Specifications

Bob Stuart answers Questions about the Meridian 598
Page 12
Systems that use surround controllers or receivers to do bass management for movies, and
then separately expect the player to do bass management for multichannel are inelegant, ill-
conceived and always result in a much worse performance.
63 598 and 2-room
598 has two audio and two video outputs, one pair can be used to feed a second room.
598 with 568.2…?
64 How do I connect a 598 to my 568.2?
If the 568.2 includes the optional Multichannel input Module then you can connect
multichannel from 598 using the multiway SVGA cable provided. You can also connect the 2-
channel Aux output to one of the digital inputs and use it as an alternate source.
One great way to use the combination is to pass decoded multichannel PCM from the Main
output of 598 to 568.2. By doing this the discs are fully decoded in 598 and this unleashes the
full processing power of 568.2 to upsample and upscale with outstanding sonic results. This
connection also provides Meridian Smart Link signalling. See Q. 53.
If the 568.2 is not fitted with the Multichannel input Module option (or you are using 568 or
561) then configure the 598 to be 2-channel and to get optimum quality enable MHR between
them. You would then connect the Main Left/Right outputs of 598 to the decoder in the usual
way. See Qs. 14 and 15.
65 How do I always get the best from an 596 + 568.2MM combination?
If you use our multichannel digital interface then 568.2 can be configured to operate
seamlessly with 598.
In addition to encrypted audio, this link transfers information about the content to the surround
controller. See Q. 53.
568.2 is informed about the audio on the disc and how it should best respond.
In the configuration of 568.2 you can select one ‘Enhanced Source’ which provides deep
configurability. In this mode the decoder distinguishes between multichannel and 2-channel
and between Movie and Music.
So if you play a multichannel track from DVD-Audio then 598 tells 568.2 to pick the ‘Discrete
Music’ preset. If the next track is high-resolution 2-channel then, for example, 568.2 can
automatically pick a 2-channel input mode like Meridian’s superb Trifield to render in
surround, or you could have Stereo. If the next track is from a movie, then the 568.2 will use
either its Movie 6-channel or Movie 2-channel configurations and these could call up ‘Discrete
Movie’ or ProLogic II or any of the other exciting modes on offer. You configure 568.2 and
from then on it is completely automatic. Another fantastic first from Meridian!
66 But I have an 861, can I use 598?
Don’t apologise you can use 598 with 861! If the 861 has been upgraded to version 3 then
using three coaxial cables you can connect multichannel from 598 to a suitably-configured
IE42 in 861. You can also connect the Aux output to one of the digital inputs and use it as an
alternate source. Also see Q. 65.
If the 861 is not upgraded (or you are using 568 or 561) then configure the 598 to be 2-
channel and to get optimum quality enable MHR between them. You would then connect the
Main Left/Right outputs of 598 to 861 in the usual way. See Qs. 14 and 15.