Why it's a best pick:
The new Meridian 300 Series of in-wall / flush-mount and on-wall speaker systems (and also the 200 Series in-ceiling designs) allow exceptional flexibility of configuration. They can be supplied as passive speakers that are driven by conventional external amplification, or as a remote active analog system driven by a Meridian G41 Powered Crossover/Amplifier, including 8 channels of 100W power amplifiers with integral modular plug-in electronic crossovers that can handle up to five channels of digital audio. For those with a Meridian Audio System already, an upcoming firmware revision for the Meridian G68 surround sound processor will integrate these new in-wall speakers directly via Meridian’s configuration application, for far superior performance. The 200 Series of in-ceiling speakers are 2-way designs with an 8-inch bass driver, a pivoting tweeter and an optional crossover, either for surface grille or flush mounting applications.
The 300 Series of in-wall speakers consists of three ultra-slim line speaker systems for in-wall (surface grille), flush-mount (completely hidden behind wall coverings or fabric) and on-wall applications. Each of the three different sized loudspeakers feature a unique ribbon tweeter, a 5” midrange driver and a passive bass radiator. There are additional midrange and bass elements found in the two larger versions, allowing for a considerable volume of air to be moved, with the sound produced in a large room featuring a 7.2 configured sound system being capable of offering a most authentic, gut wrenching sound stage. Thankfully, the passive versions of the 300s are bi-wireable and accept bare wire and also a variety of audiophile speaker cables including very, very large gauges from Transparent, Monster, Kimber, and Cardas. This uniquely offers the possibility for some truly amazing in-wall speaker sound, very reminiscent of Meridians freestanding speakers costing 4-times as much.
The speaker’s sturdy enclosures are extremely rigid and well designed for in-wall suspension, solidly reducing cabinet resonances and ensuring that the sound of the loudspeakers is free from coloration and distortion normally associated with in-wall speakers. A white paintable grille and frame are included with each speaker, and rough-in boxes are available for those desiring to install these instruments more easily.
However, installation by a trained professional who knows and loves his drywall skills can result in these speakers offering up a tremendous home theater sound in 5.1, 6.1, 7.2, or 8.8 Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound, particularly when used behind an acoustically transparent projection screen and/or behind custom fabric walls found in so many home theaters these days. When one considers the best qualities of a high-end in-wall / in-ceiling loudspeaker system, it becomes clear why Meridian offer such finely tuned musical instruments as these loudspeakers. The more time and care taken in their installation directly to the studwork, the greater the result in overall sound quality and transparency.
* $2,395-$4,895/each. Depending on configuration
* 320: Two-way with one 6.5" bass driver and one ribbon tweeter
* 330: Two-way with one 6.5" bass driver, one 8" passive radiator, and one ribbon tweeter
* 350: Two-way with two 6.5" bass drivers, two 8" passive radiators, and one ribbon tweeter
Manufacturer Description: Meridian installation loudspeakers deliver the performance of a stand-alone design in a discreet enclosure with minimal visual impact – and awesome power. Heavy, rigid enclosures minimise wall and cavity excitation so you hear the speakers, and not wall resonances. The sound is incredibly clear and dynamic.
Available in three sizes, the 300 Series consists of ultra-slimline systems for in-wall (paintable white surface grille), flush-mount (completely hidden, eg behind wall coverings) and on-wall applications, featuring metal-cone bass drivers, and a wide-dispersion horn-loaded ribbon tweeter for superb performance anywhere within a broad listening area.
300 Series loudspeakers are available as passive models...Read More to be driven with a standard amplifier or as Remote Active units with a special powered crossover/amplifier system such as the G41 or C51, and are supplied with the appropriate crossover card for either system.
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