Meridian DSP8000 XE
Meridian’s DSP8000 XE is a digital active loudspeaker built for effortless scale: six long-throw bass drivers, dedicated amplification and DSP promise deep bass authority, vivid dynamics and finely resolved detail. With USB-C high-resolution audio, SpeakerLink and analogue inputs, this flagship floorstander combines uncompromising output with unusually flexible system integration.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
95/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
78/100
Pros
Flagship digital active loudspeaker design, eliminating the need for separate external power amplification.
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SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Bass
95/100
Six 200mm long-throw woofers with six bridged pairs of Class-D amps, 18Hz–40kHz in-room response and 120dB peak SPL imply authoritative, very deep bass extension and high output. Score set at the top of the 'reference' tower typical band based on specs rather than third-party listening reports.
Mid
93/100
160mm mid driver with anti-resonance mounting and dedicated Class-AB mid amp indicate strong, detailed, and coherent midrange. Meridian DSP crossover and high-resolution inputs support timbral accuracy and vocal presence.
Treble
94/100
25mm beryllium dome tweeter, low distortion amps and >100kHz amplifier bandwidth point to exceptional extension, detail and low distortion up top without obvious harshness.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
Active DSP architecture, digital SpeakerLink and precise driver complement support wide, well-layered soundstaging and stable imaging when properly positioned and clocked.
Dynamics
95/100
High total power (multiple high-capacity bridged amp pairs), 120dB SPL capability and long-throw woofers indicate excellent micro/macro dynamics and headroom.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
Robust package: 110.5kg per speaker, anti-resonance clamp-ring mounting, custom driver faceplate and engineered cabling/connectivity suggest premium materials, cabinet bracing and fit/finish.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Extensive digital and analogue I/O: SpeakerLink RJ45, USB-C up to 384kHz, optical/coax, balanced XLR module, Bluetooth via B-Link and supplied modules. Active DSP speaker with integrated digital chain — class-leading connectivity for a floorstander.
Value for Money
78/100
No price provided. Given flagship-level engineering, power and connectivity the speaker likely commands a premium; score is conservative because value judgment requires price and peer comparisons not present in the supplied data.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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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
- Output Connectivity
- 1 x Meridian SpeakerLink connector (RJ45)
- Performance
- Peak SPL: 120dB@1m for a single speaker Frequency response in room within 3dB: 18Hz – 40kHz
- Tweeter Amplifier
- Class AB, capable of greater than 150W into 4Ω, < 1% THD THD + noise @ 1kHz < 0.005% Bandwidth >100kHz
- Mid-Range Amplifier
- Class AB, capable of greater than 150W into 4Ω, < 1% THD THD + noise @ 1kHz < 0.005% Bandwidth >100kHz
- Bass Amplifiers
- Six bridged pairs of Class-D amplifiers - each pair capable of greater than 240W into 4Ω, < 1% THD. THD + noise @ 1kHz < 0.008%
- 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) with anti-resonance clamp-ring mounting system
- Front-Panel Indicator
- Blue in Standby, White in use (can also be unlit in use)
- Rear-Panel Controls
- Power On/Off, channel selector switch, input sensitivity switch [on analogue input module]
- Dimensions / Weight
- 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
Manufacturer's Description — Meridian
The Next Generation Loudspeaker
Loudspeakers
DSP8000 XE
The outstanding fidelity, dynamics and sheer power of the DSP8000 XE Loudspeakers means they deliver an incredible experience in cinemas and listening rooms alike. Our Select finishing option gives you the choice of blending into the room with a complementary finish or standing out with a bold, vibrant colour, finished in matte or gloss.
Bespoke Signal Mapping
Meridian Bespoke Signal Mapping utilises digital signal processing to apply tailored crossover filters that are designed specifically for each configuration of drive units within a loudspeaker.
E3 Bass
Meridian E3 Bass uses specifically designed filters to expand, extend and enhance the low-frequency response of the loudspeaker.
FFA
FFA (Full Frequency Alignment) is a combination of digital filters and delays to correct the group-delay of a loudspeakers. It ensures that all frequencies reach the listener’s ear at the same time.
Q-Sync
Meridian Q-Sync deploys Meridian's multiple “First In, First Out” buffering system which minimises jitter, ensuring perfect timing and improved clarity.
Pro-Active Bass
Meridian Pro-Active Bass protects the bass drivers from over-excursion, ensuring maximum bass output without damaging the drive units.
MQA
DSP8000 XE includes MQA Renderer technology, which can connect to an MQA Core signal and complete the final unfold of an MQA file.
True Time
True Time is Meridian's proprietary Apodising Filter that avoids pre-ringing and cleans up the effects of early filters, converting pre-echo to post-echo.
True Link
Meridian True Link is an encryption method for transferring high-definition digital audio over SPDIF connections. It allows secure movement of digital audio whilst ensuring that the SPDIF clock signal can be transmitted with minimum degradation.
Free-Q
Meridian Free-Q is used to compensate for acoustic problems associated with specific loudspeaker placement conditions.
With an ability to deliver the very best from High Resolution sources, the performance of the DSP8000 XE demonstrates why Meridian is widely regarded as the British Audio Pioneers.
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- Absolute Sound (SG) — online and in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
- Alex Audio Video — in-store — Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Audio Connection — online and in-store — Verona, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Audio Evolution — online and in-store — Volla, Campania, Italy (website)
- Audio High — in-store — San Jose, California, United States (website)
- Audio Reference — in-store — Hamburg-Nord, Hamburg, Germany (website)
and 54 more verified dealers