Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP5000 inconsistent sound / treble

Hello I would be grateful if any members could share any insights into an issue I’m experiencing with a pair of DSP5000 24/96 speakers that I’ve recently acquired.

When I power up the speakers from cold and start playing music they sound fantastic with well controlled bass, open mids and nice sparkly treble.

However, if I have them on for a while and go back to listen again, the treble seems to have lost its sparkle and clarity almost as if a veil has been placed over the speakers. They still sound good but there definitely seems to be a change in the sound - where they sometimes (I think when cold) sound great and other times more muffled. This is using the same source - either CD or Sonos via a 568.2mm processor, and still happens if I plug the source directly into the 5000.

I’ve wondered if it could be due to capacitors being old and performing more poorly when warm, but as I understand it each speaker takes the same digital signal and decodes either left or right channel using build in DACs.

The sound from both speakers seems to change - which would suggest both speakers have identical faults, which seems unlikely. Any advice would be appreciated - when I first power the speakers up they sound amazing, but much less so when I come to listen again later. I’m certain I’m not imagining it - odd as it all sounds.

Thanks

As both speakers are the same age it is possible the capacitors in both will need changing. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive place to start, especially if you are handy with a soldering iron.

Drop me a PM if you would like more information.

Thank you for your reply - do you think old capacitors could cause the symptoms I’ve described? I’m puzzled that both speakers behave in the same way, despite essentially being self contained, stand alone units. I’ve questioned if I’m imagining it but I’m not - if I switch back to my studio monitors the sound from them doesnt change. It’s as if the complicated DSP changes or something after use.

By the way I would be interested in learning what is involved with replacing the capacitors and also I’ve read that the 24/96 DSP5000 have a couple of resistors that run hot and need to be replaced - ideally before they fail. Thanks again

I would certainly get the speakers serviced - it is a common issue for DSPs of this age to need replacement capacitors and load resistors. As the speakers get warm, the component values change, affecting the sound.

If you're not handy with a soldering iron, then there are a number of fellow HH's that offer re-capping services.

Feel free to drop either Tarik or me a PM - it is just a case of removing the back panels and sending them off...

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks for the replies I think I’ll probably arrange for them to have a service. Has anyone put together a list of components that need to be changed? Alternatively what would it cost to have the service carried out by someone on here? Thanks again for all the help

Have a look here:

Recapping 5000s 230128

and here:

Recapping 5000s- second thread 286543

Also here:

5000s refurbishing 252654

Lastly, the DSP5000 Maintenance on the Wiki is useful:

DSP5000 Maintenance

Best to contact folks by PM for service rates. Recapping DSPs makes a big difference, parts are mentioned in the first two links.

Good luck!
John

My 5ks sounded good initially when I bought them several years ago but I became more aware that the right speaker was outputting less treble energy than the left, causing odd imaging. Muffling as you say. A replacement set of tweeters sorted that out, I went for a pair.

Last year I took the view of recapping the boards (care of Steve SWPNT above) and that was worthwhile as, although still sounding fine, once the panels were removed there were clear signs of carbon on the boards and dodgy looking resistors!

Mine were made in 1996. It’s my personal view that any active from 15 years old on quite likely will need some level of TLC to keep it ticking over, close to original spec and giving piece of mind.

I just managed to find a replacement SEAS 25 TAFC/GW-BS H539 – 6 Ohm (Silver Dome) for my DSP5000's from the UK, I'm in Canada took about 3 months to find one