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.
All
DSP8000 XE
reviews
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Input Connectivity: Meridian SpeakerLink connector (RJ45), 1 x co-axial digital audio [RCA phono] supporting up to 192kHz @ 24-bit, 1 x optical digital audio [Toslink] supporting up to 96kHz @ 24-bit, 1 x USB digital audio [type C] supporting up to 384kHz @ 24-bit, Bluetooth via the Meridian B-Link [supplied], 1 x balanced analogue audio [XLR] on IA21 Analogue Input Module, 1 x unbalanced analogue audio [RCA phono] on IA21 Analogue Input Module
- Peak SPL: 120dB@1m for a single speaker
- Frequency response: 18Hz – 40kHz (in room within 3dB)
- Tweeter: 25mm beryllium dome with silver voice-coil, steel custom faceplate and waveguide
- Mid-Range Driver: 1 x 160mm with non-conductive voice-coil former and anti-resonance clamp-ring mounting system
- Bass Drivers: 6 x 200mm polypropylene long-throw (up to 24mm excursion)
- Dimensions: HEIGHT: 1350mm [53.2in] (With feet/spikes), WIDTH: 400mm [15.7in] tapering to 158mm [6.2in], DEPTH 528mm [20.8in] tapering to 210mm [8.3in]
- Weight: 110.5kg [243lbs]
- Power: 1250W max
- Amplification: Tweeter & Mid-Range: Class AB, >150W into 4Ω, Bass: Six bridged pairs of Class-D amplifiers >240W into 4Ω
Description
DSP8000 XE is the first product to emerge from Meridian's groundbreaking Extreme Engineering Programme; a result of years of investment and research at the extreme edge of audio design and built upon the fundamental and unique elements of Meridian's approach to delivering authentic, natural and lifelike sound. A new design concept, Meridian's Precision Sonic Transport, uses innovative techniques and processes which ensure the entire journey taken by an audio signal through a product maintains maximum sonic fidelity, so that the listener is immersed in authentic and realistic sound.
Release Timeline
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.
Select products
Select product comparisons
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
$100,001+
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.
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Brand Page
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What if you spend more?
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What competes at this price?
Linn
360
110180
/
Released
2023
360 is audibly invisible. It produces a performance with unprecedented clarity and realism, that's entirely absent of sonic colouration. Incorporating innovative drive unit and amplifier technologies, 360 turns out our lowest ever levels of audible distortion. The honed curves of its cabinet are partnered with meticulously matched drive units to deliver the cleanest possible dispersion characteristics.
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent imaging, providing a strong stereo image for multiple listeners due to wide dispersion and Space Optimisation+
- Flexible and capable of playing all kinds of music, getting out of the music's way, and suitable for both large and smaller rooms
- Dynamic, detailed, and can play at a wide range of volume levels, from quiet listening to near PA levels
- Features a new driver array, including a Beryllium dome tweeter, thin-ply woven carbon fiber midrange (used on NASA's Mars Rover), and aluminum-magnesium alloy bass units
- Incorporates new amplifier technologies—'Power DAC' for the lower bass and 'Adaptive Bias Control' for the mid and treble—reducing distortion
Product Considerations
- The midrange dome is exposed, which might be a concern with children
- Owners of previous Linn systems may find the price difficult to accept
- Some audiophiles may prefer Linn to trawl its past rather than building its future, and they will want an Isobarik
- Some audiophiles may not be able to see past the LP12
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The 360 offers significantly improved imaging and soundstaging compared to the Klimax 350
Takeaway: The Linn 360 is a high-end loudspeaker that provides excellent sound quality and flexibility, making it a great choice for enjoying music with friends or for personal listening sessions. Its innovative design and technology deliver a detailed and immersive audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Linn is a hifi brand known for its modular designs, particularly the Sondek LP12 turntable where users can upgrade virtually every component over time to maintain performance across decades. The brand stands out for developing its own technologies in-house, including the Organik DAC with FPGA processing and Space Optimisation, which models room acoustics without needing microphone measurements.
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Aries Cerat
Aurora
105000
/
Released
2022
The Aurora is our newest speaker design, carrying some trickle down technology from our top model the Contendo, as well as some newly developed technologies
Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Surprisingly free of horn colorations
- Very rich, present, and neutrally balanced
Product Considerations
- The reviewer was sitting too close to hear them at their best in the small room
- Looking a bit like something the Borg might have invented
Takeaway: The Aries Cerat Aurora Reference is a unique, horn-loaded speaker that sounds surprisingly good. They were considered the most interesting and novel new speaker at the show.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Aries Cerat is a hifi brand known for its use of oversized components and TriodeFet technology, which combines tube and solid-state designs to create a distinctive sound signature. Their products, including the Kassandra DAC and Symphonia horn speakers, are built with massive power handling capabilities and carefully selected drivers to deliver a muscular, dynamic sound that rivals top analogue systems.
Product Page
Product Page
Steinway Lyngdorf
Model C
100800
/
Released
2024
The Model C speakers is for those who seek the live dipole sound and demand enhanced bass for music and movies. The formula is simple: take the legendary Model D, then scale down the footprint and add powerful boundary woofers. The result is an attention-grabbing statement system that sets a new standard for full-bodied bass reproduction.
Steinway Lyngdorf is unique for its fully digital amplification technology and RoomPerfect system, which processes signals entirely in the digital domain and automatically adapts sound to any room's acoustics without requiring acoustic treatment. Their systems are built as closed ecosystems with components that must work together, featuring distinctive dipole speakers that emit sound from both front and back to mimic how Steinway pianos interact with a room.
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Replicates the resonance of live instruments due to open speaker design
- Digital from source to driver, minimizing sound distortion
- Provides audio output so precise you can pinpoint each instrument's location
Product Considerations
- The only weak link might be musical taste
Takeaway: The Model C delivers incredibly precise audio, replicating live instrument resonance with minimal distortion. If pure sound is desired, and taste in music aligns, it is a great pick.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Steinway Lyngdorf is unique for its fully digital amplification technology and RoomPerfect system, which processes signals entirely in the digital domain and automatically adapts sound to any room's acoustics without requiring acoustic treatment. Their systems are built as closed ecosystems with components that must work together, featuring distinctive dipole speakers that emit sound from both front and back to mimic how Steinway pianos interact with a room.
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