Presented with its beautifully engineered exterior of metal and glass to complement the G65, this multi-channel amplifier provides the muscle and finesse to your passive loudspeaker system. The G55’s robust chassis contains five identical 100 watt amplifiers based on Meridian’s award winning DSP8000 amplifier technology. When combined with a Meridian Surround controller, such as G65, this multi-channel amplifier will form the core of a 5.1 high performance analogue theatre system.
Equipped with input connectivity choices, the G55 includes both single ended and balanced analogue inputs. Balanced inputs provide the ultimate in noise rejection and are the connection method of choice from a G65 surround controller. For larger and more demanding systems, the G55 incorporates a unique bridging system for higher power and flexibility. In this mode, four of the five channels can be bridged, providing two channels of 300 watts, and a single channel of 100 watts. This provides optimum performance with any loudspeaker in any room location.
The G55 contains five amplifier modules featuring a symmetrical design with full electronically balanced inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced inputs are provided, but in fact the unbalanced inputs are converted to balanced before they enter the amplifier itself. This “Super Balanced” design provides the highest quality music while keeping noise at a minimum. Another Meridian innovation is a soft start circuit that eliminates any turn on and off “thumps” that bedevil lesser designs.
Special attention has been paid to ensure the amplifiers deliver the power that is required at any given moment. Massive twin low-noise toroidal power transformers provide power to no less than 25 selected pairs of output devices, carefully temperature-controlled for optimum operating characteristics and efficiency. The result is a clear, open sound with detail as well as punch where it is required – at any volume level.
The G55 includes the latest power amp developments from Meridian, first employed in the flagship DSP8000 Digital Loudspeaker systems, and share many common design parameters. These innovations include a unique, ultra-low feedback design, and capacitor-free signal path. These combine to provide incredible control and speed for fast, tight bass and outstanding sound quality from a passive loudspeaker.
With balanced analogue inputs and 12-volt trigger, G57 compliments both Meridian 800 and G Series in either a two-channel system, or, as the main channels of a high performance analogue theatre when combined with G55.
Five discrete 100-watt mono amplifiers ensure maximum channel separation, perfect for analogue theatre systems.
Meridian “Super Balanced” technology provides balanced operation from single-ended connections, providing more music with less noise.
Dual binding post per channel allow for bi-wiring of passive loudspeakers for clearer sound and better bass.
Single-ended and balanced inputs ensure the broadest compatibility with any stereo or surround controller.
Capacitor free signal path ensures fast and accurate low frequency control for outstanding bass reproduction.
12-volt on/off triggers make for simple and care free operation.
Standby mode maintains voltage rails eliminating “warm up” time for instant optimum sound quality.
Full DC/thermal protection for carefree operation at any volume level.
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DESIGN:
G55 features a double-skinned, bead blasted metal chassis with glass accents, making it instantly identifiable as a G Series component. The beauty of its design is more than skin deep, as it ensures that noise is kept away from critical audio components for lifelike details in both film and music playback.
A 12-volt trigger input allows the G55 to be activated on a signal from your preamp or surround controller. This makes for simple, care free, and efficient operation. This trigger is optically isolated from the amplifier itself, eliminating any passage of noise. When in stand-by mode, a standing voltage is maintained on the power rails and supply components. As a result, you do not have to wait for the amplifier to “warm up.” Simply switching on the G55 will provide optimum performance, immediately.
G55 is designed to use the same G Series Rack kit, making it simple and easy to install. A separate output trigger controls intake and exhaust fans integrated into the rack kit. This ensures the fans operate when the G55 is on, keeping it at its optimal temperature. This provides not only the best performance, but also ensures maintenance free use when installed into an equipment rack.
For higher performance passive loudspeaker connections, the G55 offers bi-wire capability for every channel. This provides higher quality sound to the speaker than that of a single connection. Internally, the G55, like all G Series amplifiers, are wired with silver stranded cable to avoid signal loss.
INPUTS:
Balanced on XLR-3F connectors and unbalanced on phono
OUTPUTS:
2 output sets per channel, terminal posts
Power Output:
5 channels at 100W into 8Ω, or 2 channels at >300W into 8Ω (bridge mode)
Distortion:
Less than 0.01% input to output
Signal/Noise Better than –100dB
CONSTRUCTION:
25 pairs of 15amp output devices and 68,000μF of audiophile-grade PSU smoothing capacitors. Ultra low impedance error-corrected output stage. DC coupled, with no capacitors in the signal path. Soft start and thermal management in main assembly. Optimised magnetic design based on DSP8000. Meridian black or silver finish in metal & glass
DIMENSIONS: Width: 440mm (17.32in); Depth: 350mm (13.78in) plus connectors; Height: 132mm (5.20in)
WEIGHT: 23 kg (51 lbs)
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