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Meridian DSP9
Reference Series
DSP9
With our Select finishing option you can choose whether to blend the loudspeakers into the room with a complementary colour, or to make a statement with something bold and vibrant. In addition, you can refine your choice by selecting between matte, satin, or gloss finishes. To provide inspiration, we’ve provided this colour visualiser so you can see how your loudspeakers could look.
Technologies
Bespoke Signal Mapping
Meridian Bespoke Signal Mapping delivers an optimal response from multi-way loudspeakers, ensuring that all drive units complement one another, providing a consistent response at all frequencies.
E3 Bass (Expand, Extend, Enhance)
Meridian E3 bass uses specifically designed filters to expand, extend and enhance the low-frequency response of the loudspeaker.
FFA (Full Frequency Alignment)
FFA is a combination of digital filters and delays to correct the group-delay of a loudspeaker. It ensures that all frequencies reach the listeners 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.
Pro-Active Thermal
Meridian Pro-active Thermal monitors the audio being sent to the mid-range drivers and tweeters and limits the overall volume of the loudspeaker if there is a risk of the drive units getting too hot.
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.
Dealers selling Meridian near you
Driven by muscular, tuneful low end, the DSP9 delivers startling deep bass and relentless headroom while unveiling extraordinary microdetail and timing. Reviewers praise its expansive, three‑dimensional imaging and room‑friendly dispersion, enabled by Meridian's suite of precision DSP tools for coherent mids and a wide soundstage. As noted by Steve May and Fidelity Magazine, it pairs power with refinement.
Pros
- Extraordinary low‑frequency extension and slam — capable of sub‑15Hz performance with authoritative impact.
- Refined midrange and treble with superb resolution and coherent timing, producing highly detailed imaging.
- Extensive onboard DSP and modern connectivity (SpeakerLink, USB 384kHz, B‑Link) plus Image Focus Plus for flexible setup and image steering.
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Cons
- Very high flagship price — a cost‑no‑object product that limits value for most buyers.
- Large, heavy cabinet and substantial footprint (68kg each) make placement and handling challenging in smaller rooms.
Sound Quality
95/100
Bass
96/100
Multiple reviewers note 'uncanny bass extension' and that the DSP9 'can play below 15Hz' despite 200mm woofers; bass described as 'phenomenal, tight and fast' and 'physical' with high SPL capability (119dB). Four long-throw 200mm drivers and extensive Class-D bass amplification support reference-level low-end authority, so score sits in the Reference band (excellent).
Mid
95/100
Reviews repeatedly praise superb resolution, 'cleaner midrange performance' aided by cabinet curvature and anti-resonance mounting; 'mid/low synchronicity' and clarity for vocals/instruments are emphasized. The Full Frequency Alignment processing further supports coherent crossover behaviour and excellent mid accuracy.
Treble
94/100
25mm beryllium dome tweeter with custom waveguide and >40kHz response plus reviewers' notes of extraordinary detail and refinement imply excellent extension and air. Reviewers report detail without harshness; alignment processing keeps highs integrated with mids.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
Described as 'taller, deeper, and wider than it has any right to be' with 'three-dimensional ambience' and strong image focus. The Image Focus Plus steering and broad-axis dispersion are explicitly cited as enabling a huge, stable soundstage and flexible placement.
Dynamics
95/100
Reviewers note the speaker 'never sounds stressed' even at high volume and that the 'beat is physical'; high per-driver amplifier power and thermal protection/backoff suggest robust macro and micro dynamics with plentiful headroom.
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Build Quality
93/100
Heavy, well-braced 68kg cabinet with curved surfaces to reduce diffraction and standing waves; anti-resonance clamp-ring mounting for drivers and premium materials (beryllium tweeter, Evo mid). Finish and engineering described as purpose-driven and high-end.
Features Connectivity
92/100
Extensive integrated DSP, SpeakerLink (RJ45), USB up to 384kHz, coax/optical, Bluetooth via B-Link, analogue input module option (XLR/RCA), Image Focus Plus, IR/RS232 control and thermal protection. Rich onboard control and modern digital connectivity justify a high features score.
Value for Money
72/100
RRP stated at US$85,000/pair — clearly cost-no-object. Reviewers recommend auditioning for buyers seeking best-in-class performance, but the very high price limits broad value; excellent performance but niche pricing reduces value rating.
Reviews
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