Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP 7000's or DSP 5200's ?

Meridian learned a lot from the 8k development programme, but the 7ks were developed mostly in parallel and so didn't benefit from the majority of the learnings. The 5k2s on the other hand did as they were developed later. The 7k2s also benefitted fully, and also brought apodizing, SpeakerLink and, most importantly, time-aligned bass to the equation.

I actually tried a pair of 5200's as rears instead of my 7000s a while back when I was considering going 4 x 5200s sides + rears. Resulot was simple - I stuck with my 7ks. The 5.2ks are good speakers, but not like 7000s. Since way back with the original 5000s, I've always thought that the 5k/5.2k design is compromised in the upper bass/mid range due to the driver layout. This is one areas that the 7ks do quite a bit better, as well as having a lot more bass punch (but more controlled than the (in)famous 5500s).

my 2 p's worth, which may not be echoed by others.

Andy

Haven't heard the 7s side by side, but have heard the 7K2s and 5K2s side by side. I found a definite family resemblance (good if you want to mix them in a cinema set-up), but the 7K2 was "better" to my ears, not just in the weight of the bass which you'd expect from the bigger cabinet and drivers, but across the frequency range - more detail, more delicacy where needed, more presence (a bit more forward and open), more and more controlled bass weight, more percussive slam (always acknowledging the difficulty in making sure you're listening to both at the same volume). I wouldn't be surprised if that is down to the additional driver in the 7K2 lower-mid that is released from bass duty and that releases the bass drivers from mid-frequencies. None of which is to say that the 5K2 is anything other than a superb speaker.

The D7K2's are a much better performing speaker than the D7k's (and also outperform the D5K2's)

There are defined reasons why the the D7k's had such a short life span (compared to typical Meridian DSP life spans)

Meridian weren't happy with its overall performance, which led reasonably quickly to it being replaced by its D7K2 successor. Bob Stuart's own comments about the D5K2 performance echo the above points

The long and short of it guys is that I've been lurking around this forum for quite a while now and I'm hoping to be in the position very soon to be able to purchase an entire Meridian system. Was considering DSP5200 (the new speakerlink version) or a used set of DSP7000's (I prefer these to look at physically over the 5200's) up front, hoping to either go DSP in ceiling or DSP 3200's for rears when they come out with a G61 or the like. Maybe even a Meridian sub if required. I know my room isnt big, only approx 4m x 3m so it would probably lend itself more to the smaller 5200's rather than the 7000's but just wanted everyone's opinion on which would be best.

Oh and yes the 7200's are class but well out of my league so cant even consider them !!!!!!

I'm not even sure how all these components are connected so I assume mixing a new speakerlink 3200 for a rear with a 7000 front is not the way to go ? I assume you should keep all the speakers either all speakerlink or all not as such ?

Thx again for all contributions !

You really need to listen to them your self. Everyone is going to prefer different types for different reasons. For me I loved the 5500's over the 5000's and again preferred the 7000's over the 5500's. I much prefer the fuller sound they produce.

Robert

I think in wall/ceiling for rears are your best bet, my room is a similar size and I eventually settled for 2 channel, although I use it for music 90% of the time.

How far from the back wall is your listening position? This may effect your options. I'm sure it can be done though, good luck.

I have the 7000s and I'm very satisfied. Had the 6000s before, and 7000 are definitely better. I depends, I suppose, on what kind of material you listen to. For a rock/electronica enthusiast like me the DSP7000s form a link between horn-bases speakers like Klipsch and JBL (which I considered) and more neutral, British high end (which I usually prefer). A friend of mine borrowed a pair of DSP5200s some time ago. We listened to them extensively, with me going home to compare with my 7000s. We found them quite similar, with the 7000s having a much larger sound. But the signature was the same. My friend could not have a pair of 7000s, as he had a bass problem in his room. The 5200 were just about right in this respect. In my room, though, bass exaggeration is no problem. The 7000s really rock, and the main challenge is not to go too loud...