808.
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 The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player 2 Specifications 3 Using the 808.
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 8055 Troon Circle Suite C Austell GA30168-7849 USA Tel (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346 7111 http://www.meridian-audio.com Designed and manufactured in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England Copyright © 1999-2010 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player. This User Guide provides full information about using the 808.3 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.
Introduction The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player The 808.3 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 808.3 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. At the heart of the 808.
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. Renameable legends.
Introduction
Using the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Using the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 808.3 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 808.3, using either the front panel or the MSR+.
Using the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Front panel keys Phase– Indicates inverted phase Eq Emphasis indicator Fast Reverse Scans backwards Repeat Repeats a track/disc Repeat Repeat indicator Clear Clears a track selection 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 Store Source Clear Display Volume Mute Signature Reference CD Player 808.
Using the 808.
Using the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Switching on and off When not playing, the 808.3 should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the 808.3 operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the 808.3 for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
Using the 808.3 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).
10 Using the 808.3 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 808.3 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 808.3 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 808.3 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 808.3 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 = on the remote). The display will show: CD + Phase To change the phase setting • Press Phase again. The display will show the new phase setting.
15 Changing the front-panel display The 808.3 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 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.
16 Using the 808.
17 Using the preamplifier features Using the preamplifier features The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player includes a preamplifier, and can act as the controller for up to 11 other sources, and provide an optional volume control for the analogue inputs. This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front panel or the MSR+.
18 Using the preamplifier features Selecting a source The 808.3 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. The input associated with each of the sources depends on how the 808.3 has been set up; for more information refer to the Meridian Configuration Program Guide. Or: • Select the 808.
19 Adjusting the system volume The 808.3 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.
20 Using the preamplifier features Changing the balance To change the balance • Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current balance. For example: CD Balance <0> • Press A or V (remote) 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.
21 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player This chapter explains how to install the 808.3 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.
22 Unpacking Back panel The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player is supplied with the following accessories: The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections: • 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.
23 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Audio outputs Audio inputs 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. The analogue outputs of a source, such as a TV or tape deck. ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using analogue phono leads.
24 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Applications To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Meridian 808.3 CD Player 861 Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUT SPEAKERLINK IN SpeakerLink lead • Connect the SpeakerLink output from the 808.3 to the SpeakerLink input on the 861, using a SpeakerLink lead. To connect to an analogue source (eg TV tuner) 808.
25 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (daisy chain) Meridian 808.3 CD Player Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead The 808.3 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.
26 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (home run) Meridian 808.3 CD Player Front R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead The 808.3 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.
27 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to DSP loudspeakers using the digital and Comms connections Meridian 808.
28 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to a power amplifier Speaker INPUTS G56/G57 Power Amplifier ANALOGUE IN OUTPUTS ANALOGUE IN Meridian 808.3 CD Player ANALOGUE OUT The 808.3 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. • Connect the ANALOGUE OUTPUT connections from the 808.
29 Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment Meridian 808.3 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.
30 Installing the 808.
31 Configuring the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Configuring the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player This chapter explains how to set up the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player for most standard configurations of your other equipment, using just the front-panel controls and MSR+.
32 Configuring the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Choosing a standard setting The 808.3 provides two standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 808.3 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.
33 Configuring the 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player Setting up sources This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the analogue sources connected to the 808.3. 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 808.3 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).
34 Configuring the 808.
35 Index Index A F R absolute phase 14 front panel keys 6 repeating play 11 analogue source, connecting 24 G restarting the current track 9 auxiliary output 22 Gain mode 33 RS232 connection 23 B I S back panel connections 22 inputs 23 safety warnings ii accessories 22 balance, changing 20 balanced outputs 22 M brightness, front-panel display 15 Meridian Digital Surround Controller, cancelling 11 scanning a disc 12 selections adding a track 13 clearing 13 connecting to 24 C prog
36 Index U unpacking 22 V volume, adjusting 19
