Meridian is marking a milestone with a new product that's certainly not for everyone. Not because it's not something special. But because it is. And it's priced accordingly.
First of all, the upcoming 40th Anniversary System is a limited edition item. There will only be 40 manufacturerd, to mark the 40th anniversary of the partnership between Merdian's co-designers, Bob Stuart and Allen Boothroyd. Also, the product is going to be priced at $100,000.
For that price tag, you'll get bragging rights and one of the few 40th Anniversary Systems to be made. That package includes a pair of the company's flagship DSP8000 loudspeakers, as well as a special version of their 808 Signature Reference CD Player. Yes, you heard that right. It's a stereo system with powered speakers and a CD player, for one hundred large.
The 808 is a CD-ROM-based drive, which boasts better data recovery and error correction than standard CD systems. It also features a master clocking system and timing circuitry to minimize jitter and deliver sound source localization, clarity and imaging. Of course, it also has Meridian's advanced DSP technologies packed inside.
To help crank the 808, there's also a pair of Merdian powered DSP8000 speakers with integrated DACs (Digital Analog Converters), which promise lifelike sounds from a variety of sources, up to 24-bit in precision.
Available in a unique ruby red finish, each 40th Anniversary System is signed by the two designers, and comes with an engraved plate showing its unique system number. Of course, the real hook is the performance, which Merdian promises to also be a limited experience.
Meridian says that the drivers on this exclusive product boast a new, polished bezel. Other perks include a visit from a Meridian Engineer, who will come to your home to fine-tune the system for your specific listening environment, as well as doing all of your cooking, cleaning and laundry for a year (well, except for the cooking, cleaning and laundry, but we'll assume you already have people for that). You'll also get an autographed book that illustrates the history of the company's Digital Signal Processing (DSP) loudspeakers.
"It is our job as product designers to create something people feel they can live with and take enjoyment in using, while instilling them with confidence that the product has longevity," says Allen.
Meridian Audio plans to start selling the 40th Anniversary System this month. And despite our playful ribbing, we don't expect to see any left unsold.
More Information:
