meridian speaker question
 

How musical are the meridian speakers like the dsp6000?
Compared to a great analog system like the wilson watt puppy and tube amps?

I am going to have a 5.1 system as well and started thinking about the meridian.

this would be a previously owned system...

If you think it is maybe at least as good or very very close to as good, what speakers would you reasonably recommend?

Best in a Meridian system.

So, with an all meridian system, in a 14x19' room, which speakers, previously owned, and processor do you recommend?

thanks

Meridian always plays well with other Meridian equipment.

For 5.1+ applications they really are as good as it gets. Their sound is unique and delicious. You can sit for days and not even know 10 minutes have passed.

If you do a full Meridian 6k+ system you will be very happy.

Meridian is a great choice and DSP6000 are fantastic speakers. Recently (nov 2011) they also got an updated Xover firmware update. Be aware that the DSP6000 are Meridians previous flagship speakers so you really want the best preamp to take advantage of their exquisite sound.

If you are having a multichannel system and have a solid screen you would want to match this pair with a DSP5500HC horizontal center. As for surrounds 4xDSP5000 would be perfect.

For 2ch systems the new 818 is both a sooloos source and the best preamp.
For multichannel the 861v4 used would be a good addition. The 861v6 with ID40 is fantastic and I can really recommend it if you are bitten hard by the Meridian musical sound.
568.2MM is another used preamp that can be had for a great price.

If you decide to get a speakerlink based processor with the shielded cat6 RJ45 cables instead of the older S/PDIF+comms based processors you get the "Revivers" which are ideally plugged into every speaker. Then all you speakers will be speakerlink. About 150€ per speaker and worth it if you are getting the newer speakerlink processors.

When you scout for speakers be sure to verify that they are 24bit/96KHz capable.

So two dsp6000's up front, and two dsp5000's in back? And with a drop down screen, maybe a 5000 horizontal - or run a phantom center channel?
Is a sub needed? 1600 or 2500?

And how do I tell what the latest speaker is to get? when I look at audiogon which do you recommend or how can I verify?

Is the g92 as good as the 861v4 or should I go 861? And I do want a digital library as well for music.

Input for video, dvd player and apple tv for hd.

thanks so much...

Last question (for now..) how would this sound on 2 channel audio?
Compared to the wilson watt puppy or similar? Is there a large compromise?

This would be the suggested 7.0 speakerlayout:
DSP6000 24/96 fronts
DSP5500HC 24/96 horizontal center
DSP5000 24/96 side speakers
DSP5000 24/96 surround speakers

All speakers run as large, skip the sub for now, all speakers will put out LFE in the room. The only thing you need to verify is that they are 24/96. The only important thing about them.

Processor + music server and 2x 3,5" HDD Storage:
861v4 + MS600 Source + MD600 Storage
or
861v6 + ID40 Music Zone card + MD600 Storage + 7xRevivers (150Euro/converter to convert each speaker to Speakerlink capability)

HDMI video switcher, upsampler:
HD621

As for compromise in regards to 2ch Watt Puppies, I don't believe you have one. You have more effortless sound here, more power from the DSP6000 while extension is smooth, also if you like Trifield for 2ch music your horizontal center will pick up the center soundstage and you will have a more even wall of sound even though your fronts are spaced further apart because of the screen.

PS. For center, select the DSP5500HC or better, do not pick DSP5kHC/DSP5.2kHC. DS.

so something like these...

Meridian DSP6000 96/24 with latest firmware | Full range | AudiogoN

It says was upgraded - but how do you know which ones are?

Aye these are 24/96 models. The important thing is not wether they were upgraded or always been 24/96, just that they are 24/96 now. :)