Meridian Audio 559 User Manual

user guide

Meridian 559 Two Channel Power Amplifier

Meridian 559 Stereo
Power Amplifier
User Guide

Preface

i

Preface

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE29 6EX

England

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

World Wide Web

http://www.meridian-audio.com

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

3800 Camp Creek Parkway

Building 2400

Suite 122

Atlanta

GA 30331

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

Designed and

manufactured in the UK by

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE29 6EX

England

Copyright © 1993–2001 Meridian Audio Ltd

Part no: 559/1

This guide was produced by

Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

http://www.interface.co.uk

ii

Contents

Introduction 1

Introduces the 559 Stereo Power

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 ............... 5

Setting up the stereo
power amplifier 7

Describes how to unpack, install, and use

the stereo power amplifier, and explains

what you should do if it requires servicing.

Unpacking .............................................. 8

Connecting the stereo power amplifier.. 9

Connecting a source.............................. 12

Connecting speakers ............................. 13

Troubleshooting 17

Provides suggested solutions to typical

problems.

Troubleshooting ..................................... 18

Maintenance .......................................... 19

Service and guarantee ........................... 20

Index ...................................................... 21

Preface

iii

Preface

iv

Introduction

In choosing the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier you have acquired a

component that combines major advances in audio and engineering
design.

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier uses a unique feedback topology and
precision local error correction system. It includes two massive toroidal
transformers, and the unit has full thermal, load, and DC protection.

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier can also be operated in bridge mode, for
over three times the power output to a single loudspeaker.

This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results
from the unit in conjunction with the other units in your system.

Introduction

1

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 source or controller 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 provides features for professional users,

including RS232 computer control, and balanced connections.

The following pages give examples of two suggested

configurations incorporating the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier, to

illustrate the flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series.

Introduction

2

Sample configurations

Meridian Analogue Theatre

596

559 559

568/561

559 Stereo Power Amplifiers are ideal for use with the Meridian

561 Digital Surround Controller or the 568 Digital Surround

Processor, to drive five passive loudspeakers in a high-quality

surround system. The recommended configuration, shown

above, uses three 559 Stereo Power Amplifiers operating in

559

559

Introduction

bridge mode to drive the three front loudspeakers, and a fourth

559 to drive the two rear loudspeakers. The 568 provides

balanced outputs for the front left, right, and centre channels,

and so is ideal for use with the balanced inputs of the 559.

3

588 Compact Disc Player

588

559

502

The 588 Compact Disc Player is ideally suited for use with the

Meridian 559 Stereo Power Amplifier and passive loudspeakers,

with control over the volume and source selection provided by

the 502 Analogue Controller. These units provide balanced

inputs and outputs, allowing a completely balanced system to

be created.

Introduction

4

Specification and accessories

Specification

Input 1.65V RMS.
Output (stereo) Greater than 300W per channel into 8Ω.

Greater than 500W per channel into 4Ω.

Output (bridge) Greater than 600W into 16Ω.

Greater than 1000W into 8Ω.
Greater than 1600W into 4Ω.

Distortion Less than 0.05%.
Noise Less than -90dB.
Finish Black textured enamel and anodised

front extrusion.

Dimensions 442mm x 174mm x 450mm

(17.4" x 6.8" x 17.7") (W x H x D).

Weight 42kg.
Consumption 30VA quiescent, 1200VA max.

Trigger input 5 to 30VDC or

5 to 30VAC peak to peak.

Polarity independent.

Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product

specifications at any time.

Available accessories

The following accessories are available from your dealer:

❍Power cord Europe.
❍Power cord Canada and USA.

Introduction

5

Introduction

6

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

This chapter explains how to install the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier. It

describes what you should find when you unpack the amplifier, how you
should connect it to your other audio equipment, and the siting
constraints.

You should not make any connections to the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier or
to any other component in your system whilst the AC power supply is
connected and switched on.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

7

Unpacking

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier comes in a box containing the

following components:

❍559 Stereo Power Amplifier.
❍1 power cord.
❍1 bridge mode link.
❍This manual.

You are advised to retain the packing in case you need to

transport the unit.

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier weighs 42kg. Do not
attempt to lift it without assistance.

Before connecting power

Before you begin installation you should ensure that your stereo

power amplifier is set to the correct voltage for your local AC

supply. If it is not, do not try to install the unit, and contact your

dealer.

Do not make connections, or insert or remove plugs, while
the unit is connected to the supply and switched on, as the

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

8

transients generated could damage the loudspeakers.

Safety warnings

❍Do not expose the stereo power amplifier to dripping or

splashing.

❍Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on

the stereo power amplifier.

❍Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,

on the stereo power amplifier.

To avoid overheating

During normal operation the internal heatsinks may become

quite hot. The stereo power amplifier should therefore be

positioned to allow a free flow of air through the cooling vents

from the base to the top.

Do not place the stereo power amplifier:

❍In direct sunlight.
❍Near heat sources, eg a radiator.
❍Stacked with any other audio products, as the heat it

generates may damage the other products.

Do not restrict airflow through the top and bottom vents.

Connecting the stereo power amplifier

Back panel

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

Select right balanced/
unbalanced input

INPUT SELECTOR

RIGHT

–

+

Right
outputs

LINK FOR

BRIDGED MODE

OFF ON

BRIDGE MODE

Power
and fuse

OFFON

TRIGGER
INPUT

Select bridge
mode

Select left balanced/
unbalanced input

INPUT SELECTOR

UNBALANCED

BALANCED

BRIDGE

MODE
INPUT

LEFT

–

+

Left
outputs

UNBALANCED

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

BALANCED

9

Outputs

Inputs

The following table gives details of the output connections:

Use this output To connect to this

LEFT, RIGHT Loudspeakers of 2Ω to 16Ω, using

BRIDGE MODE A loudspeaker of 2Ω to 16Ω; see To

Each channel of the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier provides twin

outputs for bi-wiring. This allows separate connections to be

made to the bass/mid and tweeter units on speakers that allow

bi-wiring, for optimum sound quality.

Alternatively, for loudspeakers providing a single pair of inputs,

either of the output terminals can be used.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

10

either plug or bare wire connections.

wire to a passive loudspeaker in bridge
mode, page 14.

The following two alternative audio inputs are provided:

Use this input To connect to this

UNBALANCED A preamplifier, using phono connectors

and high-quality screened cable.

BALANCED A balanced analogue output, using

XLR connectors:

1 (Green) = GND

2 (Red) = +ve

3 (Black) = -ve

Select the appropriate input using the INPUT SELECTOR for

each channel.

Standby

Once set up, the stereo power amplifier can be left in standby as

it consumes negligible power in this mode.

To bring the amplifier out of standby press the button on the

front panel. Alternatively, the 559 can be brought out of standby

automatically using the TRIGGER INPUT; see below.

If you are not going to use the stereo power amplifier for a

period of several days you should switch the unit completely off,

at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

Trigger input

The TRIGGER INPUT can be used to bring the stereo power

amplifier out of standby by applying a signal from a control unit.

The trigger input should be an AC or DC signal of between 5 and

30V. Suitable trigger signals are provided by the Meridian 561,

562, 800, and 861.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

11

Connecting a source

To connect to a stereo preamplifier
(eg Meridian 501)

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

501 Analogue Controller

OUTPUT

● Switch the BRIDGE MODE switch to the OFF position.

● Connect the sockets marked UNBALANCED on the back

panel of the stereo power amplifier to the outputs from your

preamplifier.

● Switch the INPUT SELECTOR switches to the UNBALANCED

position.

You should either use a twin-screened audio cable, or a pair of

single-screened audio cables. These cables can have a

considerable effect on the quality of the sound, and you are

advised to seek your dealer’s advice on the best type of cables

for your system.

UNBALANCED

OFF

To connect to each channel of a 568
Digital Surround Processor

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

568 Digital Surround Processor

RIGHT CREAR-L

LEFT

REAR-R

2 x 559 Stereo Power Amplifiers

Three 559 Stereo Power Amplifiers can be used in bridge mode

for each of the front channels of a 568 Digital Surround

Processor, which are provided as balanced outputs.

● Switch the BRIDGE MODE switches to the ON position.

● Fit the supplied bridge mode link between the left and right

negative terminals.

● Connect the LEFT, RIGHT, and CENTRE balanced outputs

from the 568 to the BRIDGE MODE inputs on the 559.

● Switch the INPUT SELECTOR switches to BALANCED.

BALANCED

ON

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

12

Connecting speakers

To connect to passive loudspeakers

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

OFF

● Set the BRIDGE MODE switch to the OFF position.

● Connect one of each pair of the red and black terminals from

the appropriate channel of the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier to

the red and black terminals on the passive loudspeakers.

To bi-wire to passive loudspeakers

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

BALANCED

OFF

● Set the BRIDGE MODE switch to the OFF position.

● Remove the links bridging the LF and HF terminals on the

back of each loudspeaker.

● Connect the LF red and black terminals from each

loudspeaker to the red and black terminals on the appropriate

channel of the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier, using twin

loudspeaker cable.

● Connect the HF red and black terminals from each

loudspeaker to the other pair of red and black terminals on

the appropriate channel of the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

13

To wire to a passive loudspeaker in
bridged mode

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

Input

ON

You can use the 559 as a mono power amplifier, to obtain more

than three times the power output, by wiring it in bridge mode.

● Switch the BRIDGE MODE switch to the ON position.

● Fit the supplied bridge mode link between the left and right

negative terminals.

● Connect the loudspeaker between the BRIDGE MODE

terminals.

You can bi-wire in bridge mode by using the other pair of

BRIDGE MODE terminals to connect separately to the

loudspeaker treble unit.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

14

● Connect the audio inputs to the BALANCED or

UNBALANCED BRIDGE MODE input, as appropriate.

To bi-amp to two passive
loudspeakers

● Switch the BRIDGE MODE switch on both amplifiers to the

OFF position.

● Connect the left audio output from the preamplifier to both

inputs on one amplifier.

● Connect the right audio output from the preamplifier to both

inputs on the other amplifier.

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

OFF

559 Stereo Power Amplifier

Input

OFF

Extremely high sound quality can be achieved using two

separate 559 Stereo Power Amplifiers, one to drive each

loudspeaker. The two channels in each 559 Stereo Power

Amplifier are used to drive the LF and HF units in each

loudspeaker.

● Remove the links bridging the LF and HF terminals on the

back of each loudspeaker.

● Connect the red and black terminals from the LF and HF units

on one loudspeaker to the red and black terminals on each

channel of one stereo amplifier.

● Likewise, connect the LF and HF units from the other

loudspeaker to the red and black terminals on each channel of

the other stereo amplifier.

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

15

Setting up the stereo power amplifier

16

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may

occur when setting up or using the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier.

If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and
the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian
dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.

Troubleshooting

No front panel indicator is shown

❍Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly.
❍Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON

position.

❍Check that the fuse on the stereo power amplifier back panel

and the fuse in the unit’s power plug have not blown; see To
change the mains fuse, page 19.

The sound has cut out

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier includes a thermal shutdown,

which mutes the output if the amplifier becomes too hot. The

Standby LED will also become red.

❍Leave the amplifier for a few minutes to cool down, the

Standby LED will turn green.

The amplifier can then be taken out of standby using the front

panel button or the TRIGGER INPUT.

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier also includes a power circuit

breaker to protect the loudspeakers. This is also triggered if the

mains supply is interrupted.

❍Check the system for the cause of the cut out.
❍Switch off, wait 5 seconds, then switch on to reset the power.

Troubleshooting

18

Maintenance

Fuse

Spare

Cleaning

When cleaning the stereo power amplifier bear in mind that the

front of the unit is brushed aluminium and the case is metal.

Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.

Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the stereo

power amplifier.

To clean the case

● Use a slightly damp cloth.

Ensure that no water is allowed to get inside the case, and do

not reconnect the power until you are certain that the stereo

power amplifier is completely dry.

To clean the audio connections

The audio sockets on the back of the stereo power amplifier are

gold-plated and need no cleaning if gold-plated phono plugs are

used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and

reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact

cleaner can be used to some advantage.

To change the mains fuse

● Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer next to

the power input to access the fuses.

Troubleshooting

Before replacing a blown fuse, if possible ascertain the cause of

the failure.

The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced

by one of the same rating.

19

Service and guarantee

Troubleshooting

20

Service

The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully

designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-

serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any

form of maintenance.

In the unlikely event that your stereo power amplifier fails to

function correctly, it should be returned, in its original

packaging, to your Meridian dealer.

In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the

appropriate sales and service address shown on page ii.

In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing

agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents abroad is

available from Meridian Audio.

No responsibility can be accepted for the stereo power amplifier

whilst in transit to the factory or an agent, and customers are

therefore advised to insure the unit.

When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the date of

purchase will be required.

Guarantee

The 559 Stereo Power Amplifier is guaranteed against defects in

material and workmanship for two years from the date of

purchase.

The guarantee is void if the 559 Stereo Power Amplifier has been

subject to misuse, accident, or negligence, or has been

tampered with or modified in any way without the written

authorisation of Meridian Audio Limited. Attempted servicing by

unauthorised people may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour

and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.

Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment

purchased within the territory. Our agents abroad are only under

contractual obligation to service under guarantee equipment

sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable

charge for any service carried out on other equipment.

This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the

United Kingdom.

Index

A

accessories 5

B

bi-amp connection 15
bi-wire connection 10, 13
bridge mode 10, 14

C

cleaning 19

the audio connections 19
the case 19

components 8
connecting to

a 502 Analogue Controller 4
a 568 Digital Surround Processor 12
a stereo preamplifier 12
passive loudspeakers 13, 14
two passive loudspeakers 15

F

fuse, replacing 19

G

guarantee 20

H

heat during use 8

I

inputs 10
installing 8
introduction 1

L

lifting the 559 8

M

maintenance 19
Meridian 500 Series 2

588 Compact Disc Player 4
communications 2

Meridian Analogue Theatre 3
Meridian System Remote 2

O

overheating 8, 18

P

positioning 8

S

safety warnings 8
service 20
sound has cut out 18
specification 5
switching on 11

T

thermal protection 18
trigger input 11
troubleshooting 17

U

unpacking 8

X

XLR connectors 10

Index

21

22

Index