Meridian 588 CD player

Meridian is the leader in high-end CD playback. 

Since we revolutionised the performance expectations of CD with the MCD-pro in 1984 we have steadily advanced the art of digital audio.Our reputation in the field is further confirmed by the choice of MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing) as the mandated standard for DVD-Audio.

The New Meridian 588, evolved from our famous 508 and award winning 800 CD machineuses a ROM drive for precise recovery of detail. As a result, error correction is ten times more effective. Triple buffer stages provide astonishingly low jitter. The 588 has the highest quality 2-channel output using 192kH224-bit DACs and full RS232 control and status with software upgradeability. The 588 will also play CD-R discs with MP3 data.

Meridian 588

588 uses a precision DVD-ROM drive to read information from the discs using a technology developed for the Meridian 800 Series. This drive’s precise pickup system is optimised for CD and CDR playback.

The data from the disc is checked, corrected and decoded using an extremely powerful digital processing system. Within the data path are three large memory buffers – each one in turn establishing smoother data flow so that the final audio has the lowest possible jitter.

These steps all ensure that you can enjoy the highest quality audio from your discs. Advanced digital and analogue design and construction techniques combine to provide the highest performance. 588 is built using 6-layer PCBs, 7 separate power supplies, the latest surface-mount technology and components which have been carefully selected to optimize und quality.

The 588 operating software has been developed by Meridian and benefits from our vast expertise on CD navigation, playability and sound quality. 

In addition to CD the 588 can replay MP3 discs giving the best access to playback longplaying audio collections on a main system. MP3 discs can include personal albums (MP3 files optionally grouped as albums by directory) on a Recordable CD (CD-R).

An RS232 port supports full control of the player and provides for future software updates.

Sound Quality

588 maximizes sound quality by reducing jitter to very low levels. Unlike other players that try to lower jitter by controlling drive vibration, the 588’s triple buffer memory architecture abolishes this problem forever. In 588 the audio is controlled using a precise master oscillator located within the final output section. The result of this sophisticated effort is a clear, open, authoritative sound. The digital output is precision re-clocked.

The stereo analogue output uses 192kHz 24-bit advanced DACs combined with a superb direct-coupled audiophile-standard output amplifier.

Specification
Formats:  CD Audio (CD-DA), CD-R, MP3.
Total Harmonic Distortion:  less than -93 dB
Noise:  less than -93 dB
Mechanism:  Dual-lens pickup with red laser
Processing:  DSP software provides error correction and on-board decoding for MPEG Audio
Conversion:  24-bit Delta Sigma
Audio Outputs:
1 x  Coax. Digital SPDIF/IEC1937.
1 x Optical Toslink to EIAJ IEC and data compatible
1 x pair balanced outputs XLR sockets
1 x Analogue stereo direct-coupled design featuring 192 kHz. 24-bit conversion.
All audio outputs use FIFO and relocking to give extremely low jitter
Superb direct-coupled analogue design featuring 192kHz 24-bit conversion.
All audio outputs have extremely low jitter due to innovative FIFO and re-clocking scheme.
Controls: 
Front-panel controls for Open/Close, Play, Stop, Pause, Previous, Next and Off.
Full RS232 control and status for custom integration or automation.
A Meridian System Remote is included.
Front Display: 12 character display. Indicators for CD, MP3 and Repeat.
Power Supply:  100 – 240 V, 50/60 Hz,
Power Consumption:  25 W.
Dimension (W x H x D):  321 x 88 x 332 mm (12.64" x 3.46" x 13.07")
Weight: 6,4 kg (14 lbs)