Meridian SW1600 User manual

SW1600
SW5500
Digital/Analogue Subwoofers
www.meridian-audio.com
Optimised for both movie
soundtracks and music
Active analogue and digital
inputs for maximum
versatility
12in, high-effi ciency, long-
throw drivers
24-bit, 96kHz D/A converters
for highest possible audio
accuracy
Separate analogue and digital
power supplies for superb
power handling and low
distortion
Class G high-effi ciency,
ultra-low output impedance
amplifi ers
Ultra-rigid cabinet minimises
colouration
Meridian’s
SW1600 and SW5500
combine the fi nest materials with state-
of-the-art design to create what we
believe are the ultimate subwoofers,
emphasising extreme bass, depth,
clarity, control, and articulation.
Each subwoofer provides both digital
and active analogue inputs, allowing
them to be connected either to a
Meridian digital surround controller or
digital source with a digital coax output,
or to an analogue preamplifi er or
surround controller with either phono
or balanced (XLR) outputs.
The subwoofers’ digital inputs employ
96kHz/24bit digital to analogue
conversion and accept inputs up to
96kHz – including Meridian High
Resolution (MHR) signals
.
If you are
using the subwoofers with a digital
source such as CD or DVD, these inputs
allow signals to remain in digital form
until the last possible stage.
Separate power supplies
Separate analogue and digital
power supplies are used to feed the
subwoofer’s precision electronic circuits,
ensuring that both high and low power
sections receive continual smooth
supply.
The whole electronic assembly is
supplied from a substantial toroidal
transformer feeding high-quality,
transformer feeding high-quality,
audiophile-grade capacitors.
Optimised for both movies
and music
The subwoofers are based on 300mm
(12in) high-effi ciency long-throw custom
bass drivers. The SW1600 uses a single
driver, and the SW5500 uses two drivers
in a single enclosure. In both cases,
the enclosure is sealed for maximum
fl exibility of positioning.
The speakers are driven by Class G high
effi ciency ultra-low output impedance
amplifi ers. The combination of idealised
magnetic design, careful star earthing,
and very fast output devices gives the
amplifi ers extremely low noise and
fast bass, optimised for both music and
movie soundtracks.
Rigid cabinet design
Each subwoofer is carefully constructed
from 22mm MDF with inert basket
bracing and bitumen damping to
produce an ultra-rigid, damped cabinet
that minimises colouration.
The subwoofers are fi nished with 6mm
annealed glass top-plates, and thick
veneered MDF sides are bolted to the
main cabinet, resulting in extremely low
levels of cabinet resonance.
SW5500 subwoofer above, shown with
front grille removed, and SW1600 below.

Meridian Audio Limited
Latham Road
Beaufort Park
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE
England
T [phone]
F [phone]
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle, Suite C
Austell
Atlanta GA 30168-7849
T [phone]
F [phone]
SW1600
SW5500
Digital/Analogue Subwoofers
www.meridian-audio.com
SW1600/5500 v1.4 20050713 RE
Applications
The SW1600 and SW5500 can be
used to complement Meridian DSP
Loudspeakers in both stereo and
surround systems. In addition, the
analogue input capability makes them
ideal for analogue systems too.
A Meridian surround processor such
as the G68 can handle several DSP
loudspeakers, and
t
he SW5500 is ideal
as a mono subwoofer for a Meridian
Digital Theatre system, in particular to
give exciting cinema effects and added
realism in DVD movies.
The recommended confi guration for
music is to provide two subwoofers,
one for each of the main left and right
channels, for a superb stereo image.
The SW1600 is ideal for this application.
In a large system, multiple subwoofers
can be employed to provide even more
impressive effects.
Accessories
The SW16
00 and SW5500 are supplied
with feet
, spikes and castors
, allowing
maximum versatility of mounting and
position, including built-in or cabinet
installation. Included are the cables
required to use the subwoofers in a
Meridian system.
SW1600
Digital inputs
• 1 x S/PDIF coax input (+1 output) , 32-96kHz.
• PCM using IEC958, or MHR connection support with
auto-detection.
Analogue inputs
• 3 x phono inputs: mono, left, right.
• 3 x XLR balanced inputs: mono, left, right.
Output stage
• Power amplifier: 150W Class G high efficiency ultra
low output impedance.
Acoustic Parameters
• Sealed enclosure; no port noise.
• 1 x 300mm (12in) high-efficiency long-throw cus-
tom driver.
• Inert basket-braced bitumen-damped cabinet.
Characteristics
• Distortion <0.01%, typically <0.02% up to full
power at all frequencies.
• Noise and hum <-72dBm.
• Acoustic output typically >107dB spl @ 1m.
• Frequency response within 3dB, 20Hz-400Hz in-
room (bypass).
Control
• 2 x Meridian Comms (BNC & DIN, in and out).
• Variable gain control.
• Variable low pass filter 40Hz-150Hz.
• Internal filter defeat switch.
• Absolute phase switch.
Cabinet
• Black cabinet constructed from 22mm MDF.
• 6mm annealed plate glass top.
• 417mm x 417.5mm x 411mm (16.4in x 16.
5
in
x
10.5
in
) (W x H x D excluding feet).
• 28kg (62lb).
Power
• 100/115/120V; 220/230/240V AC 50-60Hz.
• 20-500VA
SW5500
Digital inputs
•
1 x S/PDIF coax input (+1 output) , 32-96kHz.
• PCM using IEC958, or MHR connection support with
auto-detection.
Analogue inputs
• 3 x phono inputs: mono, left, right.
• 3 x XLR balanced inputs: mono, left, right.
Output stage
• Power amplifier: 300W Class G high efficiency ultra
low output impedance.
Acoustic Parameters
• Sealed enclosure; no port noise.
• 2 x 300mm (12in) high-efficiency long-throw cus-
tom drivers.
• Inert basket-braced
bitumen
-damped cabinet.
Characteristics
• Distortion <0.01%, typically <0.02% up to full
power at all frequencies.
• Noise and hum <-72dBm.
• Acoustic output typically >110dB spl @ 1m.
• Frequency response within 3dB, 20Hz-400Hz in-
room (bypass).
Control
• 2 x Meridian Comms (BNC & DIN, in and out).
• Variable gain control.
• Variable low pass filter 40Hz-150Hz.
• Internal filter defeat switch.
• Absolute phase switch.
Cabinet
• Black cabinet constructed from 22mm MDF.
• 6mm annealed plate glass top.
• 775mm x 417.5mm x 411mm (
30.5
in
x 16.
5
in
x
1
0.5
in
) (W x H x D excluding feet).
• 50kg (110lb).
Power
• 100/115/120V; 220/230/240V AC 50-60Hz.
• 20-500VA
Meridian reserves the right to improve or
modify product specifications and design at any
time. E&OE.
Subwoofer rear panel layout.
Specifications