Meridian Audio 566 User Manual

user guide

Meridian 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter

Preface

ii

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Cambs

PE18 6ED

England

Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144

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 © 1993-1997 Digital

Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Part no: 566/2

This guide was produced by

Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

Cambridge, England.

Contents

Introduction 1

Introduces the 566 24-Bit Digital to

Analogue Converter, 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 Digital to
Analogue Converter 7

Provides step-by-step instructions on how

to operate the Digital to Analogue

Converter.

Front panel ............................................. 8

Selecting the input ................................. 9

Preemphasis and phase ........................ 10

Setting up the Digital to
Analogue Converter 11

Describes how to unpack and install the

Digital to Analogue Converter, and

explains what you should do if it requires

servicing or cleaning.

Unpacking .............................................. 12

Connecting the Digital to Analogue

Converter ............................................... 13

Configuring the Digital to Analogue

Converter ............................................... 16

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

Maintenance .......................................... 20

Service and guarantee ........................... 21

Preface

Index ...................................................... 23

iii

Preface

iv

Introduction

In choosing the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter you have

acquired a component that combines major advances in digital audio and

engineering design. The 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter provides

three digital inputs and one optical input, and uses the latest 24-bit dual-

differential delta-sigma digital to analogue converter, combined with

balanced Class A output amplifiers, to give extremely low distortion.

This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results

from the unit, whether your requirements are simply to convert the output

from a compact disc transport, or to work with inputs from several digital

sources.

If you have just purchased the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter,

you should first turn to the section Setting up the Digital to Analogue

Converter, page 11, which explains how to unpack and install the Digital to

Analogue Converter 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 which can be added to or changed 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 Handset 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 handset, and ensures

that your commands from the handset are interpreted

unambiguously. It also allows all the units to be switched off

from the front panel of any unit in the system.

Professional features

The 500 Series also provides 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

508 24-Bit CD Player

A500

508

504

502

557

The 508 24-Bit CD Player is an integrated CD transport and

converter, providing both digital and analogue outputs.

The 508 24-Bit CD Player is ideally suited for use with the

Meridian 557 Stereo Power Amplifier and A500 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.

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 Control Unit can be added to cater for conventional

analogue sources, and provide source selection between up to

12 different analogue or digital sources.

The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is an ideal addition to the system if

radio reception is required.

562

Introduction

3

566 24-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 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter

to provide a high-quality audio output for use with a

conventional audio preamplifier. The 566 24-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 24-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

Specification

Conversion Dual differential Delta Sigma, 128 times

oversampled at 2 bits per channel

giving 24 bits resolution.

Jitter Less than 1ps rms.

Noise and distortion Less than -95dB.

Display Illuminated legends for EQ, Lock,

44.1kHz, and Phase.

Finish Black textured enamel and glass.

Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm

(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").

Weight 6.4kg (14lbs).

Inputs D1 – D3 digital audio, unbalanced

phono SPDIF input at 75Ω.

AES/EBU connection via XLR

connection on D1.

Optical digital audio high speed

TOSLINK input.

Outputs Unbalanced analogue output 2V

nominal.

Balanced analogue output on

2␣ x␣ XLRs.

Consumption 20VA.

Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product

specifications at any time.

Available accessories

The following accessories are available from your dealer:

❍Additional digital cables.
❍Power cord Europe.
❍Power cord Canada and USA.

If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order

them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a

range of digital cables suitable for connecting the 566 24-Bit

Digital to Analogue Converter to other equipment.

Introduction

6

Using the Digital to Analogue Converter

This chapter explains how to use the Digital to Analogue Converter, and

explains the function of the front panel keys and indicators.

Front panel

BOOTHROYD STUART

24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter

566

234

1

44kHzLockEqPhase

56789

1 Phase

Phase indicator.

2Eq

Equalisation indicator.

3 Lock

Lock indicator.

4 44kHz

Double lock indicator.

PhaseOptD3D2D1

5D1

Selects digital input 1.

6D2

Selects digital input 2.

7D3

Selects digital input 3.

8 Opt

Selects optical input.

Using the Digital to Analogue Converter

8

9 Phase

Toggles absolute phase.

Selecting the input

During normal use the Digital to Analogue Converter is designed

to be left switched on. This uses a negligible amount of

electricity, but ensures that the components of the Digital to

Analogue Converter operate at maximum efficiency from the

moment you start using it.

If you are not going to use the Digital to Analogue Converter 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.

To select the input

● Press the appropriate key D1, D2, D3, or Opt to select the

input you want.

An indicator shows the currently-selected input.

The digital input D1 is automatically selected when the Digital to

Analogue Converter is first switched on.

Lock and 44kHz indicators

The Digital to Analogue Converter will automatically lock to the

input signal providing it is in the correct range, and the Lock

indicator will be illuminated.

Eq

Lock 44kHz

D2D1

In addition, if the input is from a 44.1kHz source, such as the

500 Compact Disc Transport, and the signal is within tolerance,

double lock will be achieved and the 44kHz indicator will be

illuminated.

Eq

Lock 44kHz

D2D1

Using the Digital to Analogue Converter

9

Preemphasis and phase

Eq indicator

The compact disc specification allows for a disc to be recorded

with preemphasis, which for some types of material can give

lower noise levels.

The 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter will automatically

correct for preemphasis on playback, and the Eq indicator will

be illuminated whenever material with preemphasis is being

played.

Eq

Lock 44kHz

D2D1

Phase

The 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter allows you to

change the absolute phase of the output signal; in some

circumstances this can give a noticable improvement in realism.

To change the phase

● Press the Phase key.

The Phase indicator is illuminated when positive phase is

selected.

Using the Digital to Analogue Converter

10

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

This chapter explains how to install the Digital to Analogue Converter. It

describes what you should find when you unpack the Digital to Analogue

Converter, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment, and

the siting constraints.

Before you begin installation, you should ensure that your Digital to

Analogue Converter is the correct voltage for your local AC supply. If it is

not, do not try to install the Digital to Analogue Converter, and contact

your dealer.

You should not make any connections to the Digital to Analogue Converter

or to any other component in your system whilst the AC power supply is

connected and switched on.

Unpacking

The 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter comes in a box

containing the following components:

❍566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter.
❍1 power cord.
❍1 digital cable.
❍1 optical connector blanking plug.
❍1 500 comms lead.
❍This manual.

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

transport the unit.

To position the Digital to Analogue
Converter

Do not place the Digital to Analogue Converter:

❍In direct sunlight.
❍Near heat sources, eg a radiator.
❍On top of a power amplifier, as the heat generated may

damage the Digital to Analogue Converter.

In common with all digital equipment, the Digital to Analogue

Converter emits some radio-frequency signals. Therefore, you

should try to keep all power cables and network leads away

from signal cables, including audio, antenna, and loudspeaker

cables.

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 to comply with the limits

set out in EN55013 and EN55020C.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

12

However, it can be stacked on a 500 Compact Disc Transport, if

you have this Meridian component in your system.

Connecting the Digital to Analogue Converter

Back panel

The diagram below shows the back panel connections.

Digital inputs

The 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter provides four

alternative digital inputs, selectable from the front panel, and

these support three different digital input standards. The

following table gives details of the standards, and the

recommended choice for different equipment:

BALANCED

OFF

ON

COMMS

OUTPUT

RIGHT

Comms Outputs

Input Description

D1, D2, D3 Unbalanced phono at 75Ω, for use with

SPDIF or AES/EBU standard signals.

AES/EBU D1 XLR connection on D1, for AES/EBU

standard signals. Note that if this input

is used D1 must be left unconnected.

Optical EIAJ Optical digital audio high speed

TOSLINK input.

For best results with equipment providing a high quality digital

output the D1, D2, or D3 phono inputs are recommended.

Balanced
output (R)

OUTPUT

L

R

BALANCED

OUTPUT

LEFT

Balanced
output (L)

OPTICAL

EIAJ

D3

Optical
input

AES/EBU input

D2 D1

DIGITAL INPUTS

Digital
inputs

AES/EBU

D1

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

13

Analogue outputs

The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.

The following two alternative audio outputs are provided:

Output Description

Output Unbalanced analogue output, 2V

nominal, on RCA phono pair.

Balanced output Balanced analogue output on XLR

connectors.

To connect to other Meridian 500
Series equipment

566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue

● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the

566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter to one of the

COMMS sockets on another 500 Series unit, using the 500

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

14

comms lead provided.

Converter 500 Series unit

COMMS COMMS

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment

other than Meridian 500, 600, or 200 Series to the socket

marked COMMS on the back of the 566 24-Bit Digital to

Analogue Converter.

To connect to a 500 Compact Disc
Transport

566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue

Converter

D1 DIGITAL

Digital lead

● Connect the DIGITAL OUTPUT on the back panel of the

compact disc transport to the D1 input of the 566 24-Bit

Digital to Analogue Converter, using the digital lead provided.

Alternatively, the D2 or D3 inputs may be used if preferred.

500 Compact Disc Transport

OUTPUT

To connect to a 502 Analogue
Controller

To connect to a DAT recorder, or
other digital source

502 Analogue Controller

CD

XLR audio leads

● Connect the BALANCED OUTPUT LEFT and RIGHT XLR

sockets on the back panel of the 566 24-Bit Digital to

Analogue Converter to the balanced CD inputs of the

502 Analogue Controller, using two XLR to XLR audio leads.

566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue

Converter

BALANCED

OUTPUTS

● Connect one of the digital inputs D1, D2, or D3 on the back

panel of the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter to the

digital output of the other equipment, using a digital lead.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

If the other equipment provides an AES/EBU standard digital

output this can be connected to the D1 input using the

alternative XLR connector.

15

Configuring the Digital to Analogue Converter

D2

The Digital to Analogue Converter is initially set up so that you

select the digital input you want by pressing the appropriate key

on the front panel.

If you are using the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter in

conjunction with a 501/501V Control Unit or 502 Analogue

Controller you can configure the Digital to Analogue Converter

so that it uses the COMMS signal to select the correct input

automatically when you choose a particular source on the

Control Unit.

To configure the Digital to Analogue
Converter

● Connect the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter to the

other 500 Series units, making sure you connect the COMMS

sockets; see To connect to other Meridian 500 Series

equipment, page 14.

● Switch off the Digital to Analogue Converter, using the power

switch on the back panel.

● Switch on the other units in the system.

The corresponding indicator

will flash:

Eq

Lock 44kHz

D1

● Using the Meridian System Remote, select the source that

should select this input; for example, CD.

The indicator will stop flashing.

● Press the key corresponding to the next digital input you want

to configure, followed by the next source you want to

associate with it, and repeat for any other sources you want to

configure.

When you have programmed all the sources you want to

configure:

● Press Phase to return the Digital to Analogue Converter to

normal operation, or switch it off using the power switch on

the back panel.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

16

● Switch on the Digital to Analogue Converter while holding

down the key corresponding to the first digital input you want

to configure; for example D2.

Note that you should not configure any of the analogue sources

connected directly to the Control Unit in your system. Otherwise

selecting one of these will change the digital input on the Digital

to Analogue Converter which could interrupt a source you are

tape recording.

To reset the Digital to Analogue
Converter

You can reset the Digital to Analogue Converter to its initial

configuration using the following procedure:

● Turn off the Digital to Analogue Converter, using the power

switch on the back panel.

● Turn on the power again while holding down the Phase key

on the front panel.

All the indicators on the front panel will be illuminated for one

second.

The inputs will be programmed so that they are only selected by

the appropriate front panel key.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

17

Troubleshooting

This section describes problems you may encounter when using

the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter and includes

suggested solutions.

If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact

your Meridian dealer for further assistance.

No lights are displayed when
switching on

❍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 Digital to Analogue Converter back

panel and the fuse in the unit’s power plug have not blown;

see To change the mains fuse, page 20.

There is a ticking sound when the
compact disc player is paused

This is perfectly normal with some compact disc players, and

does not indicate a fault.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

There is no Lock light

❍Check that one of the source indicators is lit.
❍Check the digital connection between the Digital to Analogue

Converter and the compact disc player, or other equipment.

A few compact disc players, which do not conform to

recommended practice, apply the digital signal to the output

only when the disc starts to play.

There is no 44kHz indicator

This indicates that the source is outside the range of the double

lock.

The Eq indicator flashes when there is
no input

This is perfectly normal, and does not indicate a fault.

18

There is interference on the radio and/
or television when the digital converter
is switched on

Before following the steps below, ensure all units are switched

off first.

If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from

radio or television reception then the following measures should

be tried:

❍Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna

cable of the receiver as far as possible from the digital

converter and its cabling.

❍Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.
❍Relocate the receiver with respect to the digital converter.
❍Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

19

Maintenance

Cleaning

When cleaning the Digital to Analogue Converter bear in mind

that the front of the Digital to Analogue Converter is plastic, and

the display panel and lid are glass.

Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.

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

Analogue Converter.

To clean the case, display panel, and
keypad

● 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 Digital to

Analogue Converter is completely dry.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

20

To clean the connections

The audio and digital phono connectors on the back of the

Digital to Analogue Converter are gold-plated and need no

cleaning if gold-plated phono plugs are used. Otherwise, it is

recommended that you unplug and reconnect each plug at least

once a year. A proprietary contact cleaner can be used to some

advantage.

To change the mains fuse

Fuse

Spare

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

the power input to access the fuses.

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 a fuse of the same rating.

Service and guarantee

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 Digital to Analogue Converter 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 Digital to Analogue

Converter 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 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter is guaranteed

against defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from

the date of purchase.

The guarantee is void if the 566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue

Converter 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.

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

21

Setting up the Digital to Analogue Converter

22

Index

A

Accessories 6

AES/EBU input 13

Analogue outputs 14

B

Back panel 13

Balanced output 14

C

Cleaning

the audio connections 20

the case 20

Components 12

Configuring 16

Connecting

to a 500 Compact Disc Transport 14

to a 502 Analogue Controller 15

to a DAT recorder 15

to a digital source 15

to Meridian 500 Series

equipment 14

D

D1, D2, or D3 inputs 9, 13

DAT recorder, connecting to 15

Digital inputs 13

Double lock indicator 9

E

Eq indicator 10, 18

F

Front panel controls 8

Fuse, replacing 20

G

Guarantee 21

I

Indicators

44kHz 9

Eq 10

Lock 9

Phase 10

Inputs 13

selecting 9

Installing 12

Introduction 1

L

Lock indicator 9

M

Maintenance 20

Meridian 500 Series 2

500 Compact Disc Transport 3

502 Analogue Controller 3, 4

504 Stereo FM Tuner 3, 5

508 24-Bit CD Player 3

Meridian 500 Series (continued)

557 Stereo Power Amplifier 3

562 Digital Control Unit 3

562V Multimedia Controller 5

566 24-Bit Digital to Analogue

Converter 4

communications 2

Meridian A500 Loudspeakers 3

Meridian DSP5000 Digital

Loudspeakers 3

Meridian DSP6000 Digital

Loudspeakers 5

Meridian System Handset 2

N

No 44kHz indicator 18

No Lock light 18

O

Optical EIAJ input 9, 13

Outputs 14

P

Phase indicator 10

Phase, selecting 10

Positioning 12

Preemphasis 10

Index

23

R

Radio interference 12

Resetting 17

S

Service 21

Setting up the Digital to Analogue

Converter 11

Specification 6

T

TOSLINK input 13

Troubleshooting 18

U

Unpacking 12

X

XLR connectors 14, 15

24

Index