TechRadar Verdict
Its easy to see why the Meridian Ellipse has impressed so many people.
It offers precise hi-res audio and has a handful of well-executed features that are almost unrivaled.
And, at this kind of price, that becomes impossible to ignore.
Meridian Ellipse: two-minute review
The Meridian Ellipse is a seriously capable single-unit wireless speaker.
But its also one of the most expensive wireless speakers Ive ever tested.
So does it justify that high price tag?
On the one hand, the Meridian Ellipse is capable of impressive clarity and detail.
As its name suggests, the shape of the Ellipse is… anyone?
Yep, its elliptical.
Oh, the humanity.
Its undeniably detailed and, when its smart functionality delivers, it really delivers.
When it comes to drivers, it focuses on quality over quantity.
Theres not quite as much oomph behind these drivers as youd hope, though.
Naturally, as a wireless speaker, the Ellipse focuses much of its energy on cable-free connectivity.
None of this is unusual for a premium wireless speaker.
Perhaps the most unique smart features are those that tweak the speakers soundstage.
There are admittedly a few things the Meridian Ellipse is lacking.
But in reality, things arent so clear-cut.
Undeniably, the Meridian Ellipse is capable of some impressive, high-resolution detail.
When playingChemtrails Over the Country Clubby Lana Del Rey, it could achieve skillful separation of each instrument.
Elsewhere, the picture gets a lot more mixed.
In fact, I would argue it sounds muchbetterwhen you crank it up.
To test the speakers soundstage, I popped onTighten Up, Pt.
1by Archie Bell & The Drells.
Its Image Focus stereo field correction was much more impressive, however.
Positioning the rig at a 3/4s angle definitely leftHeart of Goldby Bettye LaFayette missing some of its high-end clarity.
Admittedly, you could get up and spin the speaker around yourself, but wheres the fun in that?
The slight treble boost of the dialogue made it seem like it was issuing directly from the screen.
Theres no getting around it: theres something undeniably Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin-esque about the Meridian Ellipse.
Build quality is very decent, even if its not as luxe as some audio products in this category.
Controlling the Ellipse falls to a series of blue-lit touch-capacitative buttons on the top surface of the unit.
There are no presets here, though, which is a shame.
But your expectations are inevitably going to be influenced by how much youve paid for a rig.
And for $3,000 / 1,900 / AU$4,999, I expect an audio gear to sound unimpeachable.
Thats not really been my experience with the Ellipse.
Its smart, really smart.
Because, in reality, I think audiophiles can get more for much less.
Should I buy the Meridian Ellipse?
The only thing it lacks is a few more connectivity options like eARC or phono in.
4.5 / 5
Sound quality
Sounds spacious and detailed, while managing to keep its composure at higher volumes.
4 / 5
Value
For this kind of price, a speaker really should sound unimpeachable.
And Im not convinced the Meridian Ellipse achieves this, with it struggling to outcompete cheaper rivals.
Not bad given its $1,499 / 1,299 / AU$2,495 price tag.
Check out our fullCambridge Audio Evo One review.
Couple this with superb stereo separation and a wide soundstage and these are some fantastic performers.
Read our fullKEF LS50 Wireless II review.
Additionally, I monitored the quality of its output by trying out a variety of sources.
This included my iPhone 16 Pro, MacBook Pro, and TV.
