Meridian 588 User manual

Meridian 588 Compact Disc Player
user guide

i
Preface
Meridian 588
Compact Disc Player
User Guide

Preface
ii
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE29 6EX
England
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
World Wide Web
http://www.meridian-audio.com
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian America Inc
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Building 2400
Suite 122
Atlanta
GA 30331
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Designed and
manufactured in the UK by
Meridian Audio Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE29 6EX
England
Copyright © 1993–2001
Meridian Audio Ltd
Part no: 588/1
This guide was produced by
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
http://www.interface.co.uk

iii
Preface
Contents
Introduction 1
Introduces the 588 Compact Disc Player,
and provides an overview of the other
products available in the Meridian 500
Series.
The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2
Sample configurations ........................... 3
Specification and accessories ............... 5
Using the compact disc
player 7
Provides step-by-step instructions on how
to operate the compact disc player, using
either the front panel or the Meridian
System Remote.
Front panel ............................................. 8
Switching on and off .............................. 9
Playing a disc ......................................... 10
Stopping and pausing play .................... 11
Repeating play ....................................... 12
Programming a selection ....................... 13
Disc information and scanning .............. 15
Changing the absolute phase ................ 16
Setting up the compact
disc player 17
Describes how to unpack and install the
compact disc player.
Unpacking .............................................. 18
Positioning the
compact disc player .............................. 19
Connecting the
compact disc player .............................. 20
Connecting audio................................... 23

Preface
iv
Configuring the compact
disc player 25
Explains how to configure the compact
disc player to suit the other equipment in
your system.
Choosing standard settings ................... 26
Specifying information about
your system ........................................... 27
Troubleshooting 29
Provides suggested solutions to typical
problems.
Troubleshooting ..................................... 30
Maintenance .......................................... 33
Service and guarantee ........................... 34
Index ...................................................... 35

Introduction
1
Introduction
The 588 Compact Disc Player combines Meridian’s extensive experience
of producing audiophile compact disc players with their experience in
applying state-of-the-art digital signal processing techniques to audio
equipment, resulting in an outstanding compact disc player that takes full
advantage of the capabilities of compact disc.
The 588 uses a precision CD-ROM drive, with the data read
asynchronously and then triple buffered to isolate output timing from the
mechanics of the drive. The audio is also dejittered using very precise
master oscillators to give a clear, open, authoritative sound.
For instructions on setting up the unit turn to Setting up the compact disc
player, page 17. Once the compact disc player has been set up refer to the
next chapter, Using the compact disc player, for information about playing
discs.

2
Introduction
The Meridian 500 Series
The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue,
and video components designed to meet the demand for
absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value.
The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can
assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need,
perfectly suited to your musical and environmental requirements,
and which can be added to or changed at a later date should
your requirements change.
Each Meridian 500 Series component is housed in a matching
slim line case. Front panel controls provide access to the most
important functions, and the full range of functions is available
from the Meridian System Remote using a simple and intuitive
control interface.
500 Series communications
The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated
communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units
will work together as a fully integrated system.
The 500 Series communications system allows you to control
any combination of units using a single remote, and ensures that
your commands from the remote are interpreted unambiguously.
The communications system also allows you to extend your hi-fi
system into two or three rooms, with the ability to control the
sources in one room from the controller in another room.
Professional features
The 500 Series also includes features for professional users,
including RS232 computer control and balanced connections.
The following pages give examples of three suggested
configurations incorporating the 588 Compact Disc Player, to
illustrate the flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series.

Introduction
3
Sample configurations
502 Analogue controller 562 Digital Control Unit
The 588 Compact Disc Player is ideally suited for use with the
Meridian 557 Stereo Power Amplifier and analogue
loudspeakers, with control over the volume and source selection
provided by the 502 Analogue Controller. These units provide
balanced inputs and outputs, allowing you to create a
completely balanced system.
504
588
562
DSP5000DSP5000
The 588 Compact Disc Player provides a precision digital
output, and so is ideal for use with the 562 Digital Control Unit.
This can also cater for conventional analogue sources, and
provide source selection between up to 12 different analogue or
digital sources.
502
588
557

4
Introduction
Meridian Digital Music System
588
DSP5000 DSP5000
The digital output of the 588 Compact Disc Player can be
connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers, as these
include DSP volume and tone controls.
The result is an outstanding music system for those who prefer a
minimum of separate units and interconnecting cables.

Introduction
5
Specification and accessories
Specification
THD Less than -93dBFS.
Noise Less than -93dBFS.
Mechanism Dual-lens pickup with red laser.
Formats CD Audio (CD-DA) and MP3.
Processing DSP software provides error correction
and on-board decoding for MPEG
Audio.
Conversion 24-bit Delta Sigma.
Finish Black textured enamel and glass.
Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm
(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
Weight 6.4kg (14lbs).
Digiital outputs 1 x coax SPDIF/IEC1937.
1 x optical output, TosLink to EIAJ,
IEC958 and data compatible.
Analogue outputs 1 x pair balanced outputs XLR sockets,
1=ground, 2=positive phase output,
3=negative phase output.
1 x stereo analogue direct-coupled
design featuring 192kHz
24-bit conversion. All audio outputs
use FIFO and relocking to give
extremely low jitter.
Communications Two 5 pin 240°DIN sockets.
Full RS232 control and status for
custom integration or automation.
Power Universal supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz,
25W.

6
Introduction
Available accessories
The following accessories are available from your dealer:
❍ Meridian System Remote.
❍ Power cord Europe.
❍ Power cord Canada and USA.
The Meridian System Remote provides access to all the facilities
provided by the 588 Compact Disc Player, including those
available from the front panel controls. In addition, it allows you
to control any other 500 Series units in your system.
If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order
them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a
range of digital cables suitable for connecting the 588 Compact
Disc Player to other equipment.

Using the compact disc player
7
Using the compact disc
player
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the compact disc
player in order to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit.
It also describes all aspects of using the compact disc player, beginning
with essential instructions such as switching on and loading a disc, to the
more advanced functions such as programming.
Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel
or the Meridian System Remote.

Using the compact disc player
8
Front panel
1Open
Opens and closes the disc
tray.
2>(Play)
Plays a selected track, or
moves to the next track.
3*(Stop)
Stops the disc.
4=(Pause)
Pauses the disc.
5 Display
Selects the information
displayed.
6[(Previous)
Selects the previous track.
7](Next)
Selects the next track.
8 Off
Switches to standby.
Open >Display [*= ]Off
Play 14
BOOTHROYD STUART
588
24-bit CD Player
12345678
Display
Tray

Using the compact disc player
9
Switching on and off
During normal use the compact disc player should be left in the
standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but
ensures that the components operate at maximum efficiency
from the moment you start playing a disc.
If you are not going to use the compact disc player for a period
of several days you should switch the unit completely off, at the
back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
To switch on from standby
●Press Open, *, or >(front panel), or select a source on the
remote.
●Switch on any other equipment connected to the compact
disc player which is not part of the Meridian 500 Series.
The display will flash for a few seconds. The compact disc
player is then ready for use.
To insert a disc
●Press Open (front panel) or Function *(remote) to open the
tray.
●Place your disc, label side up, in the tray as shown opposite.
●Press Open (front panel), Function *(remote), or >to close
the tray.
To switch to standby
●Press Off.
The display will show:
.
If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment connected to
the compact disc 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.

Using the compact disc player
10
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 1
The display will then show
the track being played: 1
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
588 is the currently selected source.

Using the compact disc player
11
Stopping and pausing play
You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can
resume play instantly.
To stop play
●Press *(front panel or remote).
The display will show the total number of tracks on
the disc.
For example: --2O
To pause play
●Press =(front panel or remote).
The disc will remain spinning and the display will show Pause.
For example:
3 Pause
To continue after pausing
●Press =or >(front panel or remote).

Using the compact disc player
12
Repeating play
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:
Rpt A-
●Move to the end of the section you want to repeat.
●Press A-B again.
The display shows:
Rpt 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) again.
You can set a disc to play repeatedly, so that when the disc (or
selection) has played, it will begin again from the beginning. This
function is only available from the remote.
To continuously repeat a disc
●Press Repeat (remote) to select between the following
options:
Display Description
Rpt trk
Repeat current track.
Rpt albm
Repeat album (MP3 discs only).
Rpt disc
Repeat entire disc.

Using the compact disc player
13
Programming a selection
You can programme a selection of tracks and then play only the
tracks in your selection.
You can only programme a selection using the remote.
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.
Attempting to programme more than
31 tracks will display an error message:
Error
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 programme by storing the tracks
you want to play
●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 display will change to: Store 14
You should store the track within two seconds, or it will begin to
play.
The track will be labelled Store.
All the other tracks are initially programmed not to play, and will
be labelled Clear.

Using the compact disc player
14
To programme by clearing the tracks
you do not want to play
●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 display will change to:
Clear 12
You should clear the track within two seconds, or it will begin to
play.
The track will be labelled Clear. All the other tracks are initially
programmed to play, and will be labelled Store.
To add a track to a selection
●Select the track you want to add, as described above.
●Press Store.
The Clear label will change to Store to indicate that the track is
stored.
To remove a track from a selection
●Select the track you want to remove, as described above.
●Press Clear (remote only).
The Store label will change to Clear to indicate that the track has
been cleared.
To clear a programme
●Press *twice (front panel or remote).
The display will show C.P. (Cancel
Programme):
C.P.
A programme is automatically cancelled if you open the disc
drawer, or press Off.

Using the compact disc player
15
Disc information and scanning
To change the display
●Press Display (front panel or remote).
Each time you press the appropriate key, the display will step
between the following display options:
Display Example
Track number. This is the usual
display. 14
Elapsed time for the whole disc. 58:12 14
Elapsed time for the current track. O:59 14
Time remaining for the whole disc. 1:47 14
Blank.
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 ¯(remote).
The display will show your position
on the disc; for example: 12:37 >>
●Press >(front panel or remote) when you have reached the
position you want to play.