“It’s been an amazing year for Meridian,” says Ryan Ryan Donaher, vice president, Meridian America, Inc., succinctly. “We have introduced new products and we have re-engaged with our dealer base. For us, it’s an amazing shift.”
Donaher says the company examined with distribution strategy and its dealer base and came to a blunt determination: “We can do this a heck of a lot better.”
So the first step was at the product level, where the company expanded upon its 200 Series of electronics, which now includes four models starting at just $1,000… a price point that would have been unheard of from Meridian in the past.
“Meridian has always been a high-performance company but we realize that we don’t trickle down as much as we’d like and have access to as many customers as we’d like to have… simply because of price point,” he notes.
The 200 Series allows Meridian to be spec’ed on more projects and get in front of more customers than ever before. The 200 Series now includes four models:
- 218 zone controller
- 258 eight-channel multizone amplifier
- 251 powered zone controller
- 271 theater controller
The line started about a year ago with the 218, a small single-zone preamp streamer, that has been “very, very successful.” The unit can play with Meridian DSP loudspeakers or it act as a DAC to driver any product.
Meridian recently introduced the new 251, which is a powered version of the 218. It has a 2-channel amplifier built into the box with a massive linear power supply that enables it to drive large loudspeakers, along with built-in DSP and crossovers. It can also integrate with any major control automation system using IP control modules.
Even more impressive is Meridian’s new $3,000 271 Home Theatre Controller.
“It is a break-out product for Meridian,” says Donaher.
In the past, the company has always kept tight reins on every step in the A/V chain, from the source to the speakers. But the 271 allows integrators to any surround controller they want… from an entry-level AVR up to a full immersive-audio surround sound processor. That includes an analog or digital signal using the secure Meridian Speakerlink MHR
“It’s the missing link,” he adds.
Lastly, Donaher presented details on the Meridian Design and Specification Service that is now partnering with Barco projectors to help integrators sell more equipment into projects.
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