jburkart:

Meridian's "booth" was actually a large display area (perhaps 40' x 60') where they had almost all of their components on display, including one each of the D8Ks in the various colors, and within that space was a smaller (perhaps 20' x 30' with a 12' ceiling) totally enclosed "listening room" comprised of panels covered in black fabric. The room was very nearly soundproof. I think there were thirty seats (director's chairs with the Meridian logo on the fabric back - I gotta have one!) arranged in five rows of six or thereabouts. There were three D8Ks across the front, two 5K5s on the sides, two D8Ks in the rear corners, and two D33s slightly foward and to the side of the front D8Ks suspended about 10' up. The Runco projector was overhead and all of the equipment was in the rear. With everyone in the room it was a tight fit. In other words, it was no place to do critical listening, so you could only really form a general opinion of how things sounded. It was a much better venue to listen to what surround sound had to offer both in terms of music (in particular 7.1 vs 2+2+2) and home theater. They did not demo simply two D8Ks. All that being said, the sound was impressive. The Jackie Chan clip was particularing awe inspiring. You were so drawn into the movie (it was the scene where he fought the Indians in and around the river) you really weren't focusing on the details of the sound. You just knew 1) it was spectaular, 2) this is what home theater is all about, and 3) I got to buy some lottery ticket when I get back because I have to have this. My guess is that the audio video setup cost probably $250,000.


[This message has been edited by Frank (edited 09-11-2001).]

561, DSP5500s, DSP5000C, analog sides and rears