Advice sought re: Meridian DSP3100 connectivity options?

[daws0n]

I am unfamiliar with Meridian kit and have found a pair these for sale. The controller is broke according to the current owner, looking at the interface options on the back they're not your typical active speakers... However there are coax digital inputs on the back and an RS232 port for computer based configuration according to the manual, does this mean in theory I could use them connected a non meridian source?

I am primarily interested in single source digital stereo playback. Is this possible without replacing the bespoke "interface" controller box? If not, what is the simplest solution model wise for connecting them up? I typically use a Raspberry pi4 > USB to SPDIF interface and don't find the idea of proprietary interconnectivity appealing but they do look like decent speakers.

 

[bencat]

I was pretty certain but checked the manual any way and the short answer is yes . This will work with any digital source and does not need to be meridian . It will accept any spdif source via RCA cable . Only thing I do not know is if it will automatically default to the only channel with a signal or if you have to cycle through using the controller . I strongly feel that it you only as you want to connect a single digital source it will latch on to that of you ever connect a second then you may have issues . Also I am sure that you could get a learning / programmable remote that would work .

 

[jobseeker]

You may still need to config them, if so you would need a controller and comms cable. Also be aware that some batches of eprom chips were faulty, which results in bricking the speaker if an attempt to upgrade firmware is made. Updating is rather ‘old fashioned‘ with a Windows PC, the Meridian Config program and a null modem cable. However, if they are on latest firmware, then the eprom chips must be ok. There have been no updates for many years.