Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 8Ks vs Magico Minis (Split From Do you use CD Poll thread)

Chris,

I've heard non-active systems that sound just as good and some dramatically better than the Meridian 8000 system. I think Meridian's approach is one of many that achieve excellent results. But I do think that DSP is not a purist approach. Meridian is doing more than simply D/A, adding their own subjective "improvements". You don't need a full digital active system to know that 2ch done right sound more lifelike than Trifield, Music mode, etc. Questions are begging to be answered about "resolution enhancement" too: Is Meridian adding something to the original data? Are they taking away something? Or are the only revealing more of what was recorded? My hunch is that just as in the same approach that surround sound processing is Meridian's artificial attempt to simulate a recordings original soundfield, resolution enhancement is Meridian's attempt to artificially increase the resolution of a 16bit recording. I wonder this because turning off upsampling sounds more defined to my ears.

Did you hear what bob said about Active speakers sounding the same at all volumes and Passive speakers can sound great at one volume with perhaps some music style or another. Actives have dedicated amps designed fo that particular cone, giving greater control etc.
DSP/active Allows the same sound with any volume and and style of music.
It is not tuned to just play one thing very well. It has to be able to play all things well at any volume.
I urge you to listen to his explanation on the video link posted earlier as he goes into some detail of what is going on with DSP.

Cheers, Chris

I didn't watch the video. I have no need to when my ears tell me that Meridian's approach is just one of many. What you explain above sounds like a great sales pitch from Bob. Speakers need clean power, and more of it depending on volume and type of music. At the end of the day all Bob has really done is consolidated and optimized the signal and amplification path for his speaker. You can do the same with passive speakers.

I urge you to go out and hear some excellent passive systems. Magico in particular bury everything I've heard .

My own humble system is close enough to the 8000s for me, and I prefer the flexibility of choosing my own D/A, amplification, preamplification, cabling, etc. Actives are too limiting for me.

I have no technical ability to refute that claim in any way but does that mean there are multiple amplifiers in each speaker (for each cone)and then what do you do if you ever need to replace a cone?

yes, every DSP speaker has several amplifiers inside. If you need to change a broken cone, then you order a new one through distributor. No difference in this part.

The Active system is a design Phillosophy at Meridian and Fanz, you should watch it as it is of interest so you know where Bob is coming from, even if you dissagree.
It also gets rid of so many problems, Like Cables, Impedance matching etc. A big bonus is reliability as my M30 Mk2's are testiment to.

I like the idea of Meridian Design and build it, Its what they know and do well. I just Plug and play it, after set up.
Result, Happy Punter.
If I am going to faff about changing the design or implementation, what am I paying them for?
Cheers, Chris

You do not have to use a processor with 8000s, and most of what you are complaining about seems to be the result of using a processor. Meridian DSP speakers are amazing and well worth making the effort to find out how they work and what they consist of.

Thanks, but I meant do you order a new amplifier as well to ensure it's matched?

Nope, the Amp is ok and the chances of losing a cone are diminished as the amp is designed to drive it.
The active/DSP speakers also have better crossover designs and more control over cones. eg If its not meant to be moving, It doesnt move; so reduced coloration. The video link is very good at explaining all this. Cheers, Chris

Have you heard a Meridian system with 3 identical front speakers playing Trifield?
If so, what model?

We will not kill you because you have a non-Meridian system :p, so you don't have to fake your system for us..

I think Trifield comes to it's own with 3 identical front speakers. When you put a lesser speaker in the middle it might loose out to Direct mode. Because of powerhandling difference and full range capability. As is the case imho when having DSP8000 and DSP5200HC and driving them harder, on medium volumes it works and you have more clarity in voice etc, but yes the soundstage will be a bit different. In many ways it's easier for the brain to get the soundstage sometimes on Trifield. I don't know why but I have heard it on several recordings.

Until I get a more power handling center I will primarily listen in Direct..

What center are you using? Is it identical to your mains?

Ok thanks. I'm in danger of flogging this to death, but to be more specific let's say a cone gets damaged - a two year old puts a screwdriver through it. Do you then replace the amp as well to maintain a matched pair?

No...you just change the driver and sell the child.