Meridian 251 Integrated Amplifier
Designed for in-room and in-rack systems, the 251 Powered Zone Controller contains all the functionality needed to create a great sounding and flexible Hi-Res Audio zone.
With two powerful, cool-running channels of on-board amplification, the Meridian 251 can comfortably drive a pair of loudspeakers or a sound bar with our trademark fidelity and High Resolution performance.
IP Control allows for seamless integration and flexibility within the home.
MQA delivers master quality audio in a file that’s small enough to stream or download
Lip Sync realigns audio and video following separation to ensure that there is no delay.
Meridian High Resolution [MHR] allows the secure movement of high resolution digital audio, without degradation or loss in quality
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.
DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING
As pioneers and leaders in the field of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology, Meridian is able to deliver your music authentically to recreate the passion and involvement of your musical moments. Power-efficient, active DSP crossovers are individually tailored to distribute music to each speaker, bringing your music to life.
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 on RCA phono connectors
One network input (Ethernet) for connection to Meridian Sooloos or third party control interface
DISPLAY
LEDs to indicate source selection and MQA status
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Speaker outputs on Phoenix connectors
24-12 AWG Compatible
2 x 100w into 4Ω nominal load (2 x 65w into 8Ω)
40kHz Bandwidth
2-channel line-level analogue output on RCA phono connectors
Twin 192kHz 24-bit DACs
POWER
Advanced linear power supply: 110–120V ac 50–60Hz | 220-240V ac 50-60Hz
CONTROL SIGNALS
IP Control
IR on 3.5mm jack
Meridian Comms
DIMENSIONS
HEIGHT: 42mm [1.65in] (without feet)
WIDTH: 204mm [8.03in]
DEPTH: 221mm [8.7in] (226mm inc. connectors) [8.89in]
WEIGHT: Standalone: 2.5Kg [5.5lbs]