Meridian’s next-gen XE

Six years ago, Meridian Audio initiated an ‘Extreme Engineering Programme’ aiming to re-imagine every element of Meridian’s product platforms, both software and hardware. Now come the first fruits of that ‘XE’ research in the new DSP8000 XE digital active loudspeakers. They are built on a brand-new audio architecture using improved specifications and more powerful components and, says the company, “leveraging Meridian’s expertise in psychoacoustics to achieve exceptional sound quality.”

Next-generation drive units include six all-new 200mm long-throw bass drivers in a force-balanced configuration, together with an Evo 160mm midrange driver and a 25mm ultrasonic tweeter with beryllium dome, silver voice-coil and new custom steel waveguide.

The cabinet is re-engineered and aesthetically updated, while a new ‘Atlas Software Core’ for audio processing and control includes Meridian’s most powerful DSP engine to date, while signal integrity is assured by a new Precision Sonic Transport within the R1 Electronics Platform.

Production is under way as of March 2022, and on arrival in Australia the new DSP8000 XE floorstanders will be $159,999 a pair, rising to $165,999 in a custom RAL colour. If you’re building a surround system with them — and why wouldn’t you? — you could supplement any number of the floorstanders with the DSP8000 XEVC centre speaker at $82,999, or $85,999 in custom colours. More info via distributor Cogworks: www.cogworks.io