Meridian America G55 Multichannel Power Amplifier, Outline Specifications, Signal/Noise, Dimensions

G55

Outline Specifications

Power Output: 5 channels at 100W into 8Ω, or 2 channels at >300W into 8Ω (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 finish in metal & glass

Multichannel Power Amplifier

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

Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are provided, but in fact the unbalanced inputs are converted to balanced before they enter the amplifier 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 flow at different volume levels.

Fully DC-coupled, the signal path contains no capacitors, while those in the power supplies are audiophile grade components.

The amplifiers 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 amplifier to be activat- ed on a signal from your preamp. Triggers and other control signals are optically isolated from the amplifier 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 amplifiers 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 amplifiers have electronic protection, reset by power-cycling, and include full DC and ther- mal protection.

A front-panel indicator shows when the ampli- fier 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 flexible 5–30V AC/DC trigger capability is also provided to fully integrate power cycling into the overall system.

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 specifications 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.

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: info@meridian-audio.com

Web: www.meridian-audio.com

G55DS v3.0 • 11.08.04 RE