Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems M33 SQ at lower volumes levels

Hello there.

I have hankered after Meridian speakers forever so when a pair of M33 came up I snapped them up. They are in a simple system now connected directly to a DAC which has XLR outputs on.

In many ways I am delighted, the volume these little things can do seems to defy physics and there is plenty of bass. When given a bit of welly they are great.

However I do have a bit of an issue. At lower volumes these things are somewhat dissapointing, the sound becomes muffled/muddled, thick even. The liveliness is gone and I swear they sound distorted.

I have tried it with two dacs at this stage, and these dacs have been in regular use for a long time now, its not them.


I wonder if the tweeters need looking at? Or do the caps inside need replacing?

I would say I paid at the toppy end of their value so don't want to spend a terrifc amount, but wondered if anyone had any advice. Or perhaps its just the way they are?

Cheers

Perhaps it's an idea to ship them over to MrTechGuy ?
And get them inspected, and if needed a repair for example..

Like all speakers of this age, they would probably benefit from a capacitor service. I have done my own pair a couple of years ago and it makes a difference.

Interestingly after a bit of experimentation today I wonder if it's more to do with off axis listening?

They are set up in a relatively small space and I have a rising desk so when in its sitting position the speakers are quite high up, I would say the tweeters are about 2 feet above my head. IN standing they are straight on. IN straight on they seem fine.

I need to find a way to angle them down a bit more to me. Not worked that one out yet, they are very heavy for their size. They are on traditional speaker wall brackets right now which are angled down but I dare not go any further out they are likely to topple.

I note they have these mounting plates on the back, but I cannot find anything sensible on line that would fit these? Thing is they need to come out a bit, they are currently about 20cm from the wall.

Get the correct brackets and you can angle them anyway you choose...

I think you have your answer: off-axis listening is probably responsible for this low volume effect you describe.

I wanted to chime in regarding getting the amp boards recapped- this is great advice. While I haven't yet done M33s, all of the DSPs I have recapped produced a massive improvement in the quality of the sound.

Congrats on your purchase!

Do you have a suggestion on where they can be purchased to fit that plate, I did the search and every result came back with square brackets, these are rectangular on the M33.

I could probably 3D print something to fit a standard VESA otherwise.

Check out these ... WME75-B Power Driver - Back Mount Wall Bracket

Regards,
Carl

Thanks Carl.