That's one way to do the sums for sure. However, I can't help feel that HQ are damned if they do and damned if they don't in your paradigm.
Do nothing with DSP's even if they develop new techniques...damned
Develop new stuff but keep it for 3 more years to avoid the "too soon since the last upgrade" issue...damned
Develop new stuff and no upgrades...damned
Develop new stuff and offer upgrades...damned it seems.
Given that this upgrade is a whole new panel and tweeter I would suggest this is something most would have said would never happen.
Recall the discussions about getting a SL upgrade. M said it was not economical so wouldn't offer it.
Now, packaged with some revolutionary steps in DSP, code and other bits, it does become feasible...but it is not cheap.
For the 100/200 series 5200 owners - their 5200 don't suddenly sound worse today and there is no obligation to upgrade. If they are not to be changed then the perceived devaluation is not realized.
If a user does not prefer the sound of the SE and chooses not to upgrade then there is no issue.
If a user does want to upgrade then there is a price. If that upgrade were to be significantly less then I am sure that HQ would be damned yet again.
For example - if the SE upgrade is �2000 not �4700 you would suggest that a back panel is �1000 per DSP with the rest going into the cabinet. Obviously that is not realistic.
It's horses for courses obviously. As older DSP start to recycle then I would expect there to be many happy new owners enjoying some great kit. Same as we have seen with v4/v6/v6/ID40/41 evolution.
For me it looks like the upgrade route with M has never been better.
It does, to some extent, preserve the second-hand values of existing kit. I think this should be applauded.
I can't really agree with you there, as soon a replacement arrives, old values decline (surely?). I wonder how owners of 100/200 5200s feel about that.
If the upgrades were reasonable, you could argue it would preserve values but the SEs are sufficiently distant in monetary terms to nullify that. The upgrade of �4750 is the cost of 3 mint SpeakerLink 5200s, would you spend �3500 on an old pair plus �4750 giving �8250 for an old pair of 5200SEs vs �10 less discount for the real thing?
I know it's not about the money and you expect depreciation in top end hi-fi but it does get wearing sometimes.
I think Meridian should be applauded for offering upgrade paths.
This is so much better than having to sell existing kit and buy new stuff: save the planet etc.
And it also makes things easier on the customer, if they choose that route. If you fancy an upgrade, you have an extra choice. And it is not as expensive as buying a new pair of 8ks!
Yet, as others have noted, the upgrades give you almost a new speaker and a guarantee. You would be getting a new tweeter, new DACS, new amps and probably more besides; as well as the ability to run new firmware for EBA etc.
Meridian could have brought out a complete new range of speakers: the resale value of existing 5k2/7k2/8ks would have diminished as all the excitement would be elsewhere.
When M announced the SE's did they not say they were in addition to the DSP range and not replacements? Assuming I didn't dream this, that makes the 5200 et all current products and so should not impact resale values.
As an owner of Non-SL DSP8000's and the dreaded 7000s (which I bought used because they were so reasonably priced) I applaud M for providing upgrades. I probably won't upgrade my DSP8000s due to economics, but I appreciate that the upgrade is available. Neither my automobiles, televisions, watches, nor any other expensive devices I own have ever offered such an upgrade path. Congratulations, Meridian. You continue to set yourself apart.
Main system: Cable, Apple TV, HD621, G68D, AC11, 218, DSP7200SE (L+R), DSP3200 (L+R Rear) 2nd system: Cable, Apple TV, MC200, HD621, 568.2, M3100 (L+R)
I completely agree with you all. I am leaning toward upgrading my 8000s. I have the dreaded 7000s as well! I didn't realize they were so dreaded. LOL.
PS- just my own experience here- but while Meridian is hardly inexpensive, they have always backed up their products with me. Take your pick of other products- when they come out with the new model upgrade pricing isn't usually included. It's something that I really appreciate. I've been a customer since 1998, and a fan since way before that.
Last edited by JerryL; 2014-03-3106:43.
Best regards, Jerry Main System: 861v6, DSP8000s in corners, DSP7000s Center and Sides, 1-9 humans.
Is it possible to order black anodized clamp rings? Steel looks cool at first but for longer use within a HT for example, they could prove distracting.
I always run with grills off.
DSP8000SE, DSP7200SEHC, DSP5200SE sides, DSP7200SE rears, 861v8, 210, Sim2 Ultranero 4, Stewart Cinecurve 2.35:1, XEIT CM-5E Anamorphic lens, Dune HD Duo Cinema 8K and Wireworld Platinum 48G HDMI -> UHD722 -> Shunyata Omega Ethernet. Shunyata/Furutech power-cables/filters. SR Master Fuse@861v8. Uptone Etherregen with 10MHz OCXO clock.
Is it possible to order black anodized clamp rings? Steel looks cool at first but for longer use within a HT for example, they could prove distracting. I always run with grills off.
Crion
Do you mean for new SE speakers? or are you referring to your existing speakers and having them upgraded, the clamp rings are not available as a part as far as I am aware?
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