Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems speakers

Thanks to George Mills for the clarification. And apologies for starting a new thread I wasn't sure how this forum worked at first but thanks for the correction. Just please confirm one thing. If I buy the m3100's I will only use my pre amp & the power amp would be redundant & is the link to the speakers a comms link? Also if I wanted the DSP31oo's how would they link to my 606/602 CD DAC combo. Advice would be much appreciated .Many thanks

If you want DSP3100's you need a Digital PreAmp

565,561,568,G68,G91,861,G61

I'm not that familiar with the Active speaker line but I believe Your Meridian Analog Preamp would connect directly to M3100 (COMMs and Low Level Outputs). Both Active and DSP speakers have the amps in the speakers. Meridian also has a few Passive speakers which you would use your amp.

See this Video Clip though.

http://217.64.54.14/streaming/interviews/2006/bob_stuart_speakers/512.wmv

George and all: Reading this thread, I'm getting confused and I'm concerned at the message we're giving to Alzigorilla.

If Alzigorilla considers DSP3100's, why would he need a digital preamp for a stereo pair? Assuming CD/DVD front end, he'd connect via SPDIF into the master speaker, I think. That's how my first pair of DSP5000's were set up.

Alzigorilla, if you're looking at WB Arcs and B&W 805's, the Meridian option is a complete change for you. Despite the sheer elegance and engineering pragmatism of Bob Stuart's message, if you don't like the sound of M's speakers, they won't be any good for you. If you do like them, you can sell your exisiting preamp and amp and plug your digital player straight into one of the 3100's with Meridian Comms managing the connection to the other.

As George says, M make some active, analogue, speakers where you would use your preamp but not your amp. I think these are all older designs (I'm unfamiliar with the M3100 and the info on M's site points to other speakers, so I can't look it up). I'd urge you to be really careful about buying second hand if you have any doubt about the sound characteristics you are buying.

That's my understanding - I'd really recommend you spend a few hours reading all the data sheets and white papers you can find on M's site, then use Cliff's advice and let your ears decide.

Hope I've got this right and it's helpful.

Steve

Steve is correct.

For a stereo pair, a source with a PCM output via SPDIF is all that's needed.

Cheers,

You have a valid point in that I forgot he is only 2 channel. My point was to point out there is a huge difference between M3100 and DSP3100. I would still recommend (although not required) a Digital Preamp for any DSP speaker setup. I agree it's strange you can't find much info on M3100's, I think SpinalTap was quoting new M3100's which are probably cheaper than DSP3100's so he can trial these at a dealer. I think it was a reasonable suggestion given his setup. Using DSP3100's as you caught would toss 3/4's of the equipment he has. Aren't DSP's awesome :-).

So *some* of his choices are:

602(Digital Out)->DSP3100 2 Channel only, 2 Digital Sources Only
602(Digital Out)->Dig Preamp->DSP3100 Can add Analog or Digital Sources and more speakers.
602->606->501->M3100 (Not sure 501 is required here)
602->606->501->555->Passive Speakers

Hi George,
Why would you do so? Unless there is a plan for extra channels, or a need for MRC, then DSP's work fine (and maybe a smidgeon better) when fed directly from a player. For a two channel CD only rig a preamp is standard digital preamp is redundent

You can add a Sub (not a bad idea with DSP3100's).
You can add Analog Sources.
You can experiment with more channels (Trifield)
Upsampling.
MRC (99.9% rooms can use MRC).
You can add more Sources than just 2.

Sorry, it's just a knee jerk reaction to me for any audio system. He can certainly add it later. He already has a preamp that handles more than 2 sources and supports analog sources. And he will be losing that. A Digital Preamp replaces that and then some.

Thank you Steve H & George for taking the time to guide me a little more along this labyrinth. I have always advocated extensive listening - only your ears can make the decision. I have decided following your good advice to stick in the analogue domaine and audition the Arc's & the B&W 805's But thank you both once again. Alex

I'd be intersted to hear your opinion as to how the Arcs stack up against the 805s, having not heard the latter myself.

Happy auditioning

Cliff

Alex, like Cliff, I'd be very interested in your reactions to the Arcs and 805's. I listened carefully to models of both about 3 years ago, unfortunately with different dealers and, so, with different rooms and electronics. I don't think the Arcs have changed much but the 805's have been developed a lot since then.

George, I'm not convinced that M3100's are active analogue versions of DSP3100's. Does anyone know for sure what M3100's are?

Regards,
Steve

Hi steve & Cliff will be happy to let you know my conclusions but won't happen 'til mid August

For Steve H & CliffS, I decided to audition the Arc's & 805's yesterday & did so with a lot of carefully selected tracks/CD's & for an extensive time. It was in a large demonstration room & I was left on my own. A Linn amp/pre amp & CD player were used. They are both excellent speakers, sweet top and bright but controlled midrange. Warmth was good & soundstage very filling. But the Arc's ARE THE BETTER speakers. Without sacrificing any midrange the treble was brighter & more resonant without being thin. The demo room was carpeted but walls were uncovered brick so I thing a lounge fully carpeted with curtains/ soft furnishings may result in an even better sound. I will still audition both in my listening room at home but as the characteristics for the demos were exactly the same I can confidently say, to my ears, the Arc's are the better speaker & in my opinion a better buy even at �500 more. But I hasten to add the B&W 805's are still worth their money & I would be happy to take them home. Hope this is helpful Alex