The press on Meridian’s 800

“…The Meridian 800 is a true reference- quality product, offering not only first-rate CD sound, but also state-of-the-art DVD- Audio playback. …lesser players simply don’t have the resolution, timbral accuracy, or dynamics. Further adding to the 800’s attraction is the ability to configure the machine for your system. It’s an outstand- ing DVD player, too. What we call a good conclusion.”

800 Version 4

Reference Optical Disc Player

Rear panel of the 800v4DAX version

The Absolute Sound, January 2004

“…DVD has never sounded this good before. The soundfield is enormous, the power and control awesome…the 800’s combination of world-leading technology, flexibility and killer performance makes it the best DVD-A player we’ve heard by a long way.”

Digital Home, September 2003

“…the Meridian 800 is as good as it gets for DVD-Video playback…the internal parts, quality and video DAC design… sep- arate the 800 from the rest of the high-end AV market. For movies, CD and DVD-Audio you cannot do better than the Meridian

800.When you are designing your dream system… be sure to add the Meridian 800 as your main source component. …the 800 is good enough for its own category.”

AudioRevolution.com

“Overall, the 800 is perhaps the finest CD player I’ve ever laid ears on.… In the past

I’ve been lucky enough to be in close prox- imity to top class orchestras banging out the best music, and at times this [800/861] combination with DVD-Audio discs honestly brought me closest to the experience than any other hi-fi system I’ve encountered. And that is no mean feat. Takes audio to another level…. Without doubt the finest optical

disc playing system we’ve encountered. Smooth and cohesive, it plays anything you chuck at it with ultimate finesse.

HiFi World, December 2002

“Staggeringly sophisticated, totally flexible, and astonishingly accomplished, both in terms of sound and vision. The very best there is…”

What Hi-Fi, February 2001

“…I found that the Meridian… was clearly superior… not just to my reference components, but to any other CD front ends that I’ve auditioned or reviewed.… The

performance of Meridian’s 800/861 with CDs is superior to the performance you get with the great majority of SACDs and DVD- As through any player.”

Absolute Sound, December 2003

Crystal-clear Image Quality

The pictures on DVD Video are stored using

ahigh-quality compression system called MPEG2. MPEG2 has a flexible data rate, allowing more data to be used for some scenes than others. Complex motions and textures can be conveyed accurately without using an unnecessarily high data rate on simpler material. Consequently, the encoders (that make MPEG2 streams from the original film) have improved in quality continually over the years – a situation somewhat analogous to CD, where recording equipment has steadily improved.

Because the picture is stored as digital video, it has some remarkable qualities

–including high bandwidth, low noise, very low frame and line jitter and the potential for deeply saturated colours. To recover this quality requires a superb MPEG decoder and immaculate care in de-jittering and processing the resulting video.

The 800 offers a number of video output options. The standard VE12 output card delivers HDMI digital signals and progressive component analogue video. Meridian successfully pioneered audio systems in which the signal remains in the digital domain from the source, through a Digital Surround Processor, to DSP Loudspeakers. The Meridian 800 Reference Optical Disc Player follows this example by maintaining the video information in the digital domain until the last minute – and now that displays are available with digital inputs, the VE12 video output card supports them, extending

that digital chain to the creation of the image itself. Other cards deliver broadcast-standard video encoding, providing NTSC and PAL, while video conversion and amplification

of the highest studio quality provide RGB, Component, S and Composite formats.

DVD-Audio

DVD-Audio is the latest feature of the DVD specification, and it is one with which Meridian was deeply involved. It is a fact that DVD-Audio offers the highest audio quality available on disc today. At its heart is Advanced Resolution 24-bit PCM technology

–a super-quality version of the same digital techniques employed in the immensely successful Compact Disc, but offering a dynamic range of 144dB all the way across the frequency range. And with sample rates of 96kHz in 6-channel surround and 192kHz in stereo, that range is immense – extending up to 100kHz and without the filtering required by other, incompatible disc formats.

These characteristics give DVD-Audio the most extensive coding space of any current disc format. In addition, DVD-Audio discs can include images, videos, text and even downloadable AAC-encoded music files for your personal stereo.

Needless to say, the 800 handles DVD-Audio superbly, bringing out every subtle nuance in DVD-A recordings. As the originators of MLP, the core technology of the DVD-Audio format, it’s true to say that nobody does it better.

Meridian’s MConfig graphic utility allows the 800 Version 4 to be set up from a computer screen.

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Meridian America 800 Version 4 manual Press on Meridian’s, Crystal-clear Image Quality, DVD-Audio
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800 Version 4 specifications

Meridian America 800 Version 4 is a high-performance digital audio processor designed for both professional and home audio systems. This innovative product delivers a powerful combination of cutting-edge technologies and features that cater to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

One of the standout characteristics of the Meridian America 800 Version 4 is its advanced digital signal processing (DSP) capabilities. The processor utilizes proprietary algorithms to ensure optimal sound reproduction across a wide range of audio formats. With built-in support for high-resolution audio, users can experience music in its most detailed form, enjoying studio-quality sound with incredible clarity.

The Meridian America 800 Version 4 also supports multiple audio channels, making it a versatile solution for both stereo and multi-channel setups. This flexibility allows users to create an immersive surround sound experience for movies, music, and gaming. The processor features seamless integration with various audio sources, including streaming services, digital media players, and traditional audio devices.

Another notable feature is Meridian's innovative Room Correction technology. This capability analyzes the acoustics of the listening environment and adjusts the audio output accordingly. By compensating for unwanted reflections and resonances, it ensures that listeners can enjoy consistent sound quality regardless of their room's shape or size.

Connectivity is a key aspect of the Meridian America 800 Version 4. It includes a variety of input and output options, such as HDMI, coaxial, and optical connections, providing users with the flexibility to integrate the processor into their existing setups easily. Moreover, the device is equipped with USB ports, enabling it to connect directly to computers for convenient playback of digital music files.

In addition to its impressive technical specifications, the Meridian America 800 Version 4 features an intuitive user interface. The device is designed for ease of use, allowing users to navigate settings and customize their audio experience effortlessly. Furthermore, it supports remote control access, enabling convenient adjustments from anywhere in the room.

In conclusion, the Meridian America 800 Version 4 is a state-of-the-art digital audio processor that excels in delivering superior sound quality, flexibility, and user-friendly operation. With its advanced DSP capabilities, room correction technology, and extensive connectivity options, it stands out as an essential component for those seeking to elevate their audio experience, whether at home or in professional environments.
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