Meridian 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player User guide

808.3 Signature Reference

CD Player User Guide

ii

Preface

Important safety instructions

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Read the instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with a dry cloth.

Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR

ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS

APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding pin).

This apparatus uses a single-pole power switch. As a result it is not isolated from AC mains power when switched off at the rear panel. The apparatus may be isolated from mains power either by unplugging the power connector from the rear of the unit, or by unplugging the connector at the opposing end of the power cord or cable from its supply outlet. As a result, either or both of these connectors should remain accessible

Safety warnings

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Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing.

Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the unit.

Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the unit.

To avoid overheating

• Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient ventilation.

Do not position the unit:

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In direct sunlight.

Near heat sources, such as a radiator.

Directly on top of heat producing equipment, such as a power amplifier.

To avoid interference

Do not position the unit:

• Near strong electrical or magnetic radiation, such as near a power amplifier.

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 and type-tested to comply with the limits set out in EN55013 and

EN55020.

Contents

Introduction

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player

Specifications

Using the 808.3 Signature Reference

CD Player

Front panel keys

MSR+ keys

Switching on and off

Playing a disc

Stopping and pausing play

Repeat

Scanning a disc

Programming a selection

Changing the absolute phase

Changing the front-panel display

Using the preamplifier features

Selecting a source

Adjusting the system volume

Changing the balance

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15

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11

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17

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20

1

2

3

Installing the 808.3 Signature Reference CD

Player 21

Unpacking

Applications

22

24

Configuring the 808.3 Signature Reference

CD Player 31

Choosing a standard setting

Setting up sources

32

33

Index 35 iii

Contents

iv

Preface

Copyright and acknowledgements

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Latham Road

Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire

PE29 6YE

England

Tel (01480) 445678

Fax (01480) 445686

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

8055 Troon Circle

Suite C

Austell

GA30168-7849

USA

Tel (404) 344 7111

Fax (404) 346 7111 http://www.meridian-audio.com

Designed and manufactured in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Latham Road

Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire

PE29 6YE

England

Copyright © 1999-2010 Meridian Audio Ltd.

Visit us on the Web: http://www.meridian-audio.com

Part no: 808U/3 (P85624)

MHR: this product incorporates copyright protection technology covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the express purpose of securely containing copyright audio within the Meridian System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention of this protection is strictly prohibited.

Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, and Sooloos are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

This guide was produced by:

Human-Computer Interface Ltd, http://www.interface.co.uk

Introduction

Welcome to the Meridian 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player.

This User Guide provides full information about using the 808.3 in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.

1

Introduction

2

Introduction

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player takes

Compact Disc playback to an entirely new level, with a heritage that includes the multiple award winning 508 and 800, and two dozen optical disc players from 1984 to the present day. The 808.3 is specifically designed as a CD-optimised machine, able to play audio CDs,

CD-Rs, and CD-R/Ws. It also plays the CD layer of an

SACD disc.

At the heart of the 808.3 are fully-integrated electronics and a computer-style CD-ROM drive.

The drive normally operates at standard CD speed, but is capable of much faster reading, using multiple high-speed re-reads to ensure accurate recovery of data from even the most difficult disc. This capability alone provides over ten times the error correction of a conventional CD player.

Signal Processing

Once the digital data stream has been recovered from the disc, powerful on-board digital signal processing

(DSP) with a capability of an impressive 150 MIPs upsamples the digital information from the 16-bit

44.1kHz signal of conventional CD to a 24-bit signal with a sample rate of 176.4kHz. This signal is fed to the high-quality DACs to drive the analogue outputs, while a digital signal at an 88.2kHz sample rate is supplied to the digital outputs. Upsampling is performed with very high-accuracy filters which minimise pre-echo arising from ADCs and DACs used in the recording and replay process so that the total chain closely represents transmission of sound through air, for ultimate transparency from all sources.

The 808.3 employs a triple buffering system to minimise jitter, and therefore maximise HF transparency and stereo image precision and stability. This, and the digital electronics as a whole, are driven by a new design of high-stability clocking system which further reduces jitter and ensure that the highest level of detail is recovered from a disc. All digital data is accurately re-clocked.

Multiple power supplies ensure that digital and analogue circuitry are kept apart and can provide the required power when called upon to do so.

Integrated preamplifier

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player includes a built-in stereo preamplifier with the ability to handle six stereo analogue inputs, three digital coaxial S/PDIF inputs, and two Toslink optical digital inputs, making it ideal as the heart of a superb stereo music system. It also includes a Sooloos network connection

System integration

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player provides balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs for connecting to an external power amplifier or preamplifier. Alternatively, it provides SpeakerLink and coax digital outputs, allowing it to drive Meridian DSP

Loudspeakers directly. The digital outputs support MHR

(Meridian High Resolution) and operate at up to 2 x CD sample rate (88.2kHz), 24-bit.

Meridian Comms sockets (2 x DIN) allow communication with other Meridian components, while an RS232 interface provides full remote control capability as well as the ability to configure the unit with Meridian’s innovative Windows-based graphic configuration application. Three programmable trigger outputs are provided for direct control of external devices, for example powering-up amplifiers, etc.

The Meridian 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player is supplied with the MSR+ learning/programmable remote control, which not only operates all Meridian products but also includes an extensive database of third-party products and the capability to learn commands from existing remotes.

Specifications

Drive

• Internal CD-ROM drive.

Audio outputs

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2-channel balanced audio output.

2-channel unbalanced audio output.

2-channel digital coax output.

Two 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink outputs.

Optional MHR encryption on digital outputs at high rate

Audio inputs

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Six 2-channel unbalanced analogue inputs.

Adjustable sensitivity. Renameable legends.

Three 2-channel digital coax inputs. Renameable legends. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24bit precision.

One 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink input.

Renameable legends. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit precision.

Two 2-channel digital optical inputs. Renameable legends. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24bit precision.

Signal processing

The 808.3 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide the following powerful features:

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Apodising filter.

Upsampling.

FIFO and error correction.

Resolution enhancement.

Controls

Front-panel facia controls for:

• Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause, Previous, Next, and

On/Off.

A hinged control panel provides additional controls for:

• Repeat, Fast Forward/Reverse, Source, Store, Clear,

Display, Mute, and Volume +/-.

Display

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20-character dot-matrix display with adjustable brightness and contrast.

Indicators for Emphasis, Repeat, and Phase.

3

Introduction

4

Introduction

Using the 808.3 Signature

Reference CD Player

This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 808.3 Signature

Reference CD Player to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit.

It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the 808.3, using either the front panel or the MSR+.

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

6

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Front panel keys

Phase–

Indicates inverted phase

Repeat

Eq

Emphasis indicator

Repeat indicator

Scans backwards

Repeat

Fast Reverse

Repeats a track/disc

Fast Forward

Scans forwards

Clear

Clears a track selection

Store

Source

Selects a source

Stores a track selection

Mute

Mutes or restores the sound

Display

Changes the information displayed

Eq

Repeat

Phase-

Signature Reference CD Player 808.3

Repeat

Store Source Volume

Clear Display Mute Volume

Off

Drive

CD drive

Open

Plays the disc

Opens/closes the disc drawer

Play

Stop

Pauses the disc

Stops the disc

Pause Off

Switches to standby

Next/Previous

Selects the next or previous track

Volume keys

Change the system volume

MSR+ keys

Source keys

Select a source

Previous

Selects the previous track

Play

Plays the disc

OFF

Switches to standby

Fast reverse

Scans backwards

Stop

Stops the disc

Open

Opens the disc tray

Next

Selects the next track

Fast forward

Scans forwards

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

CD RADIO DVD AUX DISC TAPE TV CABLE SAT VCR1 VCR2 GAME OFF

3 1

1

4

2

5 6 Enter

7 Return Menu 8 9

0 Top Menu

Repeat Subtitle DSP

Store Clear Display Mute

Pause

Pauses the disc

Volume keys

Change the volume

Number keys

Select a track by number

Repeat

Repeats a track/disc

A-B

Repeats a section

Clear

Clears a selection

Mute

Mutes or restores the sound

Function

Selects a special function

Menu keys

Select or change the balance, phase, contrast, or brightness

Store

Stores a selection

Display

Changes the front-panel display

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Switching on and off

When not playing, the 808.3 should be left in the standby state. This uses a minimal amount of electricity, but ensures that the components of the 808.3 operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start.

If you are not going to use the 808.3 for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.

To switch on from standby

• Press å, *, or > (front panel), or select a source.

If the 808.3 is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on any other units in the system, such as the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.

To insert a disc

• Press å (front panel) or Function * (remote) to open the tray.

• Place your disc in the tray, label side up.

• Press å (front panel), Function * (remote), or > to close the tray.

To switch to standby

• Press Off (front panel or remote).

If you have other Meridian equipment or Meridian DSP

Loudspeakers connected to the 808.3 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.

Always remove any disc before moving or shipping the

808.3.

Playing a disc

The compact disc 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 13.

If you have other Meridian sources you should ensure that the 808.3 is the currently selected source.

To play starting from a particular track

• Press ] or [ (front panel or remote) 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

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

To play the disc

• Press > (front panel or remote).

The display will show your selection.

For example: Play l

The display will then show the track number and elapsed time.

For example: 1 00:12

To restart the current track

• Press [ (front panel or remote).

To move to the next track

• Press > (front panel or remote).

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

10

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Stopping and pausing play

To stop playback

• Press * (front panel or remote).

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

For example: 16 --:--

To pause playback

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

• Press = (front panel or remote).

You can change tracks while the disc is paused using

[ or ] (front panel or remote).

To continue after pausing

• Press = or > (front panel or remote).

Repeat

You can choose to play a track, disc, or selection repeatedly, so that when it has played it will start again from the beginning.

To continuously repeat a disc

• Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) to select between the following options:

Display

Repeat track

Repeat disc

Description

Repeat current track.

Repeat entire disc.

To repeat between two positions

• Press A-B (Function Repeat on the remote) at the start of the section you want to repeat.

The display shows: Repeat A-

• Move to the end of the section you want to repeat.

• Press A-B (Function Repeat on the remote) again.

The display shows: Repeat A-B

The section you have specified will be played repeatedly.

To cancel A-B repeat

• Press A-B.

To cancel the repeat function

• Press Repeat (remote or under the front panel) again.

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

12

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Scanning a disc

The scan controls allow you to move quickly to any position on the disc at either twice or eight times normal speed.

To scan through a disc

• Press ˘ or ¯ (remote or under the front panel) to select twice normal speed.

• Press ˘ or ¯ again to select eight times normal speed.

The display will show you the position on the disc.

For example: 3 12:37

• Press > (front panel or remote) when you have reached the position you want to play.

Alternatively press ˘ or ¯ again from eight times normal speed to return to normal playback.

Programming a selection

You can programme a selection of tracks and then play only the 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.

To choose a track to programme

• Press [ or ] (front panel or remote) to step through the track numbers until the track you want is displayed, or type the number of the track you want.

To make a selection by adding tracks

• 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 or under the front panel).

The track will change from Track to Store, and all the other tracks will be marked Clear.

For example: Store 14

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

To make a selection by omitting tracks

• 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 or under the front panel).

The track will change from Track to Clear, and all the other tracks will be marked Store.

For example: Clear 12

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

To add or remove a track from a selection

• Select the track using [ or ] (front panel or remote).

Alternatively you can enter the track number using the remote.

• Press Store to add the track, or Clear to remove the track.

To clear a programme

• Press * (front panel or remote) twice.

The display will show:

Track 12

Clear Program

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

13

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

14

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Changing the absolute phase

You can use the remote to invert the absolute phase of the analogue output signal, which in some circumstances can give a noticeable improvement in realism.

To display the phase setting

• Press Phase (Function = on the remote).

The display will show: CD + Phase

To change the phase setting

• Press Phase again.

The display will show the new phase setting.

For example: CD - Phase

Changing the front-panel display

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player displays information about the current disc and settings on the

20-character front-panel display.

You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the frontpanel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.

To change the contrast or brightness

• Press > or < (remote), until the display shows the current contrast or brightness.

For example:

Display option

Track and elapsed time

Sampling rate, precision, and audio format

Blank

CD Contrast 10

• Press A or V (remote), to change the selected setting.

You can change the contrast or brightness between 0 and 15.

To change the displayed information

• Press Display (remote or under the front panel).

Each time you press Display the display will step between the following options:

Initial value in Type 1

1 68:57

44k1 16Bit LPCM CD

If the Diagnostic displays option has been selected, additional diagnostic displays are included.

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Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

16

Using the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Using the preamplifier features

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player includes a preamplifier, and can act as the controller for up to 11 other sources, and provide an optional volume control for the analogue inputs.

This chapter explains how to use these features from either the front panel or the MSR+.

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Using the preamplifier features

18

Using the preamplifier features

Selecting a source

The 808.3 responds to the following 12 source keys on the remote:

CD, Radio, DVD, Aux, Disc, Tape, TV, Cable, Sat,

VCR1, VCR2, and Game.

The CD source usually corresponds to the internal drive.

The Aux source usually corresponds to the internal

Sooloos interface.

The input associated with each of the sources depends on how the 808.3 has been set up; for more information refer to the Meridian Configuration Program

Guide.

Your installer may have customised the labels displayed for each source to suit your other equipment.

To select a source

• Press Source (under the front panel) until the display shows the source you want, or press the appropriate source key on the remote; eg CD.

The display shows the source and volume setting.

For example, if you select the Radio source:

To play music from a Sooloos server

Either:

• Press Source (under the front panel) until the display shows SLS, or press the Aux key on the remote.

Or:

• Select the 808.3 zone from the Sooloos controller.

You can then listen to music streamed from the

Sooloos server.

The volume and mute controls on the Sooloos controller will operate the 808.3.

To control the Sooloos server

When the SLS source is selected you can control the

Sooloos server from the 808.3 front panel controls.

• Press >, =, or * to control playback.

• Press [ or ] to step between tracks in the server’s play queue.

For more information please refer to the Meridian

Sooloos Network Card Guide.

The display shows: Radio 65

The 808.3 mutes the sound while you change source.

Adjusting the system volume

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player provides an optional volume control on the analogue outputs, enabling it to drive amplifiers or active loudspeakers directly, and you can adjust the volume using the front panel or remote.

The volume changes in precise steps of 1dB, where

9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front-panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.

To change the volume

• Press Volume A or Volume V (under the front panel), or the red A or V keys on the remote.

As you adjust the volume setting the display shows the current volume level.

For example: CD 65

To mute the sound

• Press Mute (remote or under the front panel).

The display shows: Mute

To restore the sound

• Press Mute again.

Alternatively, the sound will be restored if you adjust the volume.

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Using the preamplifier features

20

Using the preamplifier features

Changing the balance

To change the balance

• Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current balance.

For example: CD Balance <0>

• Press A or V (remote) to move the listening position.

The display shows the direction and position of the listening position.

For example: CD Balance <3

The arrow indicates the direction, and the number indicates the position where 0 is central, 8 is in line with the corresponding main speaker, and 10 is fully to one side.

Installing the 808.3 Signature

Reference CD Player

This chapter explains how to install the 808.3 Signature Reference CD player. It describes what you should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other equipment in the system.

You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.

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Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

22

Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Unpacking

The 808.3 Signature Reference CD Player is supplied with the following accessories:

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MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps.

Meridian Comms lead.

Power cord.

This manual.

If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.

NOTE: You should retain the packaging in case you need to transport the unit.

Back panel

The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections:

ANALOGUE

INPUT

Digital coax inputs

DIGITAL

INPUT

ANALOGUE

OUTPUT

Balanced analogue outputs

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

Digital coax output

Trigger outputs

Switch and fuse

COMPUTER

Analogue inputs

SpeakerLink and optical inputs

Unbalanced analogue outputs

Meridian

SpeakerLink outputs

Sooloos network connection

Meridian

Comms

Power

ANALOGUE

INPUT

Digital coax inputs

DIGITAL

INPUT

ANALOGUE

OUTPUT

Balanced analogue outputs

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

Digital coax output

Trigger outputs

Switch and fuse

COMPUTER

Audio outputs

Use this output To connect to this

BALANCED OUT The balanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using XLR leads.

ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue inputs of a preamplifier, or a power amplifier such as the G57, using analogue phono leads.

DIGITAL OUT The digital input of a surround processor, such as the 861

Reference Digital Surround

Controller, or DSP loudspeakers, using a 75Ω digital cable.

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

DSP Loudspeakers with Meridian

SpeakerLink connectors, using

SpeakerLink leads. Use the upper socket for the Master speaker.

Audio inputs

Use this input

ANALOGUE IN A1 (Radio),

A2 (TV), A3 (Cable), A4

(Tape), A5 (VCR1), A6

(VCR2)

DIGITAL INPUT D1 (DVD),

D2, D3

SPEAKERLINK INPUT

SL1 (Disc)

OPTICAL INPUT O1 (Sat),

O2 (Game)

NETWORK (Aux)

To connect to this

The analogue outputs of a source, such as a TV or tape deck.

The digital output of a source such as a DVD player.

The SpeakerLink output of a Meridian source, using a

Meridian SpeakerLink lead.

The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver.

A Meridian Sooloos Digital

Media System.

The default assignment of the source to each input is shown in brackets after the input name in the above table. CD corresponds to the internal CD player.

Communications connections

Use this connection

MERIDIAN COMMS

RS232 connection

TRIGGER OUTPUT

1, 2, 3

To connect to this

Other Meridian equipment, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

A computer, for configuring the 808.3, or a serial control system..

Equipment that can be triggered by a 12V 100mA signal.

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Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Analogue inputs

SpeakerLink and optical inputs

Unbalanced analogue outputs

Meridian

SpeakerLink outputs

Sooloos network connection

Meridian

Comms

Power

24

Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

Applications

To connect to an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller

Meridian 808.3 CD Player

SPEAKERLINK

OUT

861 Digital Surround Controller

SPEAKERLINK

IN

SpeakerLink lead

• Connect the SpeakerLink output from the 808.3 to the SpeakerLink input on the 861, using a

SpeakerLink lead.

To connect to an analogue source (eg TV tuner)

Analogue source

ANALOGUE

OUT

808.3 Signature Reference CD Player

ANALOGUE IN

A2

Phono leads

You can connect up to six analogue sources to the

808.3 Signature Reference CD Player

• Connect the analogue source to one of the analogue input sockets of the 808.3, using screened coax phono leads.

To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (daisy chain)

Front R – Slave

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

Meridian 808.3 CD Player

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

SpeakerLink lead

Front L – Master

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

SpeakerLink lead

The 808.3 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete compact stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.

The Meridian SpeakerLink connection provides both two-channel digital audio and Meridian Comms control.

This is an alternative to the “home run” wiring configuration shown in the next section.

• Connect the upper SpeakerLink output from the 808.3 to the SpeakerLink input on the DSP loudspeaker chosen as the master, using a

SpeakerLink lead.

• Connect the SpeakerLink output from the master

DSP loudspeaker to the SpeakerLink input on the other (slave) DSP loudspeaker, using a second

SpeakerLink lead.

• Configure the loudspeakers as described in the

Meridian DSP Loudspeaker User Guide.

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Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

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Installing the 808.3

Signature Reference

CD Player

To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (home run)

Front R – Slave

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

Meridian 808.3 CD Player

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

SpeakerLink lead

The 808.3 can be connected directly to Meridian DSP loudspeakers to create a complete compact stereo system, with volume and other preamplifier controls provided by the loudspeakers via the MSR+ or the front panel.

The Meridian SpeakerLink connection provides both two-channel digital audio and Meridian Comms control.

This is an alternative to the “home run” wiring configuration shown overleaf.

• Connect the upper SpeakerLink output from the 808.3 to the SpeakerLink input on the DSP loudspeaker chosen as the master, using a

SpeakerLink lead.

• Connect the lower SpeakerLink output from the

808.3 to the SpeakerLink input on the other (slave)

DSP loudspeaker, using a second SpeakerLink lead.

• Configure the loudspeakers as described in the

Meridian DSP Loudspeaker User Guide.

SpeakerLink lead

Front L – Master

MERIDIAN

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

To connect to DSP loudspeakers using the digital and Comms connections

MERIDIAN

COMMS

Meridian 808.3 CD Player

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

M5 lead

DSP loudspeaker – Slave

MERIDIAN

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

DSP loudspeaker – Master

MERIDIAN

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

S5 lead

If your DSP loudspeakers do not provide Meridian

SpeakerLink connections you can connect to them using the Digital and Meridian Comms connections.

• Connect the DIGITAL OUTPUT and a COMMS socket from the 808.3 to DIGITAL INPUT 1 and the

COMMS input on the DSP loudspeaker chosen as the master, using an M5 lead.

• Connect the DIGITAL and COMMS outputs from the master DSP loudspeaker to DIGITAL INPUT

1 and the COMMS input on the other (slave) DSP loudspeaker, using an S5 lead.

• Configure the loudspeakers as described in the

Meridian DSP Loudspeaker User Guide.

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To connect to a power amplifier

Speaker

INPUTS

G56/G57 Power Amplifier

ANALOGUE IN OUTPUTS ANALOGUE IN

Speaker

INPUTS

Meridian 808.3 CD Player

ANALOGUE

OUT

Phono or XLR leads

The 808.3 includes an integrated preamplifier, allowing you to connect it directly to a pair of analogue active loudspeakers, or to analogue passive loudspeakers via a power amplifier.

• Connect the ANALOGUE OUTPUT connections from the 808.3 to the inputs of the analogue active loudspeakers or power amplifier.

To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment

MERIDIAN

COMMS

Meridian 808.3 CD Player G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit

MERIDIAN

COMMS

Meridian Comms lead

In a system of Meridian products, one of the products acts as the controller for the system, receiving infra-red commands from the MSR+ and then, if appropriate, relaying them to the other products via the Comms link.

The following automatic setup procedure should be used to set up the Comms correctly between several products:

• Connect one of the DIN COMMS sockets on the back panel of the 808.3 to one of the COMMS sockets on another G Series, 500 Series, or 800

Series unit, using the Comms leads provided with the products.

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

• Switch all the units to standby.

• Press Clear (remote).

All the other units will be configured as non-controllers.

The displays show: Not Con.

If for any reason the automatic setup does not work, make sure you are operating the remote from a position where all the units can receive the infra-red, and try again.

If this fails:

• Restore the default operation by selecting one of the standard types; see Choosing a standard setting, page iii.

Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment other than Meridian G Series or 800

Series to any socket marked COMMS on the back of the product.

Each unit will display: Auto

One unit will then be designated as the controller.

The display shows: Controller

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Configuring the 808.3 Signature

Reference CD Player

This chapter explains how to set up the 808.3 Signature Reference CD

Player for most standard configurations of your other equipment, using just the front-panel controls and MSR+.

For complete control over all aspects of the unit’s configuration it is recommended that you set up the unit using the Meridian Configuration

Program; for full information see the Meridian Configuration Program

Guide available separately.

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Choosing a standard setting

The 808.3 provides two standard settings, called

Types, which configure all aspects of the 808.3 into standard configurations.

These standard Types are shown in the following table:

Type

1

2

Description

Fixed output, for use with Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

Variable output, for use with power amplifiers and analogue loudspeakers.

Then after a short delay the display shows the current

Type.

For example: Type 1

• Press A or V on the front panel to change the Type number.

In addition, your installer may have provided one or more named User Types, with settings appropriate to the configuration of equipment when your 808.3 was installed.

You can reset the configuration of the 808.3 to any of these Types to restore it to the state it was in when it was installed. Note: Selecting a Type will clear any configuration changes you have made.

To select a standard setting

Warning: this procedure will reset any configuration changes you have made.

• Switch off any power amplifiers that are connected to the 808.3 and put any digital speakers into standby.

• Put the 808.3 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).

• Press and hold down Volume A (under the front panel).

The display shows: Typing, please wait

• Wait for one second, and then put the 808.3 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).

• Switch on again to use the standard settings you have selected.

The display shows: Type in... 3

• Keep holding down Volume A for a further three seconds.

The display shows: Type- please wait

Setting up sources

This section explains how to use Gain mode to set up the analogue sources connected to the 808.3.

To turn on Gain mode

• Put the 808.3 into standby by pressing Off (front panel or remote).

• Press and hold the Volume V key under the front panel for at least five seconds.

The display shows: Gain On

The 808.3 will then return to standby with Gain mode turned on.

Gain mode adds an extra Sensitivity option to the menus.

To turn off Gain mode

• Repeat the above procedure.

The display shows: Gain Off

To adjust the sensitivity of a source

To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for your analogue sources you can adjust the sensitivity of each input to give the highest level that does not produce clipping.

• Turn on Gain mode, as described above.

• Select the source you want to adjust, with loud source material playing.

• Press < or > (remote) until the display shows the current sensitivity.

For example: Radio 2.0V In

• Press A or V (remote) to change the sensitivity.

You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or 2.5V (least sensitive).

If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages. The display shows:

For example: Radio 0.5V In Clip

In this case reduce the sensitivity.

If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the sensitivity. The display shows:

For example: CD Not Analogue

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Index

A absolute phase 14 accessories 22 analogue source, connecting 24 auxiliary output 22

B back panel connections 22 balance, changing 20 balanced outputs 22 brightness, front-panel display 15

C clip indicator 33

Comms, connecting 23, 27, 29 communications connections 23 configuring 31 connecting to an 861 Reference Digital

Surround Controller 24 to an analogue source 24 to a power amplifier 28 to DSP loudspeakers 25, 26, 27 to Meridian equipment 29 continuing play 10 contrast, front-panel display 15

D display, front panel 15

DSP loudspeakers, connecting to

25, 26, 27

F front panel keys 6

G

Gain mode 33

I inputs 23

M

Meridian Digital Surround Controller, connecting to 24

Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 25, 26, 27

Meridian System Remote keys 7 muting the sound 19

O outputs 23

P pausing play 10 continuing after pausing 10 phase changing 14 reviewing 14 playing a disc 9 from a particular track 9 repeatedly 11 programming a selection 13 clearing 13

R repeating play 11 cancelling 11 restarting the current track 9

RS232 connection 23

S safety warnings ii scanning a disc 12 selections adding a track 13 clearing 13 programming 13 specifying tracks not to play 13

Sooloos, using 18 sound, muting 19 sources 18 adjusting sensitivity 33 selecting 18

SpeakerLink 23 connecting with 25, 26 specification 3 standard settings, selecting 32 standby, switching to 8 stopping play 10 switching on and off 8

T tracks playing from a particular track 9 restarting the current track 9 trigger outputs 23

Types 32

35

Index

36

Index

U unpacking 22

V volume, adjusting 19