Meridian Takes Their New Special Edition Active Loudspeakers on the Road

You have to be a real rock star to go on tour. That's just how special Meridian's Special Edition Active Loudspeakers are.

To mark 25 years of the first digital loudspeaker, the D600, Meridian recently announced the Special Edition series of DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers. The company has also been taking those speakers to various locations to show them off and give listeners a proper introduction.

The new lineup includes the Special Edition DSP8000, the DSP7200 and the DSP5200. Each model includes Meridian's typical amplifiers and line-level crossovers, as well as a semi-horn-loaded tweeter with a new beryllium dome, new analog electronics, Meridian's EBA (Enhanced Bass Alignment) technology, and new driver clamp rings.

The DSP8000 boasts 750 watts of amp power, with six 7.9-inch long-throw bass drivers, one 6.3-inch polypropylene (TPX) mid-driver in a separate enclosure, and one 1-inch Meridian piston in the short horn, beryllium dome with the silver voice-coil. In the middle of the line is the DSP7200, which has two 7.9-inch long-throw bass drivers, one 6.3-inch polypropylene mid-driver, and one 1-inch Meridian piston in a short horn, beryllium dome with a silver voice-coil. The smallest of the group is the DSP5200, with two 6.3-inch polypropylene bass drivers and one 1-inch Meridian piston in a short horn, beryllium dome with a silver voice-coil.

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The 5200SE is the smallest of Meridian's Special Edition range of enhanced DSP Loudspeakers.
Recently, our editor Chris Boylan went to check out these speakers at an event in New York City and was "wowed by their musicality." Maybe you'll get your chance, too.

If you're interested in checking out the SE lineup, Meridian will have them at Sanctuary Music & Aesthetics in Chicago tonight (June 3), with appearances in Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, the UK, and several others to follow. For a complete listing of events and locations, check out the Meridian website.

Although everyone is invited to attend, the SE line may not be something everyone can purchase. Meridian is starting the DSP5200 SE at $20,000 per pair, with the horizontal and/or vertical center channel costing an additional $10,000 each. The DSP7200 is $46,000 per pair, with the horizontal and/or vertical center channel priced at $23,000 each. Also sold in pairs, the DSP8000SE goes for $80,000, with the horizontal and/or vertical center channel costing an extra $40,000.