Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP3200 - Desktop/Nearfield Use?

Hi,

I am curious about the new DSP3200 speakers and the associated AC200 unit. Sure, the price isn't cheap, but I was considering these for an ultimate desktop system. The question would be, for anyone who has them or who has spent time listening to them, how well they work for nearfield listening? I have some flexibility on a large desk to space them about 6 feet apart, but they would still be only a few feet from me (by line of sight). Does anyone have any experience with these speakers for this type of use? Thanks!

Jeff

No experience in that scenario but as they put out a surprising amount of depth you may find that vibration on your desk may be an issue.

Whether you'd get the best from them at such a close range and lower volume would be worth checking too.

Could be an awesome desktop though.

In NYC last week Ken or Ryan said they could indeed be used on bookshelves and used with AC200 there is an antivibration setting. Talk to your dealer.

I would love to have these speakers in my office but I would try to not have them too nearfield, mounted on wall or on shelves.

Is there a more detailed manual for the AC200 available online? I've checked Duncan's site as well as Meridian's and only came across the very brief "User Guide" that doesn't talk about sepcific functions like width and antivibration. I don't have a dealer currently as the one I was using for my Sooloos stuff downsized their operations substantially and dropped several product lines, including this one. Thanks.

Jeff

The DSP3200s can give out a fair amount of heat at higher volumes, but if you are using them at a desk that should be no problem as long as they have space to breathe.

When I first used the 3200s I found that a lot of the detail in tracks can be heard at slightly higher volumes, although the sound is also good quieter. Images on the internet don't give much justice to their size, they are surprisingly large; if I was using them at a desk I would have them on stands either side of the desk rather on the surface of the desk, it would give you more space. They don't have to be too far apart, the AC200 has a DSP stereo widening effect which can increase the width of the stereo image; I found that if the speakers are placed further apart then you have to be further away from them to fully appreciate the music.

The bass of the 3200s isn't as substantial as larger floor standing DSPs, if the speaker is well anchored the tautness of the bass can improve dramatically. However, unless your desk sits on spikes, that's a plus for getting stands.

Of course, they are Meridian DSPs and the sound quality from them trounces virtually every other similarly sized desk speaker. I found that they do justify the cost, and if it suits your circumstances they are the possibly the best smaller speakers you can buy.

Welcome to the forum Tyler, thanks for you views on such a new product.
Chris

Have never heard DSP3100s or DSP3200s but I do have M33s on my desk about 3 feet away from me. I find the configuration a little bass-heavy but have not yet worked out whether this is the speakers, the desk or the fact that one of them is only 6 inches from a corner ... all of which, I am sure, prevents the poor speakers from showing their best.

The other thing I have not yet solved properly is how close the signal and electrical cables are as my desk is pretty cluttered (laptop, printer, M33s, M502, ADSL router, Cambridge DAC Magic, WD NAS, shredder, HomePlug AV adapter). I ought to spend some time sorting it out, which might improve things.

Nonetheless, they sound pretty good.

Duncan

Thanks for all the feedback. I know that stand mounting these speakers would be ideal, but I'm hoping to get a good result from desktop placement. If that didn't work out and I had to go the stand route I could, but this is my first choice. Tyler's mention of the sheer size of the speakers is probably something to note for most desktops, but truth be told I had already been looking at passive speaker options that were even bigger than these, so that doesn't bother me. In fact, given the way that the speakers curve up towards the top, I think they will seem smaller than their maximum dimensions.

I still haven't found the expanded manual for the AC200, so if anyone has a link, please pass it along. Thanks!

Jeff

They would make excellent nearfields on a substantial desk
Blue tack them down or float on Auralex but keep away from wall boundaries.