Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems DSP5200SE’s or not?

Having owned both variants of 5200 you mention, I currently have the 5200.2 and I’m very happy with them.

The SE for me really sparkled in the treble.. yes they are better, yes I would love a pair of SE speakers again but I’m not busting a gut to replace the 5200.2. They are a very very capable speaker and being feed from my 210 sound fabulous.

We have a 2 year old and I needed to replace the car to accommodate this hence the SE sale, I was lucky to pick up a pair of 5200.2 at a price I could complete both the car a speakers and have lived very happily with them for the last year.

My understanding is that firmware 3.16 is safe and tested by Meridian to load onto a 5200.2 giving you the MQA rendering in the speakers (hope I have this right?) this is something I need to check for myself as I’m not 100% sure what firmware mine are running as I write this

All Meridian SE speakers are limited to 24/96 as well and Meridian speakers do not accept 192 signals to the best of my knowledge?

As we look to progress up the Meridian tree I would not be in a rush to get rid of my 5200.2 and most likely would actually look to go up to a 7200.2/SE as I feel that would be a bigger upgrade for the money…

The question is can you live with a .2 model.. for me it was a yes and although I’d pick the SE if I had a choice side by side, I think part of that is knowing the SE exists and that peace of mind I had the best option there was in a 5200 cabinet.

Kind regards
David

Having just checked. My 5200.2 are running version 2.63

On a side not can we clarify the ver 3.16 is available for the 5200.2 as this is something I may look to have a dealer upgrade for me as a further tweak to a great sounding speaker. The Meridian website lists 3.16 for SE, no mention of .2 but rj45 is listed as 2.63

This might also be something worth checking if you do decide to go down the .2 route

Many thanks
David

With ‘full fat’ MQA the SE variants can complete the chain to output at 192kHz.

This is the original firmware thread when the SE and .2 speakers were upgraded to render MQA.

To clarify my above comments, re: 5200SE vs 7200.2, I would not include the 5200.2 in that comparison. Factory 5200SE with the clamp rings are the only flavour of 5200 I’ve ever gelled with I’ve owned 5200.2 and they’re the only Meridian speaker I didn’t get on with - I found them a bit “meh/flat”, which doesn’t mean they’re not a great speaker, but the factory 5200SE is a very big step-up, and 7200.2 are massively better, all to my ears, YMMV, etc.

It is available for what Meridian designates as a 5200.2. The SL variant is still at 2.63. The speaker must display "DSP5200.2" when switched on from the back.

With ‘full fat’ MQA the SE variants can complete the chain to output at 192kHz.

I think this relates to the final unfold? And that the .2 are anlso able to do this with the 3.16 version? I understand it upsamples?

As I understand it.. the SE DACs are 24/96?

Please can a dealer confirm if any of this is right. Meridian say on the website the SE speakers are 24/96 and we know they have been prone to getting the website wrong 🙃

Regards
David

My quote from Meridian is from the DSP7200SE product page.

I have the 5200SE and sub combo. I have maxed out its performance and I love it. Furthermore, I wonder how much it really matters as MQA seems to be getting left in the dust. That part is a shame as the MQA format really made my setup shine and deliver, dare I say, musical bliss.

I thought factory 5200SE were superb even with red-book, and hi-res was lovely. I agree MQA was icing on the cake, but it’s not gone yet, just in limbo…

IMHO DSP5200SE are the best speakers I have ever owned.

They are located in my small study, which is approximately 7 feet (2.1m) by 9 feet (2.74m).
The speakers are set in corners (and set as such) on the long side.
Yes it is a small space but it really works for me.

The room is carpeted over a concrete floor.
The walls are studded plasterboard adorned with 7 Chris Rea prints.

For optimum balance from my listening / work desk, the right speaker is +3 on the Meridian scale.
Toe in is approximately 3 degrees.

These are tremendous near field speakers which can give huge listener pleasure in many room configurations.
MQA rendering was the icing on the cake.

I also have a second pair of 5200's upgraded which also sound wonderful, so my advice would be don't ignore this option.
The previous set up options developed by Meridian make these a great value choice.

I hope my experience is of value to future prospective buyers.

My test track is Chris Rea Auberge (2019 Remaster) Kick the milk bottle. MQA 44k.
Repeat, "it works for me"

Hector Gone Fishing

Good grief. I can’t imagine having DSP5200SE’s in a space that’s smaller than my Bathroom. At what volume level do you typically listen at (without the risk of going deaf)? No offence intended.

Still listening to Chris Rea "Auberge", at 70 in my small space, however I am also 'Head Chef and Bottle Washer". A "Soldier of Fortune" comes to mind.
"Just Passing Through"

Hector Still Fishing