Operating the C51, Troubleshooting | Meridian Audio guide

Meridian fan output

This 3.5mm jack provides a voltage and power suitable for driving a Meridian fan system. The voltage provided is 12vdc, tip positive. Up to 5W can be taken from this socket. The voltage is present only when the temperature of the unit exceeds 55 degrees Celsius measured at the case of the unit.

OPERATING THE C51

Removal of the smoked acrylic front panel allows access to the Standby button and for the insertion and/or removal of crossover cards. Replace the panel after use to avoid unintentional operation.

Be sure to insert the correct card in the correct slot.

The unit is normally operated via trigger input.

A front panel standby button is provided to toggle the unit in and out of standby. It is not intended that this button should be used for normal operation.

Note that when mains power is applied to the unit it will initially enter ACTIVE mode.

When the C51 is in standby mode, power rails are turned off for a significant saving in energy usage and thus reduced carbon emissions.

It is neither required nor recommended to leave the amplifiers in active mode (ie powered up) when not in use.

When the unit is brought into active mode, a ‘soft start’ timing circuit brings the main toroidal power transformers online gently to minimise current surges and unwanted startup sounds.

Indicators

Five pairs (bass/treble) of blue LEDs on the front panel illuminate when the unit is operating and confirm the presence of power on all channels. All ten LEDs should be illuminated during normal operation: if a channel light is not illuminated, a fault condition is indicated.

A further blue LED is situated next to the Standby button and illuminates when the unit is in standby, indicating that the unit is powered. When this light is illuminated, the channel indicators should be extinguished.

A blue LED indicates when the unit has been shut down as a result of overheating. In an overtemperature situation the entire unit will enter standby, irrespective of the status of the trigger input and whether one or several channels are the direct cause of overheating.

In this condition, normal operation will continue as soon as the temperature returns to safe levels, you are advised to be aware of what may have caused the overheating issue.

Troubleshooting

Unit goes silent when played hard

The unit has a temperature sensing system on board, which prevents overheating of the electronics. If the unit shuts down because of overheating, the front-panel “hot” LED will illuminate.

Sound will continue when the unit has cooled. However, you are strongly advised to be aware of what may have caused the overheating issue before continuing. Is the rack properly ventilated and cooled? Does the associated fan come on when the unit becomes hot (if using the fan output on the unit)? Is sound coming out of all the speakers?

It is possible that the unit will shut down if driven for abnormally long periods at unusually high levels. If this is the case, simply wait until the unit has cooled down and normal operation will resume automatically.

There is radio interference

The unit has been designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.

If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from radio or television reception then the following measures should be tried:

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.