About the Product

may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.

Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment purchased within the territory. Our agents abroad are only under contractual obligation to service under guarantee equipment sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable charge for any service carried out on other equipment. This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the United Kingdom.

The C51 powers 200 and 300 Series Remote Active installation loudspeakers.

It features active line-level crossovers, switched balanced and unbalanced inputs, and employs a powerful new amplifier design which enables multiple channels of high-level amplification to be combined in a compact unit without excessive heat.

Ten channels of approximately100W into

8Ω (160W into 4Ω) RMS amplification are provided, grouped into five pairs, each providing bass and tweeter outputs from a full-range input.

The crossovers take the form of plug-in modules which can be inserted at the time of installation to configure the unit for the speakers in use. An appropriate card is supplied with each loudspeaker. Modules are currently available for the A320, A330 and A350, and each module includes a pair of LEDs that confirm the positive and negative power-rails are operative and identifies the crossover installed by means of the colour combination.

Thermal, short-circuit and DC fault protection circuitry is included. The C51 has soft start, fan output and trigger input.

The front panel includes five sockets for installation of the crossover cards, which can be accessed by unscrewing the transparent smoked access cover.

Front-panel indicators take the form of blue LEDs for main power and for each channel, arranged in high/low pairs so that the status can be instantly assessed.

The rear panel is divided into five channel pairs identified as HF (tweeter) and LF (bass). A single full-range input per channel pair may be switch-selected between unbalanced (gold-plated phono connector) and balanced (XLR3F).

In addition to the power input socket and power switch, the rear panel also offers a 3.5mm jack socket for connection of an industry standard trigger input (5–30V, AC or DC) for remote operation, and a 3.5mm jack socket for the connection of a 12V DC fan system. This output is controlled automatically according to temperature.

C51 Powered Crossover/Amplifier

Output power	10 channels of 100W into 8Ω
	/ 160W into 4Ω, arranged in
	5 x HF/LF pairs sourced from
	full-range input via crossover
	module

Frequency response +0/–3dB, 10Hz–50 kHz (modified by crossover characteristics)

Output impedance	20–150mΩ, 1–20kHz
THD+Noise	Typical: 0.1% @ 60W output,
	0.008% @ 1W
Full-range Inputs	5 x Mono unbalanced (phono)
	impedance 10 kΩ
	5 x Mono balanced (XLR3F)
	impedance 20 kΩ/leg
	Switch-selected between
	balanced and unbalanced
Outputs	LF and HF pairs of gold-plated
	binding posts per channel pair
Other connections	12vdc, 5W Temperature
	controlled fan output (3.5mm
	jack)
	5–30V ac/dc trigger input
	(3.5mm jack)
Controls	Rear-panel balanced/
	unbalanced input switch per
	input.
	Rear panel main power
	switch.

C51 specifications

The Meridian Audio C51 is a premium digital preamplifier designed to elevate the audio experience for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. Combining cutting-edge technology with Meridian’s renowned craftsmanship, the C51 serves as the heart of a high-end audio setup, offering unparalleled performance and versatility.

One of the standout features of the C51 is its advanced digital signal processing (DSP). Meridian's proprietary DSP technology ensures accurate rendering of sound, enabling listeners to immerse themselves in a superior audio experience. The C51 utilizes Meridian's proprietary 24-bit/192kHz digital to analog converters (DACs) to deliver crystal-clear audio reproduction, providing a rich and dynamic soundstage across all music genres and media formats.

In terms of connectivity, the C51 is equipped with a plethora of inputs and outputs designed to accommodate various audio sources. It features multiple digital audio inputs including coaxial, optical, and USB, allowing users to easily connect CD players, computers, or streaming devices. For those with extensive collections of analog equipment, the C51 also offers balanced and unbalanced analog inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

The C51 includes Meridian’s innovative SmartVolume technology, which automatically adjusts the volume levels of different audio sources, thus eliminating sudden volume changes that can disrupt the listening experience. Additionally, the preamplifier supports Meridian’s Audio Core technology, allowing users to create custom multi-room audio setups seamlessly.

Aesthetic sophistication is another hallmark of the C51. The preamplifier features a sleek and modern design that fits perfectly within any high-end audio or home theater installation. The intuitive user interface, complete with a high-resolution display and responsive controls, enhances user experience, making it easy to navigate settings and adjust sound preferences.

Overall, the Meridian Audio C51 stands out as a versatile and high-performance preamplifier, combining advanced technology with elegant design. Ideal for audiophiles who seek exceptional audio fidelity and flexibility in their sound systems, the C51 promises to elevate your listening experience to new heights. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite vinyl records or streaming high-resolution audio, the C51’s advanced features and meticulous engineering ensure that every note is delivered with precision and clarity.