Meridian Audio G56 User Manual

G56 2-Channel Power Amplier
Based on the unique DSP8000 amplier
2 x 100W continuous amplication
Unique ultra-low-feedback design for superb overall sound
Capacitor-free signal path for fast, accurate bass
Remote trigger/standby operation
Standby mode maintains voltage rails for instant warm-up
Balanced/unbalanced inputs
Meridian’s G Series line of high performance
digital & analogue consumer audio components feature a stylish cabinet design in traditional black or a sleek silver nish.
Designed to be either free-standing or rack­mounted, G Series components build on their predecessors, the multi-award-winning 500 and our agship 800 Series, and include entirely new circuitry developed specically for the G Series.
Multi-layer boards reduce system noise and improve performance. In products which include video capabilities, broadcast-quality, wide­bandwidth video components are employed for maximum image integrity.
G Series units are easy to use. Where appropri­ate, a knob is included to control volume. The positive-action front-panel keys are software­dened: their legends are presented in the vacuum uorescent display and change intelligently according to context.
Full installation conguration of many G Series components is achieved by running a special setup program on a Windows computer, connected to the G Series unit via a serial link, or direct from the front panel.
G Series products also include serial ports for remote operation and conguration, along with infra-red sensor input and trigger capabilities, plus Meridian communications ports. A compre­hensive back-lit learning/programmable remote is included with products other than ampliers.
Full DC/thermal protection
Bridge Mode
Although Meridian is today best-known for its superb-sounding digital theatre systems, it is a company built on analogue foundations, and indeed, superb analogue circuit design and implementation are important parts of all Merid­ian products.
The G Series power ampliers offer the ideal way to interface G Series components to passive loudspeakers from other manufacturers. They include the latest power amp developments from Meridian, utilised in their agship DSP8000 digital loudspeaker systems, and share many common design parameters.
In the case of the complete line of G Series ampliers, pairs of channels can be bridged for additional output and exibility, and the ampli­ers are gain-matched to further add to the possibilities when building a system.
The Meridian G56 is a compact, 2-channel unit with dual-mono construction, delivering a solid 100W continuous mean power per channel into 8Ω and suitable for even the most difcult loads.
The amplier modules feature a symmetrical design with fully electronically-balanced inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are provided, but in fact the unbalanced inputs are converted to balanced before they enter the amplier itself.
The discrete active input components are ther­mally and electrically matched in pairs, and the
G56 rear panel
G56 2-Channel Power Amplier
Outline Specications
Power Output: 2 channels at 100W into 8Ω, or 1 channel at >300W
into 8Ω (bridge mode)
Distortion: Less than 0.01% input to output
Signal/Noise: Better than –100dB
Inputs: Balanced on XLR-3F connectors and unbalanced on
phono
Outputs: 2 output sets per channel, terminal posts
Construction: 4 pairs of 15amp output devices per channel, and a
total of 27,200µF of audiophile-grade PSU smooth­ing capacitors (2 per channel). Ultra low impedance error-corrected output stage. DC coupled, with no capacitors in the signal path. Soft start and thermal management in main assembly. Optimised magnetic design based on DSP8000. Meridian black or silver nish in metal & glass
ampliers feature active bias control throughout, with thermal sensing that carefully manages the temperature and current ow at different volume levels.
Fully DC-coupled, the signal path contains no capacitors, while those in the power supplies are audiophile grade components.
The ampliers are of a unique low-feedback design for minimum transient and interface dis­tortion, offering superb clarity and transparency right across the audible range, with an output impedance that is close to zero and suitable for virtually any high-quality third-party passive loudspeaker system.
Trigger capability allows the G56 to be switched on remotely by means of a signal from your pre­amp. Trigger and other control signals are opti­cally isolated from the amplier itself. When in stand-by mode, a standing voltage is maintained on the power rails and supply components. As a result, you do not have to wait for half an hour after switching on for optimum performance to be achieved: it is there immediately.
Two sets of outputs are provided per chan­nel for bi-wiring, etc, on sturdy binding posts colour-coded for easy reference and capable of handling large-diameter high-quality loudspeak­er cables. The output terminals are connected to
the ampliers by Van den Hul silver-strand cable to avoid signal losses.
The amplier can be operated in bridge mode by actuating a switch on the rear panel, in which case the left channel input becomes the input for the bridged pair and the inner output terminals are bridged, power being derived from the outer terminal pairs (see rear panel diagram).
The ampliers include electronic protection reset by power-cycling, with full DC and thermal protection.
A front-panel indicator shows when the ampli­er is in standby. When the unit is activated, an LED illuminates for each channel. In the event of thermal overload, the main indicator goes red and the channel lights go out, showing that the unit is off-line. A pushbutton on the front panel can be used to take the unit in and out of stand­by, while exible 5–30V AC/DC trigger capability allows amplier power to be controlled remotely along with the rest of a system.
Dimensions: Width: 440mm (17.32in); Depth: 350mm (13.78in)
plus connectors; Height: 90mm (3.54in)
Rack Mounting: Kit available from Meridian authorized dealers
Weight: 13.5 kg (29.7 lbs)
Controls: Rear-panel power switch; per-channel switches for
balanced or single-ended input; Bridge/Stereo mode switch
Trigger: Wide voltage-range (5–30V, AC/DC) trigger input for
remote standby/on switching
Display: Power/Fault indicator and per-channel operation
LEDs
Power: Versions: 100, 110, 115, 220, 230, 240 Vac, 50/60Hz.
Standby 11VA, Idle 45VA, Both channels driven
322.5VA
Information contained in this data sheet is correct as far as possible, but Meridian Audio accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specications at any time.
Further technical details, images, product reviews and company history are available from Meridian Audio or from our web site, www.meridian-audio.com
©Text & images 2003 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Meridian Audio Limited
Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows Huntingdon, Cambridge PE29 6EX UK Tel +44 (0) 1480 445678 Fax +44 (0) 1480 445686
Meridian America Inc
3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 USA Tel +1 (404) 344 7111 Fax +1 (404) 346 7111
Email: info@meridian-audio.com Web: www.meridian-audio.com
G56DS v3.0 • 20.10.03 RE