Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Meridian Launch New DSP9 Loudspeaker

Design has changed, even the most modern spaces now seem to have gone back to more classic looking furniture, and that includes hifi.

Retro looking amps and speakers being placed in not only more traditional looking homes, but also modern.

Don't get me wrong, when the 7000 first came out it felt so fresh, but while most are moving back to natural materials, you can even see it in the latest high end car interiors, Meridian seem to be stuck in that era, that was over two decades ago and it was great for the first decade, even the second, but do feel they could incorporate some more natural feeling materials again.


I bought and B&O stage for the bedroom to go with an LG 48" C3 Oled, and the warm bronze metal with the natural feeling taupe linen grille cloth just works so well.





I can picture the S9 with a more natural looking grille cloth. It could just tie it into more modern spaces maybe?


Not saying don't offer the style they are offering, just offer maybe ways to soften it a bit.

In recent months, conversing with a retailer, their argument was that while Meridian might believe that their product placement in Landrover’s would motivate such owners to buy Meridian audio systems for their homes, they’re more likely to buy B&O lifestyle audio systems instead (as they’re more aesthetically pleasing).

The DSP 9 is good promotion for B&O.

As far as the domestic appeal of their speakers, I remember the M6s being marketed with colourful, Missoni-style, sock grill covers, with the implication being that the speakers could be dressed to suit their environment. I have since only ever seen them with their factory black grills.

Probably because they never made it past the head of the domicile in the first place.
Kind of funny that folks who like the M6 think that the DSP9 is ugly.

I'd happily have some DSP9s as I quite like the looks but if I was looking to blow £60-65k on some speakers I'm sorry to say I'd probably be flicking through the Sonus Faber offerings as they seem to combine class-leading sonics with world-class design. To these eyes at least.

I never liked the M6 either.

In terms of aesthetics, the easiest to live with that we’ve had were either 5200, or 7200. The 7200 is probably the sweet spot in terms of aesthetics/size/performance in the range, although 5200 with DSW is also excellent.

We also love our (refurbished) 5000s.

Personally, though, I’ve come to the point where if I was ever in a position to, I would just custom install some in-walls and hidden electronics, honestly. I use the system as much, if not more so, for movies these days and love multichannel and projected images. Whichever freestanding speakers you choose, that’s a lot of boxes in a domestic space and in-walls with non-visible electronics are so much more domestically pleasing if you get to a stage where you’re over “showing off” the hi-fi.

At least that’s where I’m currently at with it. Since I’m in a rental for the foreseeable future though, that’s a pipe dream at the moment. Very happy with what we have until that might become a possibility at some point.

good speakers seem to vanish when playing music

Honestly, for the price, these speakers don't look bad at all.

Especially if you close your eyes….

…while also sitting in a pitch-black room.

Tough crowd.

I still think the design will grow on most of us.
As for the reference to Nordic design and IKEA. I can see that happening in the interior of cars but I think Meridian is not there. An updated F80 could be but I don't mind it being a looker. I mean we love the look of the timeless F80 in Ferrari yellow at home.

In this pricerange I don't want another Billy bookcase. But perhaps someone will slap a walnut veener on it to camoflauge it but as soon as the volume goes up, it will still be a Meridian.