Meridian 818 User Manual

818 Reference Audio Core User Guide

Preface

Important safety instructions

Read the instructions. Keep these instructions. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding pin).

This apparatus uses a single-pole power switch. As a result it is not isolated from AC mains power when switched off at the rear panel. The apparatus may be isolated from mains power either by unplugging the power connector from the rear of the unit, or by unplugging the connector at the opposing end of the power cord or cable from its supply outlet. As a result, either or both of these connectors should remain accessible.

Safety warnings

Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing. Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the unit. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the unit.

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To avoid overheating

Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient ventilation.

Do not position the unit:

In direct sunlight. Near heat sources, such as a radiator. Directly on top of heat producing equipment, such as a power amplifier.

To avoid interference

Do not position the unit:

Near strong electrical or magnetic radiation, such as near a power amplifier.

Radio interference

FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can

radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to radio communications or radio and television reception. It has been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against such interference in home installations.

EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested to comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020.

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iii

Contents

Introduction 1

The 818 Reference Audio Core 2

Specifications 3

Using the 818 Reference Audio Core 5

Front panel keys 6

MSR+ keys 7

Switching on and off 8

Selecting a source 9

Adjusting the system volume 10

Changing the treble or bass 11

Changing the balance or phase 12

Changing the loudness or subwoofer mode 1

Loudspeaker setup controls 14

Changing the front-panel display 15

Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core 17

Unpacking 18

Applications 20

Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core 29

Choosing a standard setting 30

Setting up sources 31

Setting up SpeakerLink 32

Installing the Meridian Configuration Application 33

Index 35

Preface

Designed and manufactured in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England

Visit us on the Web

http://www.meridian-audio.com

Part no: 818U/1 (P88407)

MHR: this product incorporates copyright protection technology covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the express purpose of securely containing copyright audio within the Meridian System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention of this protection is strictly prohibited.

Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, and Sooloos are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

This guide was produced by: Human-Computer Interface Ltd, http://www.interface.co.uk

Introduction

Welcome to the Meridian 818 Reference Audio Core.

This User Guide provides full information about using the 818 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.

Introduction

The 818 Reference Audio Core

Incorporating the advanced technology from Meridian’s popular 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player, the Meridian 818 Reference Audio Core is a stereo audio controller with a wide range of digital and analogue inputs.

Outputs

The 818 Reference Audio Core provides two Meridian SpeakerLink connectors for simple, straightforward connection to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers via Cat 5 cables.

Alternatively, balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs are provided for connecting to an external power amplifier or preamplifier.

The digital outputs support MHR (Meridian High Resolution) and operate at up to 96kHz 24-bit.

Inputs

On the input side, the 818 Reference Audio Core provides a wide range of possibilities.

The 818 Reference Audio Core provides a network socket to connect directly to a Sooloos network, allowing it to play music from and control a Sooloos Digital Media System.

Three SpeakerLink inputs are provided for connecting to other Meridian sources with SpeakerLink outputs. In addition, three digital coaxial S/PDIF inputs and five Toslink optical digital inputs are provided, for connecting to other digital sources. All digital inputs operate at sample rates up to 96kHz.

A USB B-type connector is provided to allow the 818 Reference Audio Core to be connected to a computer system and used as an external sound card.

Six stereo analogue inputs are provided on gold-plated phono connectors.

Audio processing

The 818 Reference Audio Core features high-quality audio processing. Analogue inputs are converted to digital at 96kHz sampling, and digital inputs accept signals up to 96kHz. High resolution files, up to 192kHz/24 bit, may be replayed from a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System.

Signals are processed with Meridian’s exclusive apodising filter that ensures maximum audio quality with outputs at 96kHz/24 bit (digital) or 192kHz/24 bit (analogue).

When used with Meridian DSP Speakers, the 818 Reference Audio Core provides additional audio processing in the speakers, such as treble and bass tone controls and enhanced room boundary equalisation.

System integration

An RS232 interface provides full remote control capability as well as the ability to configure the unit with Meridian’s innovative Windows-based graphic configuration application.

Three programmable trigger outputs are provided for direct control of external devices, for example powering-up amplifiers, etc.

The 818 Reference Audio Core is supplied with the MSR+ learning/programmable remote control, which not only operates all Meridian products but also includes an extensive database of third-party products and the capability to learn commands from existing remotes.

Introduction

Specifications

Audio outputs

2-channel balanced audio output. 2-channel unbalanced audio output. 2-channel digital coax output. Two 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink outputs. Optional MHR encryption on digital outputs at high rate.

Audio inputs

Six 2-channel unbalanced analogue inputs. Adjustable sensitivity. Three 2-channel digital coax inputs. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision. Three 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink inputs.

44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision. Five 2-channel digital optical inputs. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision. One network input (Ethernet) for connection to a Meridian Sooloos Digital Media System. One USB input, for connection to a computer. All inputs provide renameable legends.

Signal processing

The 818 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide the following powerful features:

Apodising filter. Upsampling. FIFO and error correction. Resolution enhancement.

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Controls

Front-panel facia controls for:

Source, Play/Pause, Previous, Next, Mute, Volume Up and Down, and On/Off.

A hinged control panel provides additional controls for:

Volume +/-, Source, Display, Mute, Setup, Fast Forward/Reverse, and Menu keys.

Display

20-character dot-matrix display with adjustable brightness and contrast. Indicators for Emphasis and Phase.

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Introduction

Using the 818

Reference Audio Core

Using the 818 Reference Audio Core

This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 818 Reference Audio Core to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit.

It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the 818, using either the front panel or the MSR+.

Using the 818

Reference Audio Core

Front panel keys

Phase-

OffSource Mute A V[> = ]Reference Audio Core 818

Volume +

Volume –Mute

Setup Display

Source

Reference Audio Core 818

Fast Forward/

Fast Reverse

Scans forwards/

backwards

Source

Selects a source

Play/Pause

Plays or pauses

the track

Previous/Next

Selects the

previous or next

track

Mute

Mutes or restores

the sound

Volume keys

Change the

system volume

Off

Switches to

standby

Source

Selects a

source

Display

Changes the

information

displayed

Emphasis

indicator

Setup

SpeakerLink

Setup

Up/Down

Changes a menu

parameter

Left/Right

Selects a menu

parameter

Not currently

used

Volume keys

Change the

system volume

Phase –

Indicates inverted

phase

Mute

Mutes or restores

the sound

Using the 818

Reference Audio Core

MSR+ keys

OpenOpen

AudioAudio

FunctionFunction

RADIO

DVD

AUX DISC

Return

RecordRecord

TAPE

Enter

SetupSetup

CABLE SAT VCR1

Store

SubtitleRepeat

Clear

DSP

Display Mute

VCR2 GAME OFF

PowerPower

BandBand AngleAngle OSDOSD

Top Menu

PagePage

SlowSlow

PhasePhase

PagePage

A-BA-B

Pause

Pauses the track

Store

Stores

a preset

Function

Selects a special

function

Repeat

Repeats a

track/album

A-B

Repeats a section

Menu keys

Select or change

the balance,

phase, contrast,

or brightness

Source keys

Select a source

Clear

Clears a selection

Display

Changes the

front-panel

display

Fast reverse

Scans backwards

Selects the

previous track

Stop

Stops the track

Fast forward

Scans forwards

Selects the next

track

Play

Plays the track

Number keys

Select a track by

number

Volume keys

Change the volume

Mute

Mutes or restores

the sound

OFF

Switches to

standby

Using the 818

Reference Audio Core

Switching on and off

When not playing, the 818 should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the 818 operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start.

If you are not going to use the 818 for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

To switch on from standby

Press Source (front panel), or select a source on the remote.

If the 818 is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on any other units in the system, such as the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.

To switch to standby

Press Off (front panel or remote).

If you have other Meridian equipment or Meridian DSP Loudspeakers connected to the 818 these units will also switch to standby.

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+ 28 hidden pages

Meridian 818 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual