251 Zone Controller
Designed for in-room and in-rack systems, the 251 Powered Zone Controller contains all the functionality needed to create
a great sounding and flexible Hi-Res Audio zone.
With two powerful, cool-running channels of on-board amplification, the Meridian 251 can comfortably drive a pair of
loudspeakers or a sound bar with our trade mark fidelity and high resolution performance. With a pair of analogue
outputs, you can also run a 2.1 system with a separate subwoofer.
With both digital and analogue inputs, the MQA–enabled Meridian 251 is a hub for distributed audio applications from
simple single zone to whole-house distribution. Featuring IP and IR control, this versatile 1U, half-width unit can be easily
installed behind a TV or in a rack.
Simple web-based setup page makes for easy, repeatable and quick configuration. Our 251 is also an endpoint for our
award-winning Sooloos music management platform as well as offering support for Roon.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
• 2 x 100W per channel into 4 Ohms (2 x 65W per
channel into 8 Ohms), cool-running amplifiers with
a high peak output current capability to drive difficult
loads and 40kHz true Hi-Res bandwidth.
• Housed in a half-width, 1U tall Aluminium enclosure
and available with an optional rack-mount kit or VESA
mount bracket, the 251 has multiple installation
applications.
• Endpoint for our award-winning Sooloos music
management platform, along with Roon support, for
a user-friendly Hi-Res Audio experience.
•Built-in MQA decoder, the Meridian 251 fully
supports Master Quality Authenticated encoded
music playback, guaranteeing a studio master
quality experience.
• IP Control allows for seamless integration and
flexibility within the home.
• Also includes digital and analogue inputs and linelevel
analogue outputs.
USER FEATURES
• A significant number of control options are provided on the Meridian 251 Powered Zone Controller, including IP
control, native iPad network control app, Meridian Sooloos Control, IR and third party control.
• In addition, the unit’s front panel features multiple LEDs to indicate source selection, including one that signals
MQA playback
• Configuration via in-built webpage to select all installation options.
TECHNOLOGIES
LIP SYNC
Video processing typically delays the picture. For
installations where the audio and video are separated
before video processing, the Meridian 251 has adjustable
80ms audio delay to realign the audio with the video.
FIFO RECLOCKING
Clock variations, known as jitter, are one the main causes
of unpleasant “glare” in digital audio systems. The
Meridian 251 solves this problem with our proprietary
jitter reduction technique using a FIFO (first-in firstout)
buffer that allows an independent output clock to
deliver clock performance that does not rely upon on the
incoming signal quality.
DSP UPSAMPLING AND APODISING FILTERS
Almost all audio has been digitally processed, even if it
arrives at the Meridian 251 in analogue form. Upsampling
allows the Meridian 251’s DACs to run at a higher sample
rate and achieve their full potential. Upsampling also
provides the opportunity to apply apodising correction to
ameliorate time-domain errors that have been introduced
to the signal by the ADCs or other upstream processing.
MQA
Master Quality Authenticated (MQA) is a revolutionary
end-to-end technology that delivers master quality audio
in a file that’s small enough to stream or download.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:-
AUDIO OUTPUTS
• Speaker outputs on Phoenix connectors
• 24-12 AWG Compatible
• 2 x 100w into 4Ω nominal load (2 x 65w into 8Ω) • 40kHz Bandwidth
• 2-channel line-level analogue output on RCA phono connectors
• Twin 192kHz 24-bit DACs
AUDIO INPUTS
• One 2-channel digital coaxial S/PDIF input. 44.1kHz to 192kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
• One 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink input. 44.1kHz to 192kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
• One 2-channel digital optical TOSLINK input. 44.1kHz to 96kHz sampling and up to 24-bit
• One 2-channel analogue input on RCA phono connectors
• One network input (Ethernet) for connection to Meridian Sooloos or third party control interface
CONTROL SIGNALS
• IP Control
• IR on 3.5mm jack
• Meridian Comms
DISPLAY
• LEDs to indicate source selection and MQA status
POWER
• Advanced linear power supply: 110–120V ac 50–60Hz | 220-240V ac 50-60Hz
DIMENSIONS
• HEIGHT: 42mm (without feet)
• WIDTH: 203mm
• DEPTH: 221mm (226mm inc. connectors)
• WEIGHT: 2.5kg
RACK-MOUNTING
• 1U tall rack kit available with space for two units
• Optional VESA mount brackets