Meridian Audio was the company that introduced the concept of using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology inside a loudspeaker. DSP is a technique that uses math algorythms to cut jittering (remove timing variation from incoming digital signals), for crossover, frequency response filtering, equalisation etc.
Their DSP3100 and DSP3100HC (for centre) units are replacing the DSP33. The DSP3100 looks indeed like a bookshelf but it can also be stand-, or wall-mounted, thanks to (very chic designed) aluminium supports or universal wall brackets. The DSP3100HC will stand on your shelf or under the TV: it is magnetically shielded.
The DSP3100 is powered by Motorola’s 56367 150 MHz chip. The Digital/Analogue conversion is handled by dual 24-bit delta-sigma converters.
The left/right speakers come with a 6-in (16 cm) bass drivers, the DSP3100CH with a 5 1/4 –in (12 cm) one, and they are powered by two 74 watt amps, with two DACs in the box to allow for the shortest signal path available. Aboard is also a top quality 1-in (25 mm) Meridian piston treble drive unit. It is RS232 controllable, and there’s an optional remote.
The DSP3100 is made of MDF and aluminium side-panels that increase rigidity. Meridian claims extremely low coloration, thanks to this choice of structure, and this, because at low frequencies, wood has a propensity to resonate and aluminium has the same characteristics, only at… high frequencies. The DSP3100 combines both in order to flatten resonance all along the curve. Both speakers deliver a characteristic, low coloured tone, they are thus very well suited for other Meridian DSP based systems or even as standalones in a limited space, like a bedroom.
Your next luxury bedroom high-end surround
S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface, allowing transfers of digital audio signals from one to another without prior analogue conversion) is present. Such S/PDIF input at up to 96kHz, so they can also be used as (very) high end computer loudspeakers or for studio monitoring. Last, they can be part of a Meridian multi-room system. Meridian also says that the DSP3100 is extremely efficient for studio monitoring because they accept digital audio data and digital recording sample rates (up to 96KHz, 24-bit operation).
A sound, nice beast, Meridian with a sound pricing -even for Meridian- of £2595, (stands at £330 per pair), centre unit at £1565 (stand at £190.)
Specs (source: Meridian Audio)
Performance: Frequency response in-room within 3dB from 35Hz to over 20kHz. Linear-phase mid/top crossover. Output >108dB spl @ 1m on music material. Noise less than 15dB spl. Overall electronic distortion typically <0.02% at any frequency or level. Inputs: Two S/PDIF digital inputs, 32kHz-96kHz sampling rates at up to 24 bit with MHR support. Construction: Vertical unit: 2-way ported design with 160mm bass driver; Horizontal centre: 2 1⁄2-way closed box design with twin 5 1⁄4 in (120mm) bass drivers, with doped carbon fibre cones and cast alloy baskets. 1in (25mm) Meridian piston treble drive unit with doped fabric dome. Electronics: Two precision 24/192 oversampling converters for bass/mid and tweeter signals. Digital and conversion electronics constructed using advanced surface-mount techniques and partitioned 4-layer printed-circuit boards. DSP: Motorola 56367 150MIPS digital signal processor. Digital crossover at 2.3kHz. Response correction for the whole system. Bass protection. User tone controls. Analogue/digital volume and phase control. Amplifiers: Two 75W power amplifiers, one for each band. Display: Eight-character display with system lights, can be blanked. Dimensions: Vertical units: 7.65in (194mm) x 15.2in (386mm) x 10in (254mm) wxhxd; Centre unit: 18.5in (470mm) x 6.9in (173.5mm) x 10in (254mm) wxhxd.Visit Meridian Audio here