New 36in tall DSP loudspeaker echoes lines and technology of flagship products
Huntingdon, UK, November 2004–Internationally-acclaimed Meridian Audio Ltd, based in Huntingdon, near Cambridge, England, is pleased to announce the forthcoming introduction of the DSP5200, the latest addition to its expanding line of unique DSP-based loudspeakers for the highest quality hi-fi and home theater systems.
The DSP5200 takes the elegant appearance and advanced design of Meridian’s flagship DSP8000 and popular DSP7000 and delivers it in a compact package just 36 inches tall. Indeed, many of the features that make the 5200 a truly impressive smaller loudspeaker derive from the larger systems in the line. Ideal for more spacious as well as smaller rooms, these loudspeakers will do justice to any system, in almost any environment.
The self-contained system combines a 2 1/2-way crossover design, three custom drivers, three amplifiers, two multi-bit delta-sigma digital converters, digital crossovers and computers to deliver an impressive, powerful and accurate sound with full remote control over bass, treble tilt, time-correct balance, absolute phase, tweeter axis and input. The latest technology gives the DSP5200 uncompromised, precise detail with pinpoint imaging and dimensionality in both stereo and surround. Advanced signal processing packs dynamics and bass into a size that defies imagination, while DSP controls allow correction of the frequency response for a variety of locations.
An enhanced basket design with sturdy clamp rings delivers the very best performance from the drivers, which are chosen specifically for their sound. The stylish, curved and tapered cabinet both increases stiffness and improves HF dispersion for a more natural top end.
Cabinet construction is of 19mm thick multi-layer materials, with proprietary heavy poured resin, and is inherently stiff with superior geometry and damping. The dual bass drivers use 160mm long-throw composite designs and the cabinet vents through an extremely effective dual rear port. This configuration, along with active operation and DSP correction, delivers a combination of smooth, powerful bass and very low mid-range coloration. The tweeter is a 25mm aluminum-dome, silver-wire design.
Each speaker incorporates an electronics panel in the rear part of the cabinet. The speaker accepts digital signals and has two inputs, placed at the base of the cabinet for maximum neatness and ease of installation. The electronic design of the DSP5200 is entirely new, and takes advantage of the latest advances in component design as well as techniques and approaches employed on the DSP8000.
The latest miniaturized surface-mount components add control and improve linearity, while the advanced high-value capacitors allow the power supply and its low-field true-toroidal transformer to be placed closer to power amplifiers, offering lower inductance and improved power performance.
The input receiver uses a FIFO (First In First Out) memory buffer for the lowest possible jitter from almost any source. At the heart of the 5200 is a new DSP system based around a 150MIPS processor, running brand new software. A built-in circuit monitoring system handles both thermal and bass protection, without compromising either sound or protection capability.
High resolution double-precision processing and upsampling, coupled with the latest 192kHz, 24-bit DACs, ensure the digital signal path is second to none. The three 75W amplifiers themselves are again based on those in the DSP8000, with the latest errorcorrecting auto-biasing technology, which runs the amplifiers with maximum linearity and minimum coloration, even at high levels.
The result of all this intensive research and careful, painstaking design is a digital loudspeaker system that out-performs anything of its size, while its visual design and elegance remain second-to-none.
Meridian products are carefully designed inside and out and the DSP5200 — available in a choice of black or silver high gloss lacquer, satin Santos rosewood, natural satin maple and black ash finishes — looks as good as it sounds.
The DSP5200 is expected to begin shipping in December 2004.
Recommended retail price is $10,995
