Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Speaker position / toe-in tweak - A500s

I have been tweaking my A500 position and toe-in. There's a discernible improvement in the bass. I'd like to improve more without having to do a "Drunkard's Walk" (apt for me, but in this sense means moving them at random in random directions and listening to what happens).

The A500s are now about 30cms away from the rear wall (used to be about 10cm away) and toed-in to the listening position (used to be firing straight). Suggestions for better would be gratefully received. Those that don't get the thumbs-down from the boss will be tested

I have also had some advice from Herbie's about the gliders suggested here on the other post and will be ordering.



Happy listening and thanks in advance.

The biggest improvement to my A500’s was first adding a Meridian 555 to my 551, then VanDenHul Teatrack cables.

Hmmm, now there's a thought. Would have to negotiate for a bigger rack, though As it happens, I was reading the A500's manual just now and it recommends 551 for the tweeter and 555 for the bass (makes sense).

I was reading the manual for location advice and it says:So some more tweakery guidance there then.

Hi Mike

Just another possible thought - Isotek make or made a test CD for system set up.

I found it useful especially when I was running Quad 63’s as a final in room tweak.

It does mean potentially moving the speakers and there was from memory, less of a specific focus on bass, although the disc has some tracks at the end which are felt to be good bass tests.

Enjoy!

Alastair

If your listening position is from where you took the pic it looks pretty good, just a very small adjustment (toe out) on the RH speaker c/w moving RH towards fireplace by say 2cm could be perfect, but I doubt it will make a discernible audio difference, only a visual balance.
Hector

You just cost me money It was one of those weird synchronicity things. After reading your post and the manual, I stuck Meridian 555 into eBay and there was one. Just bought it. (Asked permission for a new rack first, though.)

And thanks to Hector and Alastair for their suggestions also. Next steps:

• order Herbie's Gliders to make position tweak easier
• tweak speaker position as recommended
• order some Kontak cleaner (haven't cleaned the contacts before and this seems to be recommended)
• look for bigger equipment rack
• change bi-wired apeaker connects to bi-amped
• RTFM
• check connect leads needed for 551 <> 555 comms
• consider servicing 555 before installation
• all leading to enjoy the sound
• thank the boss
• oh, and PS, will now have to get the Linn upgraded.
• do all these things one-at-a-time with A/B listening tests (of course I won't - just bung 'em in and convince myself of the major upgrade )

Those recesses behind the speakers are just perfect for a pair of GIK Monster traps... in you chosen colour of course.🤪

Just looked them up. Would like to stay married (we redecorated when we bought the house in 2017 so now is not the time).

Just got told I could buy the 555 so will stick on that for now

Last time I looked, VanDenHul TeaTrack (bi-amp) cables were £38/metre plus professional termination.

I added VanDenHul D103 interconnects between Meridian components, too.

I have bi-wired speaker cables (yes, from 1999 but they cost £100 then! Soniclink Ast 75) so I shall first try to add banana plugs to convert to full bi-amped.

Since I need (due to routing over the fireplace) 8m for the RH, I should keep signal path the same both channels so £38 x 16 plus plugs is perhaps a later step.

Then I remembered about speaker cables and interconnects. Eeek. My existing Soniclink AST75 speaker cables are bi-wired so thought aha! Researched a bit and found the designer, Graham, also designed Black Rhodium. Popped on their site, asked if conversion to bi-amped was possible. Very helpful Roger said yes, just split the amp ends (where the 2 cables are combined in 1 banana plug for each channel) and add spade connectors and job's a good 'un. So I bought a pair of Opus interconnects for good measure. OK I'm sure VdH and others are up in the audiophile firmament so I'm not disagreeing with anyone, just budget conscious

So kudos to them for being helpful (he used to work for Sevenoaks and had sold 500 series stuff back in the day).

I then went searching for audio-quality spade terminal and result! I discovered that Nakamichi made them - for the young amongst you, Nakamichi made the most audiophile cassette deck there was back then and I salivated over one (far outside any reasonable budget). Found a review here if you hadn't heard of the Nakamichi Dragon. $2,500 in 1980s!

So now I can say after 40+ years of wanting one, I've managed to get a Nakamichi upgrade to my system! All logo'ed and everything

Nakamichi loveliness: