User guide

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Introduction
Meridian DSP loudspeakers
Meridian DSP loudspeakers represent the fruits of
more than 30 years of continuous development of
loudspeakers as musical instruments. The finest
materials and state-of-the-art design are combined to
create what we believe is the ultimate range of home
loudspeakers.
Digital Signal Processing
Digital Signal Processing, or DSP, is a technique
pioneered by Meridian in hi-fi products for achieving
extremely accurate reproduction of audio signals using
high-precision mathematical processing.
DSP allows sophisticated processing to be performed
without any of the cumulative noise or degradation
that inevitably occurs, even with high-quality analogue
circuitry. In addition, the signal improvement techniques
incorporated in the Meridian DSP loudspeakers would
be virtually impossible to implement in the analogue
domain.
The Meridian DSP loudspeakers take advantage of
DSP for several different functions:
To remove timing variations from the incoming digital
signals (de-jittering).
To split the audio frequency band between bass, mid-
range, and treble drivers (crossover).
To perform filtering or adjustment of the frequency
response; eg treble or bass.
To provide volume control to 48-bit precision.
To provide digital protection of the loudspeakers
against high-level low-frequency transients.
To perform electronic equalisation.
If you are using the Meridian DSP loudspeakers with a
digital source, such as CD or DVD, the signals remain
in digital form until the last possible stage.
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DSP loudspeaker drivers
Each DSP loudspeaker uses custom drive units
carefully matched to the cabinet and driver electronics.
Every design is matched tonally to maximise
compatibility when used in a multichannel theatre
system.
Standard models use long-throw bass units and a very
high quality 25mm (1") Meridian treble unit. This is a
piston in a short horn using an aluminium dome and a
silver voice-coil.
Special Edition models use a variation of the bass
units fitted with solid metal rings that clamp the driver
more firmly in the cabinet. They use a similar treble
unit but with a lighter, more rigid, beryllium dome. This
combination allows the Special Edition loudspeakers
to have a more controlled transient response across a
wider frequency range.
Power amplifiers
The speakers are driven by multiple independent high-
power, low-feedback power amplifiers. The combination
of idealised magnetic design, careful star earthing, and
very fast output devices gives the amplifiers extremely
low noise, high detail, and fast bass.
The whole electronic assembly is supplied from
substantial toroidal transformers feeding high-quality,
audiophile-grade capacitors.
Cabinet
Each DSP loudspeaker is carefully designed with
internal bracing and damping to give incredibly low
levels of cabinet resonance, resulting in low coloration
and excellent mid-range transparency.
The DSP5200 and DSP5200HC are constructed using
lacquer finished plywood, braced and resin damped to
produce an ultra-rigid cabinet.