808 808i S I G N A T U R E R E F E R E N C E C D P L AY E R U S E R G U I D E
Meridian 808/808i Signature Reference CD Player User Guide Drive A DVD Repeat Drive B CD Signature Reference CD Player 808 Off i
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. Only use with a Meridian 808/808i Signature Reference CD Player. Refer all servicing to approved service personnel. Connection to the mains should be carried out by a skilled and suitable qualified person.
Contents Introduction 1 The 808 Signature Reference CD Player 2 Specification 4 Using the 808 Signature Reference CD Player 5 Front panel keys 6 MSR+ keys 7 Switching on and off 8 Playing a disc 9 Stopping and pausing play 10 Repeat 11 Scanning a disc 12 Programming a selection 13 Changing the absolute phase 15 Changing the front-panel display 16 Using the CD player preamplifier features 17 Selecting a source 18 Adjusting the system volume 19 Changing the balance 20 Insta
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 England Meridian America Inc 8055 Troon Circle Suite C Austell GA30168-7849 USA Tel (01480) 445678 Fax (01480) 445686 Tel (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346 7111 World Wide Web – http://www.meridian-audio.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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+.
USING PREFACE THE 808 SIGNATURE REFERENCE CD PLAYER 0HASEn )NDICATES INVERTED PHASE 2EP PEAT 2EP PEAT INDICCATOR Front panel keys %Q %MPHASIS INDICATOR &AST 2EVERSE 3CANS BACKWARDS 2EPEAT 2EPEATS A TRACK DISC #LEAR #LEARS A TRACK SELECTION &AST &ORWARD 3CANS FORWARDS 2EPEAT $RIVE #$ DRIVE 0LAY 0LAYS THE DISC /PEN /PENS CLOSES THE DISC DRAWER 6 3OURCE 3ELECTS A SOURCE $ISPLAY #HANGES THE INFORMATION DISPLAYED 3TORE 3TORES A TRACK SELECTION 3TORE 3OURCE #LEAR $ISPLAY 6OLUME -UTE 0AUSE 0
USING PREFACE THE 808 SIGNATURE REFERENCE CD PLAYER MSR+ keys 3OURCE KEYS 3ELECT A SOURCE 0REVIOUS 3ELECTS THE PREVIOUS TRACK 3TOP 3TOPS THE DISC /PEN /PENS THE DISC TRAY &AST REVERSE 3CANS BACKWARDS #$ 2!$)/ $6$ !58 $)3# 4!0% #!",% 46 /&& 3WITCHES TO STANDBY 0LAY 0LAYS THE DISC 3!4 .EXT 3ELECTS THE NEXT TRACK 6#2 6#2 '!-% &AST FORWARD 3CANS FORWARDS /&& 0AUSE 0AUSES THE DISC 0OWER 0AGE &UNCTION 2ETURN -ENU 2EPEAT 3ETUP !" 2ECORD .
USING PREFACE THE 808 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.
USING PREFACE 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. To play the disc • Press > (front panel or remote).
USING PREFACE THE 808 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. 16 For example: 68:57 To pause playback • Press =. You can change tracks while the disc is paused using [ or ]. To continue after pausing • Press = or >.
USING PREFACE 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; 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 entire disc. Repeat disc Repeat album (MP3 discs only).
USING PREFACE THE 808 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 ¯.
USING PREFACE 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. 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.
USING PREFACE THE 808 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. Clear Program The display will show: A programme is automatically cleared if you open the disc drawer, or press Off.
USING PREFACE THE 808 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). CD The display will show: + Phase To change the phase setting • Press Phase (Function Pause on the remote) again.
USING PREFACE THE 808 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.
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+.
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.
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.
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. CD For example: 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.
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.
INSTALLING PREFACETHE 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.
INSTALLING THE CD PLAYER Audio outputs Use this output To connect to this BALANCED OUT The balanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using XLR leads. ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using analogue phono leads. DIGITAL OUT The digital input of a surround processor, such as the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller, or DSP loudspeakers, using a 75Ω digital cable.
INSTALLING PREFACETHE CD PLAYER Applications To connect to an analogue preamplifier (Type 1 or 2) nänÉnän >}ÕiÊ«Ài>«viÀ " 1 "1/*1/ " *1/ " - " -Êi>` * ÊÀÊ8 ,Êi>`à • 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.
INSTALLING THE CD PLAYER To connect to two-channel DSP loudspeakers (Type 1 or 2) -*xäääÊqÊ->Ûi / Ê *1/Ó £ / "1/*1/ -*xäääÊqÊ >ÃÌiÀ " *1/ "1/*1/ / Ê *1/Ó £ / " "1/*1/ *1/ "1/*1/ -xÊi>` nänÉnän xÊi>` / "1/*1/ " - 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.
INSTALLING PREFACETHE CD PLAYER To connect the 808/808i to a power amplifier (Type 0 or 3) -«i>iÀ xÈÉ xÇÊ/ÜV >iÊ *ÜiÀÊ «viÀ -«i>iÀ " nän " 1 "1/*1/ 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.
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).
INSTALLING PREFACETHE 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.
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 CD player, variable output, all sources internal.
CONFIGURING THE CD PLAYER • Press A or V on the front panel to change the Type number. Typing, please wait. The display shows: • 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.
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. Gain On The display shows: The CD player will then return to standby with Gain mode turned on. Gain mode adds an extra Sensitivity option to the menus.
CONFIGURING THE CD PLAYER If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the sensitivity.
CONFIGURING THE CD PLAYER 34
Glossary Drive A DVD Repeat Drive B CD 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.
Index A M absolute phase 15 accessories 22 automatic setup 26 auxiliary output 22 enabling or disabling 23 Meridian Digital Surround Controller, connecting to 24 Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 25 Meridian System Remote keys 7 MP3 discs creating 3 muting the sound 19 B back panel connections 22 balance, changing 20 balanced outputs 22,23 brightness, front-panel display 16 O outputs 23 C P clip indicator 32 Comms, connecting 23,26 communications connections 23 configuring 29 connecting to a
sources 18 adjusting sensitivity 32 selecting 18 specification 4 standard settings, selecting 30 standby, switching to 8 stopping play 10 switching on and off 8 trigger outputs 23 Types 30 U unpacking 22 V volume, adjusting 19 T tracks playing from a particular track 9 restarting the current track 9 38
