Meridian America 808/808i Signature Reference Compact Disc Player, THD & Noise, Display, Power

808/808i Signature Reference Compact Disc Player

808i (Player/Preamplifier model) Rear Panel. The 808 Player model does not include the analogue and digital input panel areas.

This upsampling allows conversion-related filtering to take place far above the limits of human hearing, so there are no artefacts added to the sound – simply the pure music.

The 808 employs exquisite multibit over- sampled delta-sigma D/A converters, com- bined with a matching proprietary analogue output stage of the highest quality.

To ensure the finest sound, the 808’s construction employs a motherboard and multiple cards. Each card has its own power supplies and buffering so that each section

–computer, decoder, FIFO buffers, DSP upsampling, D/A conversion, digital output, analogue input and digital input – is on a separate and isolated card. As is traditional with Meridian products, the construction uses audiophile-grade capacitors throughout and each component – even each resistor

–has been selected for its sonic contribu- tion. The PCBs are all multilayer, many of them using 6-layer technology for the lowest noise and jitter and for optimum grounding.

Additional controls are fitted under a front panel cover. Full remote control is also pro- vided by the included MSR+ infra-red learn- ing/programmable remote and via RS232.

The 808 features a solidly-constructed case built of metal and glass, finished in black lacquer or satin silver. The casework itself is non-magnetic to maintain the sweetest sound.

Our objective

Meridian CD players have been optimised for the same, accurate sound to which we aspire in all our products. The chief designer, Rob- ert Stuart, has a definite view that the sound should be totally natural in the midrange,

and that the high and low ranges should never intrude – but should remain precise. We believe that the tonality of our players is best judged with the finest recordings of hu- man voice, piano and violin. We audition our new designs using recordings like these, and if they sound ‘wrong’ in any way, the design is not accepted.

Another important target for us is that the player must reveal the ‘space’ in the original recording. Meridian CD players, and 808 in particular, are unique in their ability to allow the listener to hear depth in the recording and to interpret the side and back walls of the recording location.

Most of all, the words we would use to describe the sound of 808 are ‘exquisitely musical’. Those who are lucky enough to own this Signature Reference CD Player will find immense enjoyment, and new depth and subtlety in well-loved recordings, gaining a lifetime of musical insight that is simply not possible with lesser designs.

Outline Specifications

THD & Noise: Better than –96dBFS

Mechanism: Triple-beam laser, multi-speed CD/DVD-ROM transport

Converters: 192kHz-capable, 24-bit, Delta Sigma converters operating at 4 x CD sample rate (176.4kHz)

Stereo Outputs: Analogue: 1 unbalanced on phono, 1 balanced on XLR- 3M: 2.3V rms fixed/variable, Class A, 47Ω impedance Digital S/PDIF (IEC60958): main coax with MHR plus auxiliary coax, operating at up to 2 x CD sample rate (88.2kHz), 24-bit

Comms: Two 5-pin 240° DIN sockets for Meridian Comms, and RS232 full remote/configuration interface. Three program- mable 12v trigger outputs

Construction: Black lacquer or satin silver finish in metal & glass

Dimensions: 480mm (18.9in) x 175mm (6.9in) x 411mm (16.2in) (whd)

Controls: Front-panel keys for Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause, Previ- ous, Next, On/Off. Additional controls behind hinged front access cover include Repeat, Fast Forward/Reverse, Display, Mute, Volume Up/Down, Store/Clear; Source. Full remote control via MSR+, RS232

		Display:	20-character dot matrix display with adjustable brightness
Stereo Inputs:	(808i only) Analogue: 6 unbalanced on phono.		and contrast. Indicators for Phase, Repeat and EQ (empha-
	Digital S/PDIF: 3 coax and 2 Toslink optical		sis).
Formats:	CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, CD-R/W, MP3	Power:	Universal power supply for 100–240Vac, 50/60Hz, 25W

Information contained in this data sheet is correct as far as possible, but Meridian Audio accepts no liability for errors or omissions. Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specifications at any time. Third-party trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners. 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 2004 Meridian Audio Ltd.

808DS v3.2 • 20.08.04 RE