Meridian Trifield?


Reading "TAS" editor Robert Harley's book "High End Audio", and am intrigued by his comments regarding Meridian's Trifield playback algorithm for playing back 2-channel sources over more than two speakers. He writes "it fills the center of the soundstage, presents a wider sweet spot . . . profound ability to solidify the soundstage."

I cannot help but wonder, if the results are so compelling, why is it not more utilized? Are forum members able to offer views on this or relate experience with Trifield?

I have also heard "anecdotally" about negative reliability and usability issues with Meridian product. Is anyone able to comment on this as well?

Thank you.





pfrank12

thanks for your input on this; i appreciate your response. Did you experience any set-up difficulties or operational issues with the Meridian?

Bump, google ‘meridian forum’ and you’ll see hitchhikers, go there for all things meridian. 

Have enjoyed this hobby since the early 70’s starting with preowned two channel Kenwood with Sansui speakers.

Upon entering the work force I purchased Adcom power and Magnapan also  2 channel and experienced a big stage in the 80’s.

90’s moved two Aragon power and Fosgate processor with  Martin Logan Sequel II with Logos center and smaller Logans in the rear. This was my first experience with multi channel and AV. A whole new world for my ears and after adding two children to my system, lots of Disney laser discs. In 1995 I upgraded the processor to Merdian 561 and  I discovered Trifield for music after reading several posts on Hitchhiker about what they discussed “my beloved Trifield”. I did not appreciate it then as our main use was AV.

After a few years and auditioning all Meridian DSP speaker system I made a jump to all DSP5000’s which gave me the smooth, pleasant, effortlessly accurate, sound that matched MY EARS.

I have been building on since and upgraded to Meridian G68ADV in 2005 (Guesstimate) and DSP6000 front, rears upgraded to DSP5500 center and rears.

Upgrade 6000 to DSP8000 in 2013. Upgrade to SE back panels and Beryllium tweeter same set in SE 2017 with Meridian 5 Year warranty on entire speaker.  Just this last month I upgraded the 5500’s rear and original 5000’s side to 7200 and 5200 SE for an upgrade in look more than sound as the older models are more than adequate for rear and side effects. 

I wanted to share this long story to make two points:

- The 561 is still functioning flawlessly for a friend. The G68ADV did need power supply after eight years of service and was going out again in 2018 so I did trade it in for 861V8 which is the current model. This was the only problem I experienced of Meridian product since 1995.

- Each year since I discovered Trifield I found myself favoring the even stage and location/ separation more than Stereo and now with  closely matched 7200 Center to 8000 sides I now find myself only listening to music in Trifield.