Meridian 563

 The Meridian 563 Digital to Analogue Converter provides three digital inputs and one optical input, and uses a high definition dual differential digital to analogue Delta Sigma converter to give up to 19 bit precision. Dual phase lock loops ansure low jitter, and balanced Class A output amplifiers give extremely low distprtion.

 The Crystal Delta Sigma 1-bit DAC is designed as a one chip solution for stereo decoding, including its own high performance digital filter, oversampling and noise shaping. By using a pair of decoders in differential mode for left and right channels, Meridian claims a unique implementation giving a precision up to 19-bit resolution. A front-panel switch toggles a software phase inversion at this stage if the user desires, with the handbook pointing out that 'in some circumstances this can give a noticeable improvement in realism'.

 NE5534 ICs, bandwidth-limited via a 38 kHz single pole filter, feed Class A discrete output stages which provide two balanced outputs via XLR connectors as well as the two standard phono outputs. Each output circuit utilises A06/A56 high current driver transistors, easily capable of driving long cables with a source impedence of 12 ohms.

Specifications

Conversion:  Dual differential Delta Sigma, 64 times oversampled at 2 bits per channel giving 19 bits resolution

Jitter:  less than 1 ps rms

Noise and Distortion:  less than -95 dB

Inputs:

D1 - D3 digital audio :  unbalanced phono SPDIF input at 75 Ω

AES/EBU connection via optional XLR connection on D1

Optical disgital audio high speed

TOSLINK input

Outputs

Unbalanced analogue output 2 V nominal

Balanced anlogue output on 2 x XLRs

Display: illuminated legends for EQ, Lock, 44,1 kHz, and Phase

Finish:  Black textured enamel and glass

Dimensions (H x W x D):  88 x 321 x 332 mm (3.46" x 12.64" x 13.07").

Weight:  6.4 kg (14 lbs).