e i d u g r e s u Meridian 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier
Meridian 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier User Guide Preface i
Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Sales and service in the USA Cambs PE18 6ED Meridian America Inc England 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144 Fax␣ ␣ (01480) 459934 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.
Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier, and provides an overview of the other products available in the Meridian Setting up the multi channel power amplifier 5 500 Series. Describes how to unpack, install, and use The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2 the multi channel power amplifier, and Sample configurations ........................... 3 explains what you should do if it requires Specification and accessories ............... 4 servicing.
iv Preface
Introduction The 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier provides five discrete power amplifiers in a single enclosure, and is ideal for multi-channel surround systems. Two pairs of channels can also be operated in bridge mode, for over twice the power output. The 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier uses a unique feedback topology and precision local error correction system. It includes two massive twin wound toroidal transformers, and the unit has full thermal, load, and DC protection on every output.
The Meridian 500 Series The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue, 500 Series communications and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value. The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can will work together as a fully integrated system.
Sample configuration 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier A500 A500 A500 A500 A500 Meridian DVD Player 558 568/561 outputs from the front left, right, and centre channels, and so is Meridian 561 Digital Surround Controller or the 568 Digital ideal for use with the balanced inputs of the 558 Multi Channel Surround Processor, to drive five analogue loudspeakers in a Power Amplifier. high-quality surround system.
Specification and accessories Specification Available accessories Input 1.4V RMS. Output (bridged Greater than 200W per channel into 8Ω. mode off) Greater than 300W per channel into 4Ω. Output (bridged Greater than 400W into 8Ω. mode on) Greater than 600W into 4Ω. Distortion Less than 0.05%. Noise Less than -90dB. Trigger input 5 to 30Vdc or 5-30Vac peak to peak, polarity independent. Finish Black textured enamel and brushed aluminium.
Setting up the multi channel power amplifier This chapter explains how to install the multi channel power amplifier. It amplifier, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment, and the siting constraints. You should not make any connections to the multi channel power amplifier or to any other component in your system whilst the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
Unpacking containing the following components: To position the multi channel power amplifier ❍ 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier. During normal operation the internal heatsinks may become ❍ 1 power cord. quite hot. The multi channel power amplifier should therefore be ❍ 2 bridged mode links. positioned to allow a free flow of air through the cooling vents ❍ This manual. from the base to the top.
Connecting the multi channel power amplifier Back panel Select balanced/ unbalanced input INPUT SELECTOR INPUT SELECTOR BALANCED Balanced inputs Select bridged mode for channels 4/5 INPUT SELECTOR BALANCED Select bridged mode for channels 1/2 INPUT SELECTOR BALANCED ON Unbalanced inputs INPUT SELECTOR BALANCED BALANCED UNBALANCED OFF BALANCED BALANCED BRIDGED MODE INPUT CHANNELS 1/2 UNBALANCED UNBALANCED UNBALANCED TRIGGER INPUT UNBALANCED – – – – – – – – – – + + + + +
Outputs connections to the bass/mid and tweeter units this allows the Setting up the multi channel power amplifier units to be connected independently to the multi channel power 8 The following table gives details of the output connections: amplifier, for optimum sound quality. Use this output To connect to this Alternatively, for loudspeakers providing a single pair of inputs, CHANNEL 1 to Loudspeakers of 4Ω to 15Ω, using CHANNEL 5 either plug or bare wire connections.
Standby Once set up, the multi channel power amplifier can be left in standby as it consumes negligible power in this mode. To bring the amplifier out of standby press the button on the automatically using the TRIGGER INPUT; see below. If you are not going to use the multi channel power amplifier for a period of several days you should switch the unit completely off, at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
Connecting a source To connect to an analogue preamplifier (eg Meridian 501/501V) To connect to a 568 Digital Surround Processor 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier 501/501V Control Unit OFF Setting up the multi channel power amplifier OUTPUT 10 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier 568 Digital Surround Processor OFF OFF REAR-L RIGHT C LEFT REAR-R ● Switch the BRIDGED MODE switch for channels 1/2 to the OFF position.
Connecting speakers To connect to A500 Loudspeakers A500 Loudspeaker A500 Loudspeaker OFF A500 Loudspeaker A500 Loudspeaker 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier OFF ● Set the BRIDGED MODE switches to the OFF position. ● Connect one of each pair of the red and black terminals from the appropriate channel of the 558 Multi Channel Power OFF OFF ● Set the BRIDGED MODE switches to the OFF position. ● If necessary, remove the links bridging the LF and HF terminals on the back of each loudspeaker.
To wire to A500 Loudspeakers in bridged mode ● Connect the supplied bridged mode links between the black (-) CHANNEL 1/2 and CHANNEL 4/5 terminals, as marked on the back panel. A500 Loudspeaker A500 Loudspeaker ● Connect the loudspeakers between one pair of the red (+) Setting up the multi channel power amplifier CHANNEL 1/2 and CHANNEL 4/5 terminals. 12 You can bi-wire in bridged mode by using the other pair of red terminals to connect separately to the loudspeaker treble unit.
To bi-amp to two A500 Loudspeakers ● If necessary, remove the links bridging the LF and HF terminals on the back of each loudspeaker. A500 Loudspeaker A500 Loudspeaker ● Connect the red and black terminals from the LF and HF units on the left loudspeaker to the red and black terminals on channels 1 and 2. loudspeaker to channels 4 and 5.
To connect two 558s to a seven-channel surround system loudspeakers, as shown in the diagram. ON Side right Setting up the multi channel power amplifier Main left 14 Main right Main left Main right Side right OFF Rear right ON Rear left Side left Centre Rear left Rear right Side left use these for the centre loudspeaker.
Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up or using the multi channel power amplifier. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.
Troubleshooting No front panel indicator is shown The sound has cut out ❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected The 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier includes a thermal correctly. ❍ Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON shutdown, which mutes the output if the amplifier becomes too hot. The Standby LED will also become red. position. ❍ Check that the unit has been taken out of standby using the front panel button or TRIGGER INPUT.
Maintenance Cleaning To clean the audio connections When cleaning the multi channel power amplifier bear in mind The audio sockets on the back of the multi channel power that the front of the unit is brushed aluminium and the case is amplifier are gold-plated and need no cleaning if gold-plated metal. phono plugs are used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.
Service and guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully The 558 Multi Channel Power Amplifier is guaranteed against designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- defects in material and workmanship for two years from the date serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any of purchase. form of maintenance.
Index A H Accessories 4 operation B Balanced inputs I T 8 Thermal protection 16 Installing 6 Trigger input 9 Bridged mode 12 Introduction 1 Troubleshooting 15 L Cleaning 17 the case U Lifting the 558 6 Loudspeakers, connecting 8 M 6 Maintenance Unpacking 6 X 17 Connecting Meridian 500 Series 2 to a 501/501V Control Unit 10 568 Digital Surround Processor 3 to a 568 Unbalanced inputs 8 17 Components XLR connectors 8 communications 2 10 to A500 Loudspeakers Meridian System
20 Index
