We are demoing the now famous Meridian 8000 XE speakers for all Meridian dealers and their clients. Join us in San Rafael on February 28 or Mountain View on March 2.

Meridian Audio DSP8000 XE Highlights & Technologies

The DSP8000 XE is built on a new audio architecture, using higher specification, more powerful components, according to the company. Among the highlights:

Atlas Software Core. A new audio processing and control platform that incorporates Meridian’s most powerful DSP engine to date, Atlas Software Core facilitates new enhancement technologies and features. Meridian says it also yields even more performance from its existing proprietary technologies.

R1 Electronics Platform. The essential hardware infrastructure that deploys the Precision Sonic Transport design concept in DSP8000 XE, the company says. It has new, digital and analog circuitry and signal enhancing developments.

• Command Board: Processing center dedicated to the DSP engine and controlling the functionality of the speaker.
• Sync-Link: Transporting precision re-clocked digital audio via shielded RJ45 links from the Command Board to the new DAC boards.
• New DACs and Amplifiers: Separate dedicated higher-performance DAC boards and more powerful, application-specific amplifier boards are hard-wired via short balanced audio connections to minimize signal interference.

Next-Generation Drive Units. Meridian describes the advanced drivers used throughout to elevate performance.

• Subsonic Bass Driver: Six new 200mm long-throw (24mm excursion) bass drivers in a “force balanced” configuration for maximum extension with clarity and control.
• Evo Mid-Range Driver: A 160mm long-throw drive unit, newly developed non-conductive voice coil former and large motor system.
• Ultrasonic Tweeter: A 25mm beryllium dome and silver voice-coil featuring a new custom steel waveguide to improve imaging and wide dispersion.

Cabinet and Mechanics. Modern aesthetics and re-engineered cabinet accommodate the updated driver clamp-ring system, flush-fitting acoustically transparent metal grilles and mass-loading aluminium base plate.

Connectivity and Control. DSP8000 XE offers significant new connectivity and control features, the company says, including setup and control via the new Meridian B-Link Bluetooth device, IR, USB, RS232, or with a Meridian Controller product. Each loudspeaker has the optional IA21 analog input module to connect and control the DSP8000 XE via another third-party analog preamp or processor, if customers want.