Gary,
It seems you have a lot of work still ahead. For what it's worth, [IMHO] Meridian products are the best sounding products ever created. That said, if not setup properly, they can sound really bad.
I can't tell you how many times I've been to dealers with Meridian equipment and it sounded horrible. The first time I heard DSP8000, I thought, these things don't sound better than my Definitive Towers. I really couldn't understand what the hype was about. Several years later, I walked into a dealer and heard the DSP5200s and I was completely sold.
What I learned is Meridian products are not easy to setup and most dealers do not take the time to ensure these products are displayed properly. Every time I have been to dealer with DSP8000, they have been snuggled between other speakers with no room to breathe.
Great Meridian dealers take the time to ensure the products sound fantastic. When I heard the DSP5200s, the setup had it's own room and the dealer stated that it took two weeks to setup properly.
Unfortunately, when you hear a poorly setup Meridian system, you automatically go to the next system on the floor.
INMO, if you are considering Meridian, I don't think you will ever be truly happy until you try it. Even if decide not purchase Meridian now, you will more than likely revisit the idea of Meridian a few years down the road. Hi-Fi/Home Theater magazines are so much enjoyable for me now, because I feel there is nothing out there that can compare. I can play my system loud & long without distortion with the undeniably the best clarity ever.
It doesn't seem money is a big issue for you, do yourself a favor and give the DSP5200 a test. A G68/5200 combo is absolutely phenomenal. And if setup properly, I think you will agree.
Good luck.
Nick
PS - It took me six months to get my setup (G68/5200/3100) to sound perfect (for me)
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