Meridian America 541 manual

Meridian 541 Surround Controller user guide[...]

Preface ii Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Huntingdon PE18 6ED England Tel (01480) 52144 Fax (01480) 459934 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 (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346 7111 Design[...]

iii Preface Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the 541 Surround Controller, and describes the alternative surround sound configurations that it supports. The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2 Sample configurations ........................... 3 The surround sound options .................. 6 Specification and accessories ...............[...]

Preface iv Setting up the surround controller 27 Describes how to unpack and install the surround controller, and gives details of the video and loudspeaker connections. Unpacking .............................................. 28 Connecting the surround controller ....... 29 Connecting video ................................... 32 Connecting loudspe[...]

v Preface Setting up sources 45 Explains how to connect sources to the surround controller, and set them up to your preferred configuration. Connecting sources ............................... 46 Setting up a two-room system .............. 48 Setting up sources ................................. 49 Examples of configuring the sources .... 52 Troubles[...]

Preface vi[...]

Intr oduction T he Meridian 541 Surround Controller is unique in providing high quality surround-sound processing in an audio-visual remote-control preamplifier. The surround processing provides a range of modes both for home cinema and music, making the 541 ideal as the heart of a general-purpose hi-fi system. The 541 also has all the features of [...]

2 Introduction The Meridian 541 Surround Controller is part of the Meridian 500 series of advanced 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 [...]

Introduction 3 Sample configurations Three-channel surround system – Type 3 The ideal starting point for a surround sound system is to add a centre loudspeaker to the left and right loudspeakers of a conventional stereo system. The 541 Surround Controller takes advantage of the additional loudspeaker to reinforce the central image, and allow the [...]

4 Introduction Cinema surround systems – Type 1 or 2 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 for use with Pro Logic, and is a good choice if your main left and right loudspeakers have a poor bass response, or [...]

Introduction 5 Second room system – Type 7 The 541 Surround Controller has all the features necessary to set up a two (or three) room hi-fi system. From either room you can watch and listen to any source playing in the main room, in addition to any local sources in that room. The Meridian communications system lets you control the system from eit[...]

6 Introduction The 541 Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of audio and video control options, and even if you have no immediate plans for surround sound it is an ideal choice as a conventional two-channel preamplifier. However, the 541 Surround Controller really comes into its own as the heart of a full surround system. It accepts a[...]

Introduction 7 Cinema presets The surround controller provides three alternative presets designed for decoding TV, film, video, and LaserDisc sound tracks. The cinema presets are designed to bring videos, LaserDiscs, and TV broadcasts alive with fully-involving sound and special effects. They include Dolby Pro Logic, and a custom Meridian Cinema mo[...]

8 Introduction Music presets The 541 Surround Controller provides two alternative presets designed to enhance traditional stereo recordings and broadcasts. The music presets, Music and Trifield , are designed to give new life to conventional stereo recordings and broadcasts. They integrate a centre channel, and add ambience, to take advantage of th[...]

Introduction 9 Specification Video connections 3 composite video inputs. 1 composite video out to monitor. 1 composite video tape loop for VCR or second room. 1 trigger control output (12V) for switching amplifiers, screens, etc. 3 SCART (Peritel) sockets for VCR, LD, and TV, with function select. On-screen display (OSD) for volume, source, menu ad[...]

10 Introduction Available accessories The following accessories are available from your dealer: ❍ Phono modules: 515 (MC) and 516 (MM). Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specifications at any time.[...]

Using the surround contr oller T his chapter provides a visual summary of the functions of the 541 Surround Controller in order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the unit. It also describes how to use the Meridian System Remote in conjunction with the surround controller.[...]

Using the surround controller 12 Fr ont panel 1 Source Selects the source. 2 Copy Copies a selected source to the tape output. 3 Preset Changes the preset. 4 Mute Mutes the sound. 5 Display Changes the information displayed on the front panel. 6 V (Decrease) Decreases the volume. 7 A (Increase) Increases the volume. 8 Off Switches to standby. Copy [...]

Using the surround controller 13 1 2 48 5 7 9 3 6 Meridian System Remote 1 Source selection keys Selects the source. 2 Source control keys Control the source functions. 3 Off Switches to Standby. 4 Function shift Used to access additional functions. 5 Numeric keys For entering track numbers and radio presets. 6 Store, Clear For defining custom pres[...]

Using the surround controller 14 Selecting a sour ce The display shows the source, and volume setting; for example: CD 65 Then after a short delay the display shows the preset associated with that source. For example: Music 65 By default the following 6 sources are available: CD, Radio, TV, Tape1 (or LP), VCR1, and LDisc. The input and preset assoc[...]

Using the surround controller 15 The 541 Surround Controller adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1 dB, where 9 dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99 dB. When you first connect power to the surround controller the volume is set to[...]

Using the surround controller 16 Changing the preset Each source has a preset associated with it, and when you select a source its default preset will automatically be selected. Once you have selected a source you can change the preset; so, for example, if the default preset associated with the CD source is Music , you may wish to select the Trifie[...]

Using the surround controller 17 Changing the display The 541 Surround Controller displays information about the cu rrent settings on the 12-character front panel display. In addition, It can display the same information superimposed on a video image. For more information about setting up the on-screen display refer to Setting up the surround contr[...]

Using the surround controller 18 Recording a sour ce The 541 Surround Controller allows you to copy any of the standard sources to the tape and VCR outputs, independently of the source you are listening to. If you are using the 541 Surround Controller in a two-room system, you copy a source to the tape output to make it available to the second room[...]

Defining your own pr esets I n addition to being able to change the source, volume, and preset, the 541 Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each preset, to allow you to change the characteristics of the sound to the settings you want. This chapter explains how to adjust these advanced parameters, and [...]

Defining your own presets 20 To simplify the normal operation of the surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so the advanced parameters cannot be accessed. To lock the menus ● Press Off to put the surround controller in standby. The display shows: . ● Press and hold down Mute for several [...]

Defining your own presets 21 Changing the listening position A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two loudspeakers. The 541 Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which correspond to changing the effective listening position relative to the loudspeakers. Two[...]

Defining your own presets 22 Changing the preset parameters Each preset provides a series of parameters which you can vary to customise the behaviour of the preset to your specific requirements. For example, most presets provide a Delay parameter, to allow you to specify the delay applied to the rear surround speakers in order to change the spaciou[...]

Defining your own presets 23 To change a preset parameter ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus , page 20. ● Press > or < until the display shows the name of the parameter you want to change. For example: Delay 25.0 ● Press A or V to change the value of the parameter. As you change the value you will be able to hea[...]

Defining your own presets 24 Defining your own pr esets The 541 Surround Controller allows you to modify one of the built-in presets, and save it for future use. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets. To sa[...]

Defining your own presets 25 For example, you could change the name to: Sto.Stadium ● When you have entered the name you want to use press Store . The display shows: Stored To clear a user-defined preset ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus , page 20. ● Press Preset (front panel), or A and V (remote) to select the prese[...]

Defining your own presets 26[...]

Setting up the surr ound contr oller T his chapter explains how to install the 541 Surround Controller. It describes what you should find when you unpack the surround controller, how you should connect it to your other audio and video equipment and loudspeakers, and the siting constraints. Before you begin installation you should ensure that your s[...]

Setting up the surround controller 28 Unpacking 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 li[...]

Setting up the surround controller 29 Rear panel Connecting the surround contr oller Audio connections The following table gives details of the six audio inputs: Use this input To connect to this A1 A turntable pickup with optional MM/ MC module, or Tape1 input. A2 to A6 Other audio sources. The following table gives details of the audio outputs: U[...]

Setting up the surround controller 30 Video connections The following table gives details of the composite video inputs: Use this input To connect to this LD/V1, TV/V2, Composite video signals. VCR1/V3 The following table gives details of the composite video outputs: Use this output To connect to this TV Video input for a TV or monitor. VCR Composi[...]

Setting up the surround controller 31 SCART connectors In addition, the 541 provides European standard SCART (or Peritel) connectors, which duplicate the signals on the composite video connectors and some of the audio connectors. The connections are shown in the following table: Pin Signal LD TV VCR1 Pin Signal LD TV VCR1 1 Audio Out R Tape Out R 1[...]

Setting up the surround controller 32 To connect a TV MONITOR IN Video leads TUNER OUT 541 Surround Contr oller Audio lead AUDIO OUT TV OUT TV IN A5 T elevision ● Connect the TV C-VIDEO OUT or the TV SCART connector to the television SCART input or composite video input using a suitable video cable. If your television provides RGB inputs, and you[...]

Setting up the surround controller 33 To connect a VCR using SCART SCART -SCART lead 541 Surround Contr oller SCART VCR1 Video r ecorder If your VCR has a SCART connector you can make all the above connections using a single SCART-SCART lead in which case you should leave all the corresponding composite video and audio connectors unused. To connect[...]

Setting up the surround controller 34 Connect to loudspeakers as follows: Use this output To connect to this Main-L, Main-R Main left and right loudspeakers. Centre Centre speaker. Sub Subwoofers. Surr-L, Surr-R Left and right surround speakers. To connect to a 555 Power Amplifier MAIN-R 541 Surround Contr oller MAIN-L 555 Stereo Power Amplifier Au[...]

Configuring the surr ound controller T his chapter explains how to configure the 541 Surround Controller to suit the loudspeaker arrangement you want to use, and the other equipment in your system. The first stage in configuring the surround controller is to choose one of the standard settings, and these are designed to set all of the parameters to[...]

Configuring the surround controller 36 The 541 Surround Controller provides seven alternative standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the surround controller into the most commonly needed configurations. Choosing one of the standard settings overrides any other configuration you may have performed, and so can be used to rese[...]

Configuring the surround controller 37 To select a standard setting Warning! Selecting Type will reset the 541 Surround Controller to one of a standard set of configurations. If you want to make changes to the configuration of an existing system use Config; see Specifying information about your system on the next page. With Config you can alter any[...]

Configuring the surround controller 38 If none of the standard settings exactly matches your requirements choose the one that is closest, and then use the 541 Surround Controller’s configuration menus, called Config, to make the necessary changes to the appropriate parameters. The procedures for doing this are described in the following sections [...]

Configuring the surround controller 39 To specify the type of subwoofer ● Press > or < until you see a display such as: Sub Wide ● Press A or V to step between the alternative options, as shown in the following table: Option Description Narrow The surround controller provides a 120Hz cut off; the subwoofer crossover should be bypassed. Wi[...]

Configuring the surround controller 40 To specify the speakers to use for music presets If your centre speaker and/or subwoofer are of lower quality than your main left and right loudspeakers, you may prefer to use them for only for home cinema, but not for music. ● Press > or < until you see a display such as: Music Cen? Y ● Press A or V[...]

Calibrating the loudspeakers T he 541 Surround Controller includes a built-in calibration procedure to help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment. This calibration procedure uses a test signal so you can adjust each loudspeaker to the same level. You should work throu[...]

Calibrating the loudspeakers 42 Using the calibration pr ocedure As you run the calibration procedure the name of each loudspeaker is shown on the front panel display. The on-screen display also provides additional text explaining what to do, and sample displays are reproduced in the following sections for reference. For information about setting u[...]

Calibrating the loudspeakers 43 To calibrate a loudspeaker ● Press Source (front panel), or > or < (remote) to select the loudspeaker you want to calibrate. The display shows the loudspeaker you are adjusting: Left +0.0 The on-screen display shows: ● Use A and V to adjust the level of the speaker. If you are using a Sound Pressure Level m[...]

Calibrating the loudspeakers 44[...]

Setting up sources T his chapter explains how to connect up sources to the 541 Surround Controller, and set them up to your preferred configuration. When you set up the surround controller to one of the standard settings, the inputs are automatically configured to cater for the six most common arrangements of sources and inputs. Alternatively, you [...]

Setting up sources 46 Connecting sources To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment. ● Connect one of the Comms sockets on the rear panel of the Surround controller to one of the comms sockets on another 500 series unit (excluding the 563), using the 500 comms lead provided. The sequence in which you connect the units is not important. COM[...]

Setting up sources 47 To connect to Meridian 600 or 200 Series equipment If your system includes any Meridian 600 or 200 Series units, with 600 COMMS or 200 COMMS sockets, you should set all the 500 Series units to 200 COMMS operation using the following procedure: ● Turn off the control unit, using the power switch on the back panel. ● Turn on[...]

Setting up sources 48 The design of the Meridian 500 Series incorporates a powerful two-room capability, making it possible to link systems between two or more rooms. The most usual configuration is to provide all the sources in the main room. The control unit in the second room can then select any of the sources in the main room, independently of [...]

Setting up sources 49 The 541 Surround Controller provides six sources corresponding to the following source selection keys on the remote control: CD , Radio , TV , Tape1 (or LP) , VCR1 , and LD . When the surround controller is set to one of the standard settings the six sources are set up with standard labels and inputs, as shown in the table bel[...]

Setting up sources 50 To configure a source ● Turn off the control unit, using the power switch on the back panel. ● Turn on the power again while holding down the Display key on the front panel. The display will show: Config ● Press Source until the left-hand pair of characters identifies the source you want to configure. For example, to con[...]

Setting up sources 51 Option Initial value Alternative values Explanation Preset CD Music Music, Trifield, etc, or See To change a source preset , page 52. No Preset. Label CD CD CD, RD, LP, etc. See To change a source label , page 52. Audio input CD Audio A2 A1 to A6, L.V.Audio, Choose A1 to A6 to specify the input, L.V.Audio to and Mute. use the [...]

Setting up sources 52 For example, to configure the CD video input choose: CD L.V.Video ● Press A or V to choose the video input. For example, if you always want the TV picture when you select CD, set it to: CD Video V2 To change a source label ● Display the source you want to configure, together with its current label, as described in To confi[...]

Setting up sources 53 To use a source key to change preset You can use the unused source keys on the remote to change the preset for your current source. For example, you can make the CDR key on the remote switch the preset to Stereo for comparison, whatever source you are listening to: ● Configure the source key you are going to use with the req[...]

Setting up sources 54[...]

T r oubleshooting and maintenance T his chapter describes problems you may encounter when using the surround controller, and includes suggested solutions. If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further assistance.[...]

Troubleshooting and maintenance 56 No lights are displayed when switching on ❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly. ❍ Check that the ON OFF switch on the rear panel is in the ON position. ❍ Check that the fuse on the control unit rear panel and the fuse in the unit’s power plug have not blown; see To change the mains fuse[...]

Troubleshooting and maintenance 57 Communication is not working between the surround controller and other Meridian products ❍ Check that all products are interconnected using the correct comms leads. ❍ If the installation includes 200 Series or 600 Series units, check that all 500 Series units are set to 200 mode. The sound is not clear ❍ If [...]

Troubleshooting and maintenance 58 Cleaning When cleaning the surround controller bear in mind that the front of the unit is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass. Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit. Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the control unit. To clean the case, display panel, and keypad ● Use a [...]

Troubleshooting and maintenance 59 Service The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance. In the unlikely event that your control unit fails to function correctly, it should be return[...]

Troubleshooting and maintenance 60[...]

61 Index Index A Accessories 10 Active subwoofer connecting 34 setting crossover 34 Audio connections 29 Audio inputs 9 Audio outputs 9 B Balance, changing 21 Balance parameter 22 C Cables 30 Calibrating loudspeakers 41 Calibration procedure 42 CD players, two 53 Centre Config option 38 Centre parameter 22 Centre speaker, specifying type 38 Changin[...]

Index 62 Connections (continued) Peritel 31 SCART 31 Controller, configuring 46 Controls 9 Copying, a source 18 Crossover, in active subwoofer 34 Customising the surround controller 38 D Defining presets 19, 24 Delay parameter 22 Display 9, 17 changing 17 Dolby Pro Logic 4 F 541 Surround Controller, front panel controls 12 Five-channel surround sys[...]

63 Index Music preset 8 Music presets 8 Music 8 specifying loudspeakers for 40 Stereo 8 Trifield 8 Music Sub Config option 40 Muting the sound 15 O On-Screen Display 22 On-screen display 30 troubleshooting 57 OSD parameter 22 Outputs audio 9 video 9 P Peritel connections 31 Phono modules 515 (MC) 10 516 (MM) 10 Positioning 28 Preset parameters Bala[...]

Index 64 Sources Address 51 audio input 51 audio sensitivity 51 changing label 52 changing presets 52 changing video input 52 Comms type 51 configuring 50 connecting 46 default 49 Function Select 51 Label 51 Preset 51 recording 18 selecting 14 setting up 49 Trigger 51 video input 51 Specification 9 Standard settings 36 choosing 37 Standby switching[...]

65 Index[...]

Index 66[...]