Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat INFO: Storm ISP Evo Digital Processor

Due Q1 2023, the Storm ISP Evo is a fully digital AVP (no analogue outputs) in either AES/EBU or AES67/Dante variants - with Dirac Live. It offers 20 to 32 channels of digital outputs in the same slim form factor as the Storm ISP Core 16.

What would be required to use this new EVO processor with Meridian DSP speakers? Do you need a 271 box or would it be possible to go EVO ethernet cable out direct to DSP speakers ethernet in?

The RJ45 SpeakerLink input of a DSP speaker is not the same as a Dante or AES67 output of a Storm processor or a JBL SDP processor.
A Storm processor with AES3 output can work with DSP speakers with the appropriate interfaces.

As I stated above, the new Storm can be specified as AES/EBU (or AES67).

I know that as I am a Storm dealer. My post above was to clarify to One2Many that the RJ45 connections on the Storm and a SpeakerLink speaker have completely different intended purposes. Even though both can carry AES digital signals, they are not compatible.

Yes, this is a way to not use a 271 with a Storm processor and DSP speakers, but comms and control of power status and volume have to be addressed separately where with a 271 comms and control are integrated.

I’m hoping the new Storm Evo will be similarly priced as the Lyngdorf MP-60 - so that I can connect the Evo to my 271.

I’m looking forward to Storm and Dirac demonstrating ‘Dirac Spatial’ at CES in January.

Thanks for the clarification CMB. What other active speakers would work with the EVO and would they all require some sort of manufacture specific "appropriate interface" in the chain? Wondering if there is a pure simple processor direct to speakers connection scenario.

The Storm digital out is 8 channels of digital out on an RJ45 connection. There is a breakout box for the RJ45 connection that breaks the RJ45 into four AES XLR. From there,you can use a Neutrik AES to SPDIF converter to input into DSP speakers. The DSP speakers can still be linked with comms for power and volume control, to which the volume would be set to 87 and left at that level.

The UK distributor informs me they anticipate the Storm Evo being available to buy in March for £15k plus VAT.

There are four Evo models. US pricing is shown below:

ISP EVO 19 DIGITAL AES MSRP $17,999
ISP EVO 32 DIGITAL AES MSRP $19,999
ISP EVO 19 DIGITAL AoIP MSRP $19,999
ISP EVO 32 DIGITAL AoIP MSRP $21,999

At face value, the Lyngdorf MP-60 with added AES/EBU looks to be the safer option - given that the UK distributor can’t point to any regional retailer. It would appear that installers are the conduit for Storm Audio.