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Introduction
The 808.2 Signature Reference CD Player
The 808.2 Signature Reference CD Player takes
Compact Disc playback to an entirely new level, with a
heritage that includes the multiple award winning 508
and 800, and two dozen optical disc players from 1984
to the present day. The 808.2 is specifically designed
as a CD-optimised machine, able to play audio CDs,
CD-Rs, and CD-R/Ws. It also plays the CD layer of an
SACD disc.
At the heart of the 808.2 are fully-integrated
electronics and a computer-style CD/DVD-ROM drive.
The drive normally operates at standard CD speed,
but is capable of much faster reading, using multiple
high-speed re-reads to ensure accurate recovery of
data from even the most difficult disc. This capability
alone provides over ten times the error correction of a
conventional CD player.
Signal Processing
Once the digital data stream has been recovered from
the disc, powerful on-board digital signal processing
(DSP) with a capability of an impressive 150 MIPs
upsamples the digital information from the 16-bit
44.1kHz signal of conventional CD to a 24-bit signal
with a sample rate of 176.4kHz. This signal is fed
to the latest DVD-Audio quality delta-sigma DACs to
drive the analogue outputs, while a digital signal at an
88.2kHz sample rate is supplied to the digital outputs.
Upsampling is performed with very high-accuracy
filters which minimise pre-echo arising from ADCs and
DACs used in the recording and replay process so
that the total chain closely represents transmission of
sound through air, for ultimate transparency from a CD
source.
The 808.2 employs a triple buffering system to
minimise jitter, and therefore maximise HF transparency
and stereo image precision and stability. This, and
the digital electronics as a whole, are driven by a new
design of high-stability clocking system which further
reduces jitter and ensure that the highest level of detail
is recovered from a disc. All digital data is accurately
re-clocked.
Multiple power supplies ensure that digital and
analogue circuitry are kept apart and can provide the
required power when called upon to do so.
Integrated preamplifier
The 808.2i version of the 808.2 Signature Reference
CD Player includes a built-in stereo preamplifier with
the ability to handle six stereo analogue inputs, three
digital coaxial S/PDIF inputs, and two Toslink optical
digital inputs, making it ideal as the heart of a superb
stereo system.
System integration
The 808.2 Signature Reference CD Player provides
balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs for
connecting to an external power amplifier or
preamplifier. Alternatively, it provides SpeakerLink and
coax digital outputs, allowing it to drive Meridian DSP
Loudspeakers directly. The digital outputs support MHR
(Meridian High Resolution) and operate at up to 2 x CD
sample rate (88.2kHz), 24-bit.
Meridian Comms sockets (2 x DIN) allow
communication with other Meridian components,
while an RS232 interface provides full remote control
capability as well as the ability to configure the unit
with Meridian’s innovative Windows-based graphic
configuration application. Three programmable trigger
outputs are provided for direct control of external
devices, for example powering-up amplifiers, etc.
The Meridian 808.2 Signature Reference CD Player is
supplied with the MSR+ learning/programmable remote
control, which not only operates all Meridian products
but also includes an extensive database of third-party
products and the capability to learn commands from
existing remotes.