Meridian 218 Pre-Amplifier
The 218 Zone Controller contains all of the functionality needed to create a Hi-Res audio zone. Accommodating both local and distributed audio, whether analogue or digital, the Meridian 218, which comes equipped with lip-sync technology is also an endpoint for our award-winning Sooloos music management platform.
IP Control allows for seamless integration and flexibility within the home. Also includes both digital and analogue inputs and outputs.
Scalable solution – use multiple 218 units for additional Hi Res zones around the home.
Digital and analogue outputs enable the 218 to work with any power amplifier and all Meridian loudspeakers speakers, enabling significant flexibility.
Multiple input options, including optical and coax digital, analogue and Speakerlink.
IP CONTROL
IP Control allows for seamless integration and flexibility within the home. Also includes both digital and analogue inputs and outputs.
MASTER QUALITY AUTHENTICATED (MQA)
Sourced from the original studio master recording as approved by the creative team, MQA combines an advanced new digital sampling technology that captures extremely high frequency timing and detail in an audio signal with an equally novel system to “encapsulate” that data into a form for delivery using any lossless file format or streaming. The listener’s decoder reconstructs the entire original signal, bringing up an indicator confirming that what they are hearing is exactly the same as the original master. Without the decoder, the listener enjoys CD quality reproduction. Its most advanced form, “MQA Studio”, uses the technology in the studio to generate an even higher quality master recording as the source.
FIFO BUFFERING
Each sample of a digital recording must remain evenly spaced in time. Unfortunately, timing can vary, especially when reading discs. This is “jitter”, degrading music's sense of space and diminishing realism. Meridian's multiple “First In, First Out” buffering system minimises jitter, ensuring perfect timing and improved clarity. You enjoy a clearer feeling of the instruments and their interrelationship.
SPEAKERLINK
Traditional audio systems often require large, expensive cables to maintain their performance. Meridian's SpeakerLink uses an “Ethernet style” cable that delivers pristine digital sound and control down a single cable between Meridian components. The result is simple, unobtrusive, and cost-effective cables that are easy to install
LIP-SYNC
Video processing typically delays the picture. As sound travels slower than light, the effect of the sound arriving before the picture is highly noticeable. For installations where the audio and video are separated before video processing, the Meridian 218 has adjustable audio delay to realign the audio with the video.
AUDIO INPUTS
One 2-channel digital coaxial S/PDIF input. 44.1kHz to 192kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
One 2-channel Meridian Speakerlink input. 44.1kHz to 192kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
One 2-channel digital optical TOSLINK input. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
One 2-channel analogue input
One network input (Ethernet) for connection to Meridian
CONTROL SIGNALS
IP Control: Network socket for use with Meridian IP Control iPad App, other Sooloos control interface and third party control system
IP Control
IR on 3.5mm jack
AUDIO OUTPUTS
2 Speakerlink digital outputs
Single RCA digital output
2-Channel unbalanced analogue output (192kHz DAC)
DISPLAY
LEDs to indicate source selection and MQA status
CONSTRUCTION
1U tall rack kit available with space for two units
Universal mounting bracket
All-aluminium chassis
POWER
High performance power supply: 100V ac 50/60 Hz | 110-120V ac 50/60Hz | 220-240V ac 50/60Hz
CONSTRUCTION
1U tall rack kit available with space for two units
Universal mounting bracket
All-aluminium chassis