Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Audio Inputs: Meridian SpeakerLink (RJ45) accepting 32kHz to 96kHz sampling rates at up to 24-bit
  • Audio Outputs: Meridian SpeakerLink (RJ45) delivering 32kHz to 96kHz sampling rates at up to 24-bit
  • Peak SPL: 114dB @ 1m
  • Bass Extension: 40Hz
  • Amplifiers: Wide-range driver: 2 x Class D amplifiers bridged for 100W into 8 Ohms, Bass driver: 2 x Class D amplifiers bridged for 100W into 8 Ohms
  • Bass Drivers: 1 x 140mm long-throw design
  • Wide-range Drivers: 1 x 85mm with neodymium magnet
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 800mm x 203mm x 102mm (31.5in x 8in x 4in)
  • Weight: 10 kg (22 lbs)
  • Grille Dimensions (HxWxD): 820mm x 222.5mm x 4mm (32.28in x 8.73in x 0.16in)
  • Power Consumption: 500W maximum
Powered by Meridian's exclusive 'CLASS-M' DSP engine and integrated with 'DYNAMIC' Hi-Res amplifiers, the DSP520.2 is perfect for delivering Meridian's renowned audio quality discreetly in any living or cinema room and the added L+R feature also makes it a powerful soundbar solution. Incorporating the latest audio enhancing technologies from Meridian, including Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) and Centre Elevation, the DSP520.2 provides incredibly lifelike and spacious sound with unmatched levels of performance.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Meridian leverages its decades of DSP expertise, including proprietary algorithms like Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) and granular software control, to tailor the sound of their speakers to specific room placements and user preferences.
  • The brand offers its customers a unique personalization program where speakers can be finished in any color, enabling seamless integration into any decor.
  • They designed and implemented the SpeakerLink connection, a proprietary system that transmits both digital audio and control signals over Ethernet cables, simplifying setup and reducing cable clutter.

DSP5200

  • Positioning: The entry-level line, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Features Meridian's refined audio architecture that offers balanced performance for smaller rooms with essential connectivity. Compared to the more advanced models in the lineup, delivers simpler processing and fewer high-end functions, making it ideal for users on a tight budget with modest functionality needs.

Special Edition DSP7200

  • Positioning: Mid-range reference series model aimed at enhanced performance for standard home environments.
  • Description: Incorporates advanced digital signal processing with a more robust tuning approach that delivers a higher level of detail than the entry-level DSP5200. In contrast to the HC version and DSP9, provides improved clarity and sound stability without the extra power or extensive connectivity options available in the higher-tier products.

Special Edition DSP7200HC

  • Positioning: Mid-to-high range reference series product geared toward larger rooms demanding extra output.
  • Description: Uses high current amplification alongside advanced tuning algorithms to offer increased dynamic range and headroom compared to its non-HC sibling. When set against the DSP5200 and the standard DSP7200, provides a noticeable boost in power and performance, yet still sits below the ultra-high-end DSP9 in terms of overall sonic refinement.

DSP9

  • Positioning: High-end reference series product intended for systems where demanding performance is key.
  • Description: Uses cutting-edge design with enhanced signal processing that delivers a more precise and detailed sound stage than the DSP7200 variants. Compared to both the lower-tier DSP5200 and the HC model, offers deeper technical sophistication and robust performance characteristics while remaining more accessible than the flagship alternative.

DSP8000-XE

  • Positioning: The flagship product designed for ultimate, high-resolution home theater systems.
  • Description: Integrates groundbreaking digital signal processing and power amplification technology to achieve exceptional clarity, expansive soundstage, and versatile connectivity features. Compared to the DSP9 and other Reference Series models, stands out with superior build quality and the most comprehensive feature set.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
175
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
47
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
24
Founding Year
1977

Our take on the brand

Meridian Audio pioneered digital surround-sound processing and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) in speakers, and developed the Meridian Lossless Packing technology that became the standard for DVD-Audio and Blu-ray formats. The brand's unique technologies include Enhanced Bass Alignment for time-aligned frequencies, SpeakerLink for simplified digital connections using Ethernet-style cables, and MQA for high-resolution audio streaming.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
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Brand Page

What if you spend more?

No items found.

What competes at this price?

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Questions? Ask the brand's dealers.

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How to buy

Soundbars

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