Meridian DSP8000 User manual

DSP8000
Digital Loudspeaker System
User Guide

ii
Preface Important safety instructions
Read the instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.
Do not disassemble – no user-servicable parts inside.
This apparatus has been designed with Class 1
construction and must be connected to a mains socket
outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third
grounding pin).
The apparatus may be isolated from mains power either
by unplugging the power connector from the rear of the
unit, or by unplugging the connector at the opposing
end of the power cord or cable from its supply outlet.
As a result, either or both of these connectors should
remain accessible.
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.
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.
To avoid interference
Do not position the unit:
Near strong electrical or magnetic radiation, such as
near a power amplifier.
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.
EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested
to comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and
EN55020.
•
•
•
•
•

iii
Contents
Contents
Introduction 1
Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system 2
Sample configurations 4
Specifications 6
Setting up the DSP8000 loudspeakers 7
Unpacking 8
Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers 10
Connecting the loudspeakers 11
Connecting to other equipment 12
Using the DSP8000 loudspeakers 17
Selecting a source 18
Changing the display 19
Adjusting the volume 20
Changing the treble, bass, or phase 21
Changing the listening position 22
Configuring the DSP8000 loudspeakers 23
Choosing standard settings 24
Specifying information about your system 26
Configuring the sources 27
Configuring the setup options 28
Troubleshooting 31
Troubleshooting 32
Maintenance and cleaning 33
Service and guarantee 34
Index 35

iv
Preface Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
England
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle
Suite C
Austell
GA30168-7849
USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
http://www.meridian-audio.com
Designed and manufactured in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
England
Copyright © 2002-2010 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Part no: DSP8000U/4 (P86500)
Meridian Digital Theatre, Meridian Lossless Packing,
MHR and MLP are registered trademarks of
Meridian Audio Ltd.
MHR: This product incorporates copyright protection
technology covered by certain patent applications
and intellectual property of Meridian Audio Ltd. This
technology is provided for the express purpose of
securely containing copyright audio within the Meridian
System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention of
this protection is strictly prohibited.
This guide was produced by:
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
http://www.interface.co.uk

1
Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to the Meridian DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker System.
This user guide provides full information about using the DSP8000
loudspeakers in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the
superb results you can expect from them.

2
Introduction Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system
The Meridian DSP8000 loudspeaker system represents
the fruits of more than 30 years of continuous
development of loudspeakers as musical instruments.
The finest materials and state-of-the-art design are
combined to create what we believe is the ultimate
home loudspeaker.
Digital Signal Processing
Digital Signal Processing, or DSP, is a technique
pioneered by Meridian in hi-fi products for achieving
extremely accurate reproduction of audio signals using
high-precision mathematical processing.
DSP allows sophisticated processing to be performed
without any of the cumulative noise or degradation
that inevitably occurs, even with high-quality analogue
circuitry. In addition, the signal improvement techniques
incorporated in the Meridian DSP loudspeakers would
be virtually impossible to implement in analogue
circuitry.
The Meridian DSP loudspeakers take advantage of
DSP for several different functions:
To remove timing variations from the incoming digital
signals (de-jittering).
To upsample 44.1kHz and 48kHz signals to 88.2kHz
and 96kHz.
To split the frequency band between bass, mid-
range, and treble drivers (crossover).
To perform filtering or adjustment of the frequency
response; eg treble or bass.
To provide volume control to 48-bit precision.
To perform electronic equalisation.
If you are using the Meridian DSP loudspeakers with a
digital source, such as CD or DVD, the signals remain
in digital form until the last possible stage.
•
•
•
•
•
•
DSP loudspeaker drivers
Each DSP8000 loudspeaker uses six multiple high-
efficiency long-throw custom bass drive units. The
bass units are mounted symmetrically in pairs on the
sides of the bass cabinet, cancelling vibration in order
to minimise interference with the mid-range and treble
units.
The treble and mid-range drivers are mounted in a
separate sealed head assembly. The treble unit is a
semi-horn-loaded composite dome design with a silver
voice coil. The mid-range unit incorporates a cone
made from a uniquely light and stiff combination of
polymers to give unparalleled transparency.
Power amplifiers
The speakers are driven by five independent high-
power low-feedback power amplifiers mounted on a
multi-finned extruded heatsink. The combination of
idealised magnetic design, careful star earthing, and
very fast output devices gives the amplifiers extremely
low noise, high detail, and fast bass.
The whole electronic assembly is supplied from two
substantial toroidal transformers feeding high-quality
audiophile-grade capacitors.
Cabinet
Each DSP8000 loudspeaker is built around a precision
manufactured cabinet, which uses innovative design
techniques to give exceptionally low coloration and
amazing mid-range transparency.
The head assembly is a sealed enclosure fabricated
from curved pressure-laminated panels, each using
multiple layers of selected woods and metal to provide
high stiffness and damping. Its narrow tapered shape
offers optimum dispersion across a wide listening
area. It is supported on the bass enclosure by three
machined feet.

3
Introduction
Like the head unit, the bass cabinet is constructed
from interlaminated panels with extensive bracing. The
front panel is 6mm glass and incorporates a window for
the matrix display and infrared remote control sensor.
The cabinet stands on triangulated adjustable machined
foot assemblies with provision for floor spikes or skids.
Meridian High Resolution (MHR)
The DSP8000 loudspeakers support Meridian High
Resolution (MHR), to allow you to connect to other
MHR-compliant Meridian products to take advantage
of high-rate audio sources, and provide the additional
benefits of lower jitter and improved sound quality on all
sources.
MHR is a proprietary secure encoding format that uses
encryption and anti-copy methods to provide a secure
copyright protection environment, and allow the secure
transfer of audio streams within a Meridian-only system
for playback only.
Meridian Comms
The Meridian DSP loudspeakers are part of the
Meridian family of advanced digital, analogue, and video
components, and these incorporate a sophisticated
communications link, to allow you to control any
combination of units using a single remote, and ensure
that they will work together as a fully integrated system.
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.
The following pages show two recommended
configurations based on the Meridian DSP8000
loudspeakers to illustrate the flexibility of Meridian
components.

4
Introduction Sample configurations
Meridian Digital Theatre™
DSP7200HC
DSP8000 DSP8000 DSP8000DSP8000
Meridian 861 Reference
Surround Controller
Meridian 800 Reference
DVD/CD Player
Up to seven Meridian DSP8000 loudspeakers can be
used in conjunction with a Meridian Surround Controller
to create a digital surround system with superb music
and cinema sound.
The Meridian DVD Player is an ideal source for use
with DSP loudspeakers. It allows you to play both audio
CDs and DVD movies, with the audio kept in digital
form until the last possible stage.

5
Introduction
Meridian Digital Music System
Meridian 808.3 CD Transport
DSP8000DSP8000
Meridian DSP loudspeakers include DSP volume and
tone controls, and can be connected directly to up to
two digital sources to create an extremely compact
high-quality music system.

6
Introduction Specifications
Connections
Meridian SpeakerLink (RJ45) input and output,
providing balanced digital audio, Meridian Comms,
and serial interface.
Digital co-axial input and output.
Meridian BNC Comms input and output.
Digital formats
44.1–96kHz. FIFO locks at 44.1, 48, 88.2, or
96kHz ±150ppm.
PCM using SPDIF/IEC60958, or MHR connection
support with auto-detection.
Output stages
Power amplifiers: Complementary bipolar design, with
output-stage error correction and twin loop design.
Bass: 3 x 150W.
Mid: 150W.
Treble: 150W.
Total: 750W.
The DSP8000 includes drive unit thermal protection.
Acoustic
3  way.
Closed bass enclosure.
Separate mid/top plywood cabinet.
Bass drive unit: 6 x 200mm (8") high-efficiency long-
throw custom drivers.
Mid drive unit: 1 x 160mm (6") custom driver.
Treble drive unit: 1 x 25mm (1") Boothroyd Stuart
piston in short horn, composite dome with silver
voice-coil.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Characteristics
Distortion typically <0.01%, or <0.02% up to full
power at all frequencies.
Noise and hum <-94dBr at all volume settings.
Acoustic output typically >115dB spl @ 1m.
Acoustic noise <15dB spl @ 1m.
Frequency response in room response within 3dB,
25Hz-35kHz.
Cabinet
Entire speaker manufactured from interlaminated
panels.
Glass front.
Finished in high-gloss piano lacquer.
400mm x 1300mm x 528mm (15.7" x 51.2" x
20.8") W x H x D excluding feet.
105kg (231lb) each.
Power
100-125; 200-250V AC 50-60Hz.
20VA standby; 920VA max.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.
Available accessories
Other applications, and some advanced features, may
require one or more of the following accessories, which
can be purchased from your Meridian dealer:
MSR+ remote.
Interconnecting leads.
AC11 SpeakerLink Hub, to allow interconnection
between newer products with SpeakerLink
connectors, and products with Meridian BNC Comms
or Meridian DIN Comms connectors.
AC12 SpeakerLink accessory, to allow
interconnection to older Meridian source or controller
products.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

7
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
Setting up the DSP8000
loudspeakers
This chapter explains how to install your DSP8000 loudspeakers. It
describes what you should find when you unpack the speakers, how
you should connect them to your other audio equipment, and the siting
constraints.

8
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers Unpacking
Before you begin installation you should ensure that
your DSP8000 loudspeakers are the correct voltage for
your local AC supply. If they are not, do not try to install
them, and contact your dealer.
You should not make any connections to the DSP8000
loudspeakers, or to any other component in your
system, while the AC power supply is connected and
switched on.
Care when unpacking
Take great care when unpacking or re-packing the
DSP8000 loudspeakers that you do not put undue
pressure on the side containing the drive units, as they
may be damaged if pressed.
Components
Each pair of DSP8000 loudspeakers is supplied with
the following components:
The DSP8000 loudspeakers.
A hex wrench (3mm) for the drive units.
A 10mm spanner for removing the headboard.
Six shouldered spikes for the head unit.
One power cord per speaker suitable for your
territory.
This user guide.
If any of these items are missing, please contact your
dealer. We suggest that you retain the packaging
carefully, as it provides maximum protection in transit.
Unpacking
To unpack the DSP8000 loudspeakers please follow
the instructions on the accompanying leaflet.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Caution
Meridian Audio has taken every care in the design,
assembly, finishing and packing of this product. The
high gloss finish on parts of the cabinet is achieved by
painting up to five coats of polyester lacquer onto the
plywood, each one hand polished.
Due to the product size and cabinet construction, small
marks on the lacquer surface may be visible when
unpacked. These small marks can usually be removed
as described in Maintenance and cleaning , page 33.
It is the nature of all lacquer finishes to shrink over
time. This is unavoidable and may result in cabinet joint
lines becoming visible.
Meridian Audio has supplied products using lacquer
finishes for many years and we are confident that
when carefully used your product will return a lifetime’s
enjoyment.
Tightening the drive units
The DSP8000 loudspeakers typically take about two
weeks of normal use for the drive units to settle. It
is therefore recommended that you leave the grilles
unfitted during this period, and tighten the mounting
bolts on each drive unit every few days. Tighten the
bolts in symmetrically opposite pairs using the 3mm hex
wrench provided.
You should then check and if necessary retighten the
drive units every few years.

9
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
To dismantle the loudspeakers
It is advisable to remove the head units when moving
the speakers. This is achieved by disconnecting the
head lead from the head unit and lifting off the head.
Take care while the head is not in position as this
exposes its mounting spikes. While not in place the
head should be stored safely but care should also be
taken of the surface they are placed upon as it may be
damaged by the cups.
When dismantling the speakers always disconnect and
switch off the power first.
Note: Do not disconnect the head lead while
the unit is connected to the AC supply and
switched on.

10
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers Positioning the DSP8000 loudspeakers
To obtain the best sound
For best results adjust the position of the loudspeakers
while listening to music.
If possible, have the most acoustically absorbent wall
in the room behind the front speakers. Ideally have
each DSP8000 loudspeaker at least 0.5m (20") from
a corner, and position them approximately 0.25m (10")
from the wall.
If you are using a DSP8000 loudspeaker as a centre
channel, place the speaker centrally between the main
left-right pair and, if possible, arrange for the treble
units of the three speakers to be approximately the
same height.

11
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
Connecting the loudspeakers
Back panel
The following diagram gives details of the back panel
connections:
MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL
INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT
Meridian
SpeakerLink
connections
Meridian BNC
Comms
connections
Digital
co-axial
connections
You can connect to the DSP loudspeakers using either
the SpeakerLink connectors, or the Meridian BNC
Comms and digital co-axial connectors.
Connecting using Meridian SpeakerLink
The Meridian SpeakerLink connectors provide both
balanced digital and Meridian Comms control in a single
SpeakerLink lead. The following table gives details of
these connections:
Use this connection To connect to this
MERIDIAN SPEAKER-
LINK INPUT
A digital source with a Meridian
SpeakerLink connector, such
as a Meridian G Series digital
surround controller, digital
preamplifier, CD player, or
DVD player.
MERIDIAN SPEAKER-
LINK OUTPUT
A second (slave) DSP
loudspeaker.
The digital connections should be made with
SpeakerLink leads. Suitable cables are available from
your Meridian dealer. Standard CAT5 computer cables
may also be used.
We do not recommend the use of cables longer than
50 metres. Only connect the cables to the output of a
Meridian product.
Connecting using the Meridian BNC
Comms and digital co-axial connectors
The following table gives details of these connections:
Use this
connection
To connect to this
MERIDIAN COMMS
INPUT
The BNC COMMS connection
on a Meridian control unit or
preamplifier.
MERIDIAN COMMS
OUTPUT
The BNC COMMS INPUT on
a second DSP loudspeaker.
DIGITAL INPUT A digital source such as a
Meridian G Series digital
surround controller, digital
preamplifier, CD player, or DVD
player.
DIGITAL OUTPUT A second (slave) DSP
loudspeaker.
The Comms connections should be made with BNC
to BNC leads. Suitable cables are available from your
Meridian dealer. Standard computer BNC to BNC
cables may also be used.
The digital connections should be made with high-
quality 75Ωscreened cable. Suitable cables are
available from Meridian. We do not recommend using
audio cables, which do not have adequate shielding
or the correct impedance, or cables intended for UHF
applications, as these do not provide adequate shielding
in the 1–30MHz region.

12
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers Connecting to other equipment
To connect to a Meridian product with SpeakerLink (home run)
Meridian 808.3 CD Player
SpeakerLink lead
SpeakerLink lead
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
Front L – Master
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
INPUT OUTPUT
Front R – Slave
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
INPUT OUTPUT
You can create a complete system by connecting a pair
of DSP8000 loudspeakers directly to a digital source.
The DSP loudspeakers include volume, balance, and
tone controls allowing you to control the system using
an MSR+.
If the Meridian source or control unit includes a
Meridian SpeakerLink output, such as the Meridian
808.3 CD Player, you can make all the connections
using SpeakerLink leads. The Meridian SpeakerLink
connection provides both two-channel digital audio and
Meridian Comms control.
This is an alternative to the “daisy chain” wiring
configuration shown in the next section.
Connect the upper SpeakerLink output from the
Meridian product to the SpeakerLink input on
the DSP8000 chosen as the master, using a
SpeakerLink lead.
Connect the lower SpeakerLink output from the
Meridian product to the SpeakerLink input on the
other (slave) DSP8000, using a second SpeakerLink
lead.
•
•
Configure the master DSP8000 as M.RJ45 and the
slave DSP8000 as S.RJ45; see To choose master or
slave and the primary connector , page 24.
•

13
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
To connect to a Meridian product using SpeakerLink (daisy chain)
Meridian 808.3 CD Player
SpeakerLink lead
SpeakerLink lead
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
Front L – Master
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
INPUT OUTPUT
Front R – Slave
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
INPUT OUTPUT
You can create a complete system by connecting a pair
of DSP8000 loudspeakers directly to a digital source.
The DSP loudspeakers include volume, balance, and
tone controls allowing you to control the system using
an MSR+.
If the Meridian source or control unit includes a
Meridian SpeakerLink output, such as the Meridian
808.3 CD Player, you can make all the connections
using SpeakerLink leads. The Meridian SpeakerLink
connection provides both two-channel digital audio and
Meridian Comms control.
This is an alternative to the “home run” wiring
configuration shown in the previous section.
Connect the upper SpeakerLink output from the
Meridian product to the SpeakerLink input on
the DSP8000 chosen as the master, using a
SpeakerLink lead.
Connect the SpeakerLink output from the master
DSP8000 to the SpeakerLink input on the other
(slave) DSP8000, using a second SpeakerLink lead.
•
•
Configure the master DSP8000 as M.RJ45 and the
slave DSP8000 as S.RJ45; see To choose master or
slave and the primary connector , page 24.
•

14
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
To connect to a Meridian product with BNC Comms
BNC COMMS
Front R – Slave Front L – Master
RJ45 lead
Digital/BNC lead
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
MERIDIAN
COMMS
DIGITAL
INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT
MERIDIAN
SPEAKERLINK
MERIDIAN
COMMS
DIGITAL
INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT
DIGITAL OUTPUT
G Series CD Player or Control Unit
If the Meridian source or control unit provides a
Meridian BNC Comms output, you will need to connect
it to the DSP loudspeakers using a Digital/BNC lead.
Connect the DIGITAL OUTPUT and the BNC
COMMS socket from the Meridian source or control
unit to the DIGITAL INPUT and COMMS INPUT on
the DSP8000 chosen as the master, using a
Digital/BNC lead.
•
Connect the MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK OUTPUT
from the master DSP8000 to the SpeakerLink input
on the other (slave) DSP8000, using a SpeakerLink
lead.
Configure the master DSP8000 as M.Coax and the
slave DSP8000 as S.RJ45; see To choose master or
slave and the primary connector , page 24.
•
•

15
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers
Auto configuration
In a system of Meridian products one of the products
acts as the controller for the system. It receives
infra-red commands from the MSR+ and then, if
appropriate, relays them to the other products in the
system via the Comms link.
The following automatic setup procedure should be
used to set up the Comms correctly between several
products:
Switch all the units to standby.
Press Clear on the MSR+ remote.
Each unit will display: Auto
One unit will then be designated as the controller.
The display shows: Controller
All the other units will be configured as non-controllers.
The displays show: Not Con.
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 To select a standard setting ,
page 24.
•
•
•

16
Setting up
the DSP8000
loudspeakers