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Meridian Special Edition DSP5200
Reference Series
Special Edition DSP5200
The DSP5200SE contains a complete matched audio system, giving the highest overall quality, lower power consumption and the low-frequency performance of a traditional passive loudspeaker several times the physical volume. Finished as standard in piano lacquer black, our Select finishing option means Special Edition loudspeakers can also be supplied in the colour of your choice. Full-range floorstanding and horizontal centre-channel options are offered, for audio or home cinema solutions.
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.
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.
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Meridian's Special Edition DSP5200 blends extended, detailed highs with taut, well-controlled bass via a 25mm beryllium dome, dual 160mm long-throw drivers and adjustable DSP room tuning. Three 75W amplifiers provide punchy, low-distortion dynamics and wide imaging, while an aluminium-skinned cabinet gives rare solidity and finish — observations echoed by Jaap Veenstra.
Pros
- Refined, extended treble from the 25mm beryllium dome yielding excellent top‑end detail and extension.
- Tight, controlled low end thanks to dual 160mm long‑throw woofers, EBA bass alignment and DSP room tuning.
- Very solid, acoustically 'dead' layered cabinet with aluminium skin that improves rigidity and finish.
- Ample, low‑distortion power (3 × 75W per speaker, 225W total) and high peak SPL deliver convincing macro and micro dynamics.
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Cons
- Limited connectivity (SpeakerLink, coaxial and Meridian comms only) with no optical, HDMI or analogue inputs, encouraging use of the Meridian ecosystem.
- Very high all‑in price (~€14,500) positions these as a premium, niche purchase versus similarly performing but cheaper alternatives.
Sound Quality
93/100
Bass
94/100
Dual 160mm long-throw woofers with Meridian EBA bass alignment and DSP room tuning produce strong, controlled low end; Meridian's spec lists in-room response to 35Hz within 3dB. Review highlights the system's bass alignment and the DSP's ability to tailor performance to the room, supporting a high score within the mid-tower band.
Mid
93/100
DSP crossover and dedicated amplification for the mid/bass driver yield coherent, well-focused midrange; reviewer notes the DSP heart and adjustable room performance, implying accurate timbre and vocal presence.
Treble
94/100
Upgraded 25mm beryllium dome tweeter in a short-horn provides extended, refined top end; reviewer explicitly calls out the improved beryllium tweeter and the system's extension above 32kHz, indicating excellent extension and detail without reported harshness.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
DSP processing, short-horn tweeter and Meridian system tuning combine for wide, well-layered imaging; review references the DSP-centric design and room adjustment which supports strong staging and stable imaging with sensible placement dependence.
Dynamics
92/100
Three 75W Class A/B amplifiers (225W total per speaker), 116dB peak SPL spec and low distortion (<0.02%) deliver convincing macro and micro dynamics; reviewer remarks that the total power is ample and dynamics remain controlled.
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Build Quality
94/100
Layered wood with an aluminium skin yields a very solid, 'dead' cabinet per the review; reviewer praises the special composite build, solidity and timeless design, supporting a high mark for finish and engineering.
Features Connectivity
70/100
Active speaker with SpeakerLink (RJ45), coax in/out and Meridian comms plus MQA support, but the reviewer calls the connectivity 'unfortunately fairly limited' (no optical, no HDMI, no analog). Limited physical inputs and Meridian's ecosystem expectation reduce the connectivity score.
Value for Money
68/100
Reviewer cites an all-in price of about EUR 14,500; performance, DSP tuning and build are excellent but the high cost positions these as a premium offering with limited connectivity, reducing value relative to less costly peers.
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