Meridian DSP3200 Digital Active Speakers and Audio Core 200 Preview

Meridian Audio has announced the introduction of two new products, the DSP3200 Compact Digital Active Loudspeaker and the Audio Core 200 Stereo Audio Controller. The DSP3200 Digital Active Loudspeakers are elegant products that echo the lines of Meridian's flagship DSP8000 and are the most compact Meridian loudspeakers designed to date. Meridian's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technologies deliver powerful, room-filling sound with the performance of a conventional system many times the size. Meridian SpeakerLink connectivity makes connecting the DSP3200 to the Audio Core 200 quick and easy.  Featuring a wide-range driver that allows the DSP crossover frequency to be well outside the speech band, the DSP3200 delivers an effortless sound that remains clear, open and spacious, even at high listening levels. In addition to a perfect digital crossover system, the DSP3200's digital signal processing provides dynamic bass protection with accurate transients. DSP3200 loudspeakers always deliver quality sound – at high levels and for prolonged periods.

Meanwhile, sophisticated DSP-based loudness controls allow the DSP3200 to provide a bigger sound that remains balanced at low listening levels.

The DSP3200 is perfectly suited to a wide range of room positions – on or in furniture, on floor stands or on wall brackets and is offered with two high-gloss paint finishes; high-gloss white and high-gloss black.

The Audio Core 200 Stereo Audio Controller is perfect for bringing together all audio sources, the Audio Core 200 offers outstanding preamplifier quality, coupled with powerful Meridian Resolution Enhancement technologies such as an Apodising filter and upsampling for the best sound quality.

A stereo width control optimizes the stereo stage, freeing the sound from the loudspeakers, making it even bigger and more natural. The Audio Core 200 connects easily to almost any audio source; it even includes PC audio replay via USB. There is a Meridian SpeakerLink input for single-wire connection to a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. Fully compatible with Meridian’s i80 Dock for iPod, the Audio Core 200 will play iPod/iPhone via Meridian DSP Loudspeakers while it charges, and control what you hear via the front panel or remote handset. The Audio Core 200’s intelligent front-panel controls feature smart buttons for intuitive operation, and an auto-dimming OLED display for maximum readability. Connecting to the DSP3200 Digital Active Loudspeakers via SpeakerLink – a simple, single wire – the Audio Core 200 gives direct access to powerful DSP features that provide the best sound in any environment.

The Audio Core 200 is housed in a newly designed compact case and is finished as standard in high-gloss black or high-gloss white.

Pricing and Availability

The Meridian DSP3200 Compact Digital Active Loudspeaker has an MSRP of $6,000/pair and will be available this month (Jan 2011). The Meridian Audio Core 200 Stereo Audio Controller has an MSRP of $3,000 and is also available this month (Jan 2011).

For more information please visit www.meridian-audio.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.