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Help with Meridian 518

Please share how you use the 518 to optimize your stereo system.

I recently added 518 to my system in place of my preamp. The 518 lets me connect my dac to my amp directly. This resulted in a much smoother and transparent sound. However, there are other functions on the 518 that are not used optimally.

I fudged around with the Emph/Deemph, different noise shaping algorithms, and the input/outbut bits, but they all sound the same to me on my system. I know for a fact they do alter the sound, for an old client had one, and he transported steisand into his living room with a mere touch of a button.

My setup:
Cal Audio Delta-Meridian 518-Cal Audio Sigma-Aragon 8002-Kef 103/4
Argent speaker cable, Emerald between amp and dac, and mapleshade between trans/518/dac

Thanks ahead of time.
viggen
vantageaudio
182 posts
 

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

viggen OP
838 posts
 
Hey Richard,

Thanks for being very informative!!

I checked the version of software on the 518, and I've got the older version, 1.14. I doubt the older version would penalize the audio performance?

I've already have designated the 518 as a Type 0.

It seems I am at a disadvantage for using the 518 as a preamp. Lowering the volume on the 518 cuts into the resolution of my digital source. However, using the 518 as a preamp with curtailed resolution and forgoing the DSP still sounds better than having my Nakamichi Ca-7a in the audio loop.

Ed
vantageaudio
182 posts
 

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.

glaucon
25 posts
 
(1) You are losing exactly 4 bits of resolution (out of a theoretically possible 16) - that's almost the sonic equivalent of listening to an AM radio built into the stomach of a plastic teddy bear.

(2) The resistors (10db in my case) are Vishay. It sounds like you're going to need 20db ones. BTW, this mod will void the warranty on your amp.

(3) The reason you don't hear a difference between PREEMPHASIS and none is that your CAL Sigma has a digital demphasis circuit (I use this very DAC for my Home Theater system). Preemphasis only works with with analogue circuits (which means it won't work with ALL of the newer DACs out there). When it does work, it makes a HUGE difference.

Hope this helps...
vantageaudio
182 posts
 

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

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