Smart home design and installer Progressive Home Technology recently added to its portfolio a comprehensive hi res audio project at a modern new-build in Hastings, UK, with Meridian Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology at its core.
When called up to provide a premium quality technology that would enrich one Sussex family’s home entertainment experience, Progressive Home Technology looked no further than products from Meridian, Control4 and LG to fit the project brief.
The ability to listen to high quality music from multiple sources was high on the agenda for the client, as well as the opportunity for family and friends to gather and enjoy movies to reference standard in the hi-tech media room. Modern and minimalist in style, the technology also had to seamlessly fit the interior styling of the property – underscored by clean lines, contemporary artworks and light tones – and intuitively work alongside the home’s Control4 automation system.
The ideal fit for the white and neutrals of the homeowner’s open-plan media room, Progressive Home Technology proposed Meridian’s striking Special Edition DSP7200 loudspeakers – finished in piano lacquer white – to deliver hi res quality LCR audio and complement a LG’s newest 65-in OLED 4K TV and accompanying Kaleidescape Premiere movie system. This system brings the Blu-Ray movie experience into the room, in addition to other TVs dotted around the house for other members of the family.
“While the loudspeakers were chosen primarily for quality, the aesthetic influenced the striking layout of the room, which was designed around the loudspeakers.”
“While the loudspeakers were chosen primarily for quality, the aesthetic influenced the striking layout of the room, which was designed around the loudspeakers,” said Liam McLaughlin, director of Progressive Home Technology.
Containing four integrated 150W amplifiers, opting for the DSP7200 loudspeakers eliminated the need for an amplifier in the rack, reducing power and thermal management requirements, and freeing up space for the homeowner.
The audio set-up is completed by Meridian’s Special Edition DSP5200 rear speakers for bass and full-range audio performance, along with two Meridian DSW subwoofers. The manufacturer’s 861V8 surround controller supports 7.2 channel THX Certified cinema sound for an immersive audio experience.
Elsewhere in the home, Meridian also provides the backbone for multi room audio with a Sooloos digital media system deployed to support lossless CD ripping and playback and Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) audio streaming.
The system is fully integrated with the client’s existing AVID turntable setup to allow him to indulge his vinyl passion and enjoy music to the highest quality through the Meridian DSP loudspeakers. The Sooloos system serves seven audio zones in the property, six from a Meridian Media Core 600 into an Audio Control Director amplifier which sends audio to the kitchen, dining room, snug, bedroom, bathroom and gym. Meridian’s Sooloos integrated with the homeowner’s network for a hassle-free installation and enabling easy access to the owner’s music libraries and internet streaming services.
“We recommended Meridian for all the digital connections in the home,” concludes McLaughlin. “The active DSP design helps to save important space in the rack, easing venting requirements in what is a compact storage space. Thanks to Meridian we can get high resolution audio into the system when few other systems could offer a solution of comparable quality.”
“Integration with the Sooloos system also influenced the choice, but the key requirement and deciding factor was for the best looking and the best sounding equipment within the overall budget.”
Tech-Spec
AudioControl The Director Model D3400
Control4 home automation processor, touchscreens and wireless remote controls
Furman Reference mains conditioning
Kaleidescape Premiere movie system
LG 65EF950V OLED 65-in 4K TV
Lumagen RadiancePro 4K video processor
Meridian 861V8 surround controller
Meridian HDMI audio processor
Meridian Special Edition DSP7200SE LCR speakers
Meridian Special Edition DSP5200SE rear speakers
Meridian DSW subwoofers
Meridian Media Core 600
Meridian Control 15 touchscreen
Philips Dynalite intelligent lighting system