Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP8000SE with no or small center in HT system

With 80%+ of the movie soundmix coming from the center the whole HT setup will gain or loose impact depending on how you handle your centre channel sound information.

With the 8000SE's as left and right
1. Get a DSP8000SE vertical center
2. Get a DSP7200SE vertical center
3. Get a DSP7200HCSE horizontal center
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Get a DSP5200SE vertical center
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Get a DSP5200SE horizontal center

Sorry, but been there done that. I did have all manners of center speakers ranging from DSP5000HC, DSP5200HC, DSP7200HC, DSP7200HCSE. Tried working with the SW1600 to integrate a better more potent centerchannel.

The conclusion is and was. Get a DSP7200 class center channel if you have DSP8000(SE) L&R. Preferably a vertical, otherwise horizontal. Also, get an SE center channel if you are serious about HT or Trifield because it is so much clearer and transparent compared to the older center channels.

What most don't understand is that physics matter and when you play 80%+ of your soundmix through a _small_er center speaker your HT will sound small and less potent than what those badass L&R give the visual appearance of. Especially the DSP5200 series horizontal center is NOT the same physical speaker cabinet volume as its vertical counterpart.

Setup: Get the horizontal center speaker off the ground, on a proper stand. Or if on a hifirack with some good footers. I use a set of Finite Elemente Cerabase Compact on my DSP7200HCSE with good results.