Meridian Audio 808I User Manual

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  
Repeat  
Drive  
A
DVD  
CD  
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808  
Off  
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  
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.  
Drive  
Repeat  
Drive  
A
DVD  
CD  
B
Signature Reference CD Player 808  
Off  
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
 
USINGTHE808  
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
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
#!",%  
3!4  
6#2ꢁ  
6#2ꢄ  
'!-%  
/&&  
0AUSE  
0AUSES  
THE DISC  
0OWER  
0AGE  
!UDIO  
0AGE  
3LOW  
%NTER  
/PEN  
6OLUME KEYS  
#HANGE THE  
VOLUME  
2ETURN  
2ECORD  
-ENU  
3ETUP  
2EPEAT  
!ꢋ"  
3UBTITLE  
$30  
0HASE  
&UNCTION  
4OP -ENU  
3TORE  
#LEAR  
$ISPLAY  
-UTE  
"AND  
!NGLE  
/3$  
.UMBER KEYS  
3ELECT A TRACK  
BY NUMBER  
2EPEAT  
2EPEATS A  
TRACKꢀDISC  
!ꢁ"  
#LEAR  
#LEARS A  
SELECTION  
-UTE  
-UTES OR  
RESTORES THE  
SOUND  
2EPEATS A  
SECTION  
&UNCTION  
3ELECTS A SPECIAL  
FUNCTION  
-ENU KEYS  
3ELECT OR  
CHANGE THE  
BALANCEꢌ PHASEꢌ  
CONTRASTꢌ OR  
BRIGHTNESS  
3TORE  
3TORES A  
SELECTION  
$ISPLAY  
#HANGES THE  
FRONTꢋPANEL  
DISPLAY  
7
 
USINGTHE808  
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
 
USINGTHE808  
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
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
USINGTHE808  
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  
 
INSTALLINGTHE  
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 75digital 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  
 
INSTALLINGTHE  
CD PLAYER  
Applications  
To connect to an analogue preamplifier (Type 1 or 2)  
nänÉnänˆ  
ꢀ˜>œ}ÕiÊ«Ài>“«ˆvˆiÀ  
ꢀ ꢀꢁ"ꢂ1ꢃ  
"1/*1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢆ *1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-ʏi>`  
*ꢇœ˜œÊœÀÊ8ꢁ,ʏi>`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.  
• 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)  
nänÉnänˆ  
nÈ£Êꢈˆ}ˆÌ>Ê-ÕÀÀœÕ˜`Êꢄœ˜ÌÀœiÀ  
ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁ  
"1/*1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁÊꢆ  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-ʏi>`  
ꢈˆ}ˆÌ>Êi>`  
• 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)  
ꢈ-*xäääÊqÊ->Ûi  
ꢈ-*xäääÊqÊꢅ>ÃÌiÀ  
ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁÊꢆ *1/- ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁ  
ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁÊꢆ *1/- ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁ  
"1/*1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢆ *1/ "1/*1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢆ *1/ "1/*1/  
"1/*1/  
Ó
£
Ó
£
-xʏi>`  
ꢅxʏi>`  
nänÉnänˆ  
ꢈꢆꢂꢆ/ꢀꢁ  
"1/*1/  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
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  
 
INSTALLINGTHE  
CD PLAYER  
To connect the 808/808i to a power amplifier  
(Type 0 or 3)  
-«i>ŽiÀ  
-«i>ŽiÀ  
ꢂxÈÉꢂxÇÊ/Üœ‡Vꢇ>˜˜iÊ  
*œÜiÀÊꢀ“«ˆvˆiÀ  
"ꢉꢉ  
nän  
ꢀ ꢀꢁ"ꢂ1ꢃ  
"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.  
• 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  
nän  
ꢂÊ-iÀˆiÃ]ÊxääÊ-iÀˆiÃ]ÊœÀÊnääÊ-iÀˆiÃÊÕ˜ˆÌ  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-ʏi>`Ê  
ꢄ"ꢅꢅ-ʏi>`  
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  
INSTALLINGTHE  
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, xed output, all sources internal.  
Preamplifier, xed 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  

Nextel comm IDEN I730 User Manual
Motorola MOTOROKR 6803632F58 User Manual
Motorola 6809505A83 A User Manual
LG Electronics 002KPYR0001018 User Manual
G Technology G RAID Professional High Performance Dual Drive Storage System 0G02289 User Manual
Casio DQD 70B User Manual
Bose AM316766 User Manual
Bloomfield 2072L User Manual
Atlantis Computer Drive NASF301D User Manual
Ashly CLX 52 User Manual