Meridian America 551 User Manual

user guide

Meridian 551 Integrated Amplifier

Preface

ii

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE18 6ED

England

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

World Wide Web

http://www.meridian.co.uk

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

3800 Camp Creek Parkway

Building 2400

Suite 112

Atlanta

GA 30331

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

Designed and

manufactured in the UK by

Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE18 6ED

England

Copyright © 1993–1996

Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Part no: 551/2

This guide was produced by

Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

Cambridge, England.

Contents

Introduction 1

Introduces the 551 Integrated Amplifier,
and provides an overview of the other
products available in the Meridian 500
Series.

The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2

Sample configurations ........................... 3

Specification and accessories ............... 6

Using the integrated
amplifier 9

Provides step-by-step instructions on how
to operate the integrated amplifier, using
either the front panel or the Meridian
System Handset.

Front panel............................................. 10

Selecting a source ................................. 11

Adjusting the volume ............................. 12

Changing the display and balance ........ 13

Recording a source................................ 14

Customising the
integrated amplifier 15

Describes how to set up the integrated
amplifier in your preferred configuration.

Choosing standard settings................... 16

Configuring the sources......................... 18

Examples of configuring the

sources .................................................. 20

Programming levels ............................... 22

Specifying information about

your system ........................................... 24

Preface

iii

Setting up the integrated
amplifier 25

Describes how to unpack and install the
integrated amplifier, and explains what you
should do if your integrated amplifier
requires servicing.

Unpacking.............................................. 26

Connecting the integrated amplifier ...... 27

Troubleshooting ..................................... 31

Maintenance .......................................... 33

Service and guarantee ........................... 34

Index ...................................................... 35

Preface

iv

Introduction

In choosing the 551 Integrated Amplifier you have acquired a component

that combines major advances in audio and engineering design. It
combines a full function preamplifier with a high performance power
amplifier.

The preamplifier provides six audio inputs, each of which can be
individually adjusted for sensitivity, and identified on the four-character
alpha-numeric display. A very high quality MC or MM phono stage is
available as an option for the dedicated LP input.

The power amplifier uses a unique feedback topology and precision local
error correction system. It is designed and constructed in dual mono
format, including a massive twin wound toroidal transformer.

This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results from
the unit. If you have just purchased the 551 Integrated Amplifier you should
first turn to the chapter Setting up the integrated amplifier, page 25, which
explains how to unpack and install the integrated amplifier correctly.

The Meridian 500 Series

The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue,
and video components designed to meet the demand for
absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value.

The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can
assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need,
perfectly suited to your musical and environmental requirements,
and with the ability to add to it or change it at a later date should
your requirements change. The 500 Series is also compatible
with the existing Meridian 200 Series and 600 Series
components.

Each Meridian 500 Series component is housed in a matching
slim line case. Front panel controls provide access to the most
important functions, and the full range of functions is available
from the Meridian System Remote using a simple and intuitive
control interface.

500 Series communications

The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated
communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units
will work together as a fully integrated system.

The 500 Series communications system allows you to control
any combination of units using a single remote, and ensures that
your commands from the remote are interpreted unambiguously.
The communications system also allows you to extend your hi-fi
system into two or three rooms, with the ability to control the
sources in one room from the controller in another room.

Professional features

The 500 Series also includes features for professional users,
including RS232 computer control and balanced connections.

The following pages give examples of four suggested
configurations to illustrate the flexibility of the Meridian 500
Series.

Introduction

2

Sample configurations

506 20-Bit CD Player

A500

506

504

501

555

The 506 20-Bit CD Player is an integrated CD transport and
converter, providing both digital and analogue outputs.

The 506 20-Bit CD Player is ideally suited for use with the
Meridian 555 Stereo Power Amplifier and A500 Loudspeakers,
with control over the volume and source selection provided by
the 501 Control Unit. The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is an ideal
addition to the system if radio reception is required.

A500

500 Compact Disc Transport

DSP5000DSP5000

500

504

The 500 Compact Disc Transport provides a precision digital
output, and can drive DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers directly.

A 562 Digital Controller can be added to cater for conventional
analogue sources, such as the 504 Stereo FM Tuner, and
provide source selection between up to 12 different analogue or
digital sources.

562

Introduction

3

566 20-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter

502 Analogue Controller

Introduction

4

500

566

502

The digital output provided by the 500 Compact Disc Transport
can be decoded by the 566 20-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter
to provide a high-quality audio output for use with a
conventional audio preamplifier. The 566 20-Bit Digital to
Analogue Converter can also decode digital signals from other
sources, including LaserDisc players and Digital Audio Tape.

A500

557

A500

The 502 Analogue Controller is a full function preamplifier for use
with any analogue source, and includes balanced inputs to allow
you to take advantage of balanced sources, including the 566
20-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter. It provides balanced
outputs which are ideal for use with the 557 Stereo Power
Amplifier.

562V Multimedia Controller

DSP6000 DSP6000

Satellite

Video recorder

504

500

LaserDisc

562V

The 562V Multimedia Controller is the ideal control unit for use
with the Meridian DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers.

It provides direct digital inputs for digital sources, such as the
500 Compact Disc Transport and LaserDisc sound, together
with precision Delta Sigma Analogue to Digital Conversion, for

Television

conventional analogue sources such as the 504 Stereo FM
Tuner and video sound.

It also includes video switching for CVBS and S-VHS signals,
such as from a satellite receiver, LaserDisc player, or video
recorder.

Introduction

5

Specification and accessories

Introduction

6

Specification

MM input option Sensitivity adjustable 0.5 – 3mV for

5cm/s @ 1kHz.
Overload point 47mV @ 1kHz.
Cartridge load 47kΩ || 100pF.

MC input option Sensitivity adjustable 38 – 210µV for

5cm/s @ 1kHz.
Cartridge load 220Ω || 10nF.

A2 – A6 inputs Sensitivity adjustable 27 – 150mV.

Input impedance 20kΩ.

Output 65W per channel into 8Ω.

100W per channel into 4Ω.

Tape output Output 1.5V.
Pre-amp output Output 1.4V rms, 3V rms maximum.
Headphone output 2V maximum.
Distortion Less than 0.05%.
Noise and hum Less than -90dB for high-level

analogue inputs.
Less than -70dB for MM input.
Less than -60dB for MC input.

Display Four character display for current

source, volume, mute, and copy
source.

Communications Two 5 pin 240° DIN sockets.
Finish Black textured enamel and glass.

Heatsinks black painted aluminium.

Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm

(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").

Weight 10kg (20lbs).
Consumption 30VA quiescent, 300VA max.

Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.

Available accessories

The following accessories are available from your dealer:

❍MM phono module.
❍MC phono module.
❍Meridian System Remote.
❍Power cord Europe.
❍Power cord Canada and USA.

The MM and MC phono modules convert the LP audio input (A1)
for use with a moving magnet or moving coil pickup,
respectively.

The Meridian System Remote provides access to all the facilities
provided by the 551 Integrated Amplifier, including those
available from the front panel controls. In addition, it allows you
to control any other 500 Series units in your system.

If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order
them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a
range of cables suitable for connecting the 551 Integrated
Amplifier to other equipment.

Introduction

7

Introduction

8

Using the integrated amplifier

This chapter provides a visual summary of the functions of the integrated

amplifier in order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the
unit.

It also describes how to switch on the integrated amplifier, and use it with
your audio sources.

Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel
or the remote.