506 - Hi-Fi System MERIDIAN - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	CD Player (Hi-Fi Component)
Brand	Meridian
Model	506
Disc Compatibility	CD, CD-R, CD-RW
Loading Mechanism	Top-loading with clamp
Digital-to-Analog Converter	Dual 24-bit DACs
Sampling Frequency	44.1 kHz
Outputs	Analog RCA, Digital Coaxial, Digital Optical (TOSLINK)
Remote Control	Infrared remote included
Dimensions (W x H x D)	320 x 85 x 320 mm
Weight	5.0 kg
Power Supply	100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption	15 W (standby <1 W)
Recommended Cleaning	Wipe exterior with dry soft cloth; use lens cleaner for CD laser
Safety Features	Automatic power-off after 30 minutes of inactivity (adjustable)
Repairability	Spare parts available via authorized service centers
Manufacturer	Meridian Audio Ltd
Warranty	2 years (depending on region)

Frequently Asked Questions - 506 MERIDIAN

How do I clean the CD lens on my Meridian 506?

Can the Meridian 506 play MP3 CDs?

What remote control codes does the Meridian 506 use?

How do I connect the Meridian 506 to an amplifier?

Why is my Meridian 506 not reading discs?

Does the Meridian 506 have a headphone jack?

What is the power consumption of the Meridian 506 in standby?

Can I use the digital output to connect to a computer?

How do I reset the Meridian 506 to factory settings?

What size feet does the Meridian 506 have?

USER MANUAL 506 MERIDIAN

user guide Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player

Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player

Meridian 506 24-Bit CD Player User Guide

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Huntingdon

PE18 6ED

England

Tel _— (01480) 52144

Fax_ [phone]

World Wide Web

http://www.meridian-audio.com

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

3800 Camp Creek Parkway

Building 2400

Suite 122

Atlanta

GA 30331

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

Designed and

manufactured in the UK by

Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Stonehill

Stukeley Meadows

Huntingdon

PE18 6ED

England

Copyright © 1993–1999

Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd

Part no: 506/3

This guide was produced by

Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

http://www.interface.co.uk

Contents

Introduction 1

Introduces the 506 24-Bit CD Player, and provides an overview of the other products available in the Meridian 500 Series.

The Meridian 500 Series ...... 2

Specification and accessories .... 3

Using the CD player 5

Provides step-by-step instructions on how to operate the CD player, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.

Front panel 6

Switching on and off 7

Playing a disc 8

Stopping, pausing, and repeating play .. 9

Programming a selection 10

Disc information and scanning 12

Using index points 13

Setting up the CD player 15

Describes how to unpack and install the CD player, and gives information about cleaning and servicing your CD player.

Unpacking 16

Connecting the CD player 17

Troubleshooting 21

Maintenance 23

Service and guarantee 24

Index 25

Preface

Introduction

In choosing the 506 24-Bit CD Player you have acquired a component that combines major advances in digital audio and engineering design. The 506 24-Bit CD Player incorporates a three-beam laser CD mechanism, for superb sound quality and disc playability. The precision-engineered turntable combines the advantages of drawer loading with the superior disk clamping normally associated with top loading players. The digital signal is decoded using the latest 24-bit dual-differential Delta Sigma digital to analogue converter, combined with a discrete class A output for superlative audio performance.

This guide is designed to enable you to obtain the best possible results from the unit, whether your requirements are simply to play a disc or to programme a selection of music.

If you have just purchased the 506 24-Bit CD Player, you should first turn to the section Setting up the CD player, page 15, which explains how to unpack and install the CD player correctly.

The Meridian 500 Series

The Meridian 500 Series is a unique system of digital, analogue, and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, and lasting value.

The flexibility of the Meridian 500 Series is such that you can assemble a system as simple or as complex as you need, perfectly suited to your musical and environmental requirements, and with the ability to add to it or change it at a later date should your requirements change. The 500 Series is also compatible with the existing Meridian 200 Series and 600 Series components.

Each Meridian 500 Series component is housed in a matching slim line case. Front panel controls provide access to the most important functions, and the full range of functions is available from the Meridian System Remote using a simple and intuitive control interface.

500 Series communications

The Meridian 500 Series includes a sophisticated communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units will work together as a fully integrated system.

The 500 Series communications system allows you to control any combination of units using a single remote, and ensures that your commands from the remote are interpreted unambiguously. The communications system also allows you to extend your hi-fi system into two or three rooms, with the ability to control the sources in one room from the controller in another room.

Specification and accessories

Specification

THD Less than -93dBFS.

Noise Less than -93dBFS.

Mechanism Three-beam laser.

Conversion Dual differential 24-bit Delta Sigma.

Display Eight character dot-matrix display for track, time, and index.

Finish Black textured enamel and glass.

Dimensions 88mm x 321mm x 332mm (3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").

Weight 6.4kg (14lbs).

Outputs Analogue: 2V fixed, class A. Digital: co-axial, optical.

Communications Two 5 pin 240° DIN sockets.

Consumption 20VA.

Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product specifications at any time.

Available accessories

The following accessories are available from your dealer:

○ Power cord Europe.

○ Power cord Canada and USA.

The Meridian System Remote provides access to all the facilities provided by the 506 24-Bit CD Player, including those available from the front panel controls. In addition, it allows you to control any other 500 Series units in your system.

If you have problems purchasing these items, you can order them direct from Meridian Audio Limited, who can also supply a range of digital cables suitable for connecting the 506 24-Bit CD Player to other equipment.

4	Introduction

Using the CD player

This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the CD player in order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the unit.

It also describes all aspects of using the CD player, beginning with essential instructions such as switching on and loading a disc, to the more advanced functions such as programming.

Unless otherwise specified, each function is available from the front panel or the remote.

Front panel

MERIDIAN 506 24-Bir CD Player Display Play 14 Open Display Off Drawer 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 Open

Opens and closes the disc drawer.

2 ▶ (Play)

Plays a selected track, or moves to the next track.

3 ■ (Stop)

Stops the disc.

4 II (Pause)

Pauses the disc.

5 Display

Selects the information displayed.

6 ◀ (Previous)

Selects the previous track.

7 ▶ (Next)

Selects the next track.

8 Off

Switches to standby.

Switching on and off

During normal use the CD player should be left in the standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the CD player operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start playing a disc.

If you are not going to use the CD player for a period of several days you should switch the unit completely off, at the back panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

To switch on from standby

• Press Open (front panel only), ▶(Play), ■ (Stop), or II (Pause).
• Switch on any other equipment connected to the CD player which is not part of the Meridian 500 Series.

To insert a disc

• Press Open (front panel only) to open the drawer.
• Place your disc, label side up, over the metal hub, as shown opposite.
• Press Open again to close the drawer.

Illustration of a hand inserting a CD into a drive into a box (no text or symbols visible)

To switch to standby

- Press Off.

The display will show:

If you have other Meridian 500 Series equipment connected to the CD player, these units will also switch to standby.

If a disc is currently playing, switching to standby will stop the disc, and the disc can safely be left in the unit.

Playing a disc

The CD player allows you to play an entire disc, or start playing from any track. While a disc is playing you can go back to the start of the track or skip to the start of the next track.

If you have programmed a selection, these functions also work with the selection of tracks you have programmed. For information about programming; see Programming a selection, page 10.

To play the disc

- Press ▶ (Play).

The display will show your selection:

The display will then show the track being played:

To restart the current track

- Press ◀ (Previous).

To move to the next track

- Press ▶ (Play).

To play starting from a particular track

- Press ▶I (Next) or ◀ (Previous) to step through the track numbers until the track you want to play is displayed or type the number of the track (remote only).

For example:

Track 4

With the remote you will need to press CD first if you have the 504 Stereo FM Tuner.

After a short delay the track you have selected will start to play.

If you have programmed a selection you will also need to:

- Press ▶ (Play).

Stopping, pausing, and repeating play

You can pause a disc while keeping it spinning, so that you can resume play instantly.

You can also set a disc to play repeatedly, so that when the disc (or selection) has played, it will begin again from the beginning. This function is only available from the remote.

To stop play

- Press ■ (Stop).

The display will show the total number of tracks on the disc.

For example:

To pause play

- Press II (Pause).

The disc will remain spinning and the display will show Pause.

For example:

To continue after pausing

- Press II (Pause) or ▶ (Play).

To continuously repeat a disc

- Press Repeat (remote only).

The Repeat indicator will appear.

To cancel the repeat function

- Press Repeat again.

Programming a selection

With the remote you can programme a selection of tracks, and then play only those tracks you have programmed.

You can programme a selection either by storing the tracks you want to play, or by clearing the tracks you do not want to play. If you programme a selection by storing the tracks you want to hear, you can play the tracks in any order and repeat tracks in the sequence.

You can programme a selection while the disc is playing, in which case the selection will be played after the current track finishes.

Attempting to programme more than 31 tracks will display an error warning:

Error

To choose a track to programme

- Press Next or Previous to step through the track numbers until the track you want is displayed, or type the number of the track you want.

To programme by specifying the tracks you want to play

- Choose the first track you want to play, as described above.

The display will show the track number; for example:

Track 14

- Press Store (remote only).

The display will change to:

Store 14

You should store the track within two seconds, or it will begin to play.

The track will be labelled Store.

All the other tracks are initially programmed not to play, and will be labelled Clear.

To programme by specifying the tracks you do not want to play

- Choose one of the tracks you do not want to play, as described above.

The display will show the track number; for example:

- Press Clear (remote only).

The display will change to:

You should clear the track within two seconds, or it will begin to play.

The track will be labelled Clear. All the other tracks are initially programmed to play, and will be labelled Store.

To add a track to a selection

• Select the track you want to add, as described above.
• Press Store (remote only).

The Clear label will change to Store to indicate that the track is stored.

To remove a track from a selection

Select the track you want to remove, as described above.

- Press Clear (remote only).

The Store label will change to Clear to indicate that the track has been cleared.

To clear a programme

- Press ● (Stop) twice.

The display will show C.P. (Cancel Programme):

A programme is automatically cancelled if you open the disc drawer, or press Off.

©

Using index points

In addition to dividing music into tracks, some discs provide index points within each track to allow you to locate individual movements or bars.

For any disc with index points, the CD player's track display will show the track and index number.

With the remote you can use index points to move rapidly to particular positions within a track.

To display the index number

- If necessary, select the track number display.

After the first index point, the index number will be shown after the track number on the display.

For example, on track 14 index number 7 the display will show:

To move to an index point

- Type the number of the track, followed by . and the number of the index point (remote only).

For example, to play from track 3, index number 2, press 3.2.

The display will show:

After a short delay the disc will start to play at the track and index point you have selected.

©

Unpacking

The 506 24-Bit CD Player comes in a box containing the following components:

○ 506 24-Bit CD Player.
○ Meridian System Remote.
O 1 power cord.
○ 1 optical connector blanking plug.
○ This manual.

You are advised to retain the packing in case you need to transport the unit.

To position the CD player

Do not place the CD player:

○ In direct sunlight.
○ Near heat sources, eg a radiator.
○ On top of a power amplifier, as the heat generated may damage the CD player.

However, it can be stacked under a 501 Control Unit and 504_, Stereo FM Tuner, if you have these Meridian components in your system.

In common with all CD players, the 506 24-Bit CD Player emits some radio-frequency signals. Therefore, you should try to keep all power cables and network leads away from signal cables, including audio, antenna, and loudspeaker cables.

Radio interference

FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to radio communications or radio and television reception. It has been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against such interference in home installations.

EEC: This product has been designed to comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020C.

Connecting the CD player

Back panel

The CD player provides three alternative signal outputs to allow you to choose the highest-quality method of connection available on the system to which you are connecting.

The 506 24-Bit CD Player produces an extremely low-noise low-jitter electrical digital output, and this is the recommended method of connection to digital equipment.

The following table lists the equipment which uses each of the three output types:

Use this output To connect to this

Digital Output DSP6000 or DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers, a D/A converter, digital preamplifier, or digital recorder, using digital cable.

Optical EIAJ A D/A converter, digital preamplifier, or digital recorder, using optical fibre.

Phono outputs A 502 Analogue Controller, or other audio equipment, using conventional analogue audio leads.

OFF ON L R OUTPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT OPTICAL EIAJ COMM (Meridian Comms Only) Phono outputs Digital output Optical EIAJ output Comms connections

To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment

- Connect one of the COMMS sockets on the back panel of the CD player to one of the COMMS socket on another 500 Series unit, using the 500 comms lead provided with the other unit.

The sequence in which you connect the units is not important.

graph LR
    A["COMMS COMMS"] --> B["Node 1"]
    A --> C["Node 2"]
    D["COMMS COMMS"] --> E["Node 3"]
    D --> F["Node 4"]

Then configure the units with the following automatic setup procedure:

• Switch all the units to standby.
• Press Clear on the remote.

Each unit will display:

Auto

One unit will then be designated as the controller, and display:

Con.

This is the unit that will respond to the remote.

All the other units will be configured as non-controllers, and display:

N. Con.

Your system is now set up and ready for use.

- If for any reason the automatic setup does not give the configuration you want, restore the default operation by selecting Type 1 as described in To connect to Meridian 600 or 200 Series equipment, page 20.

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment other than Meridian 500, 600, or 200 Series to the socket marked COMMS on the back of the CD player.

To connect to a 501 Control Unit

graph LR
    A["501 Control Unit 506 24-Bit CD Player"] --> B["COMMS COMMS OUTPUT"]
    A --> C["500 Comms Lead"]
    B --> D["Audio lead"]
    C --> D
    D --> E["Output"]

- Connect the sockets marked OUTPUT L and R on the back panel of the CD player to the CD input on the back panel of the 501 Control Unit.

To connect to a conventional preamplifier

- Connect the sockets marked OUTPUT L and R on the back panel of the CD player to an appropriate input on your preamplifier.

You should consult the manufacturer's manual to determine which input to use, but generally it will be labelled CD or AUX.

You should either use a twin-screened audio cable, or a pair of single-screened audio cables. These cables can have a considerable effect on the quality of the sound, and you are advised to seek your dealer's advice on the best type of cables for your system.

To connect to Meridian 600 or 200 Series equipment

If your system includes any Meridian 600 or 200 Series units, with 600 COMMS or 200 COMMS sockets, you should set all the 500 Series units to 200 COMMS operation using the following procedure:

• Turn off the CD player, using the power switch on the back panel.
• Turn on the power again while holding down the Off key on the front panel.

The display will show the current setup:

Press ▶I (Next) on the front panel to change to Type 2:

• Switch the power off and on again to restore the CD player to normal operation.
• To return to 500 COMMS operation repeat the above procedure, and select Type 1.

To connect to DSP6000 or DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers

• Connect the socket marked DIGITAL OUTPUT on the back panel of the CD player to the M-lead, supplied with the DSP6000 or DSP5000 speakers.
• Follow the instructions provided in the DSP6000 or DSP5000 manual for connecting to a CD player.

The DSP6000 and DSP5000 loudspeakers are fully programmable, and you should consult your manual before deciding which input to use. If you have any doubts, your dealer will be able to assist you.

Suitable cables are available from your Meridian dealer, or Meridian Audio Limited.

Troubleshooting

This section describes problems you may encounter when using the CD player, and includes suggested solutions.

If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further assistance.

No lights are displayed when switching on

○ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly.
○ Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON position.
- Check that the fuse on the CD player back panel and the fuse in the unit's power plug have not blown; see To change the mains fuse, page 23.

The drawer will not open

○ Check that the standby display is shown.

If the standby display is shown:

○ Switch off the CD player and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

○ Try opening the drawer gently, by hand. Do not use force.
○ Restore power to the CD player.
- Check that your preamplifier is switched on, and the volume is at an appropriate level.
- Check that the CD player is connected correctly to the other components of your system; see Connecting the CD player, page 17.
- Check that the correct source has been selected on your preamplifier.
○ Check that the Pause indicator is not lit.
- Try playing another disc. If this disc works, check the problem disc for signs of dirt or damage.

There is no sound when playing a disc

There is interference on the radio and/or television when the CD player is switched on

Before following the steps below, ensure all units are switched off first.

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

• Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna cable of the receiver as far as possible from the 506 24-Bit CD Player and its cabling.
  ○ Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.
  ○ Relocate the receiver with respect to the CD player.
  ○ Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.

The display shows No disc when attempting to play a disc

○ Check that the disc is positioned correctly in the drawer, with the label uppermost; see To insert a disc, page 7.
- Try playing another disc. If this disc works, check the problem disc for signs of dirt or damage.

The display shows Error when attempting to programme a disc

• Check that the disc includes the track number you are attempting to programme.
• Check that you have not already programmed 31 tracks, the maximum number.

Maintenance

Cleaning

When cleaning the CD player bear in mind that the front of the CD player is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass.

Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.

Note: Do not use abrasive cleaners on any part of the CD player.

To clean the case, display panel, and keypad

- Use a slightly damp cloth.

Ensure that no water is allowed to get inside the case, and do not reconnect the power until you are certain that the CD player is completely dry.

To clean the audio connections

The audio sockets on the back of the CD player are gold-plated and need no cleaning if gold-plated phono plugs are used.

Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect

the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact cleaner can be used to some advantage.

The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way.

To change the mains fuse

- Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer next to the power input to access the fuses.

Before replacing a blown fuse, if possible ascertain the cause of the failure.

The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced by one of the same rating.

Service and guarantee

Service

The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance.

In the unlikely event that your CD player fails to function correctly, it should be returned, in its original packaging, to your Meridian dealer.

In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the appropriate sales and service address shown on page ii.

In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents abroad is available from Meridian Audio.

No responsibility can be accepted for the CD player whilst in transit to the factory or an agent, and customers are therefore advised to insure the unit.

When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the date of purchase will be required.

Guarantee

The 506 24-Bit CD Player is guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase.

The guarantee is void if the 506 24-Bit CD Player has been subject to misuse, accident, or negligence, or has been tampered with or modified in any way without the written authorisation of Meridian Audio Limited. Note that connecting anything other than the correct network lead to the COMMS sockets may cause damage to the 506 24-Bit CD Player which will not be covered by this guarantee. Attempted servicing by unauthorised people 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.

Index

A Accessories 3 Adding a track to a selection 11

B Back panel 17

C C.P. display 11 Changing the display 12 Cleaning the audio connections 23 the case 23

Clear function 11

Components 16

Connecting

to a 501 Control Unit 19

to a conventional preamplifier 19

to DSP5000 Digital Loudspeakers 20

to DSP6000 Digital Loudspeakers 20

to Meridian 500 Series equipment 18

to Meridian 600 and 200 Series equipment 20

Continuing play 9

D Digital output 17 Display function 12 Displaying disc information 12 disc time remaining 12 elapsed disc time 12 elapsed track time 12 index number 13 track (and index) number 12

E Error display 10, 22

F Front panel controls 6 Fuse, replacing 23

G Guarantee 24

I Index points 13 Inserting a disc 7 Installing 16 Introduction 1

M Maintenance 23 Meridian 500 Series 2 communications 2

Meridian 500 Series operation, setting 18
Meridian 600 and 200 Series operation, setting 20
Meridian System Remote 2, 16
Moving to an index point 13

N No disc display 22

Optical EIAJ output 17 Outputs digital 17 optical EIAJ 17 phono 17

P Pausing play 9 Phono outputs 17 Playing a disc 8 from a particular track 8 from an index point 13 repeatedly 9 Positioning 16 Programming a selection 10 adding a track to a selection 11 by specifying tracks not to play 11

Programming a selection (continued)

by specifying tracks to play 10

Clear function 11

clearing a programme 11

removing a track from a selection 11

Store function 10

T Troubleshooting 21

U Unpacking 16

R Radio interference 16

Removing a track from a selection 11

Repeating a disc 9

Restarting the current track 8

S Scanning a disc 12

Service 24

Setting up the CD player 15

for 500 Series operation 18

for 600 and 200 Series operation 20

Specification 3

Standby mode 7

Stopping play 9

Store function 10

Switching on from standby 7

Switching to standby 7