Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Smartlink vs. Current connections: Any audio difference?

Hi guys,

I finally made the plunge and now have 5 x DSP5200s. These are all with the current connections and not Smartlink. My question is simple: does Smartlink offer improved audio over the current connections or is it to simplify installation only?

Cheers,

Chris

SpeakerLink was originally developed to facilitate custom installation. Bob stated he was surprised to find that it sounded better too, probably because SpeakerLink employs a balanced digital topology. I don't think any Hitchhiker has done a comparison so we don't have any anecdotal information of the magnitude of the improvement. Since Bob has said they will not offer upgrades to existing speakers, it is surmised that the cost/benefit ratio of the improvement is not high. I think the more important improvement in the new speakers is the introduction of apodizing filters. There have been indications that there will be firmware updates to implement apodizing filters in existing speakers. Everyone is eagerly awaiting them.

Bob also said to Tonepub that it does not matter. I think the reference you're refering to is Bob (or someone at Meridian) was surprised different Cat5/6 cables sounded better. I don't think we have a direct (or a 2nd confirmation) from Bob on this. I think it is covered in CES Q & A (I hope). If I'm mistaken I apoligize. There was one very early reference where someone called Meridian and said the SpeakerLink was supposed to be better.

Bob didn't rule out adding SpeakerLink input modules to existing DSP speakers, but he did say that (in the context of the 8ks) it would be very expensive.

Hmmm if Bob thinks it's expensive

Here is a link from a link(dont find the original answer of bob) also not with search function(too many ..)

https://www.meridianunplugged.com/u...nk&topic=0&Search=true#Post82754

For my understanding(regarding to 8k) is that the connector input board is replaced and also
the internal board on the top of the backside cooling plate including all processing and D/A conversion.
If you change it the chassis have to be (my guess) recalibrated at M home.

Summary is
2 cards
recalibrate
Send the whole box(at least the head with electronic) to M

So its not a small deal, but we(i) should still expect an offer from M for that,
decisions for buying it have to be made from the customer.
I am personally interested, the price make the decision y or n.


But regarding to the answer of bob in the link above,
with the filter(no hardware change) you should get 75% advantage of the smartlink 8k speaker compare to non smartlink 8k-
but there is no absolute percentage compare between these version.
That means the missing 25% from the smartlink(the hardware)
could be 1% if smartlink will deliver eg 4% absolute
if you can hear that at all...



But that also means,that the apodize filter HAVE TO BE work also on hires signal not only on16/44
otherwise the Bob statement isnt true,
because most DSP customers have also M prozessor to get hires with MHR input to the DSP�s.

For me audible differences couldnt be with standard infrastructure(cable lengths,EMV interferiences)
otherwise M didnt have done the job with SPDIF correct.

chris:

If you are satiesfied with your 5.2k, you will get? more with apodize filter via sw upgrade,
SpeakerLink is just easier (one time at installation and future upgrades?) .

or simple

dont know


Robert

George you are correct.

Tonepub reported recently that Bob S told him he shouldn't be able to hear any difference between cat5 vs coax to speakers and one of the major reasons for going Cat5 was to make cabling easier.

I then reported that M told me in April 2008 to definitely use Cat5 for better sound.

That did result in a CES Q&A.