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

Marcus

Whilst I agree that as the DSP8000’s are a more straightforward purchase than speakers, amplifiers interconnects and speaker cables, and in combination with leading edge development added to their desirability I understand Ogri’s view, maybe the lack of clarity and direction will / is affecting sales?

Russ

I did a forklift upgrade on my DSP80000 to DSP8000SE and have not regretted that a single second.

I would say that the DSP8000SE's have the more 'modern' sound and transparency of Meridian. Compared to other passive speakers like Wilson, Magico, MBL and others you will have to account for the electronics to feed and power them. And that electronics can greatly influence the sound.

I have a fantastic dealer in the city who keeps all the High-End brands under one roof, apart from Meridian
The DSP8000 in the past and DSP8000SE current do hold their own and I am happy to own Meridian speakers. I find that the DSP8000SE are transparent and rather instant compared to most passive speakers. Easy to place providing you have the space.

And I also find that the big brands just go with higher and higher price-tags to cater for some uberrich clients and forgetting to provide the fullrange audio experience in the DSP8000SE price category (don't forget you need serious amps and even then it's hard to match the instant power of an active design), DSP8000SE have six 8" woofer in a sealed design plus high quality tweeter and midrange. That is a serious package and the brands in question would charge you an arm and leg to provide you with a such a complete and powerful fullrange design.

All true in my limited experience as a prior 8K SE owner.

I have had 6k's and heard 8ks many times.

I can tell you that the Trinnov/Devialet combo with the Wilsons/Magico/Vivids/whateverhighendspeakers will be a revelation.

HOWEVER the trinnov is the real jewel in all this ... what I would do is use a Trinnov for the 8k's (in the digital domain) before trying passives and a Devialet ... The ST2 model would be ideal

Yes, totally agree, since I integrate my Trinnov Amethyst in the chain, it’s a big step ahead...

I must admit, I've recently picked up a Lyngdorf TDAI2170 which is an all digital amp and has a full room correction system. I wonder if at some point I should try plugging my old DSP33's into it. I could set them to max volume and then adjust the volume of the digital output on the lyngdorf... or just route that digital output through a 568 but then we're on multiple remotes...

Danger Will Robinson, Danger! I tried a Lyngdorf TDAi2200 in bygone years and despite knowing I'd have to be extremely careful with volume settings across both it and the DSP5500s, a moment's lapse in concentration between remotes meant that a full volume white noise calibration signal was sent to the DSPs, which were also on full volume. The deafening hiss lasted for a few seconds before the tweeter output wilted markedly, to terminal effect. That gaffe cost me a new pair of tweeters from M. So I say proceed with caution...

Cheers
George

Heh, I appreciate the note of caution

However, I believe if you get the matching power amp, it can be sent a signal via optical, hence the volume control of the digital signal...

As a matter of interest, when it was working, how did it sound or did this little accident happen before you found out?

Hi David,

I did have it working for a couple of hours pre accident, and didn't like the sound at all... it was very dry and flat, parched almost, with none of the organic fluid sound of the M kit. Now I must confess, I was trying out the room correction so it may be that I had an initial profile curve loaded, I just can't remember.

With the passage of almost 15 years' product development possible for your current Lyngdorf unit though, I'm sure it will sound better! Mine was in the TacT days, pre split of the company, although I believe Peter (?) Lyngdorf was the driving force behind the venture.

Cheers (and apologies for the off-topic interjection)

George

I used to have a TACT 2.2 and have used Lyngdorf room perfect (as well as DIRAC, acourate and many other DSP rc software/hardware).

The Trinnov in in another league altogether especially if you delve into its advanced settings ... and it’s 10x easier to use as well.

David,

if you try the Lyngdorf with your DSP33, you should do the opposide volume control as you posted
otherwise you possible loose resolution.

The volume control in the DSP are digital / analogue hybrid, that is the better solution than a pure digital control.

Well, it's probably the best audio system I've had, but I was only on the bottom ring of M ownership. much of it was rather rich for my tastes

Well, for three times the price I'm sure it is

Well, it was mostly a wonder rather than a plan, if you will. there's only so much time and all... but I'll bear it in mind if I do experiment.