Rack Mount Two Channel
Power Amplifier 857
User Guide
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
2
Important safety instructions
Read the instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Install only in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Refer all servicing to approved service
personnel.
Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a
cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE.
This apparatus has been designed
with Class 1 construction and must be
connected to a mains socket outlet with
a protective earthing connection (the third
grounding pin).
The apparatus may be isolated from
mains power by switching off the mains
power switch at the rear of the unit.
Climate
The equipment has been designed for
use in moderate climates and in domestic
situations.
≤2000m
Only use at an altitude not
exceeding 2000m.
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Safety warnings
WARNING!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK –
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION!
NE PAS OUVRIR – RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE
ÉLECTRIQUE
Caution: to reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not remove cover. No user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with
arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure
than may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within
an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
Do not expose the unit to dripping or
splashing.
Do not place any object filled with
liquid, such as a vase, on the unit.
Do not place naked flame sources,
such as lighted candles, on the unit.
The apparatus weighs over 36kg. Do
not attempt to lift it without assistance.
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To avoid overheating
Leave at least 10cm around the
equipment to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
Do not position the product:
In direct sunlight.
Near heat sources, such as a radiator.
On a soft surface such as a carpet.
The top and bottom of the Rack Mount
Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 case
contains venting holes for the internal
heatsinks and fans which should not
be obstructed. Ensure that air can flow
through them without obstruction. The
product normally runs warm to the touch
when not in standby.
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 typetested 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 and type-tested to
comply with the limits set out in
EN55032:2015 and EN55024:2010 +
A1:2015.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
England
Tel (01480) 445678
Fax (01480) 445686
Sales and service in the USA
MAI
351 Thornton Road
Suite 108
Lithia Springs, GA
30122
United States
Tel 404-344-7111
Fax 404-346-7111
Designed and manufactured in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
England
Visit us on the Web
www.meridian-audio.com
Copyright © 2017 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Part no: P88453
Meridian is a registered trademark of Meridian Audio Ltd.
This guide was produced by:
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
http://www.interface.co.uk
Product registration
Register your Meridian Rack Mount Two Channel Power
Amplifier 857 at:
www.meridian-audio.com
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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General features
The Meridian Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier is a
rack mounting version of the Reference Two Channel Power
Amplifier, designed for mounting in a standard 18" equipment
rack. It is a solid, robust, two-channel unit, delivering a powerful
250W RMS per channel continuous into 8Ω, or over a kilowatt
bridged into 4Ω.
The amplifier can be operated in bridge mode by setting a
switch on the back 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.
The Rack Mount version is supplied without the glass top,
protective side panels, or feet featured on the standard version,
and has a solid aluminium front panel with rack mounting holes.
Design
The Meridian Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier is
based on modules that feature a symmetrical design with fully
electronically-balanced inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced
inputs are provided, and the unbalanced inputs are converted to
balanced before they enter the amplifier itself using Meridian’s
proprietary ‘superbal’ technology.
The discrete active input components are thermally and
electrically matched in a quad package and in pairs where
appropriate, and the amplifiers feature active bias control
throughout, with thermal sensing that carefully manages the
temperature and current flow at different volume levels.
Fully DC-coupled, the signal path contains no unnecessary
capacitors, while those in the power supplies are audiophile
grade components.
The amplifiers are of a unique low-feedback design for
minimum transient and intermodulation 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.
Special attention has been paid to ensure that the amplifiers
can deliver the power that’s required at any given moment.
A massive low-noise toroidal power transformer provides
power to a generous five selected pairs of output devices per
channel, carefully temperature-controlled for optimum operating
characteristics and efficiency, and with thermal protection for
reliability. The result is a clear, open sound with detail as well as
punch where it’s required.
Trigger and other control signals are optically isolated from the
amplifier itself. When in standby mode, a standing voltage is
maintained on the power rails and supply components. As a
result, you only have to wait for a short time after switching on
for optimum performance to be achieved.
Two sets of outputs are provided per channel, for bi-wiring,
on sturdy WBT terminals colour-coded for easy reference and
capable of handling large-diameter high-quality loudspeaker
cables. The reservoir capacitors and output terminals are
connected to the amplifier using 12 gauge 147 strand OFC
silver-coated cable to maximise power transfer.
Control
The amplifier includes electronic protection, reset by powercycling, with full DC and thermal protection.
Three temperature-controlled fans on each side of the case
provide cooling for the internal heatsinks, and these operate at
elevated temperatures only and features two speed settings to
minimise generated acoustic noise.
A capacitive touch-sensitive logo allows you to switch the
amplifier between on and standby, and its colour shows the
status of the amplifier. In the event of overheating the channels
will be taken offline.
A flexible 5-30V trigger capability allows amplifier power to be
controlled remotely along with the rest of a system.
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Specifications
Audio inputs
2-channel balanced XLR inputs (11kΩ).
2-channel RCA inputs (5.7kΩ).
Switch for balanced/unbalanced per channel.
Switch for bridge mode.
Audio outputs
4 WBT terminals per side, allowing bi-wiring.
2 x 250W into 8Ω, or 2 x 500W into 4Ω, bridgeable to
>1000W.
Assisted cooling operating at elevated temperatures only.
Characteristics
Distortion less than 0.01%.
Signal/noise better than -100dB.
Control signals
Trigger input: 3.5mm 5-30VDC.
Front panel
Capacitive touch-sensitive logo for on/standby.
Illuminated colour-coded logo surround showing the amplifier
status: standby, on, fans on, and overheated.
Physical
Dimensions: 480mm x 175mm x 425mm (18.90” x 6.89” x
16.73”) (W x H x D).
Weight: 32kg (stand-alone version),
35kg (rack version).
Stand-alone or rack-mounted versions.
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Power
Linear power supply with trip and soft start.
100V AC 50/60Hz.
110-120V AC 50/60Hz.
220-240V AC 50/60Hz.
Three temperature-controlled fans per channel.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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The Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier is supplied with
the following accessories:
Power cord.
Bridge-mode link.
This manual.
Four M6 captive nuts for 1.7mm to 2.7mm thick racks.
Four M6 captive nuts for 2.7mm to 3.5mm thick racks.
Four M6 screws for captive nuts.
Four 10-32 screws for standard rack mounting.
Four washers.
If any of these items are missing please contact your retailer.
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NOTE: You should retain the packaging in case you need to
transport the unit.
Rack mounting
Note: The Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier weighs
35kg. We recommend two people lift it when positioning it for
rack mounting.
If necessary, fit the appropriate captive nuts to the four
mounting positions on the rack.
Hold the power amplifier in position and secure it with the
four mounting bolts.
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Unpacking
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
7
Siting
During normal operation the internal heatsinks may become
quite hot. The power amplifier should therefore be positioned to
allow a free flow of air through the cooling vents on each side
of the case. Do not place the power amplifier:
In direct sunlight.
Near heat sources, such as a radiator.
Stacked with any other audio products, as the heat it
generates may damage the other products.
On a soft surface, such as a carpet, which would obstruct the
ventilation holes in the base.
Standby
Once set up, the power amplifier can be left in standby as it
consumes minimal power in this mode.
If you are not going to use the power amplifier for a period of
several days you should switch off the unit completely, at the
back panel and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
Trigger input
The Trigger input can be used to bring the power amplifier
out of standby by applying a signal from a control unit or
preamplifier.
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Operation
The indicator on the front panel shows the status of the
amplifier:
Indicator Status Explanation
Blue Standby. Touch logo to turn the amplifier
on after a four second startup
period.
Green Normal
operation.
Fans off.
Amber Normal
operation.
Fans operating.
Red Overheated. Outputs muted. Fans operating.
The outputs will unmute when
the amplifier has cooled down.
Blank * Tripped. Amplifier off, caused by a fault,
such as an input with a DC offset
or a shorted output.
Correct the fault, then reset by
turning off the power at the back
panel and then on again.
* Touching the logo for approximately four seconds will blank the
indicator. Touch the logo for four seconds again to reenable it.
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Back panel
The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections:
Unbalanced
Balanced
Output Right
Output Left
Bridge Mode
Out
Bridge Mode
Link
Bridge Mode
Link
Bridge Mode
Out
Input Right
Power
On
Bridge Mode Selector
ON
OFF
Trigger Input
5 - 30V ac or dc
Unbalanced
Balanced
Input Left
Bridge Mode Input
Right
output terminals
Bridge
mode
switch
Trigger
input
Left output
terminals
Right
unbalanced
input
Input
selector
Right
balanced
input
Power
switch and
fuse
Left
balanced
input
Input
selector
Left
unbalanced
input
Audio inputs
Use this input To connect to this
Balanced inputs The outputs of a source with
balanced outputs, using XLR
cables.
Unbalanced inputs The outputs of a source with
unbalanced outputs, using
phono cables.
Loudspeaker outputs
Use this output To connect to this
Output Right +/–, Output Left
+/–
Loudspeakers of between 4Ω
and 8Ω.
Communications connections
Use this connection To connect to this
Trigger input The 5–30V trigger output from
a preamplifier or control system.
Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Applications
To connect to an unbalanced preamplifier
ANALOGUE
OUT
Unbalanced preamplifier
857 Power Amplifier
Phono leads
Connect outputs from the preamplifier to the Unbalanced
sockets on the power amplifier.
Set the Bridge Mode Selector to the Off position.
Switch the channels to the Unbalanced position.
You should either use a twin-screened audio cable, or a pair of
single-screened audio cables.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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To connect to a balanced preamplifier (eg
Meridian Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter)
857 Power Amplifier
Speaker Speaker
INPUTS INPUTS
+
+
+
–
–
– +–
+
+
–
–
BALANCED
OUT
Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter
XLR leads
You can connect the Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier
to a preamplifier with balanced outputs, such as the Meridian
Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter.
Connect the balanced ANALOGUE OUTPUT connections
from the Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter to the balanced
inputs of the Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier.
Set the Bridge Mode Selector to the Off position.
Switch the channels to the Balanced position.
Optionally connect the Trigger 1 output from the Ultra Digital
to Analogue Converter to the power amplifier Trigger input, to
switch the power amplifier on and off automatically from the
Ultra Digital to Analogue Converter.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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To connect to passive loudspeakers
Loudspeaker
Loudspeaker
857 Power Amplifier
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
–
Set the Bridge Mode Selector to the Off position.• Connect one of each pair of the red and black terminals from
the appropriate channel of the Rack Mount Two Channel
Power Amplifier to the red and black terminals on the
loudspeakers.
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To bi-wire to passive loudspeakers
Loudspeaker
Loudspeaker
857 Power Amplifier
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
–
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Set the Bridge Mode Selector to the OFF position.
Important: 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 Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier,
using twin loudspeaker cable.
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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 Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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To wire to a passive loudspeaker in bridge
mode
Loudspeaker
857 Power Amplifier
+
+
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
–
Input
You can use the Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier as
a mono power amplifier, to obtain more than twice the power
output, by wiring it in bridge mode.
Set the Bridge Mode Selector to the On position.
Fit the supplied bridge mode link between the left and right
negative terminals.
Connect the audio inputs to the Balanced or Unbalanced
Bridge Mode input, as appropriate.
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.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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To bi-amp to two passive loudspeakers
Loudspeaker
Loudspeaker
Phono leads
857 Power Amplifier
Right input
Left input
857 Power Amplifier
+
+
+
–
–
–
+–
+
+
–
–
+
+
–
–
+
+
–
–
Extremely high sound quality can be achieved using two
separate Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifiers, one to
drive each loudspeaker. The two channels in each amplifier are
used to drive the LF and HF units in each loudspeaker.
Switch the Bridge Mode Selector on both amplifiers to the Off
position.
Important: 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 amplifier.
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Likewise, connect the LF and HF units from the other
loudspeaker to the red and black terminals on each channel
of the other amplifier.
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.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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To connect to a Meridian 861 Reference
Digital Surround Controller
857 Power Amplifier
Centre speaker Subwoofer
INPUTS INPUTS
+
+
+
–
–
– +–
+
+
–
–
857 Power Amplifier
Front right speaker Front left speaker
INPUTS INPUTS
+
+
+
–
–
– +–
+
+
–
–
857 Power Amplifier
Rear right speaker Rear left speaker
INPUTS INPUTS
+
+
+
–
–
– +–
+
+
–
–
861 Reference Digital Surround Controller
BALANCED
OUTPUTS
You can use three Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifiers
to drive the five loudspeakers and subwoofer in a surround
system, using the six of the balanced outputs available on the
OA18 cards.
Connect the balanced outputs from the 861 Reference Digital
Surround Controller to the appropriate inputs on the 857
power amplifiers.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Troubleshooting
No front-panel indicator is shown
Check that the 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 in the rear panel has not blown.
Caution: Replace it with the same type and value of fuse.
Check that the fuse in the unit’s power plug has not blown.
The sound has cut out
The Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier includes a
thermal shutdown, which mutes the output if the amplifier
becomes too hot. The front panel indicator will change to red.
Leave the amplifier for a few minutes to cool down; the
front panel indicator will turn amber and the output will be
unmuted.
The Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier also includes a
trip to protect the loudspeakers. This is triggered by excessive
DC on the input, extreme thermal overload, or if the mains
supply is interrupted. The front panel indicator will be blank.
Check the system for the cause of the cut out.
Switch off, wait five seconds, then switch on to reset the
power.
For more information see
Operation
, page 7.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Maintenance
To clean the case
Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.
The exterior surfaces of the Rack Mount Two Channel Power
Amplifier are made from solid anodised aluminium, powder
coated steel, thermoplastic rubber, and glass.
They are designed to be easily wiped clean with a dry, lint free
cloth. Greasy marks should be removed by light rubbing with a
slightly damp cloth and a trace of proprietary glass cleaner. Do
not use any other solvent or abrasive based cleaners.
Ensure that no liquid enters the casework and that the product
is completely dry before re-connection.
To clean the audio connections
The audio sockets on the back of the product are gold plated
and do not need to be cleaned 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.
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Rack Mount Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 User Guide
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Service and guarantee
Service
The Meridian 800 Series of hi-fi components has been carefully
designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no userserviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any
form of maintenance.
In the unlikely event that your product 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 iv.
In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the
importing agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents
outside the UK is available from Meridian Audio.
No responsibility can be accepted for the product 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 product is guaranteed against defects in material and
workmanship for three years from the date of purchase, with an
additional two years available via registration.
The guarantee is void if the product 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 outside the UK 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
country of purchase.
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