The Meridian 258 is our dedicated rack-mount Eight Channel Power Amplifier. This powerful, high performance, cool-running Class D amplifier is suitable for a wide range of applications. At only 1U high, the compact 258 is a category changing amplifier; bringing Meridian high resolution sound quality to every zone it powers.

Featuring a highly efficient, cool and fan-less construction, the Meridian 258 provides a truly ‘fit and forget’ solution when driving multiple zones. An audiophile approach has been taken to the 258’s component selection, resulting in a level of performance typically associated with power amplifiers offered at a significantly higher price.

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Multi-Channel

258

Featuring a highly efficient, cool and fan-less construction, the Meridian 258 provides a truly ‘fit and forget’ solution when driving multiple zones.

High power from all channels

Delivers >100 watts per channel into 4 ohms, or >70 watts per channel into 8 ohms, regardless of how many channels are driven simultaneously.

Exemplary sound quality

Short signal path construction is combined with extremely high isolation between the 258’s eight channels.

Linear Power Supply

A linear power supply using a massive toroidal transformer delivers both unbeatable audio performance and reliability.

Compact design

Measuring only 1U high, the 258 is a compact unit that requires minimal space in-rack.

Silent operation

Designed to run within temperature limits with no need for internal cooling fans.

Advanced Class-D implementation

Highly-efficient Class-D amplifiers with post-filter feedback are extremely well isolated from each other.

 

 

Meridian 258 Eight Channel Power Amplifier

Featuring a highly efficient, cool and fan-less construction, the Meridian 258 provides a truly ‘fit and forget’ solution when driving multiple zones.

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The Meridian 200 Series is a collection of high-performance audio zone controllers, theatre controllers and amplifiers, all designed with the Customer Integrator in mind.

Each product is designed to work in isolation or as part of a larger multi-zone audio-visual installation and a compact footprint means they fit perfectly within the rack. With a wide range of audio inputs and outputs, flexible installation options and many of Meridian’s proprietary technologies on board, 200 Series products deliver outstanding performance in many applications.

The Search for Authenticity

Understanding the perfect formula for sound: technology plus emotion

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With its extensive Research and Development programme Meridian has pioneered the development of a host of innovative audio technologies many of which feature in today’s Meridian products.

AT A GLANCE

Here you will find a quick overview of the product highlights and features.

USER GUIDE

Here you will find installation information and operating instructions

PRODUCT BROCHURE

Here you will find a summary of the complete range of Meridian products in one document.

AUDIO INPUTS

Eight RCA inputs


AUDIO OUTPUTS

70W into 8 Ohms per channel 

100W into 4 Ohms per channel

Phoenix Connectors supplied for ease of installation 24-12 AWG cable


CONTROL

REAR PANEL: Trigger input [3.5mm 5-30 VDC]

FRONT PANEL: On/Off Switch


DISPLAY

LEDs to indicate ‘Standby’ [Blue], ‘On’ [White], ‘Overload’ [Red]


DIMENSIONS

HEIGHT: 44mm [1.73in]

WIDTH: 480mm [18.9in]

DEPTH: 360mm [14.17in]

WEIGHT: 5.5Kg [12.13lbs]


CONSTRUCTION

All aluminium construction

Optional standalone feet pads supplied


POWER

Advanced linear power supply: 100V ac 50/60 Hz | 110-120V ac 50/60Hz | 220-240V ac 50/60Hz




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1. What does a white front-panel LED indicate?

This shows that the unit is in 'On' mode with all amplifier channels active.

2. How do I power up the unit?

With mains power connected, switch on using the power switch on the back-panel or apply the appropriate signal to the Trigger input on the back of the unit (switching from 0V to 12V). The unit will go into 'On mode with the front-panel LED illuminated and all amplifier channels active.

3. What happens to the unit if mains power is switched off then on, for example if there is a break in the mains supply?

The unit will switch back into 'On' mode with all amplifier channels active.

4. What does a blue front-panel LED indicate?

This shows that the unit is in 'Standby' mode. Minimal power is consumed by the unit and the amplifier channels will produce no audio.

5. How do I switch the unit into 'Standby' mode?

This can be done by pressing the front-panel button or by applying the appropriate signal to the Trigger input on the back of the unit (switching from 12V to 0V).

6. What do the eight blue LEDs on the back-panel indicate?

Each one of these relates to an individual amplifier channel. Each shows blue when the unit is in 'On' mode and the channel is running. Hence, in normal use all eight should be illuminated.

7. What is the maximum gauge of speaker cable which can be used with the unit?

The 'Phoenix'-type loudspeaker terminal connectors supplied with the unit can accept cables of up to 12 AWG in thickness (3.31mm2).

8. If not all amplifier channels are to be used, are there any guidelines regarding which channels should be used?

No, any combination of any number of channels can be used without any adverse effects.

9. Can the unit be used in multiples in a rack?

Yes. The 258 runs cool and, as its maximum operating temperature is approximately 65°C, multiple units can be used without the need for excessive cooling measures.

10. Are screws supplied with the unit to bolt it into a rack?

No. The variation in diameter and length of screws required to fit the unit into differing rack designs makes it difficult to supply screws which are universal to all racks. Hence, you will need to provide appropriate screws yourself.

11. What happens if I inadvertently short out a pair of output terminals while the unit is running?

If the amplifier channel concerned is not being driven (i.e. it is silent) when the short is applied, then the amplifier will not be affected. If the amplifier channel is being driven when it is shorted, that channel will switch off to protect itself. This is indicated by its individual rear-panel LED turning off. The other channels will continue to work. Once the short is removed, the affected channel will resume normal functionality.

12. One or more of the amplifier channels are not producing audio and their associated blue LEDs on the back panel are not illuminated, what does this indicate?

Any amplifier with no blue LED showing on the back-panel has shut down in order to protect itself

13. What sort of usage can cause amplifier channels to shut down?

If any of the channels are asked to deliver excessively high current, such as when driving a load of less than 4Ω, the high current draw may cause that channel to shut down. As the amplifier channel cools down, it will come back on. If the high current demand remains, the channel will subsequently shut down again. This cycle will repeat for as long as the problem conditions exist.

14. What does a red front-panel LED indicate?

This shows that the unit has overheated. This occurs if the underside of the unit exceeds 65°C in temperature. In this mode, all amplifier channels are muted so no audio is produced by the unit. If the source of the overheating is removed and the unit cools down, normal functionality will resume automatically.

15. The front-panel LED was red, but it has now turned off completely. What does this mean?

The front-panel LED turns red when the unit exceeds a temperature of 65°C. If the temperature of the unit exceeds 95°C, the unit trips its power off via an internal relay and the front-panel LED turns off. If the source of the overheating is removed, and the unit is allowed to cool, it will be necessary to reset the unit by turning off the power at the back panel and then on again.

16. The unit front-panel LED has gone off without first turning red. What does this indicate?

The unit is not powered for some reason. If mains power is present and back-panel switch is in the 'On' position, the unit may have tripped out in order to protect itself from internal damage. If this is due to external causes, then once the problem has been corrected, the unit will need to be reset by turning off the power at the back-panel and then on again.


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