Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Sub vs better DSPs for 2Ch?

Guys,

Currently using 5Ks, but really want a speaker upgrade when funds allow to make the most of my 818. Some of you will know I already tried 5200s and didn't get on with them (I found the bass response, in my room at least, to be 'slow' and boomy).

In terms of DSPs above this, the 7200s would be out of my price range, so looking at 2nd hand 6Ks, or 7Ks, I guess?

However, what about adding a sub to the 5Ks - would this give better, but more tailored, bass response, and would it allow the 5Ks midrange to 'breathe' as it's not trying to produce deep bass notes as well?

Bear in mind this is for stereo, not multichannel!

I have no, zero, experience of subs, so any comments or thoughts welcome, just trying to see where I'm heading.

Cheers,

James

Have you tried any room treatment? It may be much cheaper than subs and speakers.
If you still upgrade, you will get the best from your upgrade.
Just thoughts, Chris

Every time I try to put a sub into my 2 channel systems it does not integrate well - the sound never ends up being balanced and the bass seems to be over pronounced- I just tried again yesterday with a 568 and klipschorns - I used some citation 7.4 subs that have le14-1 drivers in them - I tried a bunch of crossover points and the best was at 35 hz, where the klipschorns naturally roll off - the bass was still to much even when I brought the levels low.

If you could stretch to 6K's, I think you would be staggered by the jump in performance. Especially driving them with an 818. It would give you so much more than trying to get a sub integrated with your current setup.

And buying them at current levels, I cant see you losing any money if you do decide to move them on.

Cheers
Greg

If any ever come up - seem to be very rare these days!

OK, so sounds like subs might be a bad way to go for stereo - was worth an ask, especially since I could run to the cost of a decent sub right now, but not a pair of 6Ks until later in the year.

Chris, yes, it's a good thought, and I am currently adding GIK Acoustics panels to my listening room a bit at a time - definitely would make the most out of any upgrade

Cheers,

James

Hi James,

I found the following a good compromise in my situation.
I added 2 x SW1600 to front 5Ks and run in Direct Mode for 2 channel. The first was added and it wasn't until the second was acquired and the 5Ks were set to small that the real improvement was realised.

6Ks would without doubt be the best solution if they pass the partner test and you can find a good 96/24 pair. I personally do not like 7Ks (bass was boomy and slow) when I tried them and you might find the same results as you did with 5200s. However every room is different, and thank god so are listeners.

Room treatment could be an option but it cannot be turned on and off.

I have tried some experiments as others on the forum are currently doing but have not reached a conclusion.

Regards and good luck Hector

Thanks Hector, running a pair sounding better may be to do with phase issues in stereo bass?

6Ks have come up a few times over the years as a suggestion for my personal preferences, so I'd better get saving!

I did hear 7Ks at Rick's when I deemed the 818 and must say I didn't find them like the 5200s, and it was in a pretty small room, although obviously not my own listening space...

Cheers!

To realise the best out of subs and mains, apart from the usual adjustments, you will need some stronger bass control like MRC, DSP etc.

Room treatments are great as they treat the room which DSP doesn't (it only "treats" the room at listening position) so that is where to start as you have.

I would try something like a parametric EQ to fine tune what you got right now and then go bigger if you don't get satisfaction.

Having run DSP5200's off a 568.2mm with a sub, I found it very hard to get the setup right. It wasn't so much the sub, but the DSP5200, which was the case when you had them.


I have now upgraded my 568.2mm to an 861v4, and used MRC, all is good now. It has completely tamed down the boomy bass from the DSP5200.

I'm a happy boy now!

That only confirms something I've suggested before - the need for M to implement 2 Channel MRC, perhaps as a card in the 818?

Definitely add a sub and use a parametric DSP along the way. Crossover will depend on the room and position of the sub within the room, EQ will then sort out any remaining modes. Upgrading to larger DSPs is one solution but its an expensive one if you just want to add extension and without MRC larger DSPs will be tougher to manage.

I can't think of a better solution to getting 20hz or below extension than adding a good subwoofer and parametric EQ.

I'm not sure I can add room correction without throwing away SQ without a major upgrade to an 861v8? The 818 outputs apodised, MHR encrypted, both of which improve SQ, and I don't think 3rd party DRC devices would work in between that and DSPs?