Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are
provided, but in fact the unbalanced inputs are
converted to balanced before they enter the
amplifi er itself.
The discrete active input components are ther-
mally and electrically matched in pairs. The amps
feature active bias control throughout, with
thermal sensing carefully managing temperature
and current fl ow at different volume levels.
Fully DC-coupled, the signal path contains no
capacitors, while those in the power supplies are
audiophile grade components.
The amplifi ers are of a unique low-feedback
design for minimum transient and interface in-
termodulation distortion, offering superb clarity
and transparency right across the audible range,
with an output impedance that is close to zero
and suitable for virtually any high-quality passive
loudspeaker system.
A trigger input allows the amplifi er to be activat-
ed on a signal from your preamp. Triggers and
other control signals are optically isolated from
the amplifi er itself. When in stand-by mode, a
standing voltage is maintained on the power
rails and supply components. As a result, you do
not have to wait for half an hour after switching
on for optimum performance to be achieved: it
is there immediately.
Two sets of outputs are provided per chan-
nel for bi-wiring, etc, on sturdy binding posts
colour-coded for easy reference and capable of
handling large-diameter high-quality loudspeak-
er cables. The output terminals are connected to
the amplifi ers by Van den Hul silver-strand cable
to avoid signal losses.
The outer pairs of channels can be operated in
bridge mode by actuating a rear-panel rocker
switch on the channel 1 and/or channel 5
modules, in which case the outer channel input
of the pair becomes the bridged input and the
upper output terminals are linked, power being
derived from the lower terminal pairs (see red
labelling on rear panel diagram).
The amplifi ers have electronic protection, reset
by power-cycling, and include full DC and ther-
mal protection.
A front-panel indicator shows when the ampli-
fi er is in standby. When the unit is activated, an
LED illuminates for each channel. In the event of
thermal overload, the main indicator goes red
and the channel lights go out, showing that the
unit is off-line. A pushbutton on the front panel
can be used to take the unit in and out of stand-
by, while fl exible 5–30V AC/DC trigger capability
is also provided to fully integrate power cycling
into the overall system.
Outline Specifi cations
Power Output:
5 channels at 100W into 8
Ω
, or 2 channels at >300W
into 8
Ω
(bridge mode)
Distortion
:
Less than 0.01% input to output
Signal/Noise
:
Better than –100dB
Inputs
:
Balanced on XLR-3F connectors and unbalanced on
phono
Outputs
:
2 output sets per channel, terminal posts
Construction
:
25 pairs of 15amp output devices and 68,000µF of au-
diophile-grade PSU smoothing capacitors. Ultra low
impedance error-corrected output stage. DC coupled,
with no capacitors in the signal path. Soft start and
thermal management in main assembly. Optimised
magnetic design based on DSP8000. Meridian black
or silver fi nish in metal & glass
Dimensions
:
Width: 440mm (17.32in); Depth: 350mm (13.78in)
plus connectors; Height: 132mm (5.20in)
Rack Mounting
:
Kit available from Meridian authorized dealers
Weight
:
20 kg (44 lbs)
Controls
:
Rear-panel power switch; per-channel switches for
balanced or single-ended input; Bridge/Stereo mode
switches on channels 1 and 5
Trigger
:
Wide voltage-range (5–30V, AC/DC) trigger input for
remote standby/on switching
Display
:
Power/Fault indicator and per-channel operation
LEDs
Power:
Versions: 100, 110, 115, 220, 230, 240 Vac, 50/60Hz.
Standby 31VA, Idle 58VA, 5 channels driven 748VA
Meridian Audio Limited
Latham Road, Beaufort Park
Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE
United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 1480 445678
Fax +44 (0) 1480 445686
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle, Suite C
Austell, Atlanta GA 30168-7849
USA
Tel +1 (404) 344 7111
Fax +1 (404) 346 7111
Email:
Web:
www.meridian-audio.com
G55
Multichannel Power Amplifi er
Information contained in this data sheet is
correct as far as possible, but Meridian Audio
accepts no liability for errors or omissions.
Trademarks are the property of their respective
owners. Meridian Audio reserves the right to
amend product specifi cations at any time.
Further technical details, images, product
reviews and company history are available
from Meridian Audio or from our web site,
www.meridian-audio.com
©Text & images 2003 Meridian Audio Ltd.
G55DS v3.0 • 11.08.04 RE