Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP speakers? Worth it?

In response to RobHunt: I completely agree with you about speaker subjectivity.

Ten years ago, when I purchased my 'analogue' Meridian 500 series system, I spent several months auditioning many manufacturers' loudspeakers to partner my 551/555/504/506 system.

I dismissed the standard black-ash finish Meridian A500's at the start of my auditioning - they didn't provide the sound that I was looking for (I auditioned all such speakers at home).

Strangely, I finally ended-up buying the cherry-wood finished Meridian A500's because they sounded subjectively far better than anything else that I had heard -and much, much better than the standard finish A500's.

My elder brother, with a similar Meridian system, subsequently bought black-ash Meridian A500's - and they still don't sound as good as my A500's!

BTW, I also auditioned many speaker cables -as I was able to audition at home from an understanding dealer. I choose VanDenHul TeaTrack cables (and VDH D102 interconnects).

Now to the point, I've also borrowed a Meridian 518 (with a 566 DAC) to integrate into my system - Meridian tell me that the 518 is incorporated in all Meridian DSP Loudspeakers. The difference in sound just blew me away (by being able to match word-length and alter the dither characteristics)!

Take Elgar's 'Coronation March', for example: in that piece is a note from a 32' church organ pipe. It's so low that you can't hear that note via my 506 or my brother's 508 at all. On my system, through the 518, the bass and vibration from that 32' pipe fills and envelopes the room. It's astonishing!

So, with that experience, I'm not just persuaded by technical arguements in a Meridian paper. I'm completely sold on DSP Loundspeakers - when I can afford it, that is.

[This message has been edited by spinaltap (edited 11-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by spinaltap (edited 11-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by spinaltap (edited 11-21-2003).]