The Meridian Papers - 1

Meridian Loudspeakers: The DSP Path

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DSP8000 – the inside story

The rigid enclosure, laminated from Russian Birch plywood and aluminium alloy, has six coats of hand-finished piano lacquer. The six horizontally-opposed bass drive units neutralise cabinet resonance. The rear-mounted sealed DSP crossover and eight power amplifiers are mounted on a precision machined heat sink.

To give an example from

Meridian’s product line, the

DSP6000 includes four channels of 70W

amplification.This is equiva- lent to about 1kW driving a

conventional passive system.

It is evident from these comparisons that an active system can produce sur- prisingly high levels from a significantly smaller amplification system. There are significant improvements in efficiency that can be realised with an active sys- tem, even if it is more difficult to design

–or rather, we could say that it is possi- ble to implement a more sophisticated design, with many additional features, to deliver these and other benefits.

Bass Extension

There is more to an active loudspeaker than simply improving the efficiency and overall performance of the system. An active approach can deliver benefits that are simply impossible for a passive sys- tem to realise. We can’t change the laws of physics, but we can use them to our advantage.

There is a known relationship between the low –3dB cutoff frequency (f), the physical volume of the enclosure (V) and the efficiency (e). It is:

e = V/f3 x K

where K is a constant relating to the system’s design. In a nutshell, this means that the cost of a smaller cabinet is either less bass or lower efficiency. The ability to consider an active loud- speaker as a total system – an active crossover with filtering, amplifier, power supply, driver and enclosure – allows the overall response and performance of the system to be modified, essentially alter- ing that constant, K, in the equation above.

For example, the original Meridian “Interactive Bass” system used auxiliary filtering, and the particular alignment provides a sixth-order rolloff plus an additional octave of bass compared to a passive speaker of the same volume and efficiency (see Fig. 4). Putting this more impressively, a passive speaker with equivalent bass response would need to have eight times the volume, or twice the linear dimensions.

In addition, this alignment minimises cone movement of the bass driver for a given output – indeed, cone deflection for a ported system such as the DSP7000, 5000 or 5500 is one third as much as using the same drivers in a pas- sive sealed box with equal broad-band excitation.

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Meridian Audio Speaker manual Bass Extension, Conventional passive system
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Speaker specifications

Meridian Audio is a prestigious name in the world of high-fidelity audio systems, renowned for its innovation and commitment to delivering a superior listening experience. At the heart of Meridian's offerings are their high-performance speakers, crafted to provide remarkable clarity, precision, and an immersive soundstage.

One of the key features of Meridian speakers is their proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. This advanced technology enables the speakers to deliver a more accurate representation of the sound source, ensuring that every nuance of the music can be heard. DSP allows for real-time adjustments to the sound based on the listening environment, optimizing performance regardless of the room characteristics.

Another standout characteristic of Meridian speakers is their exceptional bass response. The implementation of high-excursion drivers and specially designed enclosures allows Meridian speakers to reproduce deep and powerful bass without sacrificing clarity in the mid and high frequencies. This capability creates a balanced sound profile that can handle a variety of genres, from classical to electronic.

Meridian is also known for its active speaker designs, which integrate amplifiers directly into the speaker cabinets. This design minimizes signal loss and maximizes the efficiency of power delivery to the drivers, ensuring a dynamic and immediate response to the audio signal. Active designs also eliminate the need for external amplifiers and complicated wiring, simplifying setup and enhancing the overall user experience.

Additionally, Meridian speakers often feature unique technologies such as High-Resolution Audio playback and Meridian's proprietary Riva algorithm for enhanced sound staging. These technologies allow the speakers to support a wide range of audio formats, ensuring compatibility with modern high-res music files and providing a more involved listening experience.

Connectivity is another hallmark of Meridian Audio. Their speakers often include multiple input options, including digital and analog inputs, allowing for seamless integration into existing home audio setups or standalone operation. Many models also support wireless streaming protocols, providing convenience and flexibility for users who prefer to play music directly from their devices.

In summary, Meridian Audio speakers are a blend of cutting-edge technology, superior craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to audio excellence. With features like DSP technology, exceptional bass response, active designs, and versatile connectivity options, these speakers are designed to deliver a truly breathtaking audio experience for discerning listeners. Whether used in a dedicated home theater or a casual listening environment, Meridian speakers stand out as a hallmark of quality and innovation in the audio world.
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