Meridian G95 Installation guide

Meridian’s G95 CD/DVD Surround Receiver
System is the most powerful and versatile
member of the company’s award-winning G
Series family. Its design was based on extensive
research into exactly what customers required
of a product of this type, and therefore includes
desired features while specifically omitting
those regarded as superfluous or no longer
necessary in the modern consumer electronics
environment.
The G95 is a full 5.1 DVD Surround Receiver
with both stereo and surround modes, a robust
slot-loading DVD drive and five gutsy built-
in power amplifiers to drive your choice of
passive loudspeakers, plus an active subwoofer
output. It plays audio CDs, MP3 CDs, Video
CDs and DVD-Video discs including the DVD
side of DualDisc hybrids. It can decode Dolby
Digital, DTS, MPEG, and MP3 data streams
to PCM for stereo and multichannel playback
and also includes Trifield high-resolution stereo
processing. Stereo digital audio outputs at up to
192kHz, plus 5.1 bitstream or 6-channel audio
up to 96kHz, are also available via HDMI.
The G95 includes comprehensive preamplifier
functionality with multiple analogue and digital
inputs including two coax digital inputs, two
optical digital inputs, and three analogue input
pairs. Digital signal processing is included to
upsample stereo decoded streams, or decode
surround bitstreams from external sources. A
high-quality FM/AM tuner with RDS/RDBS (G95
model), or a DAB/FM tuner (G95-DAB) is also
included.
Complete surround system in
a box – just add speakers
5 x 100W power amplifiers
to drive the speakers
of your choice
5.1 analogue line-level
outputs
Multiple analogue and
digital inputs
Powerful video processor;
HDMI out at up to 1080p
Digital upsampling
and buffering delivers
spectacular quality
ROM drive improves error-
correction over ten times
AM/FM RDS tuner or DAB
Digital Radio with FM
G95 DVD Surround Receiver System
Meridian’s G Series line of high performance
digital & analogue consumer audio components
feature a stylish cabinet design in traditional
black or a sleek silver finish.
Designed to be either free-standing or rack-
mounted, G Series components build on their
predecessors, the multi-award-winning 500 and
our flagship 800 Series, and include entirely new
circuitry developed specifically for the G Series.
Multi-layer boards reduce system noise and
improve performance. In products which include
video capabilities, broadcast-quality, wide-
bandwidth video components are employed for
maximum image integrity.
G Series units are easy to use. Where appropri-
ate, a knob is included to control volume. The
positive-action front-panel keys are software-
defined: their legends are presented in the
vacuum fluorescent display and change
intelligently according to context.
Full installation configuration of many G Series
components is achieved by running a special
setup program on a Windows computer,
connected to the G Series unit via a serial link,
or direct from the front panel.
G Series products also include serial ports for
remote operation and configuration, along with
infra-red sensor input and trigger capabilities,
plus Meridian communications ports. A compre-
hensive back-lit learning/programmable remote
is included with products other than amplifiers.

G95 front panel showing slot-loading drive
The G95 includes five channels of powerful,
compact and innovative new Class D power
amplifiers, which offer exceptional power
output – 100W per channel into 8Ω– while
remaining cool even at full output. The G95 is
the first Meridian product to include Class D
amplifiers, and the specific design was chosen
following extensive research to ensure that the
quality and performance matched that typically
delivered by Meridian’s conventional audio
amplifier designs. The power amplifier has
been specially optimised for cool running and
maximum audio quality, including the use of
audiophile capacitors and other components.
The amplifiers are powered by a linear power
supply including a beefy, overspecified true
toroidal transformer to provide the high levels of
clean power required for powerful multichannel
performance.
In addition to five pairs of heavy-duty gold-
plated power output terminals, a complete set
of six analogue line-level outputs is included to
drive external power amplifiers and speakers
and an active subwoofer such as the Meridian
SW1600 or SW5500. Thus the G95 is truly a
complete stereo or surround system in a box:
just add the conventional passive loudspeakers
(and optionally amplifiers) of your choice!
At the heart of the player side of the G95 is
a robust, high-speed, slot-loading DVD-ROM
drive – the best type of drive to use to ensure
accurate data recovery from all types of disc.
The drive normally operates at standard speed;
however, it is capable of recovering data a
great deal faster when required, enabling it to
make more attempts to recover accurate data
from a problem disc. Because of this, the drive
can perfectly recover the data from almost any
compatible disc. In addition, the drive has a
special on-board anti-vibration buffer and is
especially robust for durability and reliability in
constant service.
Unlike other players that use a mechanical
approach to attempt to lower jitter by
minimising drive vibration, the G95 employs
a triple buffering system to minimise jitter,
maximizing HF transparency, sound stage
precision and stability. The result of this
sophisticated approach is that the player delivers
ultra-low jitter, with sound and picture quality
second only to that of Meridian’s 800 Reference
DVD/CD Player.
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 are accurately re-clocked, and
multiple power supplies ensure that digital and
analogue circuitry are kept separate.
The G95 features a comprehensive front-panel
user interface which allows access to all the
features of the unit. The player can be set to a
standard ‘Type’ which configures all the required
settings as required for a particular application,
stereo or surround. In addition, an on-screen
display (OSD) allows you to configure specific
settings individually.
The player employs Flash ROM memory for the
operating system, so software updates can be
downloaded from the Internet and installed via
a PC connected to the serial port on the rear
panel. This port also allows full remote control
and configuration of the unit.
The output level of the system can be controlled
remotely or via the front-panel knob which
controls a proprietary hybrid digital/analogue
volume control – a design similar to that used in
the 800 Series and DSP 8000.
G95 DVD Surround Receiver System

Two tuner options are available: AM/FM and
DAB/FM. The former provides AM (LF/MF)
and FM (VHF stereo Band II) reception with
RDS/RDBS, and is fitted with its own 96kHz,
24-bit A/D stage. Digital signal processing
provides a sophisticated FM stereo blend/width
control which allows you to minimise noise
on a received signal. There is also a DSP-based
low-pass filter and a whistle filter for improved
AM reception. Alternatively, a version is available
with DAB Digital Radio (UHF L-Band and/or
VHF Band III) and FM. A separate data sheet is
available that describes available G Series DAB
options.
The G95 includes upsampling in stereo mode,
which allows digital filters to be placed far
beyond the range of human hearing, as well
as offering other audible benefits right across
the audio band, including improved transient
response. All processing is at 48-bit precision.
This results in a more open, transparent sound,
tighter bass, and a generally more ‘musical’
sound overall.
To drive the power amplifier modules and the
six-channel analogue line-level outputs, signals
are upsampled to 24-bit, 176.4/192kHz for
digital to analogue conversion – DACs can offer
better performance at higher sampling rates; up
to 88.2/96kHz multichannel or 192kHz in stereo
is delivered as the digital audio component of
the HDMI output, at 24-bit word length.
Advanced digital processing features are
handled by a powerful DSP engine delivering
an impressive 150MIPS (million instructions
per second). In addition, the G95 incorporates
digital surround decoding to allow full 5.1
surround performance. The built-in surround
processing system decodes 5.1 Dolby Digital
or DTS soundtracks from DVD discs, and Dolby
Digital or DTS data streams fed into the external
digital inputs. It will also synthesise a full
surround image from 2-channel soundtracks on
audio CDs or DVD-Vs, or from the external two-
channel digital or analogue inputs, by extracting
latent surround information in the recording.
The acclaimed Trifield system – which decodes
conventional stereo to the 3-speaker front
stage (LCR) of a surround layout for impressive
added soundstage stability and imaging – is also
included.
Several DSP presets are provided to allow you
to choose the type of surround processing used
for different sources. For 5.1 audio formats
a Discrete or Cinema DSP preset is selected
automatically, depending on whether the source
is music or a movie. For two-channel audio
formats the DSP preset can usually be switched
between Trifield (recommended for music),
Stereo (uses just the main left and right speakers
and subwoofer), or PLII (recommended for
movies), using the DSP key on the front panel or
the supplied MSR+ infrared learning remote.
On the video side, advanced video circuit
designs, matched-phase video filters, and a
broadcast-quality video encoder are employed
to deliver low-noise images of outstanding
colour depth up to full-specification High
Definition 1080p resolution. Separate ultra-
low jitter master video and audio oscillators
allow picture and sound to be independently
optimized, ensuring that the G95 DVD Receiver
System delivers breathtakingly clear pictures.
The G95 includes a unique broadcast-quality,
high-resolution video processor/scaler which
combines both Meridian and Faroudja DCDi®
technology, delivering the most advanced,
high-quality video available today. The processor
can simultaneously provide composite and
S-video outputs, plus progressive component
video and up to 1080p full-spec High Definition
on an HDMI output. The processor can receive
two composite, three S-video, and interlaced
component video inputs, and convert between
the formats, or to the HDMI (high-definition
multimedia interface) standard, to provide a
single video output for all the video sources in
your system.
The video processor includes picture adjustment
controls, available via the MSR+ and front-panel
display. These include Contrast, Black Level
G95 DVD Surround Receiver System
The G95’s analogue outputs and Class D power
amplifiers are driven by 24-bit DACs that are
upsampled to 176.4 or 192 kHz for maximum
fidelity. The output level is controlled by the
front panel knob or via remote.
The G95 supports almost any kind of video
display device, whether composite, S-Video,
Component (progressive or interlaced) or even
the latest interfaces such as HDMI or DVI. Dif-
ferent video inputs are converted to all formats,
so there is only need for one display connection.

(Brightness) and Saturation. In addition, the
black level, contrast, colour, and hue (NTSC) are
adjustable on the video inputs.
A bypass function allows progressive or high
definition component video to be routed directly
to the component output only.
The HDMI port also delivers high-resolution
digital audio: two channels of PCM at up to 24-
bit, 192kHz; or six channels or a 5.1 bitstream at
up to 96kHz.
The HDMI port supports a wide range of high
quality digital video options including 480p,
576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p, the highest
video resolution available in the consumer
industry – the same resolution as the best
current HD sources. Analogue component out at
480p and 576p (plus 1080i pass-through). The
HDMI output can be connected to a DVI input
if the device supports HDCP copy protection,
using a suitable adaptor cable.
To avoid potential degradation of High
Definition signals caused by switching video
signals inside the unit, the G95 includes a
single HDMI video/audio output with HDCP. To
support environments where it is required to
switch multiple HDMI-based sources (such as a
High Definition PVR) to a single display, the G95
directly supports the Meridian HDMax 421 four-
into-one HDMI switch box, which permits source
selection on the G95 to switch HDMI inputs
seamlessly via the 421.
G95 Outline Specifications
Formats: DVD-Video, DVD-R; Video CD (VCD), CVCD, MP3; CD
Audio (CD-DA), CD-R and hybrids such as SACD (CD layer
only) and DualDisc (DVD layer only).
Audio inputs: Analogue: three stereo inputs, unbalanced 0.5–2.5Vrms
on phono. Digital S/PDIF: two stereo coax inputs and
two stereo Toslink optical inputs.
Tuner: AM/FM tuner includes its own 24/96 A/D converter. AM
(Long/Medium Wave, 150–285/525–1605 kHz); FM (VHF
Band II, 87.5–108 MHz), sensitivity 2µv. DSP processing
for FM stereo/mono blend and width; AM lowpass filter
and whistle filter. DAB/FM tuner option (see G-DAB data
sheet).
Audio outputs: 5 x Class D amplifier outputs (Left Front, Centre Front,
Right Front, Left Surround, Right Surround) each
delivering 100W per channel into 8Ω, with sturdy
gold-plated binding posts (in Europe, terminals booted
to CE spec). Line-level analogue outputs (LF, CF, RF, LS,
RS, Sub) on phono connectors. HDMI 2-ch (≤192kHz) or
6-ch/bitstream (≤96kHz) digital output (with video).
System capabilities: Multichannel AM-FM/FM-DAB Receiver and CD/DVD
player system with on-board surround decoding (Dolby,
DTS, MPEG, Trifield) and upsampling of stereo signals,
can directly drive up to 5 passive loudspeakers (LF, CF, RF,
LS, RS) plus analogue active subwoofer, or external 5.1
amp/speaker combinations.
On-Screen Display: Switchable custom On-Screen Display allows instant
review of disc status. Screen saver with user timeout
options. Logo screen with PLUGE bars enables set-up of
display device.
Video features: Automatic PAL or NTSC encoding on Composite and
S-Video. NTSC black-level setup adjustable as 0 or 7.5IRE.
16:9 and 4:3 displays supported. Contrast, Black Level,
Saturation controls on output; Contrast, Black Level,
Colour and Hue (NTSC) on inputs.
Video Processor: Two composite video inputs, one component input,
three S-Video inputs. Composite, S-Video, component
and HDMI outputs (HDCP-compatible, also carries
2-ch/bitstream audio), outputs all simultaneously active;
selected video input is converted to all formats at valid
resolutions (except non-interlaced component input
which bypasses processor). Faroudja DCDi®scaling and
de-interlacing technology. HDMI port supports 480p,
576p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p. Analogue component out
at 480p and 576p (plus 1080i component pass-through).
Controls: Front-panel soft key functions include Play, Stop, Pause,
Previous, Next, plus Home and More keys. Off, Display
and Eject buttons. Off gently illuminated when off; keys
back-illuminated when on.
Comms: Full RS232 control and status enables custom integration
or automation. Meridian Comms (2 x DIN plus BNC).
Trigger: 12v trigger output allows control of power amps, etc.
Panel Display: Multi-character dot-matrix graphic Vacuum Fluorescent
Display (VFD).
Dimensions: Width: 440mm (17.32in); Depth: 350mm (13.78in) plus
connectors; Height: 90mm (3.54in).
Rack Mounting: Kit available from Meridian authorized dealers.
Weight: 13.5 kg (30 lbs).
Power: 100–240v specified on ordering, 50–60Hz, 700W max.
G95 rear panel (Note: European versions have boots on the speaker terminals and are not as shown here)
Meridian Audio Limited
Latham Road,
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE
United Kingdom
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle, Suite C
Austell, Atlanta GA 30168-7849
USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.meridian-audio.com
G95 DVD Surround Receiver System
Information contained in this data sheet is correct as far as
possible, but Meridian Audio accepts no liability for errors or
omissions. Trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time. Further technical details, images,
product reviews and company history are available from
Meridian Audio or from our web site, www.meridian-audio.
com.
©2007 Meridian Audio Ltd.
G95DS v2.3 • P88330 • 20070305 • REƒ