Meridian Debuts Sophisticated New DSP Loudspeakers

Britainís Meridian Audio Limited, widely considered the world leader in digital audio technologies for music and home theatre, has introduced a new, compact member of its famed family of DSP-based, Digital Active loudspeakers. The Meridian DSP33/DSP33C is surprisingly livable in size and form, yet its design incorporates the most sophisticated loudspeaker-specific digital signal processing (DSP) technology available. In tandem with advanced, multi-amplifier active-speaker design that provides a dedicated, optimized on-board amplifier to the woofer and tweeter components of each individual speaker, the result is one of the most accurate, dynamically capable, sonically transparent speaker systems produced by any maker.The DSP33/DSP33C can function as a main stereo loudspeaker pair, or as an identical, perfectly matched suite of speakers for main, center, and surround positions in a multichannel system. The design allows for them to be placed vertically or horizontally (or wall-mounted using Omnimount or compatible hardware). When ordered as a DSP33C center-channel unit the new design includes a specialized plinth for horizontal set-top placement with optimal, slightly down-tilted aiming.""The advantages of active speakers are well known among engineers and well-informed audio buffs alike,"" says Meridian Chairman Bob Stuart. ""Only by conceiving the amplification and driver systems together in complementary fashion can any designer achieve the highest levels of playback that are available from our current technologies. But applying the absolutely enormous benefits of DSP to the system - most especially our latest generation of speaker-dedicated DSP as found in these newest Meridian models - brings reproduction to a level that simply is not accessible to any other loudspeaker technology, however sophisticated, or even radical, it might be.""Meridianís DSP33/C Digital Active Loudspeaker is based on a new evolution of the digital processing system that has earned the companyís preceding digital loudspeaker models a reputation as among the finest music systems ever designed. This latest version utilizes a brand new, 100 MIPS device from Motorolaís 56000 family of DSP engines, and assures 48-bit (or better) resolution throughout every step of the speakerís processing. Among the numerous important functions the DSP33/C processor performs are fully optimized, digital-domain linear-phase crossovers for optimal driver integration, phase-benign tweeter delay for perfect time alignment, and the modest degree of digital-domain system equalization required to assure virtually perfect overall frequency response. Additionally, Meridianís proprietary ""FIFO"" memory buffer and anti-jitter circuitry, and fully 24-bit/96kHz converters qualify the DSP33/Cís fundamental digital audio quality as superior to all but the finest digital-to-analog converters available, even extremely costly separate components.But DSP design also permits Meridianís newest model to deliver sonic performance well beyond what its driver and acoustic designs along could otherwise accomplish. The companyís unique Active Bass Extension enables the DSP33/C to deliver astonishing deep bass output - fully sufficient for true home theatre sound in modest-sized rooms - without limiting dynamic potential of full-range musical or cinematic sound. (For very large rooms or very demanding uses, Meridianís Digital Active subwoofers make the ideal system extension).While Meridianís DSP-speaker concept brings these and many more benefits to performance, it also empowers unprecedented flexibility of system design. A layout can be as simple as a CD player and a pair of DSP33s - the new Meridian DSP speakers include wireless remote control offering functions for volume and tone as well as all setup parameters. Or, with multiple units and a Meridian Surround Controller, DSP33/Cs may form as complex and powerful a multichannel home theatre/music system as is desired. Nevertheless in most systems, setup is as simple as giving each speaker its channel ID via a rear-panel switch.The DSP33/C design employs dual five-inch carbon-fiber woofers with ultra-rigid cast-alloy baskets and enormous, heavily shielded magnet structures. The result is an ultra-low mass driver that remains highly linear and extremely fast even at very high drive levels, engendering outstanding dynamics, superb midrange detail, and defined, distortion-free, unexpectedly extended bass. The one-inch aluminum-dome tweeter utilizes an extremely powerful yet compact neodymium magnet and advanced dome suspension for similar benefits at higher frequencies, including very extended, resonance free top-octave response for unexcelled fine detail. Combined with the DSP33/Cís unique, cast-aluminum enclosure, which with internal high-frequency dampening yields one of the most acoustically ""dead,"" low-coloration cabinets ever designed, the result is an inherently balanced, extremely capable system. Add in the advantages of Meridian DSP-speaker technologies and two highly efficient, dedicated on board amplifiers (85 watts bass and 65 watts treble), and the net result is a system of unparalleled accuracy, dynamic power, and sonic detail, and unique flexibility and high-end value.The Meridian DSP33/C Digital Active Loudspeaker is designed and manufactured entirely by Meridian at its Cambridgeshire, UK facilities. Four- and six-layer PCB layouts and sophisticated surface-mount design help deliver its uniquely compact, affordable design. All electronic components are carefully chosen, and internal wiring is via Van den Hul cabling throughout. The DSP33 includes an RS-232 connection for set-up and control via AMX, Crestron, Phast type systems. Updates to the Meridian systems can be made through computer software via Meridianís custom set-up program.Manufacturerís suggested retail prices:Model: DSP33/C, USD $2,465Model: DSP33, USD $4,500/pair