Meridian DSP3300 Active Centre Channel Speaker

The DSP3300 is Meridian's compact active centre channel — the natural complement to the DSP3200 in a multichannel system, and the means by which a compact Meridian front soundstage can be built with fully matched speakers across all three positions. Its three-driver, two-amplifier design shares the DSP3200's core engineering, and its full Meridian DSP processing suite — including Full Frequency Alignment and E3 Bass — ensures that the centre channel contributes at the same level as the mains rather than serving as a compromise between them.

The DSP3300 can be oriented horizontally or vertically, with a supplied rubber mount for either placement. This makes it suitable for installation beneath a screen, on a shelf, or between two DSP3200s in a three-speaker L/C/R configuration. That configuration — three DSP3300s as left, centre, and right — is also a valid choice for cinema rooms where the DSP3200 provides the mains and the centre channel needs to match exactly. See the full Meridian range we stock.

Drive Units and Amplification

Three drive units: two 165mm polypropylene long-throw bass drivers and one 85mm aluminium cone wide-range driver. Two Class-AB amplifiers, each 75 watts, 150 watts total. The wide-range driver and one bass driver are each matched to their own dedicated amplifier, with the second bass driver sharing the bass amplifier channel. There are no passive crossover components in the signal path.

Peak SPL is 114dB at 1m. Frequency response runs from 45Hz to over 20kHz in room. Distortion is typically below 0.02%.

The dual bass driver arrangement — running both 165mm drivers in the horizontal plane — is what makes the DSP3300 work as a centre channel. It produces greater bass output and lower distortion under sustained demand than a single-driver design, and the matched acoustic character with the DSP3200 ensures consistent timbre across the front soundstage.

DSP Technologies

The DSP3300 implements nine Meridian signal processing technologies:

Full Frequency Alignment corrects group delay so all frequencies arrive at the listener simultaneously — timing coherence across the full bandwidth, including the centre channel where most of the vocal and dialogue content resides.

Bespoke Signal Mapping applies crossover filters designed specifically for this three-driver configuration in this cabinet, ensuring correct integration between the wide-range and bass drivers.

E3 Bass (Expand, Extend, Enhance) extracts maximum low-frequency performance from the dual 165mm bass drivers — reaching 45Hz from a compact horizontal cabinet.

Loudness compensation maintains tonal balance at reduced listening levels, preventing the thinning of bass and treble that human hearing sensitivity produces at low volumes.

Dynamic bass protection preserves transient accuracy and leading-edge sharpness at high output levels.

Q-Sync, True Time, True Link, Pro-Active Bass, Pro-Active Thermal, and Free-Q provide jitter minimisation, filter optimisation, secure digital transfer, driver protection, and placement-adaptive room correction respectively.

Connectivity

SpeakerLink (RJ45) input and output for integration within a Meridian system. The supplied rubber mount allows horizontal or vertical placement — beneath a screen, on furniture, or between a pair of DSP3200s.

Technical Specifications

Who Is It For?

The DSP3300 is the correct centre channel for any multichannel system using DSP3200 main loudspeakers — it matches the driver technology, the amplification, the DSP processing, and the acoustic character. It is also suited to installations where three DSP3300s form a compact matched L/C/R front stage. Those needing a centre channel for a DSP5200SE-based system should consider the DSP5200SE HC/VC.

Buying from Martin's Hi-Fi

Martins Hi-Fi has a long-standing relationship with Meridian and extensive experience recommending and installing their active loudspeaker range. We can advise on front soundstage matching, placement options, and Meridian system design including multi-room integration.

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