Specifications

Bob Stuart answers Questions about the Meridian 598
Page 2
4 Why is a ROM drive used?
The 598 uses a ROM drive because this is the best type of drive to ensure accurate data
recovery on all disc types while providing a stable platform that can be changed in the future
to keep pace with new requirements. For more on this, see Q. 5.
5 How can a ROM drive be so good?
ROM drives recover the data from computer discs perfectly. Loading a computer program
rarely fails due to the ROM drive. Therefore, extracting the data from a CD or DVD can be
done without error. Normally however a computer pays no attention to how smoothly the data
flows from the disc. That’s where our special technology comes in. From leaving the drive, the
information is in the hands of very sophisticated audio circuitry to get the ultra-low jitter and
the highest integrity data.
Unlike other players that use a mechanical approach to try to lower jitter by minimising drive
vibration, the 598’s memory architecture abolishes this problem forever. In fact, the 598 will
often read the data from the disc more than once just to be sure it has it right. The result of
this sophisticated effort shows up in ultra-low jitter with sound and picture quality second only
to the Reference 800.
6 What is 596?
596 is 598’s stable mate. 596 is a superb CD and DVD-Video player which does not provide
decoded multichannel outputs or support for DVD-Audio.
Sound issues...?
7 Is 598 a good CD Player?
It is excellent! This is very important: CD will be a major source of music enjoyment for many
years because the catalogue is so rich and the sound we can get is so good.
Meridian has made the best CD players for 16 years, with award-winning models like the 208,
602, 508 and the outstanding 800.
598 uses some of the advanced technology originally developed for 800. The ROM reading
system and error correction method provides a very accurate data stream. The 598 then uses
three levels of memory-based de-jittering to smooth out the data. The result is musical, clear,
smooth, error-free CD playback.
8 How does CD playback on 598 compare to a 500, 506, 507 or 508?
The 598 plays more of the CD family than these 500 Series players, it includes support for
MP3 on CD-R (or DVD-R). Disc handling is excellent and playability is up to the peerless
standard of the 500, 506, 507 and 508.
How does the sound compare? As a transport, 598 beats them all; the digital output of 598
has ultra-low jitter. Extra attention has been paid to this output because we see more and
more systems built using decoders and DSP speakers. 598 also benefits in Meridian-based
systems because you can use MHR (see Q. 15) to get that extra bit of resolution. So, as a CD
transport 598 is superior to all but the 800!
The analogue output version of 598 is superb and uses 192kHz 24bit DACs in a new
configuration. We think 598 is great. Of course it does not provide balanced outputs like 508
or 588.
Unlike 500, 506, 507 and 508 the 598 does not provide timecode in its digital output or
provide access to index points on CD as these have generally fallen into disuse. See Q. 55.