Meridian Audio 565 manual

Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor installation guide[...]

Preface ii Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE18 6ED England Tel␣ ␣ (01480) 52144 Fax␣ ␣ (01480) 459934 World Wide Web http://www.meridian-audio.com Part no: 565I/3 Sales and service in the USA Meridian America Inc 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Suite 122 Atlanta GA 30331 Tel␣ ␣ (404[...]

iii Preface Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the digital surround processor, and gives guidelines and suggested layouts to help you plan your surround system. Planning a syste m ................................. . 2 Planning source s .................................. . 6 Setting up the digital surround processor 7 Describes how to unpack and ins[...]

Preface iv Troubleshooting 53 Provides suggested solutions to typical problems. General operating problem s ................. . 54 Audio problem s ..................................... . 55 Video problem s ..................................... . 58 Inde x ..................................................... . 59 Setting up sources 45 Explains how [...]

Introduction 1 Intr oduction T he Meridian 565 Digital Surround Processor is unique in being the first completely digital surround-sound processor, and it defines the standard for both music and cinema performance. To achieve this we have combined the latest techniques in high-precision analogue electronics and digital signal processing with a care[...]

2 Introduction Planning a system Before unpacking and setting up your digital surround processor it is worth spending a little time planning how to set up the speakers, and the other components of your hi-fi system, so that they will give the best results when used in conjunction with the 565. The digital surround processor can be configured to wor[...]

Introduction 3 Four-channel surround system (Layout M, 2 Surrounds) If you are primarily interested in home cinema you may prefer to extend an existing stereo system by adding a pair of rear surround speakers, for cinema effects and ambient sounds. For cinema the surround speakers do not take a huge strain, so small units can be used such as in-wal[...]

4 Introduction THX system (Layout A) If your primary interest is cinema, you can use a mono subwoofer to enhance the bass performance for both cinema and music presets. This is the configuration recommended by Dolby and THX for use with Pro Logic, and is a good choice if you want to enhance the bass from the main left and right speakers, or your ro[...]

Introduction 5 Surround system with full-range speakers (Layout L) A system designed for very serious music listening should use five or seven full-range speakers, with good bass performance, to recreate the original low frequency ambience and give the correct energy balance at low frequencies. A recommended configuration, for the ultimate in music[...]

6 Introduction The 565 provides three audio inputs: analogue, digital-cable, and digital-optical. These inputs will allow you to set up a surround system with the following sources, without the need for an additional preamplifier: ❍ CD or DVD connected to the digital-cable input. ❍ TV connected to the analogue input. ❍ LaserDisc, connected to[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 7 Setting up the digital surr ound pr ocessor T his chapter explains how to install the digital surround processor. It describes what you should find when you unpack the processor, how you should connect it to your other audio equipment and speakers, and the siting constraints. Before you begin installation[...]

8 Setting up the digital surround processor Unpacking ❍ Near strong magnetic radiation, such as a near a power amplifier. ❍ Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be subject to or cause interference. To avoid overheating ensure that air can flow through the cooling slots on the base and rear panel. Radio interference FCC Warning :[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 9 Rear panel Connecting the digital surr ound processor Use this connection To connect to this C-VIDEO IN The composite video output from a video recorder or LaserDisc player, 562V, or 501V. C-VIDEO OUT The composite video input of a television or monitor. Video connections The table opposite gives details [...]

10 Setting up the digital surround processor Audio inputs The following table gives details of the three audio inputs: Use this input To connect to this ANALOGUE INPUT An analogue source such as a TV, L and R video recorder, radio tuner, or analogue preamplifier. DIGITAL IN A digital source, such as the 562 or 562V Digital Control Unit, or a CD pla[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 11 You specify whether you are using the digital or analogue output for each channel in the Speaker Set configuration option; see Setting up the speaker outputs , page 28. Note that you should always leave the unused analogue or digital output for each channel unconnected. The analogue connections should be[...]

12 Setting up the digital surround processor On-screen display Video lead 565 Digital Surround Pr ocessor VIDEO OUT C-VIDEO IN LaserDisc MONITOR IN T elevision OUT If your surround system includes a television the 565 can add a text overlay to the video signal, to provide additional information about its operation in the form of a textual on-screen[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 13 Connecting speakers To connect to Meridian DSP Loudspeakers (eg DSP5000) DSP5000C Centre (master) DIGIT AL OUTPUTS COMMS S-LEADS COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 21 COMMS OUTPUT INPUT DIGIT AL OUTPUT DIGIT AL INPUTS 1 2 S5 lead S5 le[...]

14 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect to a 556 or 557 Stereo Power Amplifier or other power amplifier MAIN-R 565 Digital Surround Pr ocessor MAIN-L 556 Stereo Power Amplifier Audio lead INPUT INPUT ● Connect the appropriate outputs from the digital surround processor to the power amplifier line inputs, using screened audio cable[...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 15 To use the digital surround processor as a preamplifier You can connect one analogue, one digital, and one optical source to the 565 without needing a separate preamplifier. 508•24 24-Bit CD Player Digital lead ANALOGUE INPUT 504 FM T uner OUTPUT 565 Digital Surround Pr ocessor LaserDisc player DIGIT A[...]

16 Setting up the digital surround processor To connect to a 562 or 562V Digital Control Unit 562 Digital Control Unit Digital lead 565 Digital Surround Pr ocessor DIGIT AL IN DIGIT AL OUT MAIN Up to 8 analogue, 5 digital, and 2 optical sources. ● Connect the main digital output of the 562 or 562V to the 565 DIGITAL IN, using high-quality 75 Ω [...]

Setting up the digital surround processor 17 To use the digital surround processor with a 551 Integrated Amplifier The 551 Integrated Amplifier provides an ideal companion to the digital surround processor because its preamplifier section can be used to supply up to five analogue sources, with the power amplifier section used to drive one pair of s[...]

18 Setting up the digital surround processor Connecting to other Meridian equipment To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment ● Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the digital surround processor to one of the COMMS sockets on another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the 565 Digital Surround Process[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 19 Configuring the digital surr ound pr ocessor T his chapter explains how to configure the digital surround processor to suit the speaker arrangement you want to use, and the other equipment in your system. The first stage in configuring the digital surround processor is to choose one of the standard Type[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 20 Choosing standar d settings The digital surround processor provides 12 alternative standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 565 into the six most commonly needed configurations. Choosing one of the 12 standard settings overrides any other configuration you may have performed, [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 21 565 standard settings The following table shows the options configured by Types 0 to 5 on the digital surround processor: A second set of six types, referred to as Type 0 562 to Type 5 562, are identical to Type 0 to 5 but configure all the sources to␣ use the 565 digital input. These are intended for[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 22 When you reset the digital surround processor to one of the standard settings an appropriate speaker layout is selected based on the Type number you have chosen, as shown on the previous page. In most cases you will then need to set the speaker layout explicitly, according to the particular arrangement [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 23 If you have a subwoofer you can use it to augment the bass from the centre channel (Layouts B or H). If the subwoofer is not very high quality we recommend using it only for the cinema presets, and not for music (Layouts AB or AG). With Dolby Digital sources an additional option is to use the subwoofer [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 24 Main Centre Subwoofers Sides Rear Layout None None Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) M None Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) G Centre (4) Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) B Large (1, 2) Small (3) Centre (4) cinema presets only Optional (5, 6) Optional (7, 8) AB Mono (4) cinema presets only Optional (5, 6) O[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 25 To set the speaker layout ● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel. ● Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 565. ● Switch on the power again while holding down the Display key on the front panel. The display will show: Config ● Press > or < until y[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 26 To specify the number of surround speakers ● Press > or < until you see a display such as: 2 Surrounds ● Press A or V to step between the following options: Option What it means No Surrounds No rear speakers. One centre rear speaker (should be 1 Surround connected to REAR-R). L and R surround [...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 27 To select a 5.1 LFE subwoofer If you have the 7.1 version of the 565 you can add an LFE subwoofer to layouts that do not normally have one (such as G, L, or M), or choose an LFE subwoofer instead of a mono subwoofer in layouts that have a subwoofer (such as A). ● Press > or < until you see a dis[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 28 The next stage in configuring the 565 is to specify information about each of the speakers in your layout, and adjust their delays to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident when they arrive at the listening position. To time-align the system Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 29 To set up a speaker output ● Switch off the 565, using the power switch on the back panel. ● Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 565. ● Switch on the power again while holding down the Source key on the front panel. The display will show: Speaker Set and then after a short de[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 30 ● Use A and V to choose between the following options: Choose this For this type of speaker Meridian A Meridian DSP Loudspeaker such as the DSP5000, DSP5000C, DSP6000, or DSP6000C connected to the appropriate digital output. Digital A digital signal for feeding a DAC directly from the appropriate digi[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 31 To set up speaker protection for 5.1 sources Because of the high bass levels that 5.1 channel sources are capable of reproducing, the digital surround processor allows you to set up automatic protection of each full-range speaker or subwoofer in your system. ● Press > or < until you see a displa[...]

Configuring the digital surround processor 32 To specify the type of subwoofer ● Press > or < until you see a display such as: 4 Narrow ● Press A or V to specify the subwoofer filtering. The options are shown in the following table: Option Description Narrow The digital surround processor provides an 80Hz cutoff; the subwoofer’s crossov[...]

Calibrating the system 33 Calibrating the system T o help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment the digital surround processor includes a built-in calibration procedure. This calibration procedure uses test signals to present a series of sounds, which you use to adjus[...]

Calibrating the system 34 We recommend that you perform the calibration procedure using the Meridian System Remote and from the listening position. As you run the calibration procedure the name of each calibration test is shown on the front panel display, followed by the parameters adjusted in the test. The on-screen display also provides additiona[...]

Calibrating the system 35 To start the calibration procedure ● Put the 565 into standby by pressing the Off key. ● Press and hold the front panel Off key for at least five seconds. The display shows: Calibration After a few seconds the display shows: Levels followed by: Left +0dB Levels is the name of the first calibration test. For more detail[...]

Calibrating the system 36 Levels This test allows you to adjust the output level to each speaker individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby and Lucasfilm. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at this stage; ask your dealer for more information. After a short delay the display shows: Left +0dB ● Use the ] and [ keys[...]

Calibrating the system 37 Main This test allows you to set the relative phase and the relative delay between the left and right main speakers. The Low test signal is now presented equally and in phase on just the left and right main speakers; see Test signals , page 44, for details of the signals. ● Use > and < to switch between phase and d[...]

Calibrating the system 38 Centre Phase As in the previous test, signals are applied to the main left, right, and centre speakers to allow you to adjust the relative phase and delay on the centre channel. ● Use > and < to switch between phase and delay. When setting phase the display shows the absolute phase of the centre speaker. For exampl[...]

Calibrating the system 39 As you increase the delay the centre speaker will appear to move away from you. In practice we usually find that the ideal delay setting is +0.5 more than the value used to time-align the system. For example, if the original value was +1.0' adjust it to: Centre +1.5' This is equivalent to moving the centre speake[...]

Calibrating the system 40 Surround This test presents the Low test signal through the left and right rear surround speakers to allow you to adjust the relative phase and delay between them. ● Use > and < to switch between phase and delay. When setting phase the display shows the absolute phase of the left surround speaker. For example: Surr[...]

Calibrating the system 41 Sides If your layout includes side surround speakers an additional Sides option allows you to adjust the relative phase and delay. Side L presents the signal to the front left, rear left, and side left speakers and you adjust the phase of the side left speaker for reinforcement, as with Centre Phase. Side R repeats the tes[...]

Calibrating the system 42 Choose the position in which the subwoofer reinforces the sound from the main speakers in the crossover region. You should not adjust the delay as this has already been specified when you time-aligned the layout. Other subwoofers ● Press Store to adjust any additional subwoofers in the system in exactly the same way. In [...]

Calibrating the system 43 ADC Check This test provides metering to help you set the level of the analogue inputs. The analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) fitted for the analogue input to the 565 has a sensitivity of 2V rms for full scale. With this setting, the analogue input can be connected to the output of a LaserDisc or CD player and will not r[...]

Calibrating the system 44 In Calibration you can make adjustments using a number of different signals, shown in the table below. Normally the 565 selects the most appropriate signal for the test. Signal Description High Continuous ‘pink’ noise, band-limited 500Hz–2kHz. Low Continuous ‘pink’ noise, band-limited 20Hz–80Hz. Digital In Any [...]

Setting up sources 45 Setting up sour ces T his chapter explains how to set up the sources connected to the digital surround processor, and configure them to suit your other equipment. When you set up the digital surround processor to one of the standard settings, 12 sources are automatically set up for you. If you wish, you can configure each sour[...]

Setting up sources 46 When the digital surround processor is set to one of the standard settings the sources are set up with the labels, inputs, and presets shown in the table below. Source Types Types 2-channel Digital DTS MPEG 0 – 5 0 562 – 5 562 preset preset preset preset CD Digital Digital Trifield Digital Mu DTS Mu MPEG Mu Radio Analogue [...]

Setting up sources 47 If the configuration you want is not catered for by one of the standard settings, you can configure each source individually. For each source you can configure: ❍ The label used for it on the front panel display, from 54 alternative labels. ❍ The audio input it selects. ❍ The DSP preset to be used. ❍ The comms type and[...]

Setting up sources 48 The options are summarised in the following table: Option Initial value Alternative values Explanation Label CD, RD, LP, etc. See To change a source label , page 50. CD CD Audio input Digit.In, Opt.In, Anlg.In, Choose the appropriate option for the digital, optical, or CD Digit.In or Last Valid. analogue inputs, or Last Valid [...]

Setting up sources 49 Option Initial value Alternative values Explanation MPEG preset MPEG, MPEG THX, Choose the DSP preset you want to use for MPEG audio CD MPEG MPEG Mu, or user preset. streams. MLP preset MLP or user preset. Choose the DSP preset you want to use for MLP CD MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) audio streams. DTS delay Y or N. Allows y[...]

Setting up sources 50 The following examples illustrate how you can configure the source options to your own requirements. To change a source label ● Display the source you want to configure, together with its current label, as described in To configure a source , page 47. For example, to configure the Radio source label choose: RD RD ● Press A[...]

Setting up sources 51 To set up a system with two Meridian CD players ● Configure the source you are going to use for the first CD player. For example: Source CD, Label C1, Audio input Digit.In, Comms type 1C, Address 1A. ● Configure the source you are going to use for the second CD player, with a different address. For example: Source CDR, Lab[...]

Setting up sources 52[...]

Troubleshooting 53 T r oubleshooting T his chapter provides suggested solutions to typical problems that may occur when setting up the digital surround processor. If you are still not able to resolve a difficulty with the help of this guide and the suggestions in the following pages, please contact your Meridian dealer or Meridian Audio Ltd.[...]

54 Troubleshooting Standby point not lit Check the following: ❍ There is AC power connected to the socket on the rear of the 565. ❍ The power switch on the rear panel of the 565 is turned on. If the 565 will still not illuminate, check any fuses in your power supply and the fuse in the inlet of the 565. If these are all intact, contact your dea[...]

Troubleshooting 55 Hum on analogue input There is no reason for the 565 to produce hum on the analogue input. ❍ Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn. ❍ If the hum originates from a ground loop an antenna or cable supply may be the cause, in which case an antenna-lead isolator should be fitted. ❍ If the 565 seems to be th[...]

56 Troubleshooting Audible hiss at high volume settings The input dynamic range of any recordings you have are at maximum 16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc use a 16-bit standard although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range. For comparison, analogue sources[...]

Troubleshooting 57 Sound not clear ❍ If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker, check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is playing a subwoofer signal. ❍ If speech sounds muffled in a[...]

58 Troubleshooting TV does not work using the 565 ❍ Check all video connections; the input is the lower connector of the pair. ❍ Temporarily remove the 565 from the video circuit. The fault will probably be elsewhere or in a cable. Poor picture quality Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following: ❍ Are you using suitable [...]

59 Index Index A Ambisonic 4 Analogue input 10 setting sensitivity 43 Analogue preamplifier 6 Analogue speakers, connecting 10 Aspect ratio, specifying 25 Audio inputs 10 Audio outputs 10 Automatic setup 18 C Calibration procedure 33 exiting 35 starting 35 Calibration tests 36 ADC Check 43 Centre Phase 38 Front-Rear 39 Levels 36 Main 37 Sides 41 Su[...]

Index 60 D Digital connections, cables 11 DIGITAL IN 10 DSP Loudspeakers. See Meridian DSP Loudspeakers DSP preset, using source keys to change 50 F 501/501V Control Unit 6 connecting to 16 519 Demodulator 6 connecting to 15 551 Integrated Amplifier, connecting to 17 555 Stereo Power Amplifier, connecting to 14 562/562V Digital Control Unit 6 conne[...]

61 Index O On-screen display (OSD) during calibration 34 troubleshooting 58 Optical connections 11 OPTICAL IN 10 P Planning a system 2 Planning sources 6 Poor picture quality 58 Poor sound quality 55 Positioning 8 Product address 27 R Radio interference 8, 55 Rear panel 9 RS232 connection 11 S Setting up sources 45 Setting up the Digital Surround P[...]

Index 62 Types 20 standard 46 with 562 21, 46 U Unpacking 8 V Video connections 9 Volume mode 27[...]