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Our most powerful reference two channel amplifier has been designed and built to deliver the best possible Hi-Res
performance from any high-quality passive loudspeaker system. Bridgeable to over 1.5Kw, the 857 features a totally new
design for a Meridian power amplifier, borne out of extensive research, experience and a thorough understanding of
psychoacoustic principles.
meridian-audio.com
REFERENCE TWO CHANNEL
POWER AMPLIFIER 857
OVERVIEW
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
• Effortless power delivery of 500W per channel
into four ohms and bridgeable to >1.5kW mono
into four ohms.
• Low-feedback construction provides ultra-low
distortion, ensuring an unparalleled level of
clarity and transparency across the audible range.
• Balanced and unbalanced inputs are provided,
with unbalanced inputs converted to balanced
before they enter the amplifier using Meridian’s
proprietary ‘Superbal’ technology.
• Designed to operate in thermally hostile
environments, including in-rack when the
dedicated Meridian 857 rack mount variant is
specified.
• When in standby mode, a standing voltage is
maintained, meaning that optimum performance
can be achieved almost immediately after
switching the Meridian 857 on.
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‘SUPERBAL’
The use of shunt feedback to eliminate common
mode distortion is well known. Meridian’s proprietary
‘Superbal’ circuitry brings this advantage to the
balanced input, while also converting unbalanced
signals to balanced as they enter the amplifier.
REAR PANEL LAYOUT
USER FEATURES
As well as balanced and unbalanced inputs, the Meridian 857 is bridgeable via a Bridge Mode Selector switch and also
includes a trigger input [3.5mm 5-30 VDC].
In addition, the power amplifier can be bi-wired to a pair of passive loudspeakers via the featured WBT output
terminals.
TECHNOLOGIES
ERROR CORRECTION AND LINEARITY
The open-loop characteristics of an amplifier are crucial
to its sound quality. The 857 design is intrinsically
linear and uses error correction in the output stage to
provide low open-loop output impedance. This allows
the 857 to achieve impeccable measured performance
and a high damping factor while only applying modest
amounts of negative feedback.
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Includes five secondary transformer windings for
maximum isolation between low power and high
power parts.
A ground plane design has also been used for
optimal signal handling, while WBT output
terminals have been provided to allow bi-wiring.
CONSTRUCTION
• Multilayer circuit boards – ensure the best electromagnetic
performance
• New linear supply – for isolation from AC supply and increased
durability and sound quality.
• Non-ferrous chassis and panels – aluminium construction for
magnetic linearity
ISSUE NO.1
SPECIFICATION
AUDIO OUTPUTS
AUDIO INPUTS
CONTROL SIGNALS
COOLING
DISPLAY
POWER
DIMENSIONS
• 250W RMS into 8 Ohms per channel both
channels driven
• Bridgeable to >1KW RMS into 8 Ohms • Bridgeable to >1.5KW RMS into 4 Ohms
• 4 WBT terminals per side allow bi-wiring
• Two XLR balanced inputs
• Two RCA unbalanced inputs
• Trigger input [3.5mm 5-30 VDC]
• High level of passive cooling for silent in-room running
• Six variable speed fans maintain amp functionality if hostile thermal conditions encountered in rack
• Backlit touch sensitive logo changes colour to indicate amplifier’s status
• ‘Standby’ [BLUE], ‘Normal Operation’ [GREEN]’, ‘Fans Active’ [AMBER], ‘Overload’ [RED]
• Advanced linear power supply: 100V ac 50/60 Hz | 110-120V ac 50/60Hz | 220-240V ac 50/60Hz
• HEIGHT: 175mm [6.9in] without feet
195mm [7.7in] with feet
• DEPTH: 445mm [17.6in] • WEIGHT: 32kg [70.5lbs]
• 500W RMS into 4 Ohms per channel both
channels driven
• WIDTH: 480mm [18.9in]
CONSTRUCTION
• Black finish in aluminium and glass • Dedicated rack mount variant (4U high)
• Custom Meridian Select colours also available
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