Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP33 vs DSP3100

I have a pair of DSP33s in my study (my second listening room) and had considered swapping these out for a pair of DSP3100s. The speakers are located in a crowded bookshelf and have little room to 'breathe'. That is unlikely to change.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this change would make a worthwhile upgrade, or any information in general on the difference between these two models?

One alternative would be to look at a pair of DSP3200s, though the non-cubic design wouldn't work as well in my bookcase.

Would this (3200) option represent a significant improvement in SQ over the 3100s (and 33s)?

I know this is all a matter of opinion, but any thoughts and experiences people may have would be very helpful.

Many thanks.

Neil

PS The main source will be an 818.

Go on Meridian, your chance to shine...

Martin, please be patient. Don't expect direct forum input from Meridian, at least not yet. Besides, what would you expect them to say?

I'd expect them to say that a new pair of 3200s bought from a Premium Partner is the only way to go....! (and who can blame them?)

But my question wasn�t aimed at Meridian, but at my knowledgeable friends on the Forum, with their huge collective experience.

It is them I am really hoping to hear from

Neil

Neil, I've demoed both 33s and 3100s (and own 33s). I felt that (having heard them in different rooms and situations) there wasn't enough extra (for me) to justify going the 3100 route given the significant difference in price (retail for the 3100s; used prices for the 33s).

I can't comment on 3200s vs. 3100s, the former which I've never heard and only have SpeakerLink inputs. IIRC though, they are a lot more sensitive than the rest of the older Meridian range.

I have been lucky enough to have owned both DSP33s and DSP3100s.

I can remember several years ago Ed Stonham giving me a long run down of why the 3100s were a major improvement on the 33s. However as I have only ever used them as side and rear effects speakers my real critical listening exposure is relatively limited.

I would mention some practical points given your location description.

Firstly the 3100s weigh considerably more than the 33s and this may well contribute to the performance enhancement but may be an issue for your shelves?!

Secondly they are much larger dimensionally then the 33s and this may be an issue in your environment.

I own 33s and 3100s, and feed both pairs with MS200s. I really can't say that I 've listened critically to the two side-by-side. I'll give it a go (one short flight of stairs) and report back. What sort of music do you prefer?

However the differential between used prices for 33s and 3100s now seems to be a lot closer than when VK was looking, possibly no more than �100 if you look in the right place. Frankly I'd pay the difference just for the additional ease of setting the DSP3100s up, although the 33s are a little more subtle without the glass display.

I'm going to PM you with a suggestion, since it involves "They Who Must Not Be Named"...

Thank you both - very useful.

Particularly your dimensions warning Colin. For some reason I had it in my head that they were equivalent(ish) in size to the 33s.

No issue with the shelving unit taking the weight - it is built in and very strong. And I have some headroom available, but I will clearly have to check if it is enough.

I wonder how 3100s would cope with being 'boxed in' - ie. virtually filling the height of a shelving unit 'alcove' and, potentially, having books stacked against them...!

(I know, I know. I promise it isn't my most critical listening room.....!).



Neil

Thanks dpstjp

Musical preferences? Classical through to prog, and most points between.

(Off topic - anyone else see The Wall at Manchester Arena on Monday? Roger Waters looks amazing for a 70 year old!).

Neil

Fair point.

One other thing: Are the 3100s rear ported? If so, could cause problems in "bookshelf" situations. The 33 are, of course, sealed.

There is a port, I think, but not directly facing backwards. It points upwards in a recess just to the top right of the rear electrics.

Yes, that rear port (or not) could be crucial VK.

Anyone know the score with 3100s?

Neil