Meridian Audio 50620 Brochure

Meridian advances the

508 to the pinnacle of

technology with a

new 24-bit D-A

converter taking the

award winning

standard of the 508

one step further.

The 20-bit 506 uses

similar D–A conversion

technology developed

with Crystal

Semiconductor for the

508 CD Player with

single-ended outputs

and less rigorous re-

clocking.

Technical Data Sheet

506.508/2 – 14-11-97

506.20 and 508.24 CD Players

Background

It has become possible, principally
through the mastering technologies of
advanced psychoacoustic-based noise­shaping, to make compatible CDs with
an effective dynamic range in excess
of 19 bits. Meridian is the leader in
this field, and the Meridian 518
Mastering Processor is widely
recognised to make the best sounding
CDs.

In order to get the best from this
compatible mastering process, the CD
player needs to have considerably
higher precision than was thought
necessary some years ago. For
example, to obtain the best sound a
player needs, not only a D/A converter
of more than 19-bits' precision, but
also a DSP filter whose internal
arithmetic exceeds 20-bit precision.

The 20-bit DAC

Over a period of three years, Meridian
has worked closely with the DAC
manufacturer Crystal Semiconductor,
helping them to develop the ultimate
converter. The resulting device, has
the required 20-bit analogue and
digital parameters. This DAC is now
used in both the 506 and 508 CD
Players from Meridian.

The Meridian CD player

The unique Meridian drawer system
combines the user benefits of tray
loading with the important

performance benefits of top loading.
The pick-up mechanisms use a carbon
and glass-fibre anti-vibration disc clamp.

This CD transport uses in-house control
software that, amongst its many
features, adapts the player to the
parameters of each CD. The laser pick­up uses a radical, proprietary analogue­processing system that de-jitters the
data coming from the disc before it is
decoded.

Contrary to market trends, Meridian
refuses to compromise in the error
correction and digital signal processing
capability of their CD players. The 506
uses a state-of-the-art decoder IC that
provides an exceptional ability to
correct disc defects.

The resulting sound is open, sweet and
dynamic with spatial resolution.

The 506 20-bit CD Player

has all the features mentioned here in a
player with unbalanced and digital
outputs. The 506 is now supplied with
the Meridian System Remote (MSR).

The 508 24-bit CD Player

Uses a new 24-bit converter in this one­box player. The master oscillator is
precision stabilised for the lowest jitter
and the analogue outputs are available
on both balanced and unbalanced
connectors. Digital outputs on coaxial
and optical are double re-clocked.

Meridian Audio Limited, , Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE18 6ED, England.
Sales [phone] - Fax [phone]
WWW: http://www.meridian-audio.com

Technical Data Sheet

506/2 – 14-11-97

Performance

20 or 24-bit differential-mode push-pull Digital/Analogue conversion

506 20-bit CD Player

Noise -93dBFS
Distortion -93dBFS
Resolution 20-bits

Inputs and outputs

Analogue outputs unbalanced
Digital outputs on optical, and SPDIF cable

508 24-bit CD Player

Noise <-93dBFS
Distortion <-93dBFS
Resolution 20-bits

Inputs and outputs

Analogue outputs unbalanced and balanced on XLR
Digital outputs on optical and SPDIF cable

Construction

Precision data-grade Focault-focus linear three-beam laser pickup
Mechanical loader incorporating glass and carbon-fiber damping wheel
Audiophile grade components used throughout
Full remote control using Meridian System Remote (MSR) provided
Absolute phase adjustable from remote
Meridian in-house servo software for higher playability and better sound
Precision analogue-domain de-emphasis
Black textured enamel and glass finish
Dimensions 88mm (3.46in) H, 321 (12.64) W, 332 (13.07) D – Weight 5kg (10lbs)

Meridian Audio Ltd. reserve the right to change any product specification without prior notice
© Text and pictures 1997 Meridian Audio Limited