Meridian Analogue Controller 502 User manual

Meridian 502 Analogue Controller
user guide

Preface
ii
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE18 6ED
England
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
World Wide Web
http://www.meridian.co.uk
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian America Inc
3800 Camp Creek Parkway
Building 2400
Suite 112
Atlanta
GA 30331
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Designed and
manufactured in the UK by
Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd
Stonehill
Stukeley Meadows
Cambs
PE18 6ED
England
Copyright © 1993–1996
Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd
Part no: 502/2
This guide was produced by
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
Cambridge, England.

iii
Preface
Contents
Introduction 1
Introduces the 502 Analogue Controller,
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 ............... 6
Customising the
analogue controller 13
Describes how to set up the analogue
controller in your preferred configuration.
Choosing standard settings................... 14
Configuring the sources......................... 16
Examples of configuring the
sources .................................................. 19
Programming levels ............................... 20
Specifying information about
your system ........................................... 22
Using the analogue
controller 7
Provides step-by-step instructions on how
to operate the analogue controller, using
either the front panel or the Meridian
System Remote.
Front panel............................................. 8
Selecting a source ................................. 9
Adjusting the volume ............................. 10
Changing the display and balance ........ 11
Recording a source................................ 12

Preface
iv
Setting up the
analogue controller 23
Describes how to unpack and install the
analogue controller, and explains what you
should do if your analogue controller
requires servicing.
Unpacking.............................................. 24
Connecting the analogue controller....... 25
Setting up a two-room system .............. 29
Troubleshooting ..................................... 30
Maintenance .......................................... 32
Service and guarantee ........................... 33
Index ...................................................... 35

Introduction
In choosing the 502 Analogue Controller you have acquired a component
that combines major advances in audio and engineering design. The 502
Analogue Controller is a dual mono preamplifier with a fully balanced
signal path and an extremely high-quality power supply for ultra low
distortion and noise. It provides seven audio inputs; four for sources with
unbalanced outputs, and three for balanced sources. Each source can be
individually adjusted for sensitivity, and identified on the eight-character
alphanumeric display with a name of your choice. A very high quality MC or
MM phono stage is available as an option for the dedicated LP input.
This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results
from the unit, and it includes information about customising the unit to
your own requirements.
If you have just purchased the 502 Analogue Controller you should first
turn to the chapter Setting up the analogue controller, page 23, which
explains how to unpack and install the analogue controller correctly.

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 with the ability to add to it or change it at a later date should
your requirements change. The 500 Series is also compatible
with the existing Meridian 200 Series and 600 Series
components.
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 four suggested
configurations to illustrate the flexibility of the Meridian 500
Series.

Introduction
3
500 Compact Disc Transport
Sample configurations
508 20-Bit CD Player
504
500
562
DSP5000DSP5000
A500
504
508 502
557
A500
The 508 20-Bit CD Player is an integrated CD transport and
converter, providing both digital and analogue outputs.
The 508 20-Bit CD Player is ideally suited for use with the
Meridian 557 Stereo Power Amplifier and A500 Loudspeakers,
with control over the volume and source selection provided by
the 502 Analogue Controller. These units provide balanced
inputs and outputs, allowing a completely balanced system to
be created.
The 500 Compact Disc Transport provides a precision digital
output, and can drive DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers directly.
A 562 Digital Control Unit can be added to cater for conventional
analogue sources, and provide source selection between up to
12 different analogue or digital sources.
The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is an ideal addition to the system if
radio reception is required.

4
Introduction
566 20-Bit Digital to Analogue
Converter 502 Analogue Controller
A500
566
500
557
A500
502
The digital output provided by the 500 Compact Disc Transport
can be decoded by the 566 20-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter
to provide a high-quality audio output for use with a
conventional audio preamplifier. The 566 20-Bit Digital to
Analogue Converter can also decode digital signals from other
sources, including LaserDisc players and Digital Audio Tape.
The 502 Analogue Controller is a full function preamplifier for use
with any analogue source, and includes balanced inputs to allow
you to take advantage of balanced sources, including the 566
20-Bit Digital to Analogue Converter. It provides balanced
outputs which are ideal for use with the 557 Stereo Power
Amplifier.

Introduction
5
562V Multimedia Controller
conventional analogue sources such as the 504 Stereo FM
Tuner and video sound.
It also includes video switching for CVBS and S-VHS signals,
such as from a satellite receiver, LaserDisc player, or video
recorder.
LaserDisc
Video recorder
500 562V
Television
504
Satellite
DSP6000 DSP6000
The 562V Multimedia Controller is the ideal control unit for use
with the Meridian DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers.
It provides direct digital inputs for digital sources, such as the
500 Compact Disc Transport and LaserDisc sound, together
with precision Delta Sigma Analogue to Digital Conversion, for

6
Introduction
Specification and accessories
Specification
MM input option Sensitivity adjustable 0.5 – 17mV for
5cm/s @ 1kHz.
Overload point 47mV @ 1kHz.
Cartridge load 47kΩ|| 100pF.
MC input option Sensitivity adjustable 38 – 1200µV for
5cm/s @ 1kHz.
Cartridge load 220Ω|| 10nF.
A2 – A7 inputs Sensitivity adjustable 27 – 840mV.
Input impedance 20kΩ.
Tape output Output 1.5V rms.
Main outputs Output 1.4V rms, 3V rms maximum.
Communications Two 5 pin 240°DIN sockets, RS232
interface.
Noise and hum Less than -96dB for high-level
analogue inputs.
Less than -70dB for MM input.
Less than -60dB for MC input.
Distortion Less than 0.01% input to output.
Display Eight character display for current
source, volume, mute, and copy
source.
Finish Black textured enamel and glass.
Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm
(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
Weight 5kg (10lbs).
Consumption 20VA.
Available accessories
The following accessories are available from your dealer:
❍MM mono phono modules.
❍MC mono phono modules.
❍Meridian System Remote.
❍Power cord Europe.
❍Power cord Canada and USA.
The MM and MC phono modules convert the LP audio input (A1)
for use with a moving magnet or moving coil pickup,
respectively.

Using the analogue
controller
This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the analogue
controller in order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the
unit.
It also describes all aspects of using the analogue controller, from
switching on and selecting a source, to recording a source.
Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel
or the remote.

Using the analogue controller
8
Front panel
1 Source
Selects the source.
2 Copy
Copies a selected source
to the tape output.
3 Mute
Mutes the sound.
4 Display
Blanks the display.
5V(Decrease)
Decreases the volume.
6A(Increase)
Increases the volume.
7 Off
Switches to standby.
Source Display VCopy Mute AOff
Radio 65
BOOTHROYD STUART
502
Analogue Controller
1234567
Display

Using the analogue controller
9
Selecting a source
During normal use the analogue controller should be left in the
standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but
ensures that the components of the analogue controller operate
at maximum efficiency from the moment you start.
If you are not going to use the analogue controller 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 Source (front panel), or select a source by pressing the
appropriate source key on the remote.
If the 502 Analogue Controller is part of a Meridian system, it will
automatically switch on any other unit in the system.
To select a source
●Press Source (front panel) until the display shows the source
you require, or press the appropriate source key on the
remote.
The display shows the source, and
volume setting; for example: CD 65
By default, the following seven sources are available:
Source Input
CD A5 (balanced)
Radio A3
LP A1
TV A4
Tape1 A2
Tape2 A7 (balanced)
CDR A6 (balanced)
To switch to standby
●Press Off on the front panel or the remote.
The display will show: .
If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment connected to
the analogue controller, these units will also switch to standby.

Using the analogue controller
10
Adjusting the volume
To decrease the volume
●Press V.
For example, the display will show:
CD 74
To mute the sound
●Press Mute.
The display will show: Mute
To restore the sound
●Press Mute again.
Alternatively the sound will be restored if you adjust the volume.
The 502 Analogue Controller allows you to adjust the volume 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 – 99dB. When you first
switch on the analogue controller the volume is set to 65, which
is similar to the midway position of the rotary volume control on
a conventional preamplifier.
To increase the volume
●Press A.
For example, the display will show: CD 75

Using the analogue controller
11
Changing the display and balance
To change the display
●Press Display.
Each time you press Display the display will step between the
following options:
Display option Example
Source and volume.
This is the usual display. Radio 65
Blank.
Remote source display
(two-room only). 1 97.9
To change the balance
You can adjust the sound balance on the 502 Analogue
Controller using the following procedure.
Note: The balance can only be adjusted with the remote.
●Press <(remote) to move the sound to the left.
The display will show the number
of dBs added to the left channel: Bal. <1
●Press >(remote) to move the sound to the right.
The display will show the number
of dBs added to the right channel: Bal. 9>
●Press V(remote) to centre the balance.
The display will show: Bal. <0>

Using the analogue controller
12
Recording a source
The 502 Analogue Controller allows you to copy any one of the
standard sources to the tape outputs, independently of the
source you are listening to.
To copy a source to the tape output
●Press Copy.
Each time you press Copy the analogue controller will step
between the following options:
Display Option
C.Source Copy Source. The current source is
fed to the tape output.
C. Mute Copy Mute. The tape output is
muted.
C. CD Copies the first source to the tape
output.
C. Radio Steps through each source in turn,
etc.
When Copy is set to anything other than Copy Source the Copy
indicator is illuminated on the front panel.
For example, to record from the radio
press Copy until the display shows: C. Radio
You can now listen to a CD, by selecting the CD source, without
affecting the recording.

Customising the
analogue controller
This chapter explains how to customise the 502 Analogue Controller to
your preferred configuration.
The simplest way of configuring the analogue controller is to choose one
of the standard settings, which are designed to cater for the three most
common configurations of sources and inputs.
Alternatively, you can configure each source individually to suit the other
equipment in your system. You can choose the label used for each source,
and balance the input sensitivities so that the sound level remains the
same when you switch between sources.
Finally, the 502 Analogue Controller provides several settings that you can
alter to optimise the way in which it works with the other equipment in
your system.

Customising the analogue controller
14
Choosing standard settings
The 502 Analogue Controller provides three alternative standard
settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the
analogue controller into the three most commonly needed
configurations.
Choosing one of the six standard settings overrides any other
configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to
reset the configuration of the analogue controller.
By default, the analogue controller is supplied set to Type 1.
If you have a system containing only Meridian 500 Series units
then you should choose Type 1 or 3. Choose Type 3 if you are
using the analogue controller in the second room of a two-room
system.
If your system includes any Meridian 600 or 200 Series units you
should choose Type 2. For more information see To connect to
Meridian 600 or 200 Series equipment, page 28.
To select a standard setting
●Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the
analogue controller.
●Switch off the analogue controller, using the power switch on
the back panel.
●Switch on the power again while holding down the Off key on
the front panel.
The display will show: Type
It will then show: Type 1
●Press VV
VV
Vor AA
AA
Ato change the type number.
For example, to select Type 3
the display shows: Type 3
●Switch off the analogue controller, using the power switch on
the back panel.
●Switch on again to use the standard settings you have
selected.

Customising the analogue controller
15
502 standard settings
The following table shows the options configured by the three standard Type settings on the 502 Analogue Controller:
Type
Source Label Input Gain Comms 1 2 3
CD CD A5 0dB 1 ●●●
Radio RD A3 +2dB 2 ●●●
LP LP A1 +2dB – ●●●
TV TV A4 +8dB – ●●●
Tape1 T1 A2 +2dB – ●●●
Tape2 T2 A7 +2dB – ●●●
CDR CR A6 0dB 1 ●●
Cable Cb A4 +8dB – ●
Text TX A4 +8dB – ●
VCR1 V1 A2 +8dB – ●
VCR2 V2 A7 +8dB – ●
LD LD A1 +0dB – ●

Customising the analogue controller
16
When the analogue controller is set to one of the standard
settings the twelve source selection keys on the remote select
the standard labels and inputs, as shown in the table on
page 15.
If the configuration you want is not catered for by one of the
standard settings, you can configure each source individually.
The 502 Analogue Controller provides 12 sources corresponding
to the 12 source selection keys on the remote:
CD, Radio, LP, TV, Tape1, Tape2, CDR, Cable, Text, VCR1,
VCR2, and LD.
For each source you can configure:
❍The label used for it on the front panel display, from the
alternative labels.
❍The audio input it selects.
❍Its sensitivity.
❍Whether or not it is a Tape source.
❍The comms type and address, to identify other Meridian 500
Series equipment.
The procedure for doing this is as follows.
Configuring the sources