Meridian 504 User manual

Meridian 504 Stereo FM Tuner
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: 504/2
This guide was produced by
Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
Cambridge, England.

iii
Preface
Contents
Introduction 1
Introduces the 504 Stereo FM Tuner, 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
Setting up the FM
tuner 17
Describes how to unpack and install the
FM tuner, and explains what you should
do if your FM tuner requires servicing or
cleaning.
Unpacking.............................................. 18
Connecting the FM tuner ....................... 19
Troubleshooting ..................................... 23
Maintenance .......................................... 25
Service and guarantee ........................... 26
Index ...................................................... 27
Using the FM tuner 7
Provides step-by-step instructions on how
to operate the FM tuner, using either the
front panel or the Meridian System
Remote.
Front panel............................................. 8
Selecting a station ................................. 9
Tuning manually ..................................... 10
Selecting stereo or mono....................... 11
Defining preset stations ......................... 12
Choosing the display ............................. 14
Setting up the FM tuner ......................... 15

Preface
iv

Introduction
In choosing the 504 Stereo FM Tuner you have acquired a component that
combines major advances in audio and user interface design. The 504
Stereo FM Tuner uses dual-gate MOSFET RF amplifiers for high sensitivity,
together with a Walsh function stereo decoder for low distortion and extra
HF bandwidth. The eight-character display can be programmed to show
station names for ease of access, and all functions can be remotely
controlled from the Meridian System Remote.
This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results
from the unit, whether your requirements are simply to listen to music, or
to configure the unit to your preferences.
If you have just purchased the 504 Stereo FM Tuner, you should first turn
to the section Setting up the FM tuner, page 17, which explains how to
unpack and install the FM tuner 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
Sample configurations
500 Compact Disc Transport
504
500
562
DSP5000DSP5000
A500
504
506 501
555
A500
506 20-Bit CD Player
The 506 20-Bit CD Player is an integrated CD transport and
converter, providing both digital and analogue outputs.
The 506 20-Bit CD Player is ideally suited for use with the
Meridian 555 Stereo Power Amplifier and A500 Loudspeakers,
with control over the volume and source selection provided by
the 501 Control Unit. The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is an ideal
addition to the system if radio reception is required.
The 500 Compact Disc Transport provides a precision digital
output, and can drive DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers directly.
A 562 Digital Controller can be added to cater for conventional
analogue sources, such as the 504 Stereo FM Tuner, and
provide source selection between up to 12 different analogue or
digital sources.

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
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
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.

6
Introduction
Specification and accessories
Specification
Sensitivity 1.5µV mono, 23µV stereo, 100µV ult.
Distortion <0.2% mono, <0.4% stereo.
Noise -70dB.
Display Eight character alphanumeric dot
matrix display for station name,
frequency, and preset.
Stereo indicator.
Finish Black textured enamel and glass.
Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm
(3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").
Weight 6.4kg (14lbs).
Input 87.0 – 108MHz.
FM 75Ωunbalanced.
Outputs Analogue: 2V.
Communications Two 5 pin 240°DIN sockets.
Consumption 20VA.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product
specifications at any time.
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 504 Stereo FM Tuner, 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 504 Stereo FM
Tuner to other equipment.

Using the FM tuner
This chapter provides a visual summary of the functions of the FM tuner
in order to identify and help explain each of the controls which you will use
to operate the unit.
It also describes all aspects of using the FM tuner, beginning with
essential instructions such as switching on and selecting a station, to the
more advanced setup options.
Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel
or the remote.

Using the FM tuner
8
Front panel
1V(Down)
Scans or steps down in
frequency.
2A(Up)
Scans or steps up in
frequency.
3 Mono
Selects mono/stereo.
4 Store
Stores a preset frequency.
5 Display
Selects the information
displayed.
6[(Previous)
Selects the previous
station.
7](Next)
Selects the next station.
8 Off
Switches to standby.
VA Display [Mono Store ]Off
Radio 3
BOOTHROYD STUART
504
Stereo FM Tuner
12345678
Display

Using the FM tuner
9
Selecting a station
During normal use the FM tuner should be left in the standby
state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures
that the components of the FM tuner operate at maximum
efficiency from the moment you start listening to a station.
If you are not going to use the FM tuner 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 [(Previous) or ](Next).
●Switch on any other equipment connected to the FM tuner
which is not part of the Meridian 500 Series.
To select a preset station
●Press [(Previous) or ](Next) until the display shows the
station you want to listen to, or type the number of the preset
(remote only).
For example, for Radio 3
the display will show: Radio 3
●Keeping either key held down will step through the preset
stations in turn.
Note that before using the FM tuner for the first time you may
need to set the preset frequencies for your area; see To
programme a preset, page 13.
To switch to standby
●Press Off.
The display will show:
.
If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment connected to
the FM tuner, these units will also switch to standby.

Using the FM tuner
10
Tuning manually
You use manual tuning to programme the preset stations, or to
select stations that you have not assigned to one of the presets.
The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is initially set up to use seek tuning. In
this mode it automatically searches for stations, and stops when
it finds one.
You can also select step tuning. In this mode you can step
through the frequencies in steps of 0.05MHz. To set step tuning
see To set up the FM tuner options, page 15.
You can adjust the criterion for adequate signal strength using
the Setup Stop Strength option; see To set up the FM tuner
options, page 15.
To search for a station
●Press A(Up) to seek upwards in frequency, or V(Down) to
seek downwards in frequency.
The FM tuner will switch to the frequency display, and then
search in the direction you have specified until a station is found.
The display will show the
station frequency. 93.O

Using the FM tuner
11
Selecting stereo or mono
The 504 Stereo FM Tuner will automatically decode a stereo
transmission when one is received, and the front panel Stereo
indicator will appear.
You may wish to turn off the stereo decoder on a marginal
transmission, to reduce the background hiss or birdies.
The Mono setting can be stored with the station frequency in
presets; see Defining preset stations, page 12.
To switch to mono
●Press Mono.
The display will show the
current setting: Stereo
●Press Mono again.
The display will show: Mono
The Stereo indicator will not be displayed.
To switch to stereo
●Press Mono twice.
The display will show: Stereo
The Stereo indicator will be displayed if the transmission is
stereo.

Using the FM tuner
12
Defining preset stations
The FM tuner allows you to define up to 30 preset stations, so
that you can select them immediately from the front panel or
remote.
For convenience you can assign a label to the presets to make
them easy to identify. The 504 Stereo FM Tuner is supplied with
the following labels already set up:
You can also choose which preset station is selected when you
switch on the FM tuner; see To choose the station at switch-on
opposite.
Preset Label
1Radio 1
2Radio 2
3Radio 3
4Radio 4
Preset Label
5Radio 5
6Radio 6
7Classic
8Local 1
Preset Label
9Local 2
10 ILR 1
11 ILR 2
12 ILR 3

Using the FM tuner
13
To programme a preset
●Press [(Previous) or ](Next) until the preset you want to
programme is displayed, or type the preset number (remote
only).
●Tune the station by pressing A(Up) or V(Down); see Tuning
manually, page 10.
●If the station is marginal, and you want it to be preset to
Mono, press Mono.
●Press Store.
The display will show: Stored
The preset is now programmed to the station you tuned.
To choose the station at switch-on
●Select the preset you want to choose.
●Press Store.
The display will show: Stored
This station will now be selected when the tuner is turned on.

Using the FM tuner
14
Choosing the display
To change the display
●Press Display.
Each time you press the key, the display will step between the
following display options:
Display Example
Preset label. This is the usual
display. Radio 3
Blank.
Preset number and tuning
meter. 3 ≤8≥
Preset number and frequency. This
is the usual display when tuning. 3 92.3
To use the tuning meter
●Press Display until the tuning meter is displayed.
This shows the preset number, the signal strength from 1 to 8,
and the tuning position.
The following table shows what the different displays mean:
Display What it means
Below station; press A(Up) to
≤≤5 tune.
≤8≥ Strong station perfectly in tune.
Above station; press V(Down) to
5≥≥ tune.
≤≤1 No station.
●After tuning, revert to a normal preset or frequency display as
the tuning meter slightly degrades the output quality.

Using the FM tuner
15
Setting up the FM tuner
For many users the only change they will want to make to the
standard operation of the 504 Stereo FM Tuner is to define the
preset stations.
However, the 504 Stereo FM Tuner contains several
customisable features that you can programme to suit your
requirements.
To set up the FM tuner options
●Turn off the FM tuner, using the power switch on the back
panel.
●Turn on the power again while holding down the Mono key on
the front panel.
The display will show: Setup
It will then show the first setup option: Max? 3O
●Press Mono to move between the options.
●Press A(Up) or V(Down) to change the value of the current
option.
The following table shows the options you can set up.
Option Initial value
Maximum number of
presets (1 to 30). Max? 3O
Tuning method
(Seektune or Steptune). Seektune
Stop strength (1 to 8). Stop= 4
Tuning meter (Y or N). Meter? Y
For more information about the tuning method and stop strength
see Tuning manually, page 10.
For more information about the tuning meter see To use the
tuning meter, opposite.

Using the FM tuner
16
To set up the preset labels
●Turn off the FM tuner, using the power switch on the back
panel.
●Turn on the power again while holding down the Store key on
the front panel.
The display will show: Labels
It will then show the first preset
number… 1
…followed by the corresponding
preset label: •adio 1
To alter a preset label
●Press ](Next) or [(Previous) to select the number of the
preset you want to alter.
After a short delay the existing
label is shown: •adio 3
If there was previously no label the display will be blank.
A flashing block cursor shows which character you can change.
●Press A(Up) or V(Down) to change the character.
The character cycles through the symbols: 0 – 9, a – z, A – Z, .,
and space.
●Press Store to move on to the next character.
●When you have specified all eight characters press Store to
store the label.
The display will show: Stored
●When you have finished defining labels, switch the power off
and on again to restore the FM tuner to normal operation.