818 Reference Audio Core User Guide
ii Preface Important safety instructions • • • • • • Read the instructions. Keep these instructions. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Refer all servicing to approved service personnel. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
iii Contents Contents Introduction 1 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core 29 The 818 Reference Audio Core 2 Choosing a standard setting 30 Specifications 3 Setting up sources 31 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core 5 Setting up SpeakerLink 32 Front panel keys 6 Installing the Meridian Configuration Application 33 MSR+ keys 7 Index 35 Switching on and off 8 Selecting a source 9 Adjusting the system volume 10 Changing the treble or bass 11 Changing the balance or phase 12 C
iv Preface Copyright and acknowledgements Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England Tel (01480) 445678 Fax (01480) 445686 Sales and service in the USA Meridian America Inc. 110 Greene Street, Suite #407 New York NY 10012 USA Tel (646) 66 0140 Fax (646) 66 0152 Designed and manufactured in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England Visit us on the Web http://www.meridian-audio.
Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 818 Reference Audio Core. This User Guide provides full information about using the 818 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.
Introduction The 818 Reference Audio Core Incorporating the advanced technology from Meridian’s popular 808 Signature Reference CD Player, the Meridian 818 Reference Audio Core is a stereo audio controller with a wide range of digital and analogue inputs. Outputs The 818 Reference Audio Core provides two Meridian SpeakerLink connectors for simple, straightforward connection to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers via Cat 5 cables.
Introduction Specifications Audio outputs Controls • • • • • Front-panel facia controls for: 2-channel balanced audio output. 2-channel unbalanced audio output. 2-channel digital coax output. Two 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink outputs. Optional MHR encryption on digital outputs at high rate. Audio inputs • Six 2-channel unbalanced analogue inputs. Adjustable sensitivity. • Three 2-channel digital coax inputs. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision.
Introduction
Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Using the 818 Reference Audio Core This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 818 Reference Audio Core to identify the controls you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the 818, using either the front panel or the MSR+.
Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Front panel keys Eq Emphasis indicator Left/Right Selects a menu parameter Phase – Indicates inverted phase Fast Forward/ Fast Reverse Scans forwards/ backwards Menu Not currently used Up/Down Changes a menu parameter Source Selects a source Mute Mutes or restores the sound Display Changes the information displayed Setup SpeakerLink Setup Eq Phase- Source Reference Audio Core 818 Volume + Menu Setup Reference Audio Core 818 Source >= Play/Pause Plays
Using the 818 Reference Audio Core MSR+ keys Previous Selects the previous track Source keys Select a source Fast reverse Scans backwards CD RADIO DVD AUX DISC TAPE Next Selects the next track Stop Stops the track TV OFF Switches to standby Play Plays the track CABLE SAT VCR1 VCR2 GAME OFF Pause Pauses the track Power 1 1 2 3 Page 4 5 6 7 8 9 Page Audio Enter Slow Open Function 0 Return Menu Repeat Setup A-B Top Menu # Subtitle Band Angle Clear Display Mu
Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Switching on and off When not playing, the 818 should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the 818 operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the 818 for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Selecting a source The 818 responds to the following 12 source keys on the remote: CD, Radio, DVD, Aux, Disc, Tape, TV, Cable, Sat, VCR1, VCR2, and Game. The Aux source usually corresponds to the internal Sooloos interface and the VCR2 source usually corresponds to the USB input. The input associated with each of the sources depends on how the 818 has been set up; for more information refer to the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.
10 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Adjusting the system volume The 818 Reference Audio Core provides a volume control which can be adjusted from the front panel or remote control. The volume changes in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front-panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.
11 Changing the treble or bass The 818 Reference Audio Core provides sophisticated treble and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of a Meridian DSP loudspeaker system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording. These controls are performed by the DSP loudspeakers, and are only available if your 818 Reference Audio Core is set up with fixed outputs.
12 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Changing the balance or phase The 818 Reference Audio Core balance control uses digital signal processing to compensate for an offcentre listening position by delaying and diminishing the sound in one speaker, thus effectively shifting the speaker’s image back. You can also change the absolute phase of the signal, to compensate for signals which are out of phase, giving an unnatural-sounding bass.
13 Changing the loudness or subwoofer mode The 818 Reference Audio Core allows you to control several other settings supported by recent Meridian DSP loudspeakers. The Loudness control alters the frequency response to make music sound more natural when played at a low volume setting. The Mode control changes the distribution of bass between the main speakers and the subwoofer to suit different types of material.
14 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Loudspeaker setup controls To change the subwoofer gain The 818 Reference Audio Core provides several controls to allow you to adjust DSP loudspeakers to suit the characteristics of your room. • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current subwoofer gain. The Subwoofer control adjusts the subwoofer crossover frequency and gain.
15 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core To specify Enhanced Boundary Control • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current EBC setting. For example: SLS EBC Off • Press A or V (remote or under the front panel) to specify how reflective the room surfaces are. Choose between Off (unreflective), Min, Med, or Max (highly reflective). To specify Enhanced Bass Alignment • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current EBA setting.
16 Using the 818 Reference Audio Core Changing the front-panel display The 818 Reference Audio Core displays information and settings on the 20-character front-panel display. You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the frontpanel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed. To change the contrast or brightness • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel), until the display shows the current contrast or brightness.
17 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core This chapter explains how to install the 818 Reference Audio Core. 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.
18 Unpacking Back panel The 818 Reference Audio Core is supplied with the following accessories: The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections: • MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps. • Meridian Comms lead. • Power cord. • This manual. If any of these items are missing please contact your retailer. NOTE: You should retain the packaging in case you need to transport the unit.
19 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core Audio outputs Audio inputs (continued) Use this output To connect to this Use this input To connect to this BALANCED OUT The balanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using XLR leads. OPTICAL INPUT O1 (Sat), O2 (Game), O1, O2, O3 (on ID29 card) The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver.
20 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core Applications To connect to a digital source (eg DVD player) 818 Reference Audio Core Digital source DIGITAL OUT DIGITAL IN D1 Digital coax lead You can connect up to three digital coax inputs and five digital optical inputs to the 818 Reference Audio Core. • Connect the digital source to an appropriate digital input socket on the 818, using either screened coax phono leads, or a Toslink lead.
21 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to a computer via USB Computer 818 Reference Audio Core USB USB USB A-B lead You can connect the 818 Reference Audio Core to a PC or Macintosh USB socket to allow you to use the 818 as a digital audio output device. On a PC, Windows XP/SP2 or later is required. Note that you must install the drivers (available from your Meridian dealer or http://www.meridian-audio.com) before you connect the product to a Windows PC. On a Macintosh, OS X 10.
22 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (daisy chain) 818 Reference Audio Core Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead The 818 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.
23 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (home run) 818 Reference Audio Core Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead The 818 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.
24 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to DSP loudspeakers using the digital and Comms connections 818 Reference Audio Core DIGITAL OUTPUT MERIDIAN COMMS M5 lead DSP loudspeaker – Slave MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL OUTPUT DSP loudspeaker – Master DIGITAL INPUTS MERIDIAN COMMS INPUT OUTPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUTS INPUT OUTPUT S5 lead If your DSP loudspeakers do not provide Meridian SpeakerLink connections you can connect to them using the Digital and Meridian Comms connections.
25 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to a power amplifier Speaker INPUTS G56/G57 Power Amplifier ANALOGUE IN OUTPUTS Speaker ANALOGUE IN 818 Reference Audio Core ANALOGUE OUT The 818 analogue outputs allow you to connect to a pair of analogue active loudspeakers, or to analogue passive loudspeakers via a power amplifier. • Connect the balanced or unbalanced ANALOGUE OUTPUT connections from the 818 to the inputs of the analogue active loudspeakers or power amplifier.
26 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 818 Reference Audio Core 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUT SPEAKERLINK IN SpeakerLink lead You can use the 818’s SpeakerLink outputs to connect to other Meridian products, such as the 861 Reference Surround Controller. • Connect the SpeakerLink output from the 818 to the SpeakerLink input on the 861, using a SpeakerLink lead.
27 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment 818 Reference Audio Core G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit MERIDIAN COMMS MERIDIAN COMMS Comms lead In a system of Meridian products, one of the products acts as the controller for the system, receiving infra-red commands from the MSR+ and then, if appropriate, relaying them to the other products via the Comms link. One unit will then be designated as the controller.
28 Installing the 818 Reference Audio Core
29 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core This chapter explains how to set up the 818 Reference Audio Core for most standard configurations of your other equipment, using just the front-panel controls and MSR+. For complete control over all aspects of the 818’s configuration it is recommended that you use the Meridian Configuration Program; for more information see Installing the Meridian Configuration Application, page 33.
30 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core Choosing a standard setting The 818 provides two standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 818 into standard configurations. Then after a short delay the display shows the current Type. These standard Types are shown in the following table: For example: Type Label Description 1 Fixed Fixed output, for use with Meridian DSP loudspeakers. 2 Variable Variable output, for use with power amplifiers and analogue speakers.
31 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core Setting up sources This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the analogue sources connected to the 818. You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or 2.5V (least sensitive). To turn on Gain mode If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages. The display shows: • Put the 818 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
32 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core Setting up SpeakerLink The digital and SpeakerLink outputs provide control information to DSP loudspeakers, together with the digital audio. If you are connecting the digital or SpeakerLink output to a digital input that does not support SpeakerLink you should turn SpeakerLink off. You can also enable a SpeakerLink Setup mode which provides additional menus for configuring DSP loudspeakers.
33 Installing the Meridian Configuration Application The Meridian Configuration Application is not included with this product. The Setup application’s Welcome page will be displayed. The application should be installed from the Internet. • Follow the instructions. Requirements On the Preferences page: To use the Meridian Configuration Application you need: • A computer running Windows 95, 98, 2000, NT 4, ME, XP, Vista, or Windows 7. • 10Mbytes of free disk space.
34 Configuring the 818 Reference Audio Core
35 Index Index A D L accessories 18 digital inputs 19 loudness, changing 13 analogue inputs 19 digital output 19 loudspeaker setup controls 14 analogue outputs 19 digital source, connecting to 20 Enhanced Bass Alignment 15 analogue source, connecting to 20 Digital Surround Controller, Enhanced Boundary Control 15 auxiliary output 18 B connecting to 26 speaker location 14 DSP loudspeakers, connecting to subwoofer crossover 14 22, 23, 24 back panel connections 18 balance, changing 12
36 Index P T phase, changing 12 treble, changing 11 power amplifier, connecting to 25 trigger outputs 19 R room height, specifying 14 RS232 connection 19 S safety warnings ii Sooloos, using 9 Sooloos input 19 sound, muting 10 sources 9 adjusting sensitivity 31 selecting 9 SpeakerLink connecting with 22, 23 setting up 32 SpeakerLink inputs 19 SpeakerLink outputs 19 speaker location, specifying 14 specifications 3 standard settings, selecting 30 standby switching on from 8 switching to 8 subwoofer cro
