General Features - Meridian G Series User Manual

2
Introduction

General features

Each of the G Series power amplifiers is based on
modules that 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 amplifier itself, using Meridian's
proprietary 'superbal' technology.
The discrete active input components are thermally and
electrically matched in pairs, 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. Massive low-noise toroidal
power transformers provide 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, 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 amplifiers by Van Den Hul silver-
strand cable to avoid signal losses.
The amplifiers include electronic protection, reset by
power-cycling, with full DC and thermal protection.
A front-panel indicator shows when the amplifier 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 push button on the
front panel can be used to take the unit in and out of
standby, while flexible 5-30V trigger capability allows
amplifier power to be controlled remotely along with the
rest of a system.
G55 Five-channel Power Amplifier
The Meridian G55 is a five-channel unit, and delivers a
solid 100W RMS per channel continuous into 8
The outer pairs of channels can be operated in bridge
mode by actuating a back-panel rocker switch on the
channel 1 and/or channel 5 modules, in which case
the first channel input of the pair becomes the bridged
input and the upper output terminals are linked, power
being derived from the lower terminal pairs.
G57 Two-channel Power Amplifier
The Meridian G57 is a solid, robust, two-channel
unit, delivering a powerful 200W RMS per channel
continuous into 8 , or up to a full kilowatt bridged into
Ω
4 .
Ω
The amplifier can be operated in bridge mode by
actuating 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.
.
Ω