Help with Meridian 518

We have some basic set up info posted at http://vantageaudio.com/info/518.htm

We use a 518 every day and can give you more info (especially regarding the noise shape settings, etc) if you email directly (it would take too long to post here). Hope this helps..???

Regards, Richard

Try a well recorded track and relax and listen several times first with the shaper FLAT, then HP, then each SHAPE A, B,etc....

Although Shape A and E have very similar curves they have different degrees of noise reduction so try switching between those two after your initial test above. It takes time to learn and get used to the 518 but it is worth the wait..!

Regards, Richard.

Hello Ed! As far as I am aware there are no differences in 518 models regarding DSP function, they should all be the same

Check your software version by pressing and holding DSP whilst switching ON the 518 from the power switch on the rear. The display should read "518" and the version number (either "1.14" or "1.22"). You can also read the version when the 518 is in standby, just press the DISPLAY button

Also double-check you have selected TYPE 0 by pressing and holding SOURCE whilst switching ON the 518 from the power switch on the rear. With TYPE 0 selected, wait at least one second then switch OFF at the rear for one-half second then switch back ON again. The 518 will now be in normal mode

You could try the following settings as a start: From standby, press SOURCE - select. Then press DITHER - select FLAT. Then press DSP - select Emphasis

As Glaucon states above, try and get as close to 87 as you can. Also ensure you have selected the IN and OUT to match your transport and DAC. Pressing DISPLAY will scroll thru your selections so you can check the In and OUT settings along with the DSP and DITHER settings

Once you start listening you can then work your way thru the DITHER settings. Take your time here. Happy listening! Regards, Richard

Hello Ed! The main difference with the "1.22" version appears to be a few additional functions on the display, the audio performance seems unaffected

If you are getting clipping when using EMPHASIS try reducing the gain by a couple of dB as you will still get better resolution with your DAC

The other suggestion I would make is to try the 518 in TYPE 1 mode as well. Also in TYPE 1 there is a BYPASS mode in addition to the other DSP modes so that should help in your comparisons, although of course you will have to place your pre-amp back in circuit

Regards, Richard.

I agree with Glaucon but although Meridian prefer you use a DAC with analog de-empahasis (of course they would really much prefer you use one of their own DAC's....) you will still benefit even if the DAC has digital stages. The effects of using the 518 can be very subtle and it takes time to appreciate these effects. There are many users who have expressed disappointment upon first using the 518 in their system, but once they have spent some time with the unit the benefits become more apparent. It may sound cruel but using the 518 can very often show-up deficiencies in your DAC

Regards, Richard