Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat Matching Atmos Speakers for existing Meridian DSP Speakers

Vince, You could not have known this as I have not yet updated my equipment list, but, as I said in my opening remark, I am in the process of doing something similar to the OP. The project is not yet finished but I do have a Marantz immersive processor which does Atmos etc and I do have 4 ceiling speakers disposed as recommended for Atmos and the like. However, the thrust of what I was trying to say is that out and out sound quality is not that crucial for surround speakers, never mind heights. Their purpose is to fill in ambience while one's attention is focussed on the screen and the front speakers. The bandwidth available to surrounds and heights is not very extended, nor does it need to be, and unless you are particularly keen on ignoring the main sound channels and concentrating on the emissions from the ambience channels alone then why worry? It is the overall effect that one can receive that can fool the brain into an experience not otherwise available and the surrounds and the heights do not need to be that brilliant in order to achieve that.

Of course, that observation is not very relevant if one derives pleasure from knowing one has a top notch beautifully matched system. I would just advise the OP to think carefully about the end result being sought (beauty is in the eye of the beholder). All I can say is that I bought my 3300s because it seemed the right thing given my front speakers. I do like the look of them. Sonically, though, in my view I have wasted my money. I could and should have continued with my Mission 77DS surrounds and their Rotel power amp. I decided that would be even more true for heights, given the duty they fulfill, which is why I have gone for good but modest ceiling speakers, passive through a 4 channel amp. Nick