[Ex-demo] Meridian 857 Reference 2 Channel Power Amplifier

*Old Box*

Two-Channel

Reference 857

Our most powerful reference two channel amplifier has been designed and built to deliver the best possible Hi-Res audio performance from any high-quality passive loudspeaker system.

Its low-feedback construction provides ultra-low distortion, ensuring an unparalleled level of clarity and transparency across the audible range.

Bridgeable to over 1.5Kw, the Meridian 857 features a totally new design for a Meridian power amplifier, borne out of extensive research, experience and a thorough understanding of psychoacoustic principles.

Finishes

The Meridian 857 is a Reference Two-Channel Power Amplifier delivering 500W per channel into 4Ω. This Hi-Res Audio amplifier, bridgeable to >1.5KW, is available as a dedicated rack-mount variant and incorporates a totally new design based upon extensive research. Tremendously powerful with an incredibly low noise floor, the Meridian 857 represents a step change in amplifier design.

Features

STEREO OR MONOBLOC

In normal mode, delivers 2 x 250 watts into 8 ohms and 500 watts into 4 ohms; continuously on both channels. In bridged mode, delivers 1 x >1 kilowatt into 8 ohms and 1 x >1.5 kilowatts into 4 ohms.

Reference performance

Low-feedback construction provides ultra-low distortion, ensuring an unparalleled level of clarity and transparency across its full frequency response of 1-100kHz (-/+ 2dB).

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.

Extreme construction

Non-ferrous chassis and panels – aluminium construction for magnetic linearity. Transformer including five secondary windings for maximum isolation between low-power and high-power circuitry. Ground plane design with multilayer circuit boards optimised for signal handling.

Error Correction and Linearity

The open-loop characteristics of an amplifier are crucial to its sound quality. The power amplifier design is intrinsically linear and uses error correction in the output stage to provide low open-loop output impedance. This allows the power amplifier to achieve impeccable measured performance and a high damping factor while only applying modest amounts of negative feedback.

DUAL BINDING-POSTS

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

Meridian Two Channel Power Amplifier 857

Available in over 270 different colour finishes and backed by a five-year warranty, the 857 Power Amplifier allows you to achieve the optimum performance from any passive speaker system resulting in sound quality which will satisfy the most discerning of listeners.

The Meridian 800 Series represents the pinnacle of technological audio innovation and, most importantly, designed and engineered to provide you with the most rewarding personal listening experience possible.

Available in over 270 different colour finishes and backed by a five-year warranty, the 857 Power Amplifier allows you to achieve the optimum performance from any passive speaker system resulting in sound quality which will satisfy the most discerning of listeners.

The Search for Authenticity

Understanding the perfect formula for sound: technology plus emotion.

Meridian Two Channel Power Amplifier 857 from Meridian Audio on Vimeo.

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.

Specification

AUDIO INPUTS

Two XLR balanced inputs

Two RCA unbalanced inputs

AUDIO OUTPUTS

250W RMS into 8 Ohms per channel both channels driven

500W RMS into 4 Ohms per channel both channels driven

Bridgeable to >1KW RMS into 8 Ohms • Bridgeable to >1.5KW RMS into 4 Ohms

4 WBT terminals per side allow bi-wiring

CONTROL SIGNALS

Trigger input [3.5mm 5-30 VDC]

COOLING

High level of passive cooling for silent in-room running

Six variable speed fans maintain amp functionality if hostile thermal conditions encountered in rack

DISPLAY

Backlit touch sensitive logo changes colour to indicate amplifier’s status

‘Standby’ [BLUE], ‘Normal Operation’ [GREEN]’, ‘Fans Active’ [AMBER], ‘Overload’ [RED]

DIMENSIONS

HEIGHT:
175mm [6.9in] without feet
195mm [7.7in] with feet

WIDTH:
480mm [18.9in]

DEPTH:
Standalone 445mm [17.6in]
Rack-mount 425mm [16.8in]

WEIGHT:
Standalone 32kg [70.5lbs]
Rack-mount 35kg [77.1lbs]

CONSTRUCTION

Black finish in aluminium and glass

Dedicated Rack-mount variant (4U high)

Custom Meridian Select colours also available

POWER

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

AUDIO INPUTS

Two XLR balanced inputs

Two RCA unbalanced inputs

AUDIO OUTPUTS

250W RMS into 8 Ohms per channel both channels driven

500W RMS into 4 Ohms per channel both channels driven

Bridgeable to >1KW RMS into 8 Ohms • Bridgeable to >1.5KW RMS into 4 Ohms

4 WBT terminals per side allow bi-wiring

CONTROL SIGNALS

Trigger input [3.5mm 5-30 VDC]

COOLING

High level of passive cooling for silent in-room running

Six variable speed fans maintain amp functionality if hostile thermal conditions encountered in rack

DISPLAY

Backlit touch sensitive logo changes colour to indicate amplifier’s status

‘Standby’ [BLUE], ‘Normal Operation’ [GREEN]’, ‘Fans Active’ [AMBER], ‘Overload’ [RED]

DIMENSIONS

HEIGHT:
175mm [6.9in] without feet
195mm [7.7in] with feet

WIDTH:
480mm [18.9in]

DEPTH:
Standalone 445mm [17.6in]
Rack-mount 425mm [16.8in]

WEIGHT:
Standalone 32kg [70.5lbs]
Rack-mount 35kg [77.1lbs]

CONSTRUCTION

Black finish in aluminium and glass

Dedicated Rack-mount variant (4U high)

Custom Meridian Select colours also available

POWER

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

User Reviews