Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP5200 or more B&W?

Any advice on the following:

I current have G91, G57 and B&W Nautilus 804 (1 pair). Want to finally add the remaining channels for 5.1. Music weighted higher than movies.

Option A - New B&W 803D for front, B&W HTM- 2D for centers, move existing B&W N804 to rear. Another G57 for the fronts, and a G56 in bridge mode for the center. B&W ASW855 subwoofer. G68ADV processor.

Option B - Sell/trade in the N804s and G57. Buy Meridian DSP5200 x 2 /5200C for fronts and centers and DSP5000 for rears.
Not sure on subwoofer. G68D processor.

Looking for more bass than my current N804s for the front, otherwise I am pretty happy with the G91/N804 sound as a stereo music system.

I have yet to hear either the new B&Ws or the DSP5200/5000. The simplicity of the DSP speakers appeals but for anyone who has heard either speaker - what about the sound?

many thanks
Sanjay

I'm still awaiting my DSP5200 speakers but will report back my findings of difference between them and my DSP5000's..

They look so good and I really enjoy the performance from my 3xDSP5000 so I figured that alone had me ordering them unheard.

Although Meridian states that DSP5200 is clearly ahead of DSP5000 and that the main thing is the speakers performance and not the looks. I will see if this is really the case, stay tuned...

Hi Sanjay,

If it were my money i would go with option A but add a G55 and bridge it so you have 300w for L/R duties and still get the G56 Which will offer 300watts Bridged aswell for the centre channel then you would have 300w for the front 3 channels and then use the G57 to power the 2 rears.

Cheers
John

Sanjay,

I assume you are aware that you don't need to buy the G68 if you are going down the DSP route. The G91 will run a basic 5.1 system without it which might allow you to upgrade more easily and cost effectively.

I have listened to (and bought) a G91 with a pair of DSP5200s because I thought it sounded superb.

I have my G91 and will be getting my 5200s next week so will be able to post more info then. My ultimate aim will be to gradually move to a surround system, probably with 5200s all round and then buy an 861 once all the speakers are in place.

So, I know the G91 only got DSP capability after the last software upgrade. What presets are available? I know room correction only comes with the G68, but Trifield is important to me for CDs. Will DD5.1, DTS and Trifield work without a G68? What about PL-II ?

Delaying the G68 purchase and then eventually needing the cheaper G68D vs the G68ADV could swing the decision if the DSP5200s turn out to be as good as the B&Ws.

Gee, I would have only one box - the G91 not a whole stack of matching G-series electronics

Sanjay

Sanjay,

Six months ago, I replaced 4 Nautilus 804s and 1 HTM1 (which I owned for 3-1/2 years) with 5 Gallo Acoustics Reference 3 Speakers ( http://www.roundsound.com/ref3.html ). They are better in every way to the Nautilus', which I felt had a compressed, veiled sound (some refer to this as "boxy") on vocals and slow, imprecise bass, as well as smearing in the high frequencies. Mind you, I was not able to hear these shortcomings until I upgraded to the 800v3/861v4 and Edge amps, and much better cabling. But after all of those changes, the boxy sound was clear as day. Note: it is much easier to hear these shortcomings on high quality music recording than high quality Dolby Digital soundtracks, due to the differences between PCM and DD.

I have not heard the new Nautilus series, but I believe the cabinet design is largely unchanged and may still have some of the shortcomings of which I speak.

Damon

Without the G68 you still have access to many of the main DSP modes and surround formats.

The DSP modes available are: PLII, Trifield, Stereo, Discrete and Cinema. DD5.1 and dts are also available.

Thanks - looking forward to hearing more about DSP5200s from any current owners. Any idea on ETA for 5200C?

My 5200s are arriving tomorrow - sorry today (it's 1am). I will let you know what I think once I've had some time to listen.

On another note don't know if you've all seen this: http://media.Meridian-audio.com/imagebank/products/loudspeakers/DSP5200-wood/DSP5200HC-rgb.jpg

So much for staying stereo only - that speaker looks the business.

I'll have my 5200s next week. I heard them demoed and they are outstanding, phenomenal bass. Am moving my 5000s to the rear and selling my M33s in case anyone is interested.

Not tempted to use them as sides?

Well I got my 5200s yesterday and all I can say is WOW! They will take a little getting used to as they are _very_ different from what I am used to.

I'm just not used to that incredible bass extension and revealing sound.

The missus "couldn't tell any difference" as expected. ;-)