MERIDIAN DSP8000 XE DIGITAL ACTIVE LOUDSPEAKER IS THE BRAND’S FLAGSHIP

Meridian Audio is launching its new developments in Digital Active Loudspeakers with the introduction of its new flagship loudspeaker, the Meridian DSP8000 XE.

The Meridian DSP8000 XE is the first Meridian loudspeaker to emerge from the company’s Extreme Engineering Program which commenced more than six years ago.

The flagship Meridian DSP8000 XE Digital Active Loudspeaker

MERIDIAN EXTREME ENGINEERING PROGRAM

The Meridian Extreme Engineering Program was created to re-imagine every element of Meridian’s product platforms, including both software and hardware.

A major advance is a new design concept known as ‘Precision Sonic Transport’ (PST). PST adopts innovative techniques and new processes to ensure that every aspect of the audio signal journey through the loudspeaker maintains maximum sonic fidelity. DSP8000 XE is the first of Meridian’s products to benefit from the enhancements enabled by PST, with further new product developments to be announced.

MERIDIAN DSP8000 XE

The Meridian DSP8000 XE is built on a brand-new audio architecture, using higher specification, more powerful components and new technologies including Atlas Software Core which is an all-new, future-facing audio processing and control platform. Host to Meridian’s most powerful DSP engine to date, Atlas Software Core enables the implementation of new enhancement technologies and features.

MERIDIAN DSP8000 XE R1 ELECTRONICS PLATFORM

R1 Electronics Platform is the essential hardware infrastructure that deploys the Precision Sonic Transport design concept in the DSP8000 XE. It features all-new, highly specified digital and analogue circuitry and sophisticated, signal enhancing developments, including:  Command Board processing centre, Sync-Link  to transport the precision re-clocked digital audio via shielded RJ45 links from the Command Board directly to the new DAC boards, plus  new DACs and Amplifiers hard-wired via extremely short balanced audio connections to minimise any signal interference.

NEXT GENERATION DRIVE UNITS

Subsonic Bass Driver: Six all-new 200mm long-throw (24mm excursion) bass drivers in a ‘force balanced’ configuration to give maximum bass extension.

Evo Mid-Range Driver: A 160mm long-throw drive unit, newly developed non-conductive voice coil former and large motor system.

Ultrasonic Tweeter: A 25mm beryllium dome and silver voice-coil featuring a new custom steel waveguide.

The cabinet features modernised aesthetics and re-engineered cabinet to accommodate mechanical performance enhancements with an updated driver clamp-ring system, flush-fitting acoustically transparent metal grilles and mass-loading aluminium base plate.

The Meridian DSP8000 XE Digital Active Loudspeaker with grilles

MERIDIAN DSP8000 XE CONNECTIVITY AND CONTROL

The Meridian DSP8000 XE offers new connectivity and control features. These include easy setup and control via the new Meridian B-Link Bluetooth device, IR, USB, RS232, or with a Meridian Controller product. Each loudspeaker also includes the optional IA21 analogue input module which enables users to connect and control the DSP8000 XE via their preferred third-party analogue pre-amplifier or processor if they wish.

Following a preview of the new product to Meridian’s global distributors and dealers, John Buchanan, Meridian’s CEO commented: “We are thrilled to reveal the first new Meridian loudspeaker to be developed from our Extreme Engineering Program. The DSP8000 XE delivers the full force of Meridian’s experience, expertise, and continuous investment in research and audio technology development.”

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency Response: In-room within 3dB: 18Hz – 40kHz

SPL: 120dB@1m for a single loudspeaker

Amplifiers: Tweeter and Mid-range – each >150W into 4Ω, Class AB, Bass – six bridged pairs, each pair >240W into 4Ω, Class D

Tweeter: 1 x Ultrasonic tweeter, 25mm beryllium dome with custom waveguide

Mid-Range Driver: 1 x Evo mid-range, bespoke 160mm with clear cone

Bass Drivers: 6 x Subsonic bass drivers, 200mm with long-throw, polypropylene cone

MERIDIAN DSP8000 XE PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

Orders for the DSP8000 XE are being taken now, the standard finish is piano black. Select colour options are available. The start of production for the DSP8000 XE is March 2022.

RRP £75,000 (UK) MRSP $125,000 (USA).

HiFi Pig Says: Active loudspeakers are becoming increasingly popular for HiFi in the modern home, these are definitely at the high end of what can currently be achieved. 

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