Meridian DSP8000 User Manual
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Meridian DSP8000 User Manual

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  • Page 2 New York’s MOMA and exhibited at London’s V&A museum. Bob and Allen went on to found Meridian Audio in 1977 and during the 40 years since they met, have produced many of the industry’s most ground-breaking designs in the field of consumer audio.
  • Page 3 We have endeavoured to make this special edition even more exceptional. The DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers feature a new, more sensitive tweeter with a new moulded surround, while special calibration allows the loudspeaker system to operate at even higher sound pressure levels than the standard model.
  • Page 4 A revolutionary high-end audio system with interchangeable, rotating, hide-away preamp controls. Meridian M1 1977 The first Meridian loudspeaker, active of course. 100 Series, the first Meridian audio system 1978 One of the first Modular audio systems with Preamp, FM Tuner and ‘split’ Power amp and Power Supply.
  • Page 5 Meridian MCD/Pro better sounding CD 1983 Bob’s re-engineered Philips CD100 was recognised as by far the best sounding CD player. Meridian D10, world’s first digital loudspeaker 1985 The world’s first truly digitally driven active loudspeaker demonstrated at the Hi-Fi News London show.
  • Page 6 Timeline Milestones from the 1990s Meridian DSP6000 1990 The first Meridian loudspeaker to feature many of technologies later developed into the DSP8000 and its relations. Meridian 600 Series 1991 Developed from the award-winning Meridian 00 Series with separated DAC and Disc player modules.
  • Page 7 Finely crafted in glass and textured aluminium the G Series was developed from the highly successful 00 Series. Meridian F80 2005 – M80 2010 A distillation of Meridian’s expertise in DSP and modular electronics designed in one elegant product. Meridian DSP3200 2010...
  • Page 8 M and M products in 198 since its grain structure is inherently stiffer not being just a bonded homogeneous material. Inside every Meridian cabinet there is also extensive bracing in all planes to further stiffen any flat surfaces. Early cabinets were damped with applied acoustic pads of bitumen-based material bonded to all open surfaces.
  • Page 9 Meridian loudspeakers always stand on three adjustable feet to ensure there is no rocking but allowing adjustment for uneven surfaces. Such is the story of the evolution of what you see when you look at Meridian loudspeakers – logical design, not styling.
  • Page 10 Technical History Meridian Loudspeakers – the DSP Advantage Meridian Audio has taken an almost unique course in the design of its audio and video systems, and particularly in its loudspeaker design, where the signal remains in the digital domain until the very last moment, and the loudspeakers include digital crossovers and signal processing.
  • Page 11 Such a design can be more efficient, rather than more expensive. In an active -way system, for example, three W amplifiers will do the job of one 0W amplifier in a passive system. Meridian’s first DSP loudspeaker, the DSP000, included four channels of 70W amplification –...
  • Page 12 Volume control in a Meridian DSP Loudspeaker uses a precision combination of analogue and digital techniques, giving the best of both worlds. And “balance” doesn’t just mean changing the relative levels of the loudspeakers. Instead, it’s more a “Where am I sitting?”...
  • Page 13 But as always, the truth lies in what you hear. Listen to your Meridian system. You are hearing 40 years of research and development, designed at every level to reproduce the original sound as accurately as possible.

  • Page 14: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Important safety instructions • Read the instructions. To avoid overheating • Keep these instructions. • Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure • Follow all instructions. sufficient ventilation. • Do not use this apparatus near water. •...
  • Page 15 Designed and manufactured in the UK MHR: this product incorporates copyright protection technology covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property Meridian Audio Ltd of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the Latham Road express purpose of securely containing copyright audio within Huntingdon the Meridian System only.
  • Page 16 Service and guarantee guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian components have been carefully designed The 40th Anniversary System is guaranteed against to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- defects in material and workmanship for  years from serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units the date of purchase, or  years if you register your require any form of maintenance.
  • Page 17 808 Anniversary System CD Player User Guide...

  • Page 19: Table Of Contents

    Contents Contents Introduction Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player The 808 Anniversary System CD Player Unpacking Specifications Applications Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player Configuring the 808 Anniversary System CD Player Front panel keys Choosing a standard setting MSR+ keys Setting up sources Switching on and off...

  • Page 21: Introduction

    Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 808 Anniversary System CD Player. This User Guide provides full information about using the 808 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.

  • Page 22: The 808 Anniversary System Cd Player

    (DSP) with a capability of an impressive 10 MIPs Loudspeakers directly. The digital outputs support MHR upsamples the digital information from the 1-bit (Meridian High Resolution) and operate at up to  x CD 44.1kHz signal of conventional CD to a 4-bit signal sample rate (88.kHz), 4-bit.

  • Page 23: Specifications

    4-bit precision. • Two -channel digital optical inputs. Renameable legends. 44.1kHz to 9kHz sampling and up to 4- bit precision. Signal processing The 808 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide the following powerful features: • Apodising filter. Upsampling. •...
  • Page 24 Introduction...

  • Page 25: Using The 808 Anniversary System Cd Player

    Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 808 Anniversary System CD Player to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the 808, using either the front panel or the MSR+.

  • Page 26: Front Panel Keys

    Using the 808 Front panel keys Anniversary System CD Player Phase– Clear Mute Indicates inverted Fast Reverse Source Mutes or restores Emphasis Clears a track the sound phase indicator Scans backwards selection Selects a source Display Repeat Store Changes the Repeat Repeats a Fast Forward...

  • Page 27: Msr+ Keys

    MSR+ keys Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player Previous Source keys Selects the Play Switches to Select a source previous track Plays the disc standby Stop Stops the disc Next Open Fast forward Fast reverse Selects the next Scans backwards Opens the disc tray track Scans forwards...

  • Page 28: Switching On And Off

    • Press å, *, or > (front panel), or select a source. If the 808 is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on any other units in the system, such as the 81 Reference Digital Surround Controller and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.

  • Page 29: Playing A Disc

    For example: Programming a selection , page 1. After a short delay the track you have selected will start If you have other Meridian sources you should to play. ensure that the 808 is the currently selected source. To play the disc •...

  • Page 30: Stopping And Pausing Play

    Using the 808 Stopping and pausing play Anniversary System CD Player To stop playback • Press * (front panel or remote). The display will show the total number of tracks on the disc. For example: --:-- To pause playback You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can resume play instantly.

  • Page 31: Repeat

    Repeat Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player You can choose to play a track, disc, or selection repeatedly, so that when it has played it will start again from the beginning. To continuously repeat a disc • Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) to select between the following options: Display Description...

  • Page 32: Scanning A Disc

    Using the 808 Scanning a disc Anniversary System CD Player The scan controls allow you to move quickly to any position on the disc at either twice or eight times normal speed. To scan through a disc • Press ˘ or ¯ (remote or under the front panel) to select twice normal speed.

  • Page 33: Programming A Selection

    Programming a selection Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player You can programme a selection of tracks and then play To make a selection by omitting tracks only the tracks you have programmed. • Choose one of the tracks you do not want to play, as You can programme a selection either by storing the described above.

  • Page 34: Changing The Absolute Phase

    Using the 808 Changing the absolute phase Anniversary System CD Player You can use the remote to invert the absolute phase of the analogue output signal, which in some circumstances can give a noticeable improvement in realism. To display the phase setting Press Phase (Function = on the remote).

  • Page 35: Changing The Front-Panel Display

    Changing the front-panel display Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player The 808 Anniversary System CD Player displays information about the current disc and settings on the 0-character front-panel display. You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the front- panel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.
  • Page 36 Using the 808 Anniversary System CD Player...

  • Page 37: Using The Preamplifier Features

    Using the preamplifier features Using the preamplifier features The 808 Anniversary System CD Player includes a preamplifier, and can act as the controller for up to 11 other sources, and provide an optional volume control for the analogue inputs. This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front panel or the MSR+.

  • Page 38: Selecting A Source

    The input associated with each of the sources depends Sooloos server. on how the 808 has been set up; for more information refer to the Meridian Configuration Program Guide . The volume and mute controls on the Sooloos controller will operate the 808.

  • Page 39: Adjusting The System Volume

    Adjusting the system volume Using the preamplifier features The 808 Anniversary System CD Player provides an optional volume control on the analogue outputs, enabling it to drive amplifiers or active loudspeakers directly, and you can adjust the volume using the front panel or remote.

  • Page 40: Changing The Balance 0

    Using the preamplifier Changing the balance features To change the balance • Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current balance. Balance <0> For example: • Press A or V (remote) to move the listening position. The display shows the direction and position of the listening position.

  • Page 41: Installing The 808 Anniversary System Cd Player

    Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player This chapter explains how to install the 808 Anniversary System CD Player. It describes what you should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other equipment in the system. You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.

  • Page 42: Unpacking

    The following diagram gives details of the back panel • MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and connections: spare key caps. • Meridian Comms lead. • Power cord. • This manual. If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.

  • Page 43: Communications Connections

    81 SPEAKERLINK INPUT The SpeakerLink output of Reference Digital Surround SL1 (Disc) a Meridian source, using a Controller, or DSP loudspeakers, Meridian SpeakerLink lead. using a 7Ω digital cable. OPTICAL INPUT O1 (Sat), The optical output of a...

  • Page 44: Applications 4

    Installing the 808 Applications Anniversary System CD Player To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 808 Anniversary System CD Player SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK SpeakerLink lead • Connect the SpeakerLink output from the 808 to the SpeakerLink input on the 81, using a SpeakerLink lead.
  • Page 45 INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead SpeakerLink lead The 808 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete compact stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.
  • Page 46 INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead SpeakerLink lead The 808 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete compact stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.
  • Page 47 INPUTS INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT S5 lead If your DSP loudspeakers do not provide Meridian 1 and the COMMS input on the other (slave) DSP SpeakerLink connections you can connect to them loudspeaker, using an S lead. using the Digital and Meridian Comms connections.
  • Page 48 Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player To connect to a power amplifier Speaker G56/G57 Power Amplifier Speaker INPUTS ANALOGUE IN OUTPUTS ANALOGUE IN INPUTS Phono or XLR 808 Anniversary System CD Player leads ANALOGUE The 808 includes an integrated preamplifier, allowing you to connect it directly to a pair of analogue active loudspeakers, or to analogue passive loudspeakers via a power amplifier.
  • Page 49 Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment 808 Anniversary System CD Player G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit MERIDIAN MERIDIAN COMMS COMMS Meridian Comms lead In a system of Meridian products, one of the products The displays show: Not Con.
  • Page 50 Installing the 808 Anniversary System CD Player...

  • Page 51: Configuring The 808 Anniversary System Cd Player

    MSR+. For complete control over all aspects of the unit’s configuration it is recommended that you set up the unit using the Meridian Configuration Program; for full information see the Meridian Configuration Program Guide available separately.

  • Page 52: Choosing A Standard Setting

    • Press A or V on the front panel to change the Type Type Description number. Fixed output, for use with Meridian DSP loudspeakers. Typing, please wait The display shows: Variable output, for use with power amplifiers and analogue loudspeakers.

  • Page 53: Setting Up Sources

    Setting up sources Configuring the 808 Anniversary System CD Player This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up You can select between sensitivities of 0.V (most the analogue sources connected to the 808. sensitive), 1.0V, .0V, or .V (least sensitive). If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the To turn on Gain mode loudest passages.
  • Page 54 Configuring the 808 Anniversary System CD Player...

  • Page 55: Index

    1 clip indicator  connecting to , , 7 Sooloos, using 18 Comms, connecting , 7, 9 Meridian System Remote keys 7 sound, muting 19 communications connections  muting the sound 19 sources 18 configuring 1...
  • Page 56 Index unpacking  volume, adjusting 19...
  • Page 57 DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers User Guide...
  • Page 59 Meridian DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers Choosing standard settings Sample configurations Specifying information about your system Specifications Configuring the sources Configuring the setup options Setting up the DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers Troubleshooting Unpacking Troubleshooting Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers Maintenance and cleaning Connecting the loudspeakers...

  • Page 61: Introduction

    Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Meridian DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers. This user guide provides full information about using the DSP8000 loudspeakers in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from them.

  • Page 62: Digital Signal Processing

    • To perform electronic equalisation. The head assembly is a sealed enclosure fabricated If you are using the Meridian DSP loudspeakers with a from curved pressure-laminated panels, each using digital source, such as CD or DVD, the signals remain multiple layers of selected woods and metal to provide in digital form until the last possible stage.
  • Page 63 MHR is a proprietary secure encoding format that uses encryption and anti-copy methods to provide a secure copyright protection environment, and allow the secure transfer of audio streams within a Meridian-only system for playback only. Meridian Comms The Meridian DSP loudspeakers are part of the...

  • Page 64: Sample Configurations

    CD Player Surround Controller Up to seven Meridian DSP8000 loudspeakers can be The Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use used in conjunction with a Meridian Surround Controller with DSP loudspeakers. It allows you to play both audio...
  • Page 65 Introduction Meridian Digital Music System DSP8000 DSP8000 808 Anniversary System CD Player Meridian DSP loudspeakers include DSP volume and tone controls, and can be connected directly to up to two digital sources to create an extremely compact high-quality music system.

  • Page 66: Specifications

    • Total: 70W. • 100-1; 00-0V AC 0-0Hz. • 0VA standby; 90VA max. The DSP8000 includes drive unit thermal protection. Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product Acoustic specifications at any time. •    way. Available accessories •...

  • Page 67: Setting Up The Dsp8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers

    Setting up the DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers This chapter explains how to install your DSP8000 loudspeakers. It describes what you should find when you unpack the speakers, how you should connect them to your other audio equipment, and the siting...

  • Page 68: Unpacking

    You should not make any connections to the DSP8000 painting up to five coats of polyester lacquer onto the loudspeakers, or to any other component in your plywood, each one hand polished.
  • Page 69 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers To dismantle the loudspeakers It is advisable to remove the head units when moving the speakers. This is achieved by disconnecting the head lead from the head unit and lifting off the head. Take care while the head is not in position as this exposes its mounting spikes.

  • Page 70: Positioning The Dsp8000 Loudspeakers

    DSP8000 loudspeaker at least 0.m (0") from a corner, and position them approximately 0.m (10") from the wall. If you are using a DSP8000 loudspeaker as a centre channel, place the speaker centrally between the main left-right pair and, if possible, arrange for the treble units of the three speakers to be approximately the same height.

  • Page 71: Connecting The Loudspeakers

    Connecting using Meridian SpeakerLink preamplifier, CD player, or DVD player. The Meridian SpeakerLink connectors provide both balanced digital and Meridian Comms control in a single DIGITAL OUTPUT A second (slave) DSP SpeakerLink lead. The following table gives details of loudspeaker.

  • Page 72: Connecting To Other Equipment

    Setting up Connecting to other equipment the DSP8000 loudspeakers To connect to a Meridian product with SpeakerLink (home run) Front R – Slave 808 Anniversary System CD Player Front L – Master MERIDIAN MERIDIAN MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT...
  • Page 73 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers To connect to a Meridian product using SpeakerLink (daisy chain) Front R – Slave 808 Anniversary System CD Player Front L – Master MERIDIAN MERIDIAN MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead...
  • Page 74 Configure the master DSP8000 as M.Coax and the unit to the DIGITAL INPUT and COMMS INPUT on slave DSP8000 as S.RJ45; see To choose master or slave and the primary connector , page 4. the DSP8000 chosen as the master, using a...

  • Page 75: Auto Configuration

    DSP8000 loudspeakers Auto configuration In a system of Meridian products one of the products acts as the controller for the system. It receives infra-red commands from the MSR+ and then, if appropriate, relays them to the other products in the system via the Comms link.
  • Page 76 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers...

  • Page 77: Using The Dsp8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers

    Using the DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers In systems with a Meridian surround controller all the functions of the DSP8000 loudspeakers, including volume, tilt, and bass, are operated via the controller. For more information refer to the user guide for the surround controller, and you can ignore this chapter.

  • Page 78: Selecting A Source

    The loudspeakers will switch to standby. from the moment you start. The displays will show: If you are not going to use the DSP8000 loudspeakers for several days you should switch each unit completely off at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

  • Page 79: Changing The Display

    Changing the display Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers The DSP8000 loudspeakers display information about the current settings on the 8-character front-panel display. In addition, three coloured indicators show status information. To change the displayed information • Press Display. Pressing Display steps between the following options:...

  • Page 80: Adjusting The Volume 0

    1 to 99dB. When you first connect power to the DSP8000 loudspeakers the volume is set to , which is similar to the midway position of the rotary volume control on a conventional preamplifier.

  • Page 81: Changing The Treble, Bass, Or Phase 1

    • Press Function A or Function V to change the phase. If you have a Meridian Surround Controller these functions are performed via the surround controller. To change the treble • Press Function < or Function > until the display shows the current treble.

  • Page 82: Changing The Listening Position

    -1 or -. speaker’s image back. The axis control allows you to adjust the optimum listening height of the DSP8000 loudspeakers, like a balance control operating in the vertical plane. If you have a Meridian Surround Controller these functions are performed via the surround controller.

  • Page 83: Configuring The Dsp8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers

    This chapter explains how to configure the DSP8000 loudspeakers to suit the other equipment in your system. The first stage in configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers is to choose one of the standard settings, and these are designed to set all of the parameters to their most common values.

  • Page 84: Choosing Standard Settings

    Description follows. Standard setting for -channel system. To specify the speaker position For use with a Meridian CD player (eg 808.) connected to the SpeakerLink input; all other • Press A or V to specify the speaker position. sources use the co-axial input.
  • Page 85 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers Initially all sources will be configured to use the primary input you have specified, but you can configure individual sources to use the other input; see To configure a source , page 7. For example, to define the left speaker as a slave using the digital co-axial connectors: L.S.Coax...

  • Page 86: Specifying Information About Your System

    Configuring Specifying information about your system the DSP8000 loudspeakers You can configure the operation of the DSP Option Initial value in Type 1 loudspeakers to suit the way your system is set up, and Position and master/ the way in which you want to use it.

  • Page 87: Configuring The Sources

    Choose D1 for the input configured as the primary connector, or D for the other input. Comms 1C – 9C, or Choose 1C for a Meridian CD player, C for a Meridian type FM Tuner, C for a Meridian DVD player, or NC otherwise.

  • Page 88: Configuring The Setup Options

    You only need to configure the master shows the current response setting. loudspeaker. Free For example: When configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers, point the remote at the speakers, even if you have a • Press Function A or Function V to select the Meridian Surround Controller.

  • Page 89: Thermal Protection

    The centre tilt offset is added to the treble value for the selected source. The recommended setting is -1dB • Turn off the DSP8000 loudspeaker using the power when the speaker is positioned above a television. switch on the back panel.
  • Page 90 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers...

  • Page 91: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the DSP8000 Anniversary System Loudspeakers. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions on the following pages, please contact your...

  • Page 92: Troubleshooting

    Only the master loudspeaker plays • Check the battery in the MSR+ remote. • See if the DSP8000 loudspeaker has been set up as • Check the cables are connected correctly. not controller in the Meridian Configuration program; Sound is odd or mono see Configuring the setup options , page 8.

  • Page 93: Maintenance And Cleaning

    Small marks on the lacquer surface can usually be removed with a damp cloth. Deeper scratches can be removed by treating with additional polyester lacquer filler and then polishing carefully. Consult your authorised Meridian dealer for advice before attempting any repair.
  • Page 94 Troubleshooting...

  • Page 95: Index

    Index Index connections Meridian Digital Music System  Comms 11 Meridian Digital Theatre™ 4 absolute phase, changing 1 digital co-axial 11 Meridian High Resolution (MHR)  accessories  SpeakerLink 11 muting the sound 0 auto configuration 1 axis, changing ...
  • Page 96 Index Tightening the drive units 9 tilt offset, configuring 8 treble, changing 1 troubleshooting 1 unpacking 8 volume 0 adjusting 0 muting 0...

Table of Contents