Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems The new Meridian M6 loudspeaker

Sorry Rick, I was being whimsical. But thanks for the clarification.

I remember when the HD621 was released. Same thing. The USD price was significantly above the GBP price at the current exchange rate. Much more than would be justified by transportation costs.

I hope not. I understand they needed an entry level full-range speaker and labeling it M6 instead of DSP and using a very different design are both good ideas, similar to B&W Reference Diamond series and DM (Domestic Monitor) series having integral differentiation. However at a price of $6K plus AC200 the M6 is likely highly viable whereas at $9K + AC200 I really doubt it. Simply too many very good to excellent choices available.

I actually had an opportunity to listen to the new M6 speakers ( and meet Bob Stuart) on the last day of CES. I was lucky in that there was no one else in the room but me and my girlfriend. We listened to several songs (via Sooloos) and I have to say (price aside), they sounded pretty good.

We were able to turn the volume up and they filled the room nicely. The sound was very open, however, it seemed like it was missing just a little (and I mean just a little) on the top end. The bass was also nice and sufficient for the purposes of this system.

In terms of price, It is what it is. When I thought this system and who will probably buy it, it seems like it would be targeted at someone considering B&O or someone wanting a nice two-channel system for a second room. The M6 are loud. Very clear and open.

That said, in my opinion, the 5200s are much better at bass and top end delivery. I would say the midrange on the M6 and 5200s are pretty close.

Overall, the speakers were very nice. I would have no problem recommending them. And keep in mind, these are Meridian products so we will probably never see a full range speaker in the $5k or lower price point.

Nick

I quite like them. Sure, they're pretty expensive but Meridian is an upmarket brand, so don't expect Mini pricing from a Range Rover product.

I seriously doubt that many on here will buy any as they are image orientated rather than performance orientated, but for those who might consider B&O to be the ultimate in desirability, this gives them something else to consider. I bet that for that sector of the market, the sound will be more than good enough.

For the purist, I imagine that a pair of 5200s will show them a clean pair of heels but many buyers aren't purists.
The M80 sold by the lorry load (I think) so this is probably a good commercial decision, even if they don't really appeal to forum members.

The F80 did, perhaps until everyone who wanted one had one; I think there is a reason the M80 is discontinued. Meridian isn't exactly a household name and I'm sure that the prancing horse on the front of the F80 did do a lot for sales, particularly in places like Harrods.

I think that's an erroneous generalisation - I believe most put performance on top of the list. I would seriously consider these as rear channel speakers but I would have to be convinced I was getting value for money relative to the mainstream DSP speaker family

I can't quite agree with that!! Performance top? If so, B&O wouldn't sell any kit at all & there'd be an awful lot more Naim systems with about 50 seperate boxes!
There may be many on here that put performance top, but there will be many others on here that like the neatness of M active speakers compared to the alternatives.
While wanting to avoid a generalisation, I bet there are very few wives who put performance top. As high up as possible within an acceptable enclosure, sure, but top? I just don't believe it.

Completely agree with you.

When you move into the world of 'lifestyle' products it is all about how it looks.

Don't get me wrong, some products out there look the business and are the best performers as well, but if you get the 'look' right then you will find many will compromise on quality, not saying they will buy it if it doesn't do what it is meant to do, but as long as it does 95% of what they want they will let it off.

iPad and iPhone are great examples, loads of other makes do more than both of those, but the apple products look great and feel slick so we let them off and work round their deficiencies.

Take the Range Rover Evoque, won't be the best 4x4 out there by a very long way, but sure it will be at the top of the sales charts within a year or so.
People who buy a Trooper or a Discovery will laugh at Evoque owners, as many Meridian owners probably laugh at B&O owners, but if the owner has got enjoyment out of their product and at half the price who is the one who should feel snug really??



My wife hated the 5200s, I mean really hated them, she thought they looked like something designed by someone who was still in the 1980s, and I have to admit that a few of my friends also raised and eyebrow at the looks too. She always said it was like having R2D2 and his mate round for the night.
I thought they looked really cool and modern, where as all those who didn't know Meridian and who weren't really into 'Hi-Fi' thought they looked a bit tacky and dated.

But that is design, and when we like the product we tend to grow to like its looks, just look on the BMW forums, Merc forums, etc. etc.
Every time the designs start to move on again everyone screams out how awful they are, but then as they try or own them they all start to love the design.

It is the same as how a mother always thinks her baby is beautiful, even kids that look like Shrek on a hangover!!

There will always be people who will take performance over looks, I am sure this sounds wonderful, but would you want it in your front room???





The M6 speakers look pretty good I reckon, not lustfully good, but nice enough to get a few new owners looking at them. Whether they will get the asking price is another matter though.

gIzzE, how in goodness' name did you manage to sneak a camera into my listening room?!

Seriously though, I'm glad my system doesn't need a fire extinguisher in residence!

Cheers

George

George,

That's not a fire extinguisher, it's a bass trap.

Love the bubble wrap, by the way!

I mostly agree but might take issue with the "they are image orientated rather than performance orientated". Nick (NAD1030) above had better listening conditions than I had earlier at CES but my impressions pretty much paralleled his. These are after all an M product.

Regards,
Gary