CEDIA 2007: Meridian pint-sized F80 “Home Entertainment System” packs a punch
September 14th, 2007 — By Bob Ankosko
September 14 - How do you get a roomful of show-weary audio journalists to sit up and take notice after a long day on the job?
If you’re Meridian’s Bob Stuart you put what looks like a small, half-dome-shaped table radio on a stand next to the podium in front of the CEDIA press room, turn it on, and crank up the volume.
Oh, and don’t forget to grin while you push the up arrow on the remote.
That’s exactly how Meridian’s demo of its new F80 “home entertainment system� played out.
As the volume increased, the music remained robust and clear—surprisingly clear for a unit only 9 inches tall, 16 inches wide, and 7 inches deep—and looks of bewilderment filled the room: How can that little thing produce such big sound?
Credit goes to the use of sophisticated digital signal processing, not to mention the three power amps packed inside that deliver more than 80 watts to a pair of custom-made, full-range drivers and a special long-throw woofer—all within a sturdy, well-damped cabinet that weighs more than 14 pounds.
Designed in collaboration with Ferrari, the elegant F80 brings an AM/FM radio and a DVD/CD player to the table, along with a bright organic LED display, and is available in five official Ferrari colors, including the classic Rosso Corsa (dark red).
Meridian says an optional iPod dock will be available by the end of the year and suggests that the F80 is the ideal alarm clock, kitchen radio, computer speaker system, lounge hi-fi, or home cinema package.
The F80 is currently available for $2995. Come on, you knew all that technology wasn’t going to come cheap.
What a way to celebrate 30 years in business… Congratulations, Meridian!
