Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems New arrival - s/h 555 power amp to go with my 551/A500. Spinaltap's fault

Page 9 of the 555 Manual clearly shows which is which.

@Hector - oh [censored], I'm really sorry. Should learn not to post after so much - erm - refreshment. You have no idea how many times I edited that lengthy post in Notepad (unless I'm being dim, I can't see how to edit after submitting). As confirmation, it was indeed Hector's helpful advice I was happy to benefit from. Thanks.

@spinaltap - credit where credit's due. Happy to take my own responsibility but grateful for your comment which, for me, has proven correct as well as happy synchronicity. Thanks.

PS. Just found you can edit immediately after posting.

The next time I visit IoW in September, you can repay me with a Coffee somewhere in Yarmouth or Freshwater.

Meanwhile, for your next/future upgrade: consider adding a 518 and 566 (596 > 518 > 566 > 551).

I agree, then add a 502 and another 555 (or better) and sell or reuse the 551…

@spinaltap delighted - or something stronger. PM me when you know your plans.
& to both of you, thanks for the suggestions but I suspect my attempted takeover of the living room may be reaching acceptable limits already A period of stasis will be required.

Thanks. Missed that. I shall check and rectify when I send the 551 away for its re-cap.

Interestingly, for me at any rate, having done the re-cabling, I note that the 555 (as posted by Ratbert) rear panel has R on the right (looking from behind it) whereas the 551 has the right channel on the left (speaker connections). Still, changed things round on the assumption Bob Stuart knows what he's doing

You do know it makes no difference which side you use?

You should just use the side that allows for the simplest cabling, without the ‘speaker cables crossing over.

If you look at the pictures further on in the manual, you’ll see that the ‘speaker cabling doesn’t cross, the left side of the amp driving the right speaker when viewed from the terminal side.

Have fun!

As an ex-physicist, I agree with you, shouldn't make a difference. As an obsessive RTFM-er, I do like having things the way it says in the manual I'll do a better job on the cabling when I'm reassembling on the new stand when I get it (and get the 551 back) - but something will cross somewhere as it's to the left of both speakrs.

The manual contradicts itself, personally I think the page that labels the left and right is a mistake, not unheard of in a Meridian manual.

If you look at the other 55X amplifier manuals, they all have the left and right the other way around, the logical way around.

All the best,
Steve

You're right. The next two pages after the rear panel diag show L & R speakers connected to the L & R sides of the 555 as you said.

I shall reconnect logically when my 551 (now packed for tomorrow shipping to Mr Tech Guy for re-capping) arrives back. That is L & R when viewed from the front.

Thanks for the pointer.
Happy Listening!

Just got my 551 back from a service/recap by Russ / Mr Tech Guy. Spent an hour or so putting the system back together, changing out the bog-standard mains block for the Tacima, checking levels and so on. This is the first time with all units recapped, new interconnects in places and now fully bi-wired. I realise everything needs running in. But on first test with an album I have known since school (Foxtrot) this is a hair-raising experience. I'm hearing stuff (eg fingers sliding on guitar strings) I've never heard before. More controlled, more accurate, more musical/involving. Which is sort of the point

This old-skool Meridian analogue stuff is really quite good. My message to others is if you have acquire such stuff, look after it, have it serviced/recapped and it will get a whole new lease of life. Thanks to all for the advice on here as I nearly ditched it all for a Marantz all-in-one (the one in my office sounds great for what it is). I'm glad I stuck with the Meridian, it's at a different sonic level, especially now.

Next week, I go to collect my upgraded and serviced LP12 and Ebayed Stands Unique. Can't wait to put the final config together with my newly Ebayed Director. Such fun!

Did you get the new bearing fitted?