DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker System 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. • Do not disassemble – no user-servicable parts inside.
iii Contents Contents Introduction 1 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers 23 Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system 2 Choosing standard settings 24 Sample configurations 4 Specifying information about your system 26 Specifications 6 Configuring the sources 28 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers 7 Troubleshooting 29 Unpacking 8 Troubleshooting 30 Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers 10 Maintenance and cleaning 31 Connecting the loudspeakers 11 Service and guarantee 32 Connecting
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 DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker System. 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.
Introduction Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system The Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system represents the fruits of more than 30 years of continuous development of loudspeakers as musical instruments. The finest materials and state-of-the-art design are combined to create what we believe is the ultimate home loudspeaker.
Introduction The head assembly is a sealed enclosure fabricated from curved pressure-laminated panels, each using multiple layers of selected woods and metal to provide high stiffness and damping. Its narrow tapered shape offers optimum dispersion across a wide listening area. It is supported on the bass enclosure by three machined feet. Like the head unit, the bass cabinet is constructed from interlaminated panels with extensive bracing.
Introduction Sample configurations Meridian Digital Theatre™ DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP7200HC 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller HD621 HDMI Audio Processor Up to seven Meridian DSP8000 loudspeakers can be used in conjunction with a Meridian Surround Controller to create a digital surround system with superb music and cinema sound.
Introduction Meridian Digital Music System DSP8000 DSP8000 808 Signature Reference CD Player Meridian DSP loudspeakers include DSP volume and tone controls, and be connected directly to digital sources, such as the 808 Signature Reference CD Player, to create an compact high-quality music system.
Introduction Specifications Connections Characteristics • Meridian SpeakerLink (RJ45) input and output, providing balanced digital audio, Meridian Comms, and serial interface. • Digital co-axial input and output. • Meridian BNC Comms input and output. • • • • • Signal processing • 1 x Freescale 56367 running at 150MHz. • Special Edition: 2 x Freescale 56367 running at 150MHz. • 4 x 24-bit Multi-bit delta-sigma DACs with 128x oversampling. • Crossover minimum-phase at 2.6kHz.
Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers Setting up the DSP8000 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 constraints.
Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers Unpacking Before you begin installation you should ensure that your DSP8000 loudspeakers are the correct voltage for your local AC supply. If they are not, do not try to install them, and contact your dealer. You should not make any connections to the DSP8000 loudspeakers, or to any other component in your system, while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
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. While not in place the head should be stored safely but care should also be taken of the surface they are placed upon as it may be damaged by the cups.
10 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers To obtain the best sound For best results adjust the position of the loudspeakers while listening to music. If possible, have the most acoustically absorbent wall in the room behind the front speakers. Ideally have each DSP8000 loudspeaker at least 0.5m (20") from a corner, and position them approximately 0.25m (10") from the wall.
11 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers Connecting the loudspeakers Back panel The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections: MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT Meridian SpeakerLink connections MERIDIAN COMMS INPUT OUTPUT Meridian BNC Comms connections DIGITAL INPUT OUTPUT Digital co-axial connections You can connect to the DSP loudspeakers using either the SpeakerLink connectors, or the Meridian BNC Comms and digital co-axial connectors.
12 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers Connecting to other equipment To connect to a Meridian product with SpeakerLink (home run) 808 Signature Reference CD Player Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead You can create a complete system by connecting a pair of DSP8000 loudspeakers directly to a digital source.
13 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers To connect to a Meridian product using SpeakerLink (daisy chain) 808 Signature Reference CD Player Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead You can create a complete system by connecting a pair of DSP8000 loudspeakers directly to a digital source. The DSP loudspeakers include volume, balance, and tone controls allowing you to control the system using an MSR+.
14 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers To connect to a Meridian product with BNC Comms G Series CD Player or Control Unit DIGITAL OUTPUT BNC COMMS Digital/BNC lead Front R – Slave Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT RJ45 lead If the Meridian source or control unit provides a Meridian BNC Comms output, you will need to connect it to the DSP lou
15 Setting up the 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. The following automatic setup procedure should be used to set up the Comms correctly between several products: • Switch all the units to standby. • Press Clear on the MSR+ remote.
16 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers
17 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers Using the DSP8000 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. The DSP8000 loudspeakers can also be connected directly to up to two digital sources to create a complete, minimum system.
18 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers Selecting a source When not playing, the DSP8000 loudspeakers should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the loudspeakers operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. To switch to standby 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.
19 Changing the display 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.
20 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers Adjusting the volume The DSP8000 loudspeakers adjust the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB. When you first connect power to the DSP8000 loudspeakers the volume is set to 65, which is similar to the midway position of the rotary volume control on a conventional preamplifier. To change the volume • Press the A or V volume keys on the remote.
21 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers Changing the treble, bass, or phase The DSP loudspeakers provide sophisticated treble and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording. The bass control allows you to adjust the bass response in the room by ±5dB in 0.5dB steps. Normally settings between +3.0 and -2.0 will give the most natural results.
22 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers Changing the listening position The balance control of the DSP8000 loudspeakers uses digital signal processing to compensate for an off-centre listening position by delaying and diminishing the sound in one speaker, thus effectively shifting the 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.
23 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers Configuring the DSP8000 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. You can also configure each setting individually for applications not catered for by one of the standard settings.
24 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers Choosing standard settings The DSP8000 loudspeakers provide the following five alternative standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the loudspeaker into the most commonly needed configurations: • Release the remote key. The display will show: L.M.RJ45 You should now specify the speaker’s position as follows. Type Description 1 Standard setting for 2-channel system. 5 For use with a Meridian CD player (eg 808.
25 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 28. For example, to define the left speaker as a Slave using the digital co-axial connectors: The display shows: L.S.
26 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers Specifying information about your system You can configure the operation of the DSP loudspeakers to suit the way your system is set up, and the way in which you want to use it. Option Initial value in Type 1 Position and Master/ Slave L.M.RJ45 Compatibility (G, 500, 200 Pre, or 200 CD) * G Controller mode (Auto, Con, or NCon) Auto System address (1–8) S.A. 1 Product address (1–8) P.A.
27 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers To specify the loudspeaker position The frequency response of each loudspeaker can be individually tailored to compensate for its position in the room, or to integrate the sound with a subwoofer where no surround controller is present. Option Pos.Corn Speaker closer than 0.5m (20") to a corner. Pos. SL Frequency response controlled via SpeakerLink. For multichannel systems with a surround controller we recommend each speaker is configured individually.
28 Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers Configuring the sources The DSP loudspeakers provide 12 sources corresponding to the 12 source selection keys on the remote: To configure a source CD, RADIO, DVD, AUX, DISC, TAPE, TV, CABLE, SAT, VCR1, VCR2, and GAME. • Press the source key on the remote corresponding to the source you want to configure. If the configuration you want is not catered for by one of the standard settings, you can configure each source individually.
29 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the DSP8000 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 Meridian dealer.
30 Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Display on front panel not lit There is radio interference • Check the display mode by pressing DISPLAY on the MSR+. • Check there is AC power connected to the socket on the back of the DSP loudspeaker. • Check the power switch on the back panel of the DSP loudspeaker is turned on. The DSP8000 loudspeaker is a digital audio and computing device which has been designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.
31 Maintenance and cleaning Fitting and removing the grilles When fitting the grilles ensure that the two cutouts are at the 3 o‘clock and 9 o‘clock positions, as this will align the pattern on the grille fabric correctly. To remove the grilles grasp the grille by the two cutouts and pull gently away from the loudspeaker. Cleaning Small marks on the lacquer surface can usually be removed with a damp cloth.
32 Troubleshooting Service and guarantee Service The Meridian components have been carefully designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no userserviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance. In the unlikely event that your DSP loudspeaker fails to function correctly, it should be returned, in its original packaging, to your Meridian dealer. In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the appropriate sales and service address shown on page iv.
33 Index A Index connections (continued) absolute phase, changing 21 accessories 6 ambient temperature, specifying 27 auto configuration 15 SpeakerLink 11 Meridian High Resolution (MHR) 3 muting the sound 20 D P digital connections 11 position, specifying 27 configuring 24 digital signal processing 2 R B dismantling the loudspeakers 9 radio interference 10, 30 balance, changing 22 drive units 2 axis, changing 22 bass, changing 21 BNC Comms 11 configuring 24 connecting with 14 C centre fr
34 Index T temperature, specifying 27 Tightening the drive units 9 tilt offset, configuring 27 treble, changing 21 troubleshooting 29 U unpacking 8 V volume 20 adjusting 20 muting 20
