Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP8000 vs Wilson Audio or similar speakers

Hi everyone!

Actually I have a pair of DSP8000 (GEN1) but I am just curious to see if any one out there had done a direct comparison against other similar price range speakers eg. Wilson Audio Sasha, Alexia, etc.,,

Just curious how you guys feels about what you guys have heard : )

Have a wonderful weekend guys!

It all depends on your DAC, pre + main Amp and wiring set up you choose for the non active speakers and if that result is to your liking and budget.

DSP8000 consistently sound the same as a whole, and perhaps often easier to set up in a room.

When you go out for listening make sure you listen to 8000SE, that would be a great upgrade for you.

Cheers!

Agreed JaapJan.

Re 911 turbos OP

8000 amps were designed as integral parts of the speakers, and as such perform consistently well in the majority of consumers environments.
To compare with non active analogue speakers is far more difficult as you rightly suggest.

Getting the best combination of all system components for your personal taste, in your listening space, including a credible DAC, is far more difficult and often more expensive than the very flexible M SE solutions available today.

If you have the time and a willing cooperative supplier of High End units (new or previously owned) it is IMHO possible to achieve an excellent result, however it is vital to audition considered equipment in your own listening space.

Hector

I’ve had both but only Wilson System 8s (although i’ve heard others).

I’d say Meridian have a “house sound” as do Wilson’s to some extent. Both are fabulous.

Having built in amps and DACs can be a blessing or a curse. Built in doesn’t allow much scratch itching, you can’t keep up with the fast developing digital Hi-Fi, just look what’s happened the last few years (or more like what’s not happened!). So you can get left behind. Left behind with a fabulous Hi-Fi doesn’t suck... You can even end up listening to more music...

Personally I like a new toy every now and again.

I had the 8000/SE as my main speakers for over 10 years and have just now moved to Wilson Alexia + Dan. The 8000s are still around.

I find the Wilson's have a clearly different house sound, which to me sound very forward (i.e. midrange and vocals relatively emphasised). It has given me a new take on hundreds of tracks that I have grown used to listening over the years in the Meridian sound.

It is entirely one's taste I guess. I knew what I was getting into and am pleased.

Dear Shankar!

It’s great to know that you are in the same direction of what I am trying to head into as well! I actually have a pair of JBL DD66000 with loves my setup, but I really love the design and sound of the DSP8000 and
have used it as my second system.

I recently wanted to see if it’s a wise idea to change out the DSP8000 system into Alexia + Trinnov + Devialet 250 Pro, but just wondering if its a drastic upgrade compared to the DSP8000.

I really want to know that if by going to a standard "HI-END" setup, with all the DAC/AMP "OptImized" will it give it a clear edge over the DSP8000, but again DSP8000 is really nice sounding but I actually realized it sounds much better paring up with its Meridian processor or CDP as source ,,,,

Just want to see if you can give me more details on your finding Appreciate it buddy !

And thank you everyone for pitching in ! ,,, I see a few comment about the " House Sounds ",,, but lets say we take that away , but just compare its " Sound Quality" + " Sound Stage" + Holgraphic performance ,,,
do you guys think DSP8000 still is able to hold its place against the more " HI-END" built ?

Switching to PM

Hi 911,

You may wish to consider Magico speaker products as an alternative to the Wilson products you mention in your earlier posts.

Magico have never failed to impress me, especially with regard to perfectly defined well controlled bass response and superb definition in mid and high frequencies. Some may argue that they are a little clinical but to me the overall effect is a very easy "House Sound" that is not an audibly tiring experience, just overall wonderful detail in spades. A bridge, pardon the intended pun, I would like to cross if funds were available.

Hector

The 218 vs. Sonos discussion has been split out to it’s own new topic.

Personally no, there’s too much progress being made and Meridian are not equipped to incorporate newer developments into their DAC/speakers because of their design/ business model.

8ks in a second system... nuff said.

Fun journey though eh? Music can still bring tears played on a mono radio though...

I'm no expert but I suspect that answers to questions of this nature need to come with several caveats. My understanding is that Magicos, Wislons, Sonus-Fabers etc might be able to out-perform some 8ks, but there are so many variables; the room / DAC / pre-amp / power amp, cabling....

I suspect that many 8ks will out-perform many (eg) Wilsons as the 8ks are 'very good' out of the box whereas Wilsons kind of need the planets aligned to really sing.

Or something like that.