808 Signature Reference CD Player 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 Using the preamplifier features 15 The 808 Signature Reference CD Player 2 Selecting a source 16 Specifications 3 Adjusting the system volume 17 Changing the treble or bass 18 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player 5 Changing the balance or phase 19 Front panel keys 6 Changing the loudness or subwoofer mode 20 MSR+ keys 7 Loudspeaker setup controls 21 Switching on and off 8 Playing a disc 9 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Pla
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 808 Signature Reference CD Player. This User Guide provides full information about using the 808 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.
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 audio CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-R/Ws. It also plays the CD layer of an SACD disc.
Introduction Specifications Drive Controls • Internal CD-ROM drive. Front-panel facia controls for: Audio outputs • Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause, Previous, Next, and On/Off. • • • • • 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.
Introduction
Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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 you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the 808, using either the front panel or the MSR+.
Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Front panel keys Phase– Indicates inverted phase Eq Emphasis indicator Repeat Repeats a track/disc Repeat Repeat indicator Clear Clears a track selection Fast Reverse Scans backwards Fast Forward Scans forwards Source Selects a source Mute Mutes or restores the sound Display Changes the information displayed Store Stores a track selection Eq Repeat Phase- Repeat Signature Reference CD Player 808 å Drive CD drive > Play Plays the disc Open Open
Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player MSR+ keys Previous Selects the previous track Source keys Select a source Fast reverse Scans backwards CD RADIO DVD AUX DISC TAPE Stop Stops the disc Open Opens the disc tray TV OFF Switches to standby Play Plays the disc CABLE SAT Next Selects the next track VCR1 VCR2 GAME OFF Pause Pauses the disc Power 1 1 4 7 2 3 Page 5 8 6 9 0 Return Menu Repeat Slow Subtitle Band Angle Clear Display Mute OSD Repeat Repeats a tra
Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Switching on and off When not playing, the 808 should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the 808 operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the 808 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.
Using the 808 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.
10 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Stopping and pausing play To stop playback • Press * (front panel or remote). The display will show the total number of tracks on the disc. For example: 16 --:-- To pause playback You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can resume play instantly. • Press = (front panel or remote). You can change tracks while the disc is paused using [ or ] (front panel or remote). To continue after pausing • Press = or > (front panel or remote).
11 Using the 808 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. To continuously repeat a disc • Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) to select between the following options: Display Description Repeat track Repeat current track. Repeat disc Repeat entire disc.
12 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Scanning a disc The scan controls allow you to move quickly to any position on the disc at either twice or eight times normal speed. To scan through a disc • Press ˘ or ¯ (remote or under the front panel) to select twice normal speed. • Press ˘ or ¯ again to select eight times normal speed. The display will show you the position on the disc. For example: 3 12:37 • Press > (front panel or remote) when you have reached the position you want to play.
13 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Programming a selection You can programme a selection of tracks and then play only the tracks you have programmed. To make a selection by omitting tracks 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.
14 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Changing the front-panel display The 808 Signature Reference CD Player displays information and settings on the 20-character frontpanel 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), until the display shows the current contrast or brightness.
15 Using the preamplifier features Using the preamplifier features The 808 Signature Reference CD Player includes a preamplifier which can act as the controller for up to 11 other sources, with an optional volume control. This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front panel or the MSR+.
16 Using the preamplifier features Selecting a source The 808 responds to the following 12 source keys on the remote: CD, Radio, DVD, Aux, Disc, Tape, TV, Cable, Sat, VCR1, VCR2, and Game. The CD source usually corresponds to the internal drive, the Aux source usually corresponds to the internal Sooloos interface, and the VCR2 source usually corresponds to the USB input.
17 Adjusting the system volume The 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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.
18 Using the preamplifier features Changing the treble or bass The 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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 808 is set up with fixed outputs.
19 Using the preamplifier features Changing the balance or phase The 808 Signature Reference CD Player balance control 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. You can also change the absolute phase of the signal, to compensate for signals which are out of phase, giving an unnatural-sounding bass.
20 Using the preamplifier features Changing the loudness or subwoofer mode The 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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.
21 Using the preamplifier features Loudspeaker setup controls The 808 Signature Reference CD Player provides several controls to allow you to adjust DSP loudspeakers to suit the characteristics of your room. The Subwoofer control adjusts the subwoofer crossover frequency and gain. The Room Ht control adjusts the speakers according to the height of your room. The EBC control adjusts the sound to compensate for highly reflective walls.
22 Using the preamplifier features To specify Enhanced Boundary Control • Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current EBC setting. For example: SLS EBC Off • Press A or V (remote) 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) until the display shows the current EBA setting. For example: SLS EBA On • Press A or V (remote) to choose between On or Off.
23 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player This chapter explains how to install the 808 Signature Reference 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.
24 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. Back panel The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections: 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.
25 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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.
26 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Applications To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 808 Signature Reference CD Player 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUT SPEAKERLINK IN SpeakerLink lead • Connect the SpeakerLink output from the 808 to the SpeakerLink input on the 861, using a SpeakerLink lead.
27 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to a computer via USB Computer 808 Signature Reference CD Player USB USB USB A-B lead You can connect the 808 Signature Reference CD Player to a PC or Macintosh USB socket to allow you to use the 808 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.
28 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers 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 The 808 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.
29 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers using 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 The 808 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.
30 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers using the digital and Comms connections 808 Signature Reference CD Player MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL OUTPUT 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 Co
31 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to a power amplifier Speaker INPUTS G56/G57 Power Amplifier ANALOGUE IN OUTPUTS ANALOGUE IN 808 Signature Reference CD Player ANALOGUE OUT 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.
32 Installing the 808 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment 808 Signature Reference CD Player MERIDIAN COMMS G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit MERIDIAN COMMS Meridian 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.
33 Configuring the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Configuring the 808 Signature Reference 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+.
34 Configuring the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Choosing a standard setting The 808 provides two standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 808 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 Description 1 Fixed output, for use with Meridian DSP loudspeakers. 2 Variable output, for use with power amplifiers and analogue loudspeakers.
35 Configuring the 808 Signature Reference CD Player Setting up sources This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the analogue sources connected to the 808. 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 808 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
36 Configuring the 808 Signature Reference CD Player 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.
37 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.
38 Configuring the 808 Signature Reference CD Player
39 Index Index A D accessories 24 digital inputs 25 analogue inputs 25 digital output 25 analogue outputs 25 display, front panel 14 analogue source, connecting 26 DSP loudspeakers, connecting to auxiliary output 24 loudspeaker setup controls 28, 29, 30 B E back panel connections 24 Enhanced Bass Alignment, specifying balance, changing 19 balanced outputs 24, 25 22 Enhanced Boundary Control, bass, changing 18 brightness, front-panel display 14 C specifying 22 (continued) room height
40 Index phase, changing 19 SpeakerLink outputs 25 playing a disc 9 speaker location, specifying 21 from a particular track 9 specification 3 repeatedly 11 standard settings, selecting 34 power amplifier, connecting to 31 standby programming a selection 13 switching on from 8 clearing 13 R switching to 8 stopping play 10 subwoofer crossover, changing 21 repeating play 11 subwoofer gain, specifying 21 cancelling 11 subwoofer mode, specifying 20 restarting the current track 9 switching on
