Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Stonehill
Sales and service in the USA
Stukeley Meadows
Huntingdon
PE18 6ED
Meridian America Inc
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Building 2400
Designed and
manufactured in the UK by
England
Suite 122
Tel (01480) 52144
Atlanta
Fax (01480) 459934
Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd
GA 30331
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Huntingdon
PE18 6ED
World Wide Web
Tel (404) 344 7111
Fax (404) 346 7111
England
Copyright © 1993–1999
Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd
Part no: 506/3
This guide was produced by
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
ii
Contents
Introduction
1
Introduces the 506 24-Bit CD Player, and
provides an overview of the other products
available in the Meridian 500 Series.
Using the CD player
5
Provides step-by-step instructions on how
to operate the CD player, using either the
front panel or the Meridian System
Remote.
The Meridian 500 Series ........................
Specification and accessories ...............
2
3
Setting up the
CD player
15
Describes how to unpack and install the
CD player, and gives information about
cleaning and servicing your CD player.
Front panel .............................................
Switching on and off ..............................
Playing a disc .........................................
Stopping, pausing, and repeating play ..
6
7
8
9
Unpacking .............................................. 16
Programming a selection ....................... 10 Connecting the CD player...................... 17
Disc information and scanning .............. 12
Troubleshooting ..................................... 21
Using index points ................................. 13 Maintenance .......................................... 23
Service and guarantee ........................... 24
Index ...................................................... 25
iii
iv
Introduction
In choosing the 506 24-Bit CD Player you have acquired a component that
combines major advances in digital audio and engineering design. The 506
24-Bit CD Player incorporates a three-beam laser CD mechanism, for
superb sound quality and disc playability. The precision-engineered
turntable combines the advantages of drawer loading with the superior
disk clamping normally associated with top loading players. The digital
signal is decoded using the latest 24-bit dual-differential Delta Sigma
digital to analogue converter, combined with a discrete class A output for
superlative audio performance.
This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results
from the unit, whether your requirements are simply to play a disc or to
programme a selection of music.
If you have just purchased the 506 24-Bit CD Player, you should first turn to
the section Setting up the CD player, page 15, which explains how to
unpack and install the CD player correctly.
The Meridian 500 Series
The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue,
and video components designed to meet the demand for
absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value.
500 Series communications
The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated
communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units
will work together as a fully integrated system.
The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can
assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need,
perfectly suited to your musical and environmental requirements,
and with the ability to add to it or change it at a later date should
your requirements change. The 500 Series is also compatible
with the existing Meridian 200 Series and 600 Series
components.
The 500 Series communications system allows you to control
any combination of units using a single remote, and ensures that
your commands from the remote are interpreted unambiguously.
The communications system also allows you to extend your hi-fi
system into two or three rooms, with the ability to control the
sources in one room from the controller in another room.
Each Meridian 500 Series component is housed in a matching
slim line case. Front panel controls provide access to the most
important functions, and the full range of functions is available
from the Meridian System Remote using a simple and intuitive
control interface.
2
Specification and accessories
Specification
Available accessories
THD
Less than -93dBFS.
The following accessories are available from your dealer:
Noise
Less than -93dBFS.
❍ Power cord Europe.
Mechanism
Conversion
Display
Three-beam laser.
❍ Power cord Canada and USA.
Dual differential 24-bit Delta Sigma.
The Meridian System Remote provides access to all the facilities
provided by the 506 24-Bit CD Player, including those available
from the front panel controls. In addition, it allows you to control
any other 500 Series units in your system.
Eight character dot-matrix display for
track, time, and index.
Finish
Black textured enamel and glass.
Dimensions
88mm x 321mm x 332mm
(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order
them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a
range of digital cables suitable for connecting the 506 24-Bit CD
Player to other equipment.
Weight
6.4kg (14lbs).
Outputs
Analogue: 2V fixed, class A.
Digital: co-axial, optical.
Communications
Consumption
Two 5 pin 240° DIN sockets.
20VA.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.
3
4
Using the CD player
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the CD player in
order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the unit.
It also describes all aspects of using the CD player, beginning with
essential instructions such as switching on and loading a disc, to the more
advanced functions such as programming.
Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel
or the remote.
Front panel
1 Open
Opens and closes the disc
drawer.
2 > (Play)
Display
Plays a selected track, or
moves to the next track.
3 * (Stop)
Stops the disc.
BOOTHROYD STUART
Play 14
506
4 = (Pause)
Open
>
•
=
Display
[
]
Off
24-Bit CD Player
Pauses the disc.
5 Display
Selects the information
displayed.
6 [ (Previous)
Drawer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Selects the previous track.
7 ] (Next)
Selects the next track.
8 Off
Switches to standby.
6
Switching on and off
During normal use the CD player should be left in the standby
state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures
that the components of the CD player operate at maximum
efficiency from the moment you start playing a disc.
If you are not going to use the CD player 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.
To switch on from standby
● Press Open (front panel only), >(Play), * (Stop), or =
(Pause).
To switch to standby
● Press Off.
● Switch on any other equipment connected to the CD player
which is not part of the Meridian 500 Series.
.
To insert a disc
The display will show:
● Press Open (front panel only) to open the drawer.
If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment connected to
the CD player, these units will also switch to standby.
● Place your disc, label side up, over the metal hub, as shown
opposite.
If a disc is currently playing, switching to standby will stop the
disc, and the disc can safely be left in the unit.
● Press Open again to close the drawer.
7
Playing a disc
The CD player allows you to play an entire disc, or start playing
from any track. While a disc is playing you can go back to the
start of the track or skip to the start of the next track.
To move to the next track
● Press > (Play).
If you have programmed a selection, these functions also work
with the selection of tracks you have programmed. For
information about programming; see Programming a selection,
page 10.
To play starting from a particular track
● Press ] (Next) or [ (Previous) to step through the track
numbers until the track you want to play is displayed or type
the number of the track (remote only).
To play the disc
Track 4
● Press > (Play).
For example:
The display will show your
Pl ay 1
selection:
With the remote you will need to press CD first if you have the
504 Stereo FM Tuner.
The display will then show
After a short delay the track you have selected will start to play.
If you have programmed a selection you will also need to:
● Press > (Play).
1
the track being played:
To restart the current track
● Press [ (Previous).
8
Stopping, pausing, and repeating play
You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can
resume play instantly.
To continue after pausing
● Press = (Pause) or > (Play).
You can also set a disc to play repeatedly, so that when the disc
(or selection) has played, it will begin again from the beginning.
This function is only available from the remote.
To continuously repeat a disc
● Press Repeat (remote only).
To stop play
The Repeat indicator will appear.
To cancel the repeat function
● Press Repeat again.
● Press * (Stop).
The display will show the total number of tracks on
the disc.
--2O
For example:
To pause play
● Press = (Pause).
The disc will remain spinning and the display will show Pause.
For example:
3 Pause
9
Programming a selection
With the remote you can programme a selection of tracks, and
then play only those tracks you have programmed.
To programme by specifying the
tracks you want to play
You can programme a selection either by storing the tracks you
want to play, or by clearing the tracks you do not want to play. If
you programme a selection by storing the tracks you want to
hear, you can play the tracks in any order and repeat tracks in
the sequence.
● Choose the first track you want to play, as described above.
The display will show the track
Track 1 4
number; for example:
● Press Store (remote only).
You can programme a selection while the disc is playing, in
which case the selection will be played after the current track
finishes.
Store 1 4
The display will change to:
You should store the track within two seconds, or it will begin to
play.
Attempting to programme more than
Error
31 tracks will display an error warning:
The track will be labelled Store.
To choose a track to programme
All the other tracks are initially programmed not to play, and will
be labelled Clear.
● Press Next or Previous to step through the track numbers
until the track you want is displayed, or type the number of
the track you want.
10
To programme by specifying the
tracks you do not want to play
The Clear label will change to Store to indicate that the track is
stored.
● Choose one of the tracks you do not want to play, as
To remove a track from a selection
Select the track you want to remove, as described above.
● Press Clear (remote only).
described above.
The display will show the track
Track 1 2
number; for example:
● Press Clear (remote only).
The display will change to:
The Store label will change to Clear to indicate that the track has
been cleared.
Cl ear 1 2
To clear a programme
You should clear the track within two seconds, or it will begin to
play.
● Press • (Stop) twice.
The track will be labelled Clear. All the other tracks are initially
programmed to play, and will be labelled Store.
The display will show C.P. (Cancel
C.P.
Programme):
To add a track to a selection
A programme is automatically cancelled if you open the disc
drawer, or press Off.
● Select the track you want to add, as described above.
● Press Store (remote only).
11
Disc information and scanning
To change the display
Scanning a disc
● Press Display.
The scan controls allow you to move quickly to any position on
the disc at approximately 20 times normal speed.
Each time you press the appropriate key, the display will step
between the following display options:
During scanning, the sound is muted and the display
automatically changes to show the elapsed time for the whole
disc, unless you have already selected one of the other time
displays.
Display
Example
Track (and index) number.
This is the usual display.
1 4
This function is only available from the remote.
To scan through a disc
● Hold down ˘ or ¯ (remote only).
The display will show your position
58:1 2 1 4
0:59 1 4
1 :47 1 4
Elapsed time for the whole disc.
Elapsed time for the current track.
Time remaining for the whole disc.
Blank.
1 2:37 >>
on the disc; for example:
● Release the key when you have reached the point you want.
12
Using index points
In addition to dividing music into tracks, some discs provide
index points within each track to allow you to locate individual
movements or bars.
To move to an index point
● Type the number of the track, followed by . and the number of
the index point (remote only).
For any disc with index points, the CD player’s track display will
show the track and index number.
For example, to play from track 3, index number 2, press 3.2.
With the remote you can use index points to move rapidly to
particular positions within a track.
T. 3.2
The display will show:
To display the index number
After a short delay the disc will start to play at the track and
index point you have selected.
● If necessary, select the track number display.
After the first index point, the index number will be shown after
the track number on the display.
For example, on track 14 index
14.7
number 7 the display will show:
13
14
Setting up the CD player
This chapter explains how to install the CD player. It describes what you
should find when you unpack the CD player, how you should connect it to
your other audio equipment, and the siting constraints.
Before you begin installation, you should ensure that your CD player is the
correct voltage for your local AC supply. If it is not, do not try to install the
CD player, and contact your dealer.
You should not make any connections to the CD player or to any other
component in your system whilst the AC power supply is connected and
switched on.
Unpacking
The 506 24-Bit CD Player comes in a box containing the
following components:
In common with all CD players, the 506 24-Bit CD Player emits
some radio-frequency signals. Therefore, you should try to keep
all power cables and network leads away from signal cables,
including audio, antenna, and loudspeaker cables.
❍ 506 24-Bit CD Player.
❍ Meridian System Remote.
❍ 1 power cord.
Radio interference
❍ 1 optical connector blanking plug.
❍ This manual.
FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio
frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in
accordance with our instructions may cause interference to
radio communications or radio and television reception. It has
been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart
J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These
limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against
such interference in home installations.
You are advised to retain the packing in case you need to
transport the unit.
To position the CD player
Do not place the CD player:
❍ In direct sunlight.
EEC: This product has been designed to comply with the limits
❍ Near heat sources, eg a radiator.
❍ On top of a power amplifier, as the heat generated may
damage the CD player.
set out in EN55013 and EN55020C.
However, it can be stacked under a 501 Control Unit and
504 Stereo FM Tuner, if you have these Meridian components in
your system.
16
Connecting the CD player
Back panel
Use this output
To connect to this
Digital Output
DSP6000 or DSP5000 Digital
Loudspeakers, a D/A converter, digital
preamplifier, or digital recorder, using
digital cable.
The CD player provides three alternative signal outputs to allow
you to choose the highest-quality method of connection
available on the system to which you are connecting.
The 506 24-Bit CD Player produces an extremely low-noise low-
jitter electrical digital output, and this is the recommended
method of connection to digital equipment.
Optical EIAJ
A D/A converter, digital preamplifier, or
digital recorder, using optical fibre.
Phono outputs
A 502 Analogue Controller, or other
audio equipment, using conventional
analogue audio leads.
The following table lists the equipment which uses each of the
three output types:
OFF
ON
L
R
COMM
OUTPUT
DIGITAL OPTICAL
OUTPUT EIAJ
(Meridian Comms Only)
Phono
outputs
Digital Optical
output EIAJ output
Comms
connections
17
To connect to other Meridian 500
Series equipment
One unit will then be designated
as the controller, and display:
Con.
● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the
CD player to one of the COMMS socket on another 500 Series
unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the other unit.
This is the unit that will respond to the remote.
All the other units will be configured
N.Con.
as non-controllers, and display:
The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.
Your system is now set up and ready for use.
COMMS
COMMS
● If for any reason the automatic setup does not give the
configuration you want, restore the default operation by
selecting Type 1 as described in To connect to Meridian 600
or 200 Series equipment, page 20.
Then configure the units with the following automatic setup
procedure:
Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment
other than Meridian 500, 600, or 200 Series to the socket
marked COMMS on the back of the CD player.
● Switch all the units to standby.
● Press Clear on the remote.
Auto
Each unit will display:
18
To connect to a 501 Control Unit
To connect to a conventional
preamplifier
501 Control Unit
COMMS CD
506 24-Bit CD Player
OUTPUT COMMS
● Connect the sockets marked OUTPUT L and R on the back
panel of the CD player to an appropriate input on your
preamplifier.
Audio lead
500 comms lead
You should consult the manufacturer’s manual to determine
which input to use, but generally it will be labelled CD or AUX.
● Connect the sockets marked OUTPUT L and R on the back
panel of the CD player to the CD input on the back panel of
the 501 Control Unit.
You should either use a twin-screened audio cable, or a pair of
single-screened audio cables. These cables can have a
considerable effect on the quality of the sound, and you are
advised to seek your dealer’s advice on the best type of cables
for your system.
19
To connect to Meridian 600 or 200
Series equipment
To connect to DSP6000 or DSP5000
Digital Loudspeakers
If your system includes any Meridian 600 or 200 Series units,
with 600 COMMS or 200 COMMS sockets, you should set all
the 500 Series units to 200 COMMS operation using the
following procedure:
● Connect the socket marked DIGITAL OUTPUT on the back
panel of the CD player to the M-lead, supplied with the
DSP6000 or DSP5000 speakers.
● Follow the instructions provided in the DSP6000 or DSP5000
manual for connecting to a CD player.
● Turn off the CD player, using the power switch on the back
panel.
The DSP6000 and DSP5000 loudspeakers are fully
programmable, and you should consult your manual before
deciding which input to use. If you have any doubts, your dealer
will be able to assist you.
● Turn on the power again while holding down the Off key on
the front panel.
The display will show
Type 1
the current setup:
Suitable cables are available from your Meridian dealer, or
Meridian Audio Limited.
Press ] (Next) on the front panel
Type 2
to change to Type 2:
● Switch the power off and on again to restore the CD player to
normal operation.
● To return to 500 COMMS operation repeat the above
procedure, and select Type 1.
20
Troubleshooting
This section describes problems you may encounter when using
the CD player, and includes suggested solutions.
❍ Try opening the drawer gently, by hand. Do not
use force.
❍ Restore power to the CD player.
If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact
your Meridian dealer for further assistance.
There is no sound when playing a disc
No lights are displayed when
switching on
❍ Check that your preamplifier is switched on, and the volume is
at an appropriate level.
❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly.
❍ Check that the CD player is connected correctly to the other
components of your system; see Connecting the CD player,
page 17.
❍ Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel
is in the ON position.
❍ Check that the correct source has been selected on your
❍ Check that the fuse on the CD player
preamplifier.
back panel and the fuse in the unit’s power plug
have not blown; see To change the mains fuse, page 23.
❍ Check that the Pause indicator is not lit.
❍ Try playing another disc. If this disc works, check the problem
The drawer will not open
❍ Check that the standby display is shown.
If the standby display is shown:
disc for signs of dirt or damage.
❍ Switch off the CD player and disconnect it from the AC power
supply.
21
There is interference on the radio and/
or television when the CD player is
switched on
The display shows No disc when
attempting to play a disc
❍ Check that the disc is positioned correctly in the drawer, with
Before following the steps below, ensure all units are switched
off first.
the label uppermost; see To insert a disc, page 7.
❍ Try playing another disc. If this disc works, check the problem
disc for signs of dirt or damage.
If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from
radio or television reception then the following measures should
be tried:
The display shows Error when
attempting to programme a disc
❍ Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna
cable of the receiver as far as possible from the 506 24-Bit CD
Player and its cabling.
❍ Check that the disc includes the track number you are
attempting to programme.
❍ Check that you have not already programmed 31 tracks, the
❍ Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.
❍ Relocate the receiver with respect to the CD player.
maximum number.
❍ Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.
22
Maintenance
Cleaning
the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact cleaner can
be used to some advantage.
When cleaning the CD player bear in mind that the front of the
CD player is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass.
The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way.
Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.
To change the mains fuse
Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the CD player.
Fuse
Spare
To clean the case, display panel, and
keypad
● Use a slightly damp cloth.
● Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer next to
Ensure that no water is allowed to get inside the case, and do
not reconnect the power until you are certain that the CD player
is completely dry.
the power input to access the fuses.
Before replacing a blown fuse, if possible ascertain the cause of
the failure.
To clean the audio connections
The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced
by one of the same rating.
The audio sockets on the back of the CD player are gold-plated
and need no cleaning if gold-plated phono plugs are used.
Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect
23
Service and guarantee
Service
Guarantee
The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully
designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any
form of maintenance.
The 506 24-Bit CD Player is guaranteed against defects in
material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase.
The guarantee is void if the 506 24-Bit CD Player has been
subject to misuse, accident, or negligence, or has been
tampered with or modified in any way without the written
authorisation of Meridian Audio Limited. Note that connecting
anything other than the correct network lead to the COMMS
sockets may cause damage to the 506 24-Bit CD Player which
will not be covered by this guarantee. Attempted servicing by
unauthorised people may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour
and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.
In the unlikely event that your CD player 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 ii.
In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing
agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents abroad is
available from Meridian Audio.
Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment
purchased within the territory. Our agents abroad are only under
contractual obligation to service under guarantee equipment
sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable
charge for any service carried out on other equipment.
No responsibility can be accepted for the CD player whilst in
transit to the factory or an agent, and customers are therefore
advised to insure the unit.
This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the
United Kingdom.
When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the date of
purchase will be required.
24
Index
A
Accessories
3
D
Digital output 17
Meridian 500 Series operation,
setting 18
Adding a track to a selection 11
Display function 12
Displaying disc information 12
disc time remaining 12
elapsed disc time 12
elapsed track time 12
index number 13
Meridian 600 and 200 Series
operation, setting 20
B
C
Back panel 17
Meridian System Remote 2, 16
Moving to an index point 13
C.P. display 11
Changing the display 12
Cleaning
N
O
No disc display 22
track (and index) number 12
the audio connections 23
the case 23
Optical EIAJ output 17
Outputs
E
F
Error display 10, 22
Clear function 11
Components 16
Connecting
Front panel controls
Fuse, replacing 23
6
digital 17
optical EIAJ 17
phono 17
to a 501 Control Unit 19
to a conventional preamplifier 19
to DSP5000 Digital
Loudspeakers 20
to DSP6000 Digital
Loudspeakers 20
to Meridian 500 Series
equipment 18
G
I
Guarantee 24
P
Pausing play
Phono outputs 17
Playing a disc
9
Index points 13
Inserting a disc
Installing 16
7
8
from a particular track
from an index point 13
8
Introduction
1
repeatedly
9
M
Maintenance 23
Meridian 500 Series
communications
Positioning 16
to Meridian 600 and 200 Series
equipment 20
2
Programming a selection 10
adding a track to a selection 11
by specifying tracks not to play 11
2
Continuing play
9
25
Programming a selection
(continued)
T
Troubleshooting 21
Unpacking 16
U
by specifying tracks to play 10
Clear function 11
clearing a programme 11
removing a track from a selection 11
Store function 10
R
S
Radio interference 16
Removing a track from a
selection 11
Repeating a disc
9
Restarting the current track
8
Scanning a disc 12
Service 24
Setting up the CD player 15
for 500 Series operation 18
for 600 and 200 Series operation 20
Specification
Standby mode
Stopping play
3
7
9
Store function 10
Switching on from standby
7
Switching to standby
7
26
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