The Meridian G55 is our powerful Five Channel Power Amplifier.

Suitable for a variety of applications the G55 also incorporates a unique bridging system for higher power and flexibility, providing optimum performance with any loudspeaker at any volume level.

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Power Amplification

G55

The G55 is an award winning high resolution power amplifier. Derived from the same technology we use in our flagship DSP8000 this high power, ultra-low distortion, wide bandwidth power amplifier can comfortably drive any passive loudspeaker with control, fidelity and authority.

Flexibility for surround-sound systems

In normal mode, delivers 5 x 100 watts into 8 ohms for use with five loudspeakers. In bridged mode, delivers 2 x >300 watts plus 1 x 100 watts into 8 ohms for driving the front three loudspeakers (left, right and centre). Capable of driving all channels simultaneously.

Power with finesse

Features a capacitor-free signal path for fast, accurate bass and a unique ultra-low-feedback design for superb overall sound. Each channel delivers its audio from five pairs of high-powered output devices.

Built to perform and to last

The elegant aluminium, steel and glass case houses five independent amplifier assemblies, each with its own massive internal heatsink. Two huge transformers and 68,000uF of smoothing capacitors ensure amazing instantaneous power is available whenever it is required.

Balanced design throughout

The signal path is balanced throughout - fed from either the XLR balanced inputs or from the "SuperBal" circuitry which converts unbalanced (single-ended) signals to balanced audio as soon as they enter the amplifier.

Electronically protected

Features full protection against thermal overload, DC on its inputs and short-circuits on its outputs.

Dual Binding-Posts

All channels feature two pairs of binding-posts on their output to facilitate bi-wiring of loudspeakers with two sets of connection terminals.

 

 

The Science Of Emotion

Meridian’s incredible innovations can transport the listener to the emotions of a live performance.

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The award winning G-Series high-resolution power amplifiers integrate the same technology we used within the Special Edition range of loudspeakers. The G55 and G57 are high-power, ultra-low distortion, wide bandwidth power amplifiers that can comfortably drive any passive loudspeaker with control, fidelity and authority.

The G55 and G57 are high-power, ultra-low distortion, wide bandwidth power amplifiers that can comfortably drive any passive loudspeaker with control, fidelity and authority

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

Balanced on XLR-3F connectors

Unbalanced phono


AUDIO OUTPUTS

2 output sets per channel, terminal posts


PERFORMANCE

Distortion - less than 0.01% input to output

Signal/Noise -better than –100dB


TRIGGER

Wide voltage-range (5–30V, AC/DC) trigger input for remote standby/on switching


DISPLAY

Power/Fault indicator and per-channel operation LEDs


CONTROLS

Rear-panel power switch; per-channel switches for balanced or single-ended input; Bridge-mode switches on channels 1 and 5


DISPLAY

Power/Fault indicator and per-channel operation LEDs


DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

HEIGHT: 132mm [5.2in]

WIDTH: 440mm [17.32in]

DEPTH: 350mm [13.78in] plus connectors

WEIGHT: 23kg [51lbs]


PERFORMANCE

Overall distortion typically <0.02% at any frequency or level Frequency response In room within 3dB: 20Hz - over 32kHz


RACK MOUNTING

Kit available from Meridian authorised dealers


POWER

Versions: 100, 110, 115, 220, 230, 240 Vac, 50/60Hz.

Standby 31VA, Idle 58VA, 5 channels driven 748VA




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1. What is the output impedance of the G55?

The output impedance is 0.024Ω at 1kHz rising to 0.153Ω at 20kHz.

2. What is the power output of the G55?

It can deliver all five channels simultaneously with 100W into 8Ω and 160W into 4Ω.

3. Can the G55 be switched to bridged mode?

The two outer pairs of the amplifier channels can be set to bridged mode. The other channel remains as a standard amplifier.

4. What is the power output of the G55 when set to bridged-mode?

The two bridged-mode amplifiers can deliver 300W into 8Ω and 500W into 4Ω.

5. How do I set the amplifier to bridged mode?

The 'Bridge Mode Select' switch should be set to 'On' and the appropriate negative speaker terminals must be connected together as indicated on the back panel and shown on page 13 of the user-guide. This can be done with the bridging-bars supplied with the amplifier or by using short lengths of speaker cable of appropriate thickness.

6. What happens if one of the channels overheats?

The main indicator LED goes red and the blue channel LEDs go out showing that the unit is offline. Once the cause of the thermal problem is removed, the amplifier can be reset by power cycling (switching the mains power off then back on again).

7. What signal is required for the trigger input?

The amplifier can be brought out of Standby by applying any DC voltage between 5V and 30V to the trigger input.

8. Although there is sound coming from all of the amplifier’s outputs, one or more of the signals being fed to the amplifier seems to be missing. What could be causing this?

Check the 'Bridge Mode Select' switches are set to 'Off'. If either of these switches is inadvertently switched to 'On', not all of the input signals are fed through the amplifier. Instead, an inverted version of the affected channel is fed to the adjacent channel.

9. Everything seems to be connected correctly and the LEDs on the front indicate that the amplifier is powered up, but there is no sound from one or more of the channels. What could be causing this?

Check the 'Unbalanced/Balanced' switches are set appropriately. If set incorrectly, no sound will be produced by the channel(s) concerned.

10. I have the option of using balanced or unbalanced connections to the amplifier. Which should I use?

If the option is available, it is generally advisable to use balanced connections. The science behind balanced connections offers the potential for improved performance by achieving lower levels of noise on the input signal. Even if the sonic difference between the two types of connection is not overly apparent during casual listening tests, it can be reassuring to know that 'best-practice' has been observed.

11. Can I add another Meridian power amplifier to the system to improve performance?

Yes. The flexibility of Meridian amplifiers means that there are several routes to better sound. Having additional amplifier channels available provides the option of using bridged-mode and/or bi-amping techniques to improve performance across the output channels.