8000 M E R I D I A N D S P L O U D S P E A K E R U S E R G U I D E
Meridian DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker System User Guide CD RADIO 1 2 LP TV TAPE 1 TAPE 2 CDR CABLE DVD VCR 1 Angle 4 5 6 7 8 9 Audio OSD T Slow Return Enter VCR 2 LD Repeat Off Record A-B Phase Subtitle Store 3 Menu Clear Volume Display Mute Setup Function 0 Title Preset Chapter Band i
PREFACE Copyright and acknowledgements Sales and service in the UK Sales and service in the USA Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE29 6EX England Meridian America Inc 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 Tel (01480) 52144 Fax (01480) 459934 Tel (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346 7111 World Wide Web – http://www.meridian-audio.
Contents Introduction 1 Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system 2 Sample configurations 5 Specification 6 Available accessories 8 Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers 9 Unpacking 10 Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers 13 Connecting the loudspeakers 14 Connecting to other equipment 15 Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers 19 Selecting a source 20 Changing the display 21 Adjusting the volume 22 Changing the tilt, bass or phase 23 Changing the listening position 24 Configuring the DSP8000
Index 39 iv
Introduction Welcome to the Meridian DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker System! This User Guide provides full information about using the DSP8000 loudspeakers in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from them.
INTRODUCTION Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system The Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system represents the fruits of more than 25 years of continuous development of loudspeakers as musical instruments. The finest materials and state-of-the-art design are combined to create what we believe is the ultimate home loudspeaker.
INTRODUCTION The treble and mid-range drivers are mounted in a separate sealed head assembly. The treble unit is a semi-horn-loaded composite dome design with a silver voice coil. The mid-range unit incorporates a cone made from a uniquely light and stiff combination of polymers to give unparalleled transparency. Power amplifiers The speakers are driven by five independent high-power low-feedback power amplifiers mounted on a multi-finned extruded heatsink.
INTRODUCTION Meridian Comms The Meridian DSP loudspeakers are part of the Meridian family of advanced digital, analogue, and video components, and these incorporate a sophisticated communications link, to allow you to control any combination of units using a single remote, and ensure that they will work together as a fully integrated system.
INTRODUCTION Sample configurations Meridian Digital Theatre™ DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP5500HC Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Meridian 800 Reference DVD/CD Player Up to seven Meridian DSP8000 loudspeakers can be used in conjunction with a Meridian Surround Processor to create a digital surround system with superb music and cinema sound. The Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use with DSP loudspeakers.
INTRODUCTION Specification Digital inputs and outputs • 2 x cable digital inputs, 75Ω, IEC958, 44.1-96kHz. FIFO locks at 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz ± 150ppm, PCM or MHR encoding. • 176.4kHz or 192kHz supported with special firmware and cabling; details available on request. • 1 x cable digital output, 75Ω, IEC958, providing a copy of the selected input. Signal processing • 2 x Motorola 56366 running at 100MHz. • 4 x 192kHz/24-bit Delta-Sigma DACs. • Crossovers linear-phase ±30º at 200Hz and 2.6kHz.
INTRODUCTION Cabinet • • • • Entire speaker manufactured from interlaminated panels. Glass front. Finished in high-gloss black piano lacquer. 400mm x 1300mm x 528mm (15.7" x 51.2" x 20.8") (W x H x D excluding feet). • 105kg (231lb) each. Power • 100-125; 200-250V AC 50-60Hz. • 20VA idle; 900VA max. Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specifications at any time.
INTRODUCTION Available accessories Each pair of DSP8000 loudspeakers is shipped with a Meridian System Remote and cables to enable them to be used as the front speakers in a Meridian Digital Theatre with a Meridian DVD Player (such as the 800) or a Meridian Digital Surround Controller (such as the 861, 568, or 561). Other applications, and some advanced features, may require one or more of the following accessories, which can be purchased from your Meridian dealer. • Additional S5 leads (8m and 14m).
Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers This chapter explains how to install your DSP8000 loudspeakers. It describes what you should find when you unpack the speakers, how you should connect them to your other audio equipment, and the siting constraints.
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Unpacking Before you begin installation you should ensure that your DSP8000 loudspeakers are the correct voltage for your local AC supply. If they are not, do not try to install them, and contact your dealer. You should not make any connections to the DSP8000 loudspeakers, or to any other component in your system, while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Caution Meridian Audio has taken every care in the design, assembly, finishing and packing of this product. The high gloss finish on parts of the cabinet is achieved by painting up to five coats of polyester lacquer onto the plywood, each one hand polished. Due to the product size and high technology cabinet construction, small marks on the lacquer surface may be visible when unpacked.
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS 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.
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers Safety warnings • Do not expose the speakers to dripping or splashing. • Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase or plant pot, on the speakers. • Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the speakers. To avoid overheating Do not position the speakers: • In direct sunlight. • Near heat sources, such as a radiator. • Directly on top of heat producing equipment.
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Connecting the loudspeakers Back panel The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections: Digital inputs DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 Digital output DIGITAL OUTPUT Comms MERIDIAN COMMS OUTPUT INPUT PC RS232 Digital connections The following table gives details of the digital audio connections: Use this connection To connect to this DIGITAL INPUT 1, DIGITAL INPUT 2 A digital source, such as a digital sound processor digital preamplifier, CD player or DVD pl
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Connecting to other equipment To connect two DSP loudspeakers in a Meridian system 562V.2 Multimedia Controller DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT M5 lead DSP loudspeaker – Main R DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 DSP loudspeaker – Main L DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT S5 lead You can connect two DSP loudspeakers directly to a Meridian CD or DVD player, Digital Surround Processor, or Meridian 562V.2 Multimedia Controller.
To connect three or more DSP loudspeakers in a Meridian surround system DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT DSP loudspeaker Centre (master) DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Meridian Surround Processor COMMS DIGITAL OUTPUTS M5 lead 511 S-patch box DSP loudspeaker – Main R DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 S5 lead S5 lead (digital unused) DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT DSP loudspeaker – Main L DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT S5 lead If your system includes more than tw
SETTING UP THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS To connect two DSP loudspeakers to a Meridian CD Player or other digital source 508.24 24-Bit CD Player DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT M5 lead DSP loudspeaker – Main R DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 DSP loudspeaker – Main L DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT DIGITAL INPUT 2 1 DIGITAL COMMS OUTPUT OUTPUT INPUT S5 lead You can create a complete system by connecting a pair of DSP loudspeakers directly to a digital source.
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Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers In systems with a Meridian preamplifier or control unit all of the functions of the DSP8000 loudspeakers, including volume, tilt, and bass, are operated via the controller. For more information refer to the user guide for the preamplifier or control unit, and you can ignore this chapter. However, the DSP8000 loudspeakers can also be connected directly to up to two digital sources to create a complete, minimum system.
USING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Selecting a source When not playing, the DSP8000 loudspeakers should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the loudspeakers operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the DSP8000 loudspeakers for several days you should switch each unit completely off at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
USING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Changing the display The DSP8000 loudspeakers display information about the current settings on the 8-character front-panel display. In addition, three coloured indicators show status information. To change the displayed information • Press Display.
USING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Adjusting the volume The DSP8000 loudspeakers adjust the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB. When you first connect power to the DSP8000 loudspeakers the volume is set to 65, which is similar to the midway position of the rotary volume control on a conventional preamplifier. To change the volume • Press the red A or V keys on the remote.
USING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Changing the tilt, bass or phase The DSP loudspeakers provide sophisticated tilt and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording. The controls are more subtle than conventional tone controls, and take advantage of digital signal processing techniques to provide a more natural adjustment of the frequency response.
USING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Changing the listening position The balance control of the DSP8000 loudspeakers 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. The axis control allows you to adjust the optimum listening height of the DSP8000 loudspeakers, like a balance control operating in the vertical plane.
Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers This chapter explains how to configure the DSP8000 loudspeakers to suit the other equipment in your system. The first stage in configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers is to choose one of the standard settings, and these are designed to set all of the parameters to their most common values. You can also configure each setting individually for applications not catered for by one of the standard settings.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Choosing standard settings The DSP8000 loudspeakers provide the following five alternative standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the loudspeaker into the most commonly needed configurations: Type Description 1 For use with a Meridian control unit such as the 562V.2. 5 For use with a CD player connected to D1; all other sources use D2. 6 For use with a Meridian Surround Controller. 7 For use in a second room.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS To specify the speaker position • Press A or V to specify the speaker position. The options are shown in the following table: Display Position L. Left. R. Right. C. Centre (Type 6 only). S.L. Left surround (Type 6 only). S.R. Right surround (Type 6 only). To choose master or slave You should select one loudspeaker to be the master; this will normally be the centre channel. See Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers, page 9.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Specifying information about your system You can configure the operation of the DSP8000 loudspeakers to suit the way your system is set up, and the way in which you want to use it. These settings are configured automatically to appropriate values when you choose one of the standard Type settings, and you should not normally need to alter them; see Choosing standard settings, page 26.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Configuring the sources When the master DSP8000 loudspeaker is set to one of the standard Types the 12 source selection keys on the remote select inputs D1 and D2 as shown in the table on page␣ 30. If the configuration you want is not catered for by one of the standard settings, you can configure each source individually.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS The options are summarised in the table below: Option Initial value Alternatives Explanation CD, Radio, LP, etc. The label used to identify the source on the front-panel display. Label Radio Audio input D1 D1 or D2. Choose D1 or D2 to specify the input. Comms type 2C 1C – 9C, or NC. Choose 1C for a Meridian CD player, 2C for a Meridian FM Tuner, 3C for a Meridian DVD player, or NC otherwise. Address 1A 1A – 8A.
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS Configuring the setup options The setup option allows you to add a tilt offset to the centre speaker. You only need to configure the master loudspeaker. To select Setup mode • Turn off the DSP8000 loudspeaker using the power switch on the back panel. • Turn on the power again while holding down the Store key on the remote. Setup The display will show: It will then revert to standby: .
CONFIGURING THE DSP8000 LOUDSPEAKERS To store the settings Once you have adjusted the centre tilt offset you should store the setting using the following procedure: • Press the Store key on the remote. Store The display shows: • Turn off the DSP8000 loudspeaker using the power switch on the back panel. When you turn on the power again the speaker will operate normally with the setting you have stored.
Troubleshooting This chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.
TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Display on front panel not lit Check the following: • There is AC power connected to the socket on the back of the DSP8000 loudspeaker. • The power switch on the back panel of the DSP8000 loudspeaker is turned on. If the display will still not illuminate, check any fuses in your power supply and the fuse in the inlet of the DSP8000 loudspeaker. If these are all intact, contact your dealer. Remote not working Check the following: • The battery in the Meridian System Remote.
TROUBLESHOOTING Drive units move when the speaker is switched on or off • This is normal as the speaker active electronics settle. Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeaker does not have any effect Make sure that you are configuring the DSP8000 loudspeaker used as the master digital loudspeaker in the system. This determines the configuration of all digital loudspeakers in the system. Unit stays in standby • Check that it is connected correctly. • Turn the system on from another Meridian product in the system.
TROUBLESHOOTING Maintenance and cleaning Fitting and removing the grilles When fitting the grilles ensure that the two cutouts are at the 3 o‘clock and 9 o‘clock positions, as this will align the pattern on the grille fabric correctly. To remove the grilles grasp the grille by the two cutouts and pull gently away from the loudspeaker. Cleaning Small marks on the lacquer surface can usually be removed by treating with Black Turtle Wax Color Magic.
TROUBLESHOOTING Service and guarantee Service The Meridian 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. In the unlikely event that your DSP loudspeaker 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.
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Index A absolute phase, changing accessories axis, changing connections (continued) digital inputs digital output RS232 23 8 24 D B back panel balance, changing bass, changing digital inputs digital output digital signal processing dismantling the loudspeakers display, changing drive units tightening 14 24 23 C centre tilt offset, adjusting cleaning COMMS INPUT COMMS OUTPUT communications connections components configuration options balance control centre menus communications mode controller mode dia
selecting a source service settings, storing Setup mode, selecting setup options, configuring slave, selecting sources configuring selecting speaker position, specifying specification standard settings, selecting standby, switching to status indicators storing settings switching to standby T 20 37 32 31 31 27 20 29 20 27 6 26 20 21 32 20 Tightening the drive units tilt, changing troubleshooting 11 23 33 U unpacking 10 V volume adjusting muting 40 22 22 22
