At ISE 2016 (Stand 7-X180), Meridian Audio will be showing off its recently launched DSP320 in-wall / in-ceiling architectural loudspeaker with its unique capability to deliver peerless audio performance whilst saving significant time, cost and space for installers working on whole home, superyacht, cinema and single media room projects.

“The DSP320 is the speaker the custom installation market has been crying out for,” says director of Electric String, a London-based installation firm, Robert Sullivan. “As a digital active loudspeaker, it cuts down on the need for rack-based amplifiers, speaker cable and other components without compromising on the premium audio quality performance you’d expect from Meridian, and all from an incredibly compact unit. The DSP320 really is the way forward – no other in-wall or in-ceiling loudspeaker comes close.”

Within its 300mm square and 100mm deep enclosure, the DSP320 contains all the system’s electronics, including digital audio converters and two integral, powerful 80W class amplifiers for wide-range and bass drivers. The result of over 26 years of refinement and proven reliability, Meridian’s DSP approach provides unparalleled performance from a small design, making the DSP320 capable of predictable and repeatable performance and perfect for a wide variety of in-wall and in-ceiling applications. It also eliminates the need for any amplification within the equipment rack, not only saving space but also reducing power and thermal management requirements and improving system reliability.

The DSP320 delivers superior performance over conventional designs – equivalent to an enclosure eight times the physical volume.  The DSP features a special Left + Right mode, selected via a switch on the front panel. This mode combines the left + right stereo signals and outputs them perfectly from the one speaker, eliminating the cancellation effects and increased harmonic distortion typical with passive “single stereo” speakers.

On-board digital signal processing offers excellent thermal and dynamic bass protection with very accurate transients, so, when playing at high levels, the DSP320 always delivers a clean, detailed and accurate sound. Other benefits include Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA) for perfectly-timed music playback and dynamic volume compensation for great sound at low listening levels.

The DSP320 can be easily integrated into systems with Meridian’s free-standing DSP loudspeakers to create a complete, coherent and authentic sounding system. It is ideal for multiple applications, ranging from distributed audio around the home through a Meridian Sooloos system to 2 channel and multi-channel applications in home and marine environments.

Like Meridian’s current DSP520, the DSP320 has been introduced specifically to deliver maximum dispersion over a wide listening area, with minimum unwanted diffraction thanks to careful baffle and grille design. The installation may be flush-mounted or completed with an optional bezel to hold the magnetically attached, paintable grille. All the elements – fireproof rough-in box, frame, loudspeaker enclosure, included scrim and grille – allow room for on-site adjustment (except when flush-mounted) so that the entire assembly can be fitted with precision into almost any type of ceiling or wall.

The DSP320 can be wired with Meridian’s Speakerlink or equivalent CAT6 cable, enabling long cable runs and click and play connectivity without any loss of sound quality or the need for any additional speaker cable or wiring.  The result is again quicker and simpler speaker set up and installation.

Meridian’s chief technology officer Richard Hollinshead will present ‘Making the Most of HD Audio’ at ISE 2016 on 10 February at 9:30 am, discussing the importance of high resolution audio. Richard will examine the difference between standard and high resolution audio, the available audio formats, sources, and the requirements to use them. He will also look at how to maintain high resolution audio throughout a distributed audio system. To find out more information on this exclusive training course visit www.iseurope.org/meridian.