Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Is my F80 better than my 2 DSP3100's?

I don't know if I am crazy or what, but I think the F80 sounds better than 2 DSP3100's with a subwoofer. Is this possible? Any opinions?

Well, The only thing you lose is Stereo width in the traditional manner.
Choice of material is important here.

A friend has an F80, and typical of him, he found its limits with some Bass heavy Rap (as I remember) played really loud. (above 80ish)
The bass Cliped itself as the laws of phyisics applied themselves. There is only so much you can do and A Sub would have changed things.

This is by no means a complaint or criticism of the F80. IMHO it is a truly remarkable piece of kit, the longer you live with it the more you appreciate it.

Cheers, Chris

If that's really the case, I think I would take a careful look at the DSP3100 setup and make sure that everything is optimally placed and in phase.

Cliff

I have an F80 and is delighted with the sound but I would agree, AD88 has more internal volume and the laws of physics still would have to apply. Going up to two DSP3100 with a subwoofer, there could be no contest in my mind. I have a SW1600 subwoofer and that 12" woofer would just blow the F80 away literally.

What subwoofer are you using? I would be surprised if it was an SW1600. I would also experiment with the phase of the subwoofer, is it really playing in phase with your DSP3100? Can you verify this?

You now what really sounds good if I process sounds to my 568 then to the F80 using the sub with the mix. Not an SW1600, but very nice setup.

It's all down to placement. The F80 can sound magnificent when in the right location and set up correctly.

A good small'un can never be as good as a good big 'un.
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The F80 makes it hard to explain to my wife why I need those big speakers and stands.

I can understand that, but what subwoofer are you using with the 3100?

I am using a REL T1 analog out from the 568. I cannot see spending $4,800 for a 150 watt SW1600.

Okies,
I have an EU version SW1600 for sale at about half that. I can wholeheartedly recommend the SW1600 compared to several highly regarded subs. If you forget about the subwoofer for a second, what happens if you run the DSP3100 as full range and compare with the F80/AD88. Midrange differences?

The DSP3100's seem a little thin, the image is descent but thin. Have you compared the SW1600 with other subs? I think the midrange and vocals may be better on the F80, you loose imaging, but still very close.

How much in US currency are you selling the SW1600 for and will it work in the US with 110 Volt?

The DSP 3100's are probably better, but the fact that anyone could the contest is this close is amazing.
If Meridian wanted to make the end all be all they would make a version F80 with a separate matching speaker. With the economy where it is I am sure there is no such plans.