DSP8000’s se upgrade

The contenders were in the $25k range, and I bought several but after owning them I didn't want to go down the dark hole of blind amp purchases after my usually capable h360 would overheat driving them. I mean we don't know for sure if we'll ever find the right combo. One problem is the lumpy bass in the room with absolutely no port support most full range speakers were down 40 db by 60 hz, -20 at 80 hz!  some rear ported speakers could reach 60hz if I moved them close to the wall. I tried several subs and just don't like them for music although some might argue the dsp8000 is a 2 way sitting atop a 6x8'' driver sub it blends seamlessly and sounds great with all kinds of music. When this covid thing settles enough i'll assemble a ht system with passives, just for fun.

Took over a year for this thread to get noticed. I took a leap of faith and got a deal on the se upgrade like a year ago or two months after I posted this thread. I got a buy it now price for the se kit that was to good to pass up. I kinda feel for guys that buy passive speakers(like me) then spend thousands trying to get all the components just right, but never ever get the system to sound like it did that day in the demo. I really don't think I could ever come close to this sound for what I have invested had I gone separates. 

Believe me, I have given many many speakers and systems demonstrations since my first Meridian purchase in 1993. This is my third upgrade primarily from preowned or demo equipment so not nearly as costly. Nothing sounds better and works better together for a very long time. Since I have no plans on changing, I am very pleased with this upgrade and you would have to spend a considerable amount more to achieve this level of sound. 

That’s a LOT of money to spend on speakers that are going to have painfully bad resale value if you ever sell them.

Meridian is a company that urges its dealers to not demonstrate their speakers next to other brands “because people don’t account for the fact that they’re powered.”  Makes sense, but also....  

I wouldn’t spend a dime on those.   If you like them, keep them forever, but spending more money on them be throwing money away unless you want to keep them as long as you live.

Hello Steve, I had Marc Koval upgrade my 8K’s about six moths ago to SE. I can honestly say that is the most dramatic change my ears have experienced in many years. Well worth it and I would certainly do it again. Walter