Meridian 506 Instruction Manual

Technical Data Sheet
506/1 – 23-10-96
506 20-bit CD Player
Meridian Audio Ltd.,, Stonehill, Stukeley Meadows, Huntingdon, Cambs., PE18 6ED, England
Sales 4444 (0)1480 434334 - Fax[phone]
WWW: http://www.meridian.co.uk
Background
It has become possible, principally
through the mastering technologies of
advanced psychoacoustic-based noise-
shaping, to make compatible CDs with
an effective dynamic range in excess
of 19 bits. Meridian is the leader in
this field, and the Meridian 518
Mastering Processor is widely
recognized to make the best sounding
CDs -- hundreds of which are now
available.
In order to get the best from this
compatible mastering process, the CD
player needs to have considerably
higher precision than was thought
necessary some years ago. For
example, to obtain the best sound
from these ‘super CDs’ a player need,
not only a D/A converter of more than
19 bits' precision, but also a DSP filter
whose internal arithmetic exceeds 20
bit precision.
Meridian 506 20 bit CD player
Built as one of the world-famous 500-
Series, this latest CD player from
Meridian sports the same D/A
converter as used in the 508 but
without precision re-clocking
Over a period of three years, Meridian
has worked closely with chip-maker
Crystal Semiconductor, helping them to
develop the ultimate converter. The
resulting device, has the required 20-bit
analogue and digital parameters.
The unique Meridian drawer system
combines the user benefits of tray-
loading with the important
performance benefits of top-loading.
The pick-up mechanisms use a carbon
and glass-fiber anti-vibration disc clamp.
The 506 uses a Meridian CD transport
that gives all the play ability advantages
of a linear 3-beam pickup optimized for
high-speed data recovery, with the
famous Focault focus arrangement that
gives adjustment-free setting, long life
and great sound.
This CD transport uses in-house control
software that, amongst its many
features, adapts the player to the
parameters of each CD. The laser pick-
up uses a radical, proprietary analogue-
processing system that de-jitters the
data coming from the discbefore it is
decoded.
Contrary to market trends, Meridian
refuses to compromise in the error-
correction and digital signal processing
capability of their CD players. The 506
uses a state-of-the-art decoder IC that
provides an exceptional ability to
correct disc defects.
Meridian take the 506
one step closer to the
award wining
standard of the 508
20-bit CD player.
The new 20-bit 506
uses the same D-A
conversion
technonogy
developed with
Crystal Semiconductor
for the 508 CD Player
but without the
added expense of
precision re-clocking.

Performance
20 bit differential-mode push-pull Digital -- Analogue conversion
Inputs and outputs
Digital outputs on optical, and S/PDIF cable
Analogue outputs unbalanced
Construction
Precision data-grade Focault-focus linear three-beam laser pick up
Mechanical loader incorporating glass and carbon fiber damping wheel
Audiophile grade components used throughout
Full remote control using Meridian System Remote (MSR) provided
Absolute phase adjustable from remote
Meridian in-house servo software for higher play ability and better sound
Precision analogue-domain de-emphasis
Black textured enamel and glass finish
Dimensions 88mm (3.46in) H, 321 (12.64) W, 332 (13.07) D – Weight 5kg (10lbs)
Technical Data Sheet
506/1 – 23-10-96
Meridian Audio Ltd. Reserve the right to change any product specification without prior notice
© Text and pictures 1996 Meridian Audio Limited