Cant understand Meridian Gear


Need some help understanding Meridian. First of all I'd like to purchase a 5.1 or similar processor preamp...don't care about video switching etc. I've looked at the Meridian gear, but can't figure out what the difference is in their units. Is it a fully decoding and functioning Pre processor or not? Some units are labeled as controllers, but they require an additional unit for DAC, don't know? Are some units stand alone? I have some monoblock amps, bluray player and speakers. Need to know which used Meridian to buy (single Unit only) Thanks
mudcat
Some may only output digital because they are intended to be connected to Meridian's DSP loudspeakers. Any of the recent models with analog outputs would seem to do.

However, none will decode the HD codecs and many will require the add-on HD621 to implement HDMI input.

For expert assistance, you might consider posting your query at http://www.meridianunplugged.com/

Kal
Mudcat,
Send me the details of your system and I will help explain which would or would not benefit you.
Dan
Hi Mudcat. . .Meridian's gear is highly flexible but the byproduct of that is that it can be confusing. As Porschecab has offered, I too will offer to help. For what it's worth, some of the G series stuff can be configured as a traditional analog processor, or to operate in the digital domain, or both. You might see letters following the model number which are a hint about the configuration. For example a G68AXV is configured as analog ("A"), with balanced outputs ("X" for XLR) and offers video switching ("V"). I personally have a stack of 500 series gear (518, 562v, and 565) and althought they work virtually as a single component, the 565 processor could work alone if I had very limited sources (it offers few inputs).

Any help I can provide, just say the word.
Just received a 561 processor, every analog input works, but the CD: No sound out of that input. Is there a setting that is fouled up. I'm trying to read the manual. What a nightmare.
I am running two monoblocks, two analogue speakers and a sub. Everything is hooked analogue..I did not see anywhere 2.1 setup. Help is appreciated
Hey, I am not familiar with the 561 per se, but I think you may need to configure the CD input to use the Analog input. Meridian let's you choose what plug set (on the back) is used for a source such as CD. This way, if you have a CD player that puts out digital, you can configure "CD" to look for a signal on "Digital Input #1". Or in the alteranative that same input can be configured to use the Analog input instead. According the 531 manual available on Meridian's site, the CD source is defaulted to look on the Digital input. You need to get that manual and then go to the section on Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer. OR, if you have a computer with an RS232 port, you can download Meridian's software, install it, connect the computer to the 561 and then use their very cool program to setup all your sources, surround defaults, etc.