Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems 551 as power amplifier?

Topic says it all, can the 551 be used as a power amplifier. Not an elegant solution but then it's temporary one. I'd move it to another room later and combine it with a 506.20 for a second system. I can get one for 400 quid. (There's also a 557 selling for 750)

Can anybody comment on the 551 sound quality (vs. lets say a 556)?

Cheers

Richard

[This message has been edited by richardkrol (edited 06-01-2005).]

I've heard that this can be done. There was a thread on here about it some time ago (in Meridian II somewhere?).

I can't recall exactly how it was done, but I seem to remember an option to configure an input to perform this function. . .

In terms of sound, as far as I know the 551 uses the same power amp modules as the 555 did and will sound pretty much the same as the 555.

Cheers,

David

Did a quick search for it, but doesn't show up. As for the sound, I haven't got a clue what a 555 sounds like.

Perhaps a few of the other forum members can give me their tuppence!

Cheers

Richard

Hi,

I have just bought a 551 for a second room, I find it has more than sufficient power and all I can say is characteristically Meridian, clear and detailed.

Regards

I had a browse through the manual and it mentions three settings of which their meaning is unknown to me:

Volume control (Vout or Fout) Default = Vout
Volume mode (VolM or VolS) Default = VolM
Menu mode (N, 1, or 2) Deafults = <>N

I have a feeling that the above settings are the answer to my question...

Cheers

I upgraded to a 551 in 1998 from my Pioneer A400GTE. Its far more dynamic and sounds fantastic. Doesnt seem to worry whatever I throw at it. Plenty loud enough too.

Funnily enough I've been thinking about using mine as a pre-amp...

Yes, Vout stands for variable volume out, Fout stands for fixed volume out. Fout is what you need to use the 551 as a power amp.

I have no idea what the other 2 parameters control.

The 501 manual states that Vout is Variable volume output and that Fout is fixed. Would that be it?

So the answer is yes, it can be used as a poweramp?

Can't find a topic relating to this. If it can be done, and anyone knows how, i'd be most grateful to know....

cheers

Hi

Looks like this is it
http://www.Meridian-audio.com/apps/3room.pdf

Regards

I own a 551. Your solution is to set the 551 to Type 4, which will transform the 551 into a 'blind' power-amp (which will disable the front-panel controls).