Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian is known for signal processing. But how about speaker technology?

Sorry Robert, but this is not true at all. I have the feeling I know what you want to say, but this way it is not correct.

I assume you want to point at compression drivers (SPL factor), which is nothing else than what you find in many horns used since the 50ties in home speakers, like from Klipsch (Klipsch Horn), etc. The exponential calculation might vary (frequencies pushed through vs. horn size. length, and shape) or driver details, but that's about it. We are not talking PA here, but studio reference monitors, usually 2 or 3 way with regular drivers.

An optimum driver is seeked by both worlds equally, consumer as well as pro-world. The driver must have in best case endless strength, the membrane should be endless stiff, endless light, the motor endless strong and fast, with endless way of travel, etc. Both worlds seek absolutly the same.

The "high end consumer" results just differ, as these speakers are spellbound to limits like passive x-over/external single amps and "sounding/philosophies" that are being sold. Marketing is there the main weapon of defense and unfortunately of irritation.

We try here to have a non technical discussion that can only be made on pure technical level. But we are blinded by the price tag on Meridian gear. We assume and expect high prices to equal best ingredients, where in reality it means best package, or highest intelligence applied. Making gold out of crap is still indeed not prohibited and if Meridian uses the cheapest drivers (which they don't), so what, as long at it sounds good in you ear, it's fine and already sufficient.

On the remark of distortion. There are many DSP speakers that will rival these numbers. To cut off driver distortion by limiting the bandwidth steep enough in the digital domain is not exclusive to Meridian. However, seldom speaker manufacturers, like in the 8000, build so many subwoofer drivers in one cabinett, hence low distortion in bass. However, instead of so many drivers, I would have prefered a cardioid approach and maybe a 2 way coaxial driver for high and mid range (point spource approach), but as I cannot afford the 8000 anyway, no need for anyone to care.