelming but sounds like a fun project. I kept asking my friend, are there any more speakers, he said no, maybe they were mounted inside the wall. My friend got the system with the house he bought but he never used the system (not a musical person at all). And, he gave the system to me when he sold the house and moved to a different city (i like music and have vintage altec lansing barcelonas). I do see some floppy disks and a CD and a fancy remote along with the manuals. I appreciate the link to the youtube video, I will start from there. At one point I thought maybe the two subwoofers might be acting as front left and right. (just by the total count of speakers )

I also wonder, if the previous owner was using this system just to listen to music?

Kind Regards
Ganesh

Could very well be the case. I enjoy a music only Trifield setup with no rear speakers and stereo subs.

Hello Ganesh,

By “Trifield” we are referring to your surround unit’s ability to synthesize center channel information from a stereo source as one of many listening options, which mode many of us find very rewarding. So it’s likely that your friend was using the two subs to create full-range left and right speakers with the third DSP33 as a center (without deep bass), foregoing any side or rear speakers.

You will be experimenting with placement and various crossover frequencies to create a really outstanding 3-speaker stereo system.

Congratulations on receiving such a fine system as gift! And welcome to the forum.

As the others here have said, read the manuals, re-read the manuals, and then read them one more time.

But if you get stuck, there are lots of good people here to help.

I, personally, would rate Meridian (in general) the following way:

Sound Quality: A+
Visual Appeal: A
Ease of use once set up: A
Flexibilty of set-up: A+
Intuitiveness of set-up: F (especially for people who don't already have Meridian equipment)

Check your PMs…

Many thanks Everyone, I sincerely appreciate all your help.

I searched eBay for two used Dsp33s and holy cow, they want $900 for a pair of used ones. Expensive little speakers. I better move my Meridian stuff from the dusty Garage into the house.

Also, I took a peek at the Meridian configuration Program Guide, 54 pages of Configuration using software. Calibration, room correction, Controller, filters and what not . No wonder my buddy was not able to make it work

Kind Regards
Ganesh

Definitely move it in from the dusty Garage. I just did a quick eBay search on your G61 controller. eBay has one for $1225, and another, with a Meridian 555 amp for $4,000.00

Your friend did not give you an inexpensive gift. I imagine full retail of what you got was north of $10K (someone else can run the numbers - I'm too lazy right now ).