Meridian Audio SW5500 - Manual

SW1600
SW5500
Digital/Analogue Subwoofers
www.meridian-audio.com
Optimised for both movie
soundtracks and music
Active analogue and digital
inputs for maximum
versatility
12in, high-effi ciency, long-
throw drivers
24-bit, 96kHz D/A converters
for highest possible audio
accuracy
Separate analogue and digital
power supplies for superb
power handling and low
distortion
Class G high-effi ciency,
ultra-low output impedance
amplifi ers
Ultra-rigid cabinet minimises
colouration
Meridian’s SW1600 and SW5500
combine the fi nest materials with state-
of-the-art design to create what we
believe are the ultimate subwoofers,
emphasising extreme bass, depth,
clarity, control, and articulation.
Each subwoofer provides both digital
and active analogue inputs, allowing
them to be connected either to a
Meridian digital surround controller or
digital source with a digital coax output,
or to an analogue preamplifi er or
surround controller with either phono
or balanced (XLR) outputs.
The subwoofers’ digital inputs employ
96kHz/24bit digital to analogue
conversion and accept inputs up to
96kHz – including Meridian High
Resolution (MHR) signals. If you are
using the subwoofers with a digital
source such as CD or DVD, these inputs
allow signals to remain in digital form
until the last possible stage.
Separate power supplies
Separate analogue and digital
power supplies are used to feed the
subwoofer’s precision electronic circuits,
ensuring that both high and low power
sections receive continual smooth
supply.
The whole electronic assembly is
supplied from a substantial toroidal
transformer feeding high-quality,
audiophile-grade capacitors.
Optimised for both movies
and music
The subwoofers are based on 300mm
(12in) high-effi ciency long-throw custom
bass drivers. The SW1600 uses a single
driver, and the SW5500 uses two drivers
in a single enclosure. In both cases,
the enclosure is sealed for maximum
fl exibility of positioning.
The speakers are driven by Class G high
effi ciency ultra-low output impedance
amplifi ers. The combination of idealised
magnetic design, careful star earthing,
and very fast output devices gives the
amplifi ers extremely low noise and
fast bass, optimised for both music and
movie soundtracks.
Rigid cabinet design
Each subwoofer is carefully constructed
from 22mm MDF with inert basket
bracing and bitumen damping to
produce an ultra-rigid, damped cabinet
that minimises colouration.
The subwoofers are fi nished with 6mm
annealed glass top-plates, and thick
veneered MDF sides are bolted to the
main cabinet, resulting in extremely low
levels of cabinet resonance.
SW5500 subwoofer above, shown with
front grille removed, and SW1600 below.