Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Quick Straw Poll - DSP7000

As a proud owner of the most underrated but over performing speakers in the Meridian range, namely the DSP7000.2, I am interested to discover how many like minded individuals there are within these hallowed halls or HH.

What is a DSP7000.2?

I have a black pair of 7000s in my holiday home that aren’t going anywhere!

I actually loved the look of the 7k. When I had 5500's as mains I did an extensive demo of 7k but just couldn't find enough SQ difference over the 5.5k. I really wanted to justify the swap but just couldn't.

So, I'm not doing the 7k down here, but, maybe adding the 5k5 to the list of underrated models.

I then switched to 8k and found that SQ jump I was looking for.

I have always been very fond of the DSP7000. To me it was the best looking speaker in the lineup with only the 8000 beating it. I have owned a silver pair and two black pairs at one time or another in my Meridian adventure but somehow never seem to just keep a pair. The 7000 was often called a 5500 in a tuxedo as they shared nearly all the same components. I agree with the OP that they are highly underrated and unappreciated.

The 7k.2 references that the original spec was similar to the 5.5 inasmuch as they had 4 x 75W drivers. The .2 upgrade was to 4 x 100W drivers.

TAS: Meridian DSP7000 Digital Loudspeaker Check out spec at the end of the article, released in 2004.

vs

Meridian DSP7000 Datasheet showing the increased wattage.

However, if I'm wrong, I stand corrected.

Hi Ian,

Not wishing to burst any bubbles...

I think this is typical Meridian 'misinformation'!

The DSP7000s share the exact same amplifier electronics as the DSP5500s and the DSP6000s - sometimes these were quoted as being 75watt amplifiers and sometimes, they were quoted as being 100watt amplifiers - it all depended on which document you read! There is a definite physical difference between the Mid/High amplifier board (in the pre-driver stage) and the Bass amplifier board, so that is probably where the confusion originates..

I would go with the bass amplifiers being 100 watts and the Mid / Top being 75 watts - although happy to be corrected if I'm barking up the wrong tree!
Certainly, the output transistors (MJ15003/MJ15004) can handle up to 250 watts (according to the datasheets)

I don't think there different versions of the DSP7000s, the only thing that may have changed over the production run is the mid-range driver (from 8 hole to 6 hole) but in all the many units I've worked on, they all have been absolutely the same.

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks Steve

Ironically, this is an extract from page 34 of the Meridian Loudspeaker Manual:

DSP7000 - Specifications
Digital inputs and outputs
• 2 x cable inputs, 32–96kHz. FIFO locks at 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz ±150ppm.
• PCM using IEC958, or MHR connection support with auto-detection.
• 1 x 24-bit Multi-bit delta-sigma DACs with 128x oversampling.
Signal processing
• 2 x Motorola 56303 running at 80MHz.
• 4 x 24-bit Multi-bit delta-sigma DACs with 128x oversampling.
• Crossover linear-phase ±30º at 200Hz and 2.6kHz.
Output stages
• Power amplifi ers: Complementary bipolar design, with output-stage
error correction and twin loop design.
• Bass: 2 x 75W.
• Mid: 75W.
• Treble: 75W.
Acoustic
• 3 way.
• Ported bass enclosure.
• Isolated mid enclosure.
• Bass drive unit: 2 x 200mm (8") high-effi ciency long-throw custom drivers.
• Mid drive unit: 1 x 160mm (6") custom polypropylene driver using phase plug.
• Treble drive unit: 1 x 25mm (1") Meridian piston in short horn, aluminium dome with silver voice-coil.
Characteristics
• Distortion typically <0.01%, or <0.02% up to full power at all frequencies.
• Noise and hum <-94dBr at all volume settings.
• Acoustic output typically >111dB spl @ 1m.
• Acoustic noise <15dB spl @ 1m.
• Frequency response in room response within 3dB, 28Hz-20kHz.
Control
• 2 x Meridian Comms.
• 9-pin D connector for RS232 PC control, null modem, 9600 baud, 2N1, no handshake.

i'm very lucky and pleased, that I'm about to get a pair of black dsp7000's soon. (from an Austrian Meridian dealer)
With special thanks to another Hitchicker here..

I can't wait to get my M60's upgraded, I think also the 7000's match much beter with the 5500HC.

I have never heard the 5500's/6000's in my life, but since the electronics might be almost the same.
I still think the cabinet is newer/beter of the 7000's, and perhaps also the firmware is better.. ?

I have heard the 7000's once in my life, and they sounded incredible, very dynamic and clear and natural to me.

I’ve only heard 7Ks once, but liked them a great deal.

However, having owned 6ks, they are not the equal of these, imho. The separate head units and side firing drivers, and ‘human dimensions’ play a huge part in the sound of 6Ks and 8Ks.

But for front firing speakers I found them very fine.

For a real step-up, you’d have to look at 7200.2 (which have improvements in DSP such as EBA, etc) or more likely 6K/8K.

I like the looks, as others have said!

This is my experience as well. I found the 7000s to be a much nicer looking version of the 5500s with better bass.

Agree the 6000s are really the crown jewel of the legacy range.

I absolutely love my 7000s. The only reason I would ever sell them is if I got hold of a decent deal on some 8000s and even then I would think twice about it. They are freshly re-lacquered from HQ Lacquer and Steve (swpnt) has freshly recapped the boards. Amazing.