Meridian Unveils All-New ""G"" Series

2-Sep-03

Meridian Audio Limited has announced the new G Series components, which draw on the Reference 800 Series components, combined with the latest developments from Meridian's research and development teams.""The G Series designs mark an important payoff on the promise of 'digital theatre' we've been working toward for nearly a decade,"" says Meridian Chairman and Chief Designer Bob Stuart. ""We have been refining digital audio more than 20 years. Our most recent work in video signal processing, the solutions for digital audio-video interconnection, and smart system operations have defined the next level of both performance and user interface. We have every confidence that the G Series components will set the standard, worldwide, for many years to come.""Meridian's newest range comprises three basic families of all-new designs: four variations of optical disc CD and CD/DVD player/transport/controllers--two with extended, preamp-like capabilities; four components including a surround processor/tuner, preamp, and a two-channel receiver; and three power amplifiers including stereo and multichannel models. The G Series products answer the need for both ""analog"" systems using passive loudspeakers and high-performance arrangements of Meridian's DSP digital loudspeaker models.The look and feel of each G Series model begins with new industrial designs by Meridian co-founder (and multiple international award-winner) Allen Boothroyd, featuring full-width, all-metal construction with Meridian's traditional black glass accents. The sleek finish, available in pearly silver or all-black, is highlighted with an all-new user interface accessed by front-panel or remote controls and flexible, customizable key layouts.The new line also features easy conversion to EIA-standard rack-mounting via available kits, and RS-232 ports that may be used both for complete system control integration and for communication with a dedicated, Meridian-written Windows application for setup, configuration, and customization. The G Series models can be configured to meet the requirements of a specific system. Both Meridian communication ports, and industry-standard IR control and trigger inputs/outputs are also provided.G Series Disc PlayersThe four G Series optical disc components include the G07 CD Player and G08 Upsampling CD Player, the G98 DVD Audio Transport, and the G91 DVD Audio Player/Controller, a fully integrated CD/DVD player with on-board stereo preamplifier/tuner.All four employ latest-generation CD/DVD-ROM drive mechanisms with custom, Meridian-written control, navigation, and error-correction software with future upgradeability. These players also feature re-clocking using FIFO RAM buffering to eliminate jitter. All four models are compatible with all relevant mass-produced and recordable variants of CD and DVD-Video/Audio formats, including CD-R and hybrids. The Meridian G07 and G08 are generally similar, with the latter adding balanced (XLR) analog outputs, and Meridian's upsampling capability. In the G08, G91, and G98, there is upsampling of CD-standard PCM to 24-bit, 176.4/192 kHz. In the case of DolbyÆ Digital/DTSÆ Digital Surroundô multichannel material, the same benefits can be enjoyed from the G91 and G98 when reproduced via a compatible Meridian surround controller such as the G68. To this end, the G91 and G98 include MHR Smart Link functionality, permitting encrypted, lossless digital interconnection of multichannel sources and Meridian surround controllers including the G68.The configurable G91 DVD Audio Player/Controller comprises a DVD-Audio/Video disc player, stereo digital preamplifier, and AM/FM RDS/RDBS tuner in a single component. The G91 further functions as a multichannel home theatre centerpiece via its optional configurations with MHR Smart Link multichannel digital outputs to either the G68 Surround Controller or direct to a set of Meridian's DSP Loudspeakers. The G91 includes multiple video inputs, and outputs include component video and HDMI with scalable video output. The G91 also accepts both analog and digital inputs. DVI connection is available via an optional adapter. A European version is available with SCART output.The G98 DVD Audio Transport includes similar sophisticated video capabilities to the G91, and can be configured with either MHR Smart Link digital outputs for connection to a Meridian processor or DSP Loudspeakers, or with six-channel analog outputs for use in other systems. The on-board video processor accepts multiple video inputs, and can output formats up to 576p analog component and scalable HDMI (also DVI-capable) up to 1080i.G Series Surround ControllerThe G68 Surround Controller is a modular and upgradeable THXÆ Ultra2 component serving as a digital and analog A/V surround preamp/processor with RDS/RDBS tuner. It provides a variety of multichannel inputs including two six-channel digital inputs, thus accepting Meridian MHR Smart Link signals from compatible Meridian disc players. There are also several stereo digital and analog inputs for audio and A/V sources, and balanced analog output options are available. Video configurations include broadcast-grade switching incorporating multiple S-video and component inputs and outputs.The G68 also features the proprietary Meridian DSP room correction system to counteract room resonances. The G68's DSP engine is a five-processor layout capable of 750 MIPS of calculating power. Stereo and surround processing modes include THX, Dolby Digital, and DTS, as well as Ambisonics, MPEG, and Meridian's Trifield.G Series Audio Control Units/ReceiverMeridian has also created a new trio of analog stereo components in the G Series family.The three units include the G01 stereo RDS tuner/control unit, the G02 balanced/dual-mono control unit, and the G51 AM/FM RDS stereo receiver. The latter incorporates 2 x 100 watts power derived from the G56 power amplifier.G Series AmplifiersThere are three power amplifiers among Meridian's new G Series, two stereo models and a five-channel design. All derive from the amplification technology of Meridian's DSP8000 Digital Loudspeakers.The dual-mono G56 produces 100 watts per channel (8 ohms), while the G57 doubles this to 200 x 2 at 8 ohms and more than 650 x 2 at 4 ohms. Both two-channel models can be bridged to mono. The Meridian G55 duplicates the stereo amps' features in a five-channel configuration, delivering 100 watts each (8 ohms); the ""outer"" channel pairs may be bridged to 300 watts each. All three G Series amps include a flexible trigger input that responds equally to DC or AC signals over a wide voltage range.MSR+ RemoteEach G Series component (except the power amplifiers) is supplied with the latest MSR+ System Remote. This backlit, ergonomic tabletop controller incorporates 51 keys grouped into intuitive sections; user-replaceable keycaps allow for semi-permanent re-labeling to match a particular system's actual components and sources. The MSR+ is a preprogrammed/learning remote with an internal IR code library with the ability to command an array of equipment from numerous manufacturers. All models will be available by October.Manufacturer's suggested prices:G07 24-Bit CD Player, $2875 G08 24-Bit Upsampling CD Player, $3995G68 Surround Controller, $6995 or $8995 (depending on configuration)G01 Stereo Control Unit, $2595G02 Balanced Stereo Control Unit, $2995G51 Stereo Receiver, $3595G56 Stereo Power Amplifier, $2695G57 Stereo Power Amplifier, $3595G55 5-Channel Power Amplifier, $4895G91DH DVD Audio Player/Controller, $6995G98 DVD Audio Transport, $5995 or $6495 (depending on configuration)Meridian Plus System Remote plus (MSR+), $149For more information, visit www.meridian-audio.com.

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