Meridian Introduces the G65 Surround Controller – Latest Incarnation of Iconic 565

SecretsNovember 14, 2013

800 Series DNA Incorporated into New Design

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Meridian Audio has announced the introduction of the new-design G65 Surround Controller, an all-new product steeped in Meridian’s rich heritage. Twenty years ago, in 1994, Meridian launched the 565, the world’s first Digital Surround Controller. Conceived as a multichannel music controller, 565 defined the surround category and rivalled the finest 2-channel products available.

Meridian’s G65 is the definitive surround processor of the G Series. In conjunction with the Meridian HD621 it allows connection of a diverse range of audio and video sources with unified control over time alignment, bass management and surround sound processing. The latest in the G Series line of high performance components, G65 builds on the achievements of Meridian’s flagship 800 Series, with entirely new circuitry developed specifically for the product.

Sitting at the heart of a Meridian Digital Theatre, the G65 is designed to drive Meridian DSP Loudspeakers as well as providing balanced analogue outputs for conventional systems. Unique Meridian technologies include Smart Source, which automatically selects the correct settings for optimum listening, whilst Meridian’s Apodising upsampling system improves audio quality and can correct problems in an original digital recording. Meridian Room Correction smooths out the low-frequency reverberation on a room to improve clarity and imaging for a more immersive experience.

G65 also includes new menu features to seamlessly control Enhanced Bass Alignment as well as Centre Elevation found in Meridian’s DSP Loudspeaker range. These unique DSP Loudspeaker technologies provide the most immersive film experience while maintaining a no-compromise position for audio quality.

Inspired by the flagship 861 processor, Meridian’s G65 features a card-based construction using 7-layer boards. This architecture makes it possible to build cards and handle specific audio tasks, rather than the large multifunction boards common in most audio equipment. This approach delivers performance improvements such as lower noise and crosstalk, providing immersive sound fields.

The position of every part on a board affects its neighbour – ultimately impacting sound and picture quality. Part of the ‘Meridian Sound’ results from the fact that co-founder Bob Stuart hand-tunes each card for maximum performance, and you can read his initials on every board he tunes.

Full installation configuration is achieved by running Meridian’s proprietary Windows-based MConfig application, connected to the G65 via a serial or USB link, or direct from the front panel. A comprehensive back-lit learning/programmable MSR+ remote is included.

Key Points for Editors

Hand-built in the UK
Available in silver or black
Bead blasted metal and glass chassis
Intelligent Soft Keys that change by function
Front panel wizard and full customization with MConfig
Card based construction
7 layer PC board.
8 channels of SpeakerLink and XLR analogue output
MMHR 6 channel input from HD621
2 x SpeakerLink inputs
SmartSource for ease of use
Linear power supply
Resolution enhancement including up sampling with apodising
DSP pre-sets including Trifield, Cinema, and Discrete
Custom Bass Management and MRC (Meridian Room Correction)
Bidirectional RS232 for control with feedback

G65 MSRP: $7,000
G65 Including HD621 MSRP: $10,000
Available: December 2013

Meridian Contacts:
For further information, please contact:
Kaitlyn Virta at Meridian [email protected]
Ken Forsythe at Meridian [email protected]

PR Contacts:
For further media information, please contact:
Sue Toscano at Nicoll PR [email protected]

All information provided is subject to change without notice. All prices quoted are recommended retail.

ABOUT MERIDIAN AUDIO
Meridian Audio is based in Cambridgeshire, UK, and was founded in 1977 by psychoacoustics expert, Bob Stuart and design engineer, Allen Boothroyd. With over 35 years’ history of innovation and development of uncompromised consumer home entertainment systems offering exceptional performance, this award-winning company is widely recognised as a world leader in high-quality audio and video reproduction. Meridian developed the first audiophile CD player, the world’s first consumer digital surround controller, and the MLP lossless packing system included in Blu-ray Disc. The company’s optical disc players, DSP-based loudspeakers, video projectors, and scalers are unique in the industry, maintaining a super-quality digital signal throughout the path from the studio to the home, using advanced digital signal processing to deliver natural sound and smooth, crystal-sharp images with true cinematic realism. In 2008, Meridian established its Automotive division and has since developed in-car entertainment systems featuring their unique Trifield technology for models including the McLaren MP12C supercar, the Range Rover Evoque, and more recently, the luxury Jaguar XJ Ultimate.