It was with deep sadness that I received news that Meridian co-founder Allen Boothroyd passed away a few weeks ago. He had been ill, but his (non-viral) condition deteriorated unexpectedly and rapidly. Until his downturn, he was still actively working on projects at Meridian.
As well as being simply a really lovely man, full of enthusiasm for Meridian and its customers, Allen was one of the most talented industrial designers that the UK has produced. The likes of the Lecson AC1 pre & AP1 power amps (in MOMA and the V&A), the BBC Micro, and of course the DSP8000 loudspeakers are a fitting legacy.
For those of you who never met him, I think that this 4 minute Meridian video sums him up beautifully:
Meridian is almost certainly going to be involved in a memorial of some sort, but you can appreciate that -- in the current climate -- even planning a funeral is not straightforward, and Meridian wishes to afford the family space at this difficult time.
It's kind of obvious, but without Allen (and Bob), we simply wouldn't have the community here that we love and cherish. He will be missed!
Stay safe, Joel
Roon Developer and ex-moderator of this Forum I am #25 in the HH1 photo of fame.
This is really sad news. Many of his designs are simply beautiful as well as functional. I have long lusted over the Lecson AC1 - even though I have no need for it (maybe just to stick on the wall as a work of art).
Truely the end of an era.
Chris
Lounge/Cinema, Trinnov, DSP8000XE, 4x 320.2 in-ceiling, M6 rear, 2x DSW.2 Roon Nucleus+ and 320.2 in-ceiling in many rooms (KEF in-ceiling in bathrooms) Spare: DSP5000, 598, 562v2, 500Mk2, 518, 519, 504, 101B, M3, 861v4, 800 DVD, MS600, MC200
Another audio legend lost. I will raise a toast and cue up some good tunes on the DSP8000's this evening in his honor.
www.cmbintegrations.com One step from the Presidency #1 Trinnov Altitude 32-8-16, 271, 8000XE, 7200SEHC, 7200.2, Seaton F18, JL Fathom F113, Revel w990's, Kef R7, ATI 528 Amp, JVC RS4100K, SI screen. Roon Nucleus+, Eno AG, Eno M link, 218. #2 Mark Levinson No5105, Ayre VX8 and CX8, Vandersteen Treo CT, Preamp varies. #3 Meridian Ellipse
His rendering of the early classic Meridian gear - the 100 series - in its simplicity and elegance is what drew me to the brand as much as the sound quality. It has stood the test of time visually and sonically and my 101/104/105 combination get played every day and admired every time we have visitors. Such a stark contrast to the flight deck style of equipment at the time. A sad day indeed.
Streaming: Roon, NUC, QNAP869 NAS 2ch system: dCS Vivaldi, Audionet Stern, Audionet Heisenberg, Magico Q1 Retro system: 101/104/105, Red Rose Spirit
Very sad to hear this. He was responsible for some wonderful designs.
I remember clearly when I first saw a 101 at the Design Centre in London. I just had to have one and here I am still enjoying Meridian nearly 40 years later.
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