Hi-Rez Disc Player/Transport Reviews

Reference 800 DVD/CD player: Internal ATAPI/IDE DVD drive. Sampling rates: 32-96kHz, up to 24-bit resolution. DSP-based processing for up/downsampling, error correction, resolution enhancement, gain control (with 72-bit resolution). Configuration as tested: 5 RCA, 2 TosLink, tape monitor digital I/O (ID16); component, composite, and S-video video I/O (VE00); coax and XLR analog outputs with 24/96 D/A conversion (OA20), 2 AES/ EBU & 2 RCA digital outputs (OA20), DVD-Video region decoder (DV10), RS-232 controller (DV00), RS-232 & comm links (C000).
Dimensions: 19" W by 6.5" H by 16.3" D.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 100085.
Price: $15,245-$16,195, depending on options.

Reference 861 digital surround controller: Multimedia controller with video. DSP-based decoding for matrixed and discrete multichannel sources. Configuration as tested: 6 unbalanced analog inputs (IA00), 3 AES/EBU & 1 TosLink digital inputs (ID30), 5 RCA & 2 TosLink & tape monitor digital I/O (IE16), Video I/O (VS00), 4 RCA-connected digital outputs (OE12), 4 balanced analog outputs (OA12), tape monitor & headphone & second zone outputs (TP00), digital speaker control output (SL00), RS-232 & comm links (C000).
Dimensions: 19" W by 6.5" H by 16.3" D.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 100484.
Price: $11,615-$19,080, depending on options.

DSP6000 digital active loudspeaker: Drive-units: 1" aluminum-dome, silver-voice-coil tweeter; 6" polypropylene-cone midrange; four 8" plastic-cone woofers. Frequency response: 25Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Inputs: 2 coaxial digital. Amplifiers: 75W (HF), 75W (MF), two 100W (LF), each with its own D/A converter with 24-bit/96kHz capability. Maximum output: 112dB SPL at 1m.
Dimensions: 53.5" H by 11" W by 17" D. Weight: 143 lbs.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: D6K300747 A/B/C/D (left & right head units & woofers).
Price: $19,950/pair.

DSP6000C digital active center-channel loudspeaker: Drive-units: 1" aluminum-dome, silver-voice-coil tweeter; 6" polypropylene-cone midrange; four 8" plastic-cone woofers. Frequency response: 25Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Inputs: 2 coaxial digital. Amplifiers: 75W (HF), 75W (MF), 2 100W (LF), each with its own D/A converter with 24-bit/96kHz capability. Maximum output: 112dB SPL at 1m.
Dimensions: 53.5" H by 11" W by 17" D. Weight: 143 lbs.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: D6KC300129 A/B (head unit & woofer).
Price: $10,495.

DSP5000 digital active loudspeaker: Drive-units: 1" metal-dome, silver voice-coil tweeter; 6.5" polypropylene cone midrange/woofer; 6.5" polypropylene cone woofer. Frequency response: 25Hz-20kHz, ±3dB. Inputs: 2 coaxial digital. Amplifiers: 75W (HF), 75W (MF), 75W (LF), each with its own D/A converter with 24-bit/96kHz capability. Maximum output: 112dB SPL at 1m.
Dimensions: 36.5" H by 8.5" W by 12" D. Weight: 70 lbs.
Serial numbers of units reviewed: D5K202239 A/B.
Price: $6950/pair.

For all above:
System price as reviewed: $72,670. Approximate number of dealers: 110.
Manufacturer: Meridian Audio Ltd., Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows, Cambs PE18 6ED, England, UK. Tel: (44) 01480-52144. Fax: (44) 01480-459934. US sales & service: Meridian America Inc., 3800 Camp Creek Parkway, Building 2400, Suite 122, Atlanta, GA 30331. Tel: (404) 344-7111. Fax: (404) 346-7111. Web: www.meridian-audio.com.