Meridian 271 Digital Theatre Controller

The Meridian 271 is a high-resolution digital interface for integrating Meridian DSP loudspeakers into a theatre system driven by any audio processor. Where an existing processor lacks SpeakerLink outputs, the 271 bridges the gap — taking the processor's outputs and converting them to the SpeakerLink format that Meridian DSP loudspeakers require, while preserving the high-resolution signal quality that makes DSP loudspeakers worth having in the first place.

A single 271 handles 20 or more channels. Units stack to scale — three 271s provide up to 60 SpeakerLink output channels, covering even the most ambitious Dolby Atmos or large-format cinema installation. The chassis is rack-mountable and IP-controlled, making it straightforward to include in professionally installed theatre rooms alongside control systems and other rack equipment. See the full Meridian range we stock.

What It Solves

Home cinema and commercial theatre systems are typically built around a central audio processor (Datasat, Storm Audio, Trinnov, or similar), which handles decoding and pre-amplification. These processors do not output SpeakerLink — Meridian's proprietary digital connection used by the DSP730, DSP750, and other DSP loudspeakers.

The 271 sits between the processor and the DSP loudspeakers, taking the processor's digital outputs and producing SpeakerLink signals for each speaker channel. The loudspeakers receive a high-resolution digital signal rather than an analogue signal that has already been converted and then re-digitised — maintaining signal integrity from source to driver.

IP control means the 271 integrates with the same control infrastructure as the rest of the system, responding to volume commands and zone management from Crestron, Control4, or Meridian's own control platform.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The 271 is for large dedicated home cinema rooms and commercial installations where Meridian DSP loudspeakers — particularly the DSP730 and DSP750 architectural speakers — are deployed with a third-party audio processor. It is also the correct interface for Dolby Atmos installations requiring more than 20 channels of SpeakerLink output. Systems built entirely on Meridian's own processors that already have SpeakerLink outputs do not require the 271.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has a long-standing relationship with Meridian and extensive experience designing and installing large-format theatre systems around Meridian's architectural loudspeaker range. At 271 level, system design — processor selection, channel routing, SpeakerLink architecture, and control integration — is as important as the hardware itself. We can advise on all of it.

Contact Dave or Chris at info@martinshifi.co.uk, call 01603 627010, or WhatsApp on 07554 687137. You can read more about how we work on our Why Martin's page. We are at 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY.

Contact: info@martinshifi.co.uk | 01603 627010 | WhatsApp: 07554 687137 | 85–91 Ber Street, Norwich, NR1 3EY