Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Ultimate Trifield - Settings and Tweaks

Well I've never been a true Trifield believer like some here but, I've made some significant changes that are proving incredible.

First, I put my center d5500 on 3 Shun Mook Mpnigo disks sandwiched between the speaker and 3 Aurios.

Second, I changed (matched) the Axis settings in all 5 speakers.

Third, I spend a better part of a week just playing with Depth and Wide settings. My final settings (so far) are Depth 1.5, Wide 1.2.

WOW!!!

My biggest complaint had been the lack of depth, when I toggled between good old stereo and Trifield depth was reduced to practically zero; to something like a big wall of sound with no perspective. That have changed considerably, but not completely, I still feel there is more instrument separation and depth in stereo but now Trifield offers something I am puzzled to describe - incredible presence and air.

Now I use it in 95% of my listening, with practically all genres of music (before I only used it when listening to small jazz bands and some vocals, but never with symphonic works or operas - again, the lack of depth.

I know this is recurring topic, but how does everybody feels about Trifield? Do you listen to most of your music on this mode?

MJC

i think the boys in huntingdon deserve some sort of international technical achievement prize for Trifield. love it to death.

doody.

Doody,

If only they'd provide more documentation on the parameters/settings....

Cheers,

If you don't tweak Trifield to your setup, you are not really hearing how good it is.

My Trifield now sounds better than my Direct! I love it.

Damon

"If only they'd provide more documentation on the parameters/settings...."

Yeah, I feel the same way. I had to go back to some old manuals for add'l explanation of things like the filters to the back speakers, centre EQ choices, etc. Parameters like these, or any for that matter, deserve more detailed explanation. If we can adjust them, I'm sorta curious about what the designer says they can do.

Another thing, Trifield thru the G68 is better than it was via the 568.2mm. There was a noticeable loss of bass vs. direct via the older model, and the presentation is more focused w/the G. Would like to know exactly what M did.

Trifield is great. With my original Magnepan MG-IIIa, Trifield was a definite plus, which enhanced imaging considerably. But the weak point was the center speaker (MGCC1) that did not have the same dispersion pattern as the mains, plus the fact that was not at the same listening height. Now with the MG-3.6/R, its imaging is much improved, so I don't get as much an improvement with Trifield. But I was able to use one of the MG-IIIa as a center channel, which moved realism to another level compared to using the small center channel. Now I don't have to compromise between making the center channel disappear vs maximum imaging.

well, why don't we start a Trifield Configuration thread and everybody can toss in their explanations and whatnot and i'll volunteer to turn it into an actually useful document once the data is dumped in?

doody.

I'll second that. For one, I feel real improvement came when I matched the axis of all 3 front speakers - I think this is the key to a good Trifield.


MJC

I'm not sure I've heard a correctly set-up Trifield mode in my system(561,G98) but am very curious on getting it right. I use the stereo mode for 2 channel listening and just found out from this forum that direct is closer to the recorded intent. What do you mean when talking about axis of the front three speakers? is this a height thing or a depth adjustment? I have calibrated the distances from seating position to each speaker and they match very well when listening to DD 5.1 acroos the front. My reluctance to use Trifield comes from a loss in imaging, and a overwhelming center channel influence. After reading this thread I figure it must be a set-up issue. Any explanation would be helpful. Thanks DS

Davesaul - I had a problem with the centre dominating. Try fiddling with the depth setting - did it for me (although my settings are far from perfect - if only I knew what all the options meant!)

Also, I believe the 'axis' adjustment is specific to DSP speakers.

DaveS

Chez is spot on. Vary the depth using the remote (fnct l/r/u/d) whilst playing someting preferably with a clear vocal.
Best way to describe is that the centre spkr will almost disappear or "snap into place". It's not gone (switch back to direct to check) but the image should become very balanced. L/R is still there but the centre plays a big part too....and not just a phantom sound.

I do find it a bit more lighter sounding though. This was discussed before here and there were theories that the bass energies were equal between the 3 spkrs as opposed to two. However, I am curious to see at least one view that the G series may be less of an issue with bass reduction in Trifield.

I agree that a specific thread on trifiled settings would be handy to clarify meanings and share experiences.

Rgds

Nick

If the center channel is below the screen, thus below the mains, can the axis be the same for all three? I have axis -1 for mains so the image projects down. Can the center be set to +1 to project up to the screen? How should this be set-up? Thanks.