808
808i
S I G N A T U R E
R E F E R E N C E
C D P L A Y E R
U S E R G U I D E
Meridian 808/808i Signature Reference
CD Player User Guide
Drive
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CD
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Signature Reference CD Player 808
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i
PREFACE
Important safety instructions
•
•
•
•
Read the instructions.
To avoid interference
Keep these instructions.
Do not position the unit:
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near
water.
•
Near strong electrical or
magnetic radiation, such as near
a power amplifier.
•
•
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Install only in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions.
Only use with a Meridian 808/808i
Signature Reference CD Player.
Refer all servicing to approved
service personnel.
Radio interference
•
•
•
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.
Connection to the mains should
be carried out by a skilled and
suitable qualified person.
Safety warnings
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE
•
•
Do not expose the unit to
dripping or splashing.
Do not place any object filled
with liquid, such as a vase, on the
unit.
EEC: This product has been
designed and type-tested to comply
with the limits set out in EN55013
and EN55020.
•
Do not place naked flame
sources, such as lighted candles,
on the unit.
To avoid overheating
•
Leave at least 10cm around the
equipment to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
Do not position the unit:
•
•
In direct sunlight.
Near heat sources, such as a
radiator.
•
Directly on top of heat producing
equipment, such as a power
amplifier.
ii
Contents
Reference CD Player
5
iii
PREFACE
Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service in the UK
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle
Suite C
Austell
GA30168-7849
USA
England
Tel (01480) 445678
Fax (01480) 445686
Tel (404) 344 7111
Fax (404) 346 7111
Designed and manufactured in the UK by
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
England
Copyright © 1999-2004 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Part no: 808U/1
MP3 is a registered trademark of
This guide was produced by:
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
Thompson Multimedia.
Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, and
Meridian are registered trademarks
of Meridian Audio Ltd.
iv
Introduction
Welcome to the Meridian 808 Signature Reference CD Player!
This User Guide provides full information about using the CD player in
conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results
you can expect from it.
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1
INTRODUCTION
The 808 Signature Reference
CD Player
The 808 Signature Reference CD Player takes Compact Disc playback to an
entirely new level, with a heritage that includes the multiple award
winning 508 and 800, and two dozen optical disc players from 1984 to the
present day. The 808 is specifically designed as a CD-optimised machine,
able to play virtually any CD, from conventional pressings to CD-R, CD-R/W,
and discs of MP3 files (64–256kbps). It also plays the CD layer of an SACD
disc.
At the heart of the 808 are fully-integrated electronics and a computer-
style CD/DVD-ROM drive. The drive normally operates at standard CD
speed, but is capable of much faster reading, using multiple high-speed
re-reads to ensure accurate recovery of data from even the most difficult
disc. This capability alone provides over ten times the error correction of a
conventional CD player.
Digital Signal Processing
Once the digital data stream has been recovered from the disc, powerful
on-board digital signal processing (DSP) with a capability of an impressive
150 MIPS (million instructions per second) up-samples the digital
information from the 16-bit, 44.1kHz signal of conventional CD to a 24-bit
signal with a sample rate of 176.4kHz. This signal is fed to the latest DVD-
Audio quality delta-sigma digital to analogue converters to drive the
analogue outputs, while a digital signal at an 88.2kHz sample rate is
supplied to the digital outputs. Upsampling in this way enables filtering to
take place far beyond the range of human hearing, as well as offering
other audible benefits, right across the audio band, for ultimate
transparency from a CD source.
The 808 employs a triple buffering system to minimise jitter, and therefore
maximise HF transparency and stereo image precision and stability. This,
and the digital electronics as a whole, are driven by a new design of high-
stability clocking system which further reduces jitter and ensures that the
highest level of detail is recovered from a disc. All digital data is accurately
re-clocked.
Multiple power supplies ensure that digital and analogue circuitry are kept
apart and can provide the required power when called upon to do so.
Integrated preamplifier
The 808i version of the 808 Signature Reference CD Player includes a built-
in stereo preamplifier with the ability to handle six stereo analogue inputs,
three digital coaxial S/PDIF inputs, and two Toslink optical digital inputs,
making it ideal as the heart of a superb stereo system.
2
INTRODUCTION
System integration
The 808 Signature Reference CD Player provides balanced and unbalanced
analogue outputs for connecting to an external power amplifier or
preamplifier. Alternatively, it provides coax digital outputs, allowing it to
drive Meridian DSP Loudspeakers directly. The digital outputs support MHR
(Meridian High Resolution) and operate at up to 2 x CD sample rate
(88.2kHz), 24-bit. An auxiliary digital output can be used to connect to a
surround decoder, or feed a second zone.
Meridian Comms sockets (2 x DIN) allow communication with other
Meridian components, while an RS232 interface provides full remote
control capability as well as the ability to configure the unit with Meridian’s
innovative Windows-based graphic configuration application. Three
programmable trigger outputs are provided for direct control of external
devices, for example powering-up amplifiers, etc.
The Meridian 808 Signature Reference CD Player is supplied with the MSR+
learning/programmable remote control, which not only operates all
Meridian products but also includes an extensive database of third-party
products and the capability to learn commands from existing remotes.
MP3 audio CDs
In addition to playing CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, CD-R/W, and DTS-CD format
discs, the 808 Signature Reference CD Player can play CD-ROMs containing
directories of MP3 audio files. This provides a convenient way of archiving
record collections to achieve up to 10 times the capacity of a conventional
CD where sound quality is not of primary importance.
MP3 discs can be created from a computer using appropriate MP3 encoding
software and a CD-ROM writer. Generate the MP3 files with a data rate of
at least 128Kbits per second. Group the tracks into folders to create
separate albums on the disc. Do not create folders within folders.
Tracks and albums are played in the order in which they are recorded onto
the CD-ROM. Usually this will be in alphabetical order of filename.
3
INTRODUCTION
Specification
Drive
•
Internal CD/DVD-ROM drive.
Audio in and out
The 808 is supplied as standard with:
•
•
•
2-channel balanced audio output.
2-channel unbalanced audio output.
2-channel digital coax output with optional MHR encryption at high
rate.
The 808i version also includes:
•
•
•
6 2-channel unbalanced analogue inputs. Adjustable sensitivity.
Renameable legends.
3 2-channel digital coax inputs. Renameable legends. 32 to 96kHz
sampling and up to 24-bit precision.
2 2-channel digital optical inputs. Renameable legends. 32 to 96kHz
sampling and up to 24-bit precision.
Signal processing
The 808 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide the following
powerful features:
•
•
•
Upsampling.
FIFO and error correction.
Resolution enhancement.
Controls, etc.
Front-panel facia controls for:
•
Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause, Previous, Next, and On/Off.
A hinged control panel provides additional controls for:
•
Repeat, Fast Forward/Reverse, Source, Store, Clear, Display, Mute, and
Volume +/-.
Display
•
20-character dot-matrix display with adjustable brightness and contrast.
•
Indicators for Emphasis, Repeat, and Phase.
4
Using the 808 Signature Reference
CD Player
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 808 Signature
Reference CD Player to identify the controls which you use to operate
the unit.
It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the CD player,
using either the front panel or the MSR+.
Drive
Repeat
Drive
A
DVD
CD
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808
Off
5
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Front panel keys
-UTE
-UTES OR
RESTORES THE
SOUND
0HASEn
)NDICATES
INVERTED PHASE
%Q
%MPHASIS
INDICATOR
&AST 2EVERSE
3CANS
BACKWARDS
#LEAR
#LEARS A TRACK
SELECTION
3OURCE
3ELECTS A SOURCE
$ISPLAY
2EPEAT
2EPEAT
INDICATOR
2EPEAT
2EPEATS A
TRACKꢀDISC
3TORE
3TORES A TRACK
SELECTION
#HANGES THE
INFORMATION
DISPLAYED
&AST &ORWARD
3CANS FORWARDS
3TORE
#LEAR
3OURCE
$ISPLAY
6OLUME
2EPEAT
-UTE 6OLUME
$RIVE
#$ DRIVE
0LAY
0LAYS THE DISC
0AUSE
0AUSES THE DISC
/FF
3WITCHES TO
STANDBY
/PEN
/PENSꢀCLOSES
THE DISC DRAWER
3TOP
3TOPS THE DISC
.EXTꢀ0REVIOUS
6OLUME KEYS
#HANGE THE
SYSTEM VOLUME
3ELECTS THE NEXT
OR PREVIOUS
TRACK
6
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
MSR+ keys
0REVIOUS
3ELECTS THE
PREVIOUS TRACK
/&&
3WITCHES TO
STANDBY
3OURCE KEYS
3ELECT A SOURCE
0LAY
0LAYS THE DISC
3TOP
3TOPS THE DISC
/PEN
/PENS THE DISC
TRAY
.EXT
3ELECTS THE NEXT
TRACK
&AST REVERSE
3CANS BACKWARDS
&AST FORWARD
3CANS FORWARDS
#$
2!$)/
$6$
!58
$)3#
4!0%
46
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0AUSES
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#LEAR
#LEARS A
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-UTE
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3ELECTS A SPECIAL
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-ENU KEYS
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$ISPLAY
#HANGES THE
FRONTꢋPANEL
DISPLAY
7
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Switching on and off
When not playing, the CD player should be left in the standby state. This
uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of
the CD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start.
If you are not going to use the CD player for several days you should switch
the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC
power supply.
To switch on from standby
• Press å, *, or > (front panel), or select a source on the remote.
If the CD player is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on
any other units in the system, such as the 861 Reference Digital Surround
Controller and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.
To insert a disc
• Press å (front panel) or Open (remote) to open the tray.
• Place your disc in the tray, label side up.
• Press å (front panel), Open (remote), or > to close the tray.
To switch to standby
• Press Off.
If you have other Meridian equipment or Meridian DSP Loudspeakers
connected to the CD player these units will also switch to standby.
If a disc is currently playing, switching to standby will stop the disc, and the
disc can safely be left in the unit.
Always remove any disc before moving or shipping the 808.
8
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Playing a disc
The compact disc 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.
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 13.
To play the disc
• Press > (front panel or remote).
The display will show your
selection:
Play
l
The display will then show
the track number and elapsed time:
1 00:12
To restart the current track
• Press [ (front panel or remote).
To move to the next track
• Press > (front panel or remote).
To play starting from a particular track
• Press ] or [ (front panel or remote) to step through the track numbers
until the track you want to play is displayed, or type the number of the
track (remote only).
For example:
Track
4
After a short delay the track you have selected will start to play.
If you have other
Meridian sources you should ensure
that the 808 is the currently selected
source.
9
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Stopping and pausing play
You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can resume play
instantly.
To stop playback
• Press *.
The display will show the total number of tracks on the disc and the total
time.
For example:
16 68:57
To pause playback
• Press =.
You can change tracks while the disc is paused using [ or ].
To continue after pausing
• Press = or >.
10
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Repeat
You can choose to play a track, disc, or selection repeatedly, so that when it
has played it will start again from the beginning; with MP3 discs you can
also repeat the current album.
To continuously repeat a disc
• Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) to select between the
following options:
Display
Description
Repeat current track.
Repeat track
Repeat disc
Repeat album
Repeat entire disc.
Repeat album (MP3 discs only).
To repeat between two positions
• Press A-B (Function Repeat on the remote) at the start of the section
you want to repeat.
The display shows:
Repeat A-
• Move to the end of the section you want to repeat.
• Press A-B (Function Repeat on the remote) again.
The display shows:
Repeat A-B
The section you have specified will be played repeatedly.
To cancel A-B repeat
• Press A-B.
To cancel the repeat function
• Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) again.
11
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Scanning a disc
The scan controls allow you to move quickly to any position on the disc at
approximately 20 times normal speed.
During scanning you hear samples of the sound, 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.
This function is only available from the remote.
To scan through a disc
• Press ˘ or ¯.
The display will show you the
position on the disc; for example:
3 12:37
• Press > when you have reached the position you want to play.
12
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Programming a selection
You can programme a selection of tracks and then play only the tracks you
have programmed.
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.
You can programme a selection while the disc is playing, in which case the
selection will be played after the current track finishes.
To choose a track to programme
• Press [ or ] to step through the track numbers until the track you want
is displayed, or type the number of the track you want.
To make a selection by adding tracks
• Choose the first track you want to play, as described above.
The display will show the track
number; for example:
Track
14
• Press Store.
The track will change from Track to Store, and all the other tracks will be
marked Clear.
For example:
Store
14
You should store the first track for a selection within two seconds, or it will
begin to play.
To make a selection by omitting tracks
• Choose one of the tracks you do not want to play, as described above.
The display will show the
track number; for example:
Track
12
• Press Clear.
The track will change from Track to Clear, and all the other tracks will be
marked Store.
For example:
Clear
12
13
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
You should clear the first track for a selection within two seconds, or it will
begin to play.
To add or remove a track from a selection
• Select the track using [ or ].
Alternatively you can enter the track number using the remote.
• Press Store to add the track, or Clear to remove the track.
To clear a programme
• Press * twice.
The display will show:
Clear Program
A programme is automatically cleared if you open the disc drawer, or press
Off.
14
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Changing the absolute phase
You can use the remote to invert the absolute phase of the analogue
output signal, which in some circumstances can give a noticeable
improvement in realism.
To display the phase setting
• Press Phase (Function Pause on the remote).
The display will show:
CD + Phase
To change the phase setting
• Press Phase (Function Pause on the remote) again.
The display will show the new
phase setting; for example:
CD - Phase
15
USIPNRGEFTAHCEE808
SIGNATURE REFERENCE
CD PLAYER
Changing the front-panel display
The 808 Signature Reference CD Player displays information about the
current disc and settings on the 20-character front-panel display.
You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the front-panel display for
optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.
To change the contrast or brightness
• Press > or < (remote), until the display shows the current contrast or
brightness.
For example:
CD Contrast 10
• Press A or V (remote), to change the selected setting.
You can change the contrast or brightness between 0 and 15.
To change the displayed information
• Press Display (remote or under the front panel).
Each time you press Display the display will step between the following
options:
Display option
Track and elapsed time
Example
1 68:57
44k1 16Bit LPCM CD
Sampling rate, precision, and audio
format
Blank
If the Diagnostic displays option has been selected, additional diagnostic
displays are included; see the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.
16
Using the CD player preamplifier features
The 808i version of the 808 Signature Reference CD Player includes a
preamplifier, and can act as the controller for up to 11 other sources.
Both models feature an optional volume control for the
analogue inputs.
This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front
panel or the MSR+.
Drive
Repeat
Drive
A
DVD
CD
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808
Off
17
USING THE CD PLAYER
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES
Selecting a source
If you are using the 808i Signature Reference CD Player as a controller you
can connect up to 11 other sources to it, and select them from the front
panel or remote.
The CD player provides the following 12 sources:
CD, Radio, DVD, Aux, Disc, Tape, TV, Cable, Sat, VCR1, VCR2, and
Game.
Your
installer may have
customised the labels displayed
for each source to suit your
other equipment
The CD source usually corresponds to the internal drive.
The input associated with each of the other sources depends
on how the CD player has been set up; for more information
refer to the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.
To select a source
• Press Source (under the front panel) until the display shows the source
you want, or press the appropriate source key on the remote; eg CD.
The display shows the source and volume setting.
For example, if you select the Radio
source the display might show:
Radio
65
The 808 CD player
mutes the sound while you
change source.
18
USING THE CD PLAYER
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES
Adjusting the system volume
The 808 Signature Reference CD Player provides an optional volume control
on the analogue outputs, enabling it to drive amplifiers or active
loudspeakers directly, and you can adjust the volume using the front panel
or remote.
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.
To change the volume
• Press Volume A or Volume V (under the front panel), or the red A or
V keys on the remote.
As you adjust the volume setting the display shows the current volume
level.
For example:
CD
65
To mute the sound
• Press Mute (under the front panel, or remote).
The display will show:
Mute
To restore the sound
• Press Mute again.
Alternatively, the sound will be restored if you adjust the volume.
19
USING THE CD PLAYER
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES
Changing the balance
To change the balance
• Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows
the current balance.
For example:
CD Balance <0>
• Press A or V (remote or under the front panel) to move the listening
position.
The display shows the direction and position of the listening position.
For example:
CD Balance <3
The arrow indicates the direction, and the number indicates the position
where 0 is central, 8 is in line with the corresponding main speaker, and 10
is fully to one side.
20
Installing the CD player
This chapter explains how to install the 808 or 808i CD player. 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.
Drive
Repeat
Drive
A
DVD
CD
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808
Off
21
INSTPARLELFIANCGETHE
CD PLAYER
Unpacking
The 808 Signature Reference CD Player is supplied with the following
accessories:
•
•
•
•
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 dealer.
NOTE: You should retain the packaging in case you need to transport the
unit.
Back panel
The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections:
Balanced analogue
outputs
Digital coax inputs
(808i only)
Digital coax outputs
COMPUTER
ANALOGUE
INPUT
DIGITAL
INPUT
ANALOGUE
OUTPUT
DIGITAL
OUTPUT
LEFT
RIGHT
Trigger
outputs
RS232
connections
Meridian
Comms
Auxiliary
digital
LEFT
RIGHT
output
(not always
available)
Analogue inputs
(808i only)
Unbalanced
analogue outputs
Digital optical inputs
(808i only)
22
INSTALLING THE
CD PLAYER
Audio outputs
Use this output
To connect to this
BALANCED OUT
ANALOGUE OUT
DIGITAL OUT
The balanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power
amplifier such as the G57, using XLR leads.
The unbalanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power
amplifier such as the G57, using analogue phono leads.
The digital input of a surround processor, such as the 861
Reference Digital Surround Controller, or DSP loudspeakers,
using a 75Ω digital cable.
AUX DIGITAL OUT
The digital input of an additional surround processor or a pair
of DSP loudspeakers, when the main output is being used. For
highest sound quality the AUX output is not always available;
see To enable or disable the AUX output below.
Audio inputs (808i only)
Use this output
To connect to this
ANALOGUE IN A1 (Radio),
A2 (TV), A3 (Cable), A4 (Tape),
A5 (VCR1), A6 (VCR2)
The analogue outputs of a source, such as a TV or tape deck.
DIGITAL INPUT D1 (DVD), D2 The digital output of a source such as a DVD player.
(Aux), D3 (Disc)
OPTICAL INPUT O1 (Sat), O2
(Game)
The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver.
The default assignment of the source to each input is shown in brackets
after the input name in the above table. CD corresponds to the internal CD
player.
Communications connections
Use this connection
To connect to this
MERIDIAN COMMS
Other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment,
or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
RS232 connection
A computer, for configuring the CD player.
TRIGGER OUTPUT 1, 2, 3
Equipment that can be triggered by a 12V 100mA signal.
To enable or disable the AUX output
• Switch the CD player to standby.
• Hold down Repeat (under the front panel).
The display switches between:
and:
AUX always available
192k direct to DAC
23
INSTPARLELFIANCGETHE
CD PLAYER
Applications
To connect to an analogue preamplifier (Type 1 or 2)
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• Connect the balanced or unbalanced analogue outputs to the
appropriate inputs on the preamplifier.
• If the preamplifier is a Meridian product, such as a G02, connect
together the COMMS sockets using the Comms lead provided.
• Configure to Type 1 if using an 808 or 808i with no external inputs, or
Type 2 for an 808i with other inputs in use; see Choosing a standard
setting, page 30.
To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround
Controller (Type 1 or 2)
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• Connect the DIGITAL output from the 808/808i to a suitable Digital input
on the digital surround controller, using a digital lead.
• Connect together the COMMS sockets using the Comms lead provided.
• Configure to Type 1 if using an 808 or 808i with no external inputs, or
Type 2 for an 808i with other inputs in use; see Choosing a standard
setting, page 30.
24
INSTALLING THE
CD PLAYER
To connect to two-channel DSP loudspeakers
(Type 1 or 2)
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The 808/808i can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to
create a complete compact stereo system, with volume and other
preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the
front panel. The 808i provides additional analogue and digital inputs
allowing you to use it to control the other sources in your system.
• Connect the DIGITAL OUTPUT and a COMMS socket from the CD player
to DIGITAL INPUT 1 and the COMMS input on the DSP loudspeaker
chosen as the master, using an M5 lead.
• Connect the DIGITAL and COMMS outputs from the master DSP
loudspeaker to DIGITAL INPUT 1 and the COMMS input on the other
(slave) DSP loudspeaker, using an S5 lead.
• Configure the loudspeakers as described in the Meridian DSP
Loudspeaker User Guide.
• Configure to Type 1 if using an 808 or 808i with no external inputs, or
Type 2 for an 808i with other inputs in use; see Choosing a standard
setting, page 30.
25
INSTPARLELFIANCGETHE
CD PLAYER
To connect the 808/808i to a power amplifier
(Type 0 or 3)
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The 808 includes an integrated preamplifier, allowing you to connect it
directly to a pair of analogue active loudspeakers, or to analogue passive
loudspeakers via a power amplifier such as the G56 or G57.
• Connect the ANALOGUE OUTPUT connections from the CD player to the
inputs of the analogue active loudspeakers or power amplifier, using
phono leads.
• If you are using an 808i connect your other sources to the appropriate
inputs.
• Configure to Type 0 if using an 808 or 808i with no external inputs, or
Type 3 for an 808i with other inputs in use; see Choosing a standard
setting, page 30.
To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or
800 Series equipment
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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.
26
INSTALLING THE
CD PLAYER
The following automatic setup procedure should be used to set up the
Comms correctly between several products:
• Connect one of the DIN COMMS sockets on the back panel of the CD
player to one of the COMMS sockets on another G Series, 500 Series, or
800 Series unit, using the Comms leads provided with the products.
The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.
• Switch all the units to standby.
• Press Clear (remote).
Each unit will display:
Auto
One unit will then be designated
as the controller, and display:
Controller
Not Con.
All the other units will be configured
as non-controllers, and display:
If for any reason the automatic setup does not work, make sure you are
operating the remote from a position where all the units can receive the
infra-red, and try again.
If this fails:
• Restore the default operation by selecting one of the standard types; see
Choosing a standard setting, page 30.
Do not, under
any circumstances, connect any
equipment other than Meridian G Series, 500
Series, or 800 Series to any socket marked
COMMS on the back of the product.
27
INSTPARLELFIANCGETHE
CD PLAYER
28
Configuring the CD player
This chapter explains how to set up the 808 Signature Reference CD
Player for most standard configurations of your other equipment,
using just the front-panel controls and MSR+.
For complete control over all aspects of the CD player’s configuration it
is recommended that you set up the unit using the Meridian
Configuration Program; for full information see the Meridian
Configuration Program Guide available separately.
Drive
Repeat
Drive
A
DVD
CD
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808
Off
29
CONFIGURING THE
CD PLAYER
Choosing a standard setting
The CD player provides several sets of standard settings, called Types, which
configure all aspects of the 808 into one of a number of alternative
standard configurations.
Types 0 to 3 are factory settings, designed to cater for the most commonly
needed configurations of associated equipment.
These standard Types are shown in the following table:
Type
Description
0
1
2
3
CD player, variable output, all sources internal.
CD Player, fixed output, all sources internal.
Preamplifier, fixed output, CD internal, all other sources external (808i only).
Preamplifier as above but variable output (808i only).
In addition, your installer may have provided one or more named User
Types, with settings appropriate to the configuration of equipment when
your 808 was installed.
You can reset the configuration of the CD player to any of these Types to
restore it to the state it was in when it was installed. Note: Selecting a Type
will clear any configuration changes you have made.
To select a standard setting
Warning: this procedure will reset any configuration changes you
have made.
• Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 808 and put
any digital speakers into standby.
• Put the CD player into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
• Press and hold down Volume A (under the front panel).
The display shows:
Type in... 3
• Keep holding down Volume A for a further three seconds.
The display shows:
Type- please wait
Then after a short delay the display shows the current Type.
For example:
Type 1
30
CONFIGURING THE
CD PLAYER
• Press A or V on the front panel to change the Type number.
The display shows:
Typing, please wait.
• Wait for one second, and then put the CD player into standby by
pressing Off (front panel or remote).
• Switch on again to use the standard settings you have selected.
31
CONFIGURING THE
CD PLAYER
Setting up sources
This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the analogue sources
connected to the CD player.
To turn on Gain mode
• Put the CD player into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
• Press and hold the Volume V key under the front panel for at least five
seconds.
The display shows:
Gain On
The CD player will then return to standby with Gain mode turned on.
Gain mode adds an extra Sensitivity option to the menus.
To turn off Gain mode
• Repeat the above procedure until
the display shows:
Gain Off
To adjust the sensitivity of a source
To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for your analogue sources you can
adjust the sensitivity of each input to give the highest level that does not
produce clipping.
• Turn on Gain mode, as described above.
• Select the source you want to adjust, with loud source material playing.
• Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current sensitivity.
For example:
Radio 2.0V In
• Press A or V (remote) to change the sensitivity.
You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or
2.5V (least sensitive).
If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages.
The display shows, for example:
In this case reduce the sensitivity.
Radio 0.5V In Clip
32
CONFIGURING THE
CD PLAYER
If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the sensitivity.
The display shows, for example:
CD Not Analogue
33
CONFIGURING THE
CD PLAYER
34
Glossary
Drive
Repeat
Drive
A
DVD
CD
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808
Off
35
GLOSSARY
Controller
The product in a Meridian system that uses the infra-red signals from the
remote to control the system. The controller is normally chosen
automatically, but the installer can override this.
Menus
The flexible system for choosing options and configuring settings in
Meridian products. On the 808 the menus are controlled by the <, >, A,
and V keys on the remote.
MHR
Meridian High Resolution is a proprietary secure encoding format using
encryption and anti-copy methods that allows secure transfer of audio
streams between elements of a Meridian-only system for the purpose of
playback only. It provides a secure copyright protection environment and
has the very important benefit of lowering jitter and improving sound
quality on all material.
MSR+
The Meridian System Remote, or handset.
PCM
Pulse Code Modulation, the method used to encode music digitally, as used
on audios CDs.
Source
An input to the system, such as CD or TV. The Meridian 800 and G Series
products provide 12 named sources, corresponding to the names of the 12
source keys on the MSR+. In the 808 you can choose the label displayed for
each source, and the input used for it.
Type
A standard configuration of the CD player. Selecting a Type resets any
configuration changes.
36
Index
A
M
Meridian Digital Surround Controller,
connecting to 24
Meridian DSP loudspeakers,
connecting to 25
MP3 discs
B
creating 3
O
C
P
phase
connecting
Controller 24
to Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800
Series equipment 26
R
D
F
S
selections
G
I
37
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