Meridian Prime Headphone Amplifier

Name: Meridian Prime Headphone Amplifier
Brand: Meridian
SKU: MERHEADPHAMP
Price: 1400.00 NZD
Availability: InStock

$1,400.00

$1,400.00 ~~$2,000.00~~

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The Meridian Prime Headphone Amplifier delivers a lifelike performance from any headphone and is designed to appeal to audio enthusiasts who seek the highest possible performance from conventional analogue audio sources. With three inputs, one dedicated and optimised to USB sources for computer audio, discrete pure analogue inputs on RCA for traditional sources, and a 3.5mm connection for portable devices such as a smart phone, while Analogue Spatial Processing (ASP) offers “outside the head” listening through headphones. The Prime features Meridian resolution-enhancement technology including low-jitter clocking, upsampling, apodising and full support for MQA.

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Specifications

AUDIO INPUTS: 1x pair Phono (stereo) (A1). Gain 3dB; 1.4Vrms in for 2Vrms out. 1x 3.5mm analogue stereo (A2). Gain 12dB; 500mVrms in for 2Vrms out. Analogue inputs overload capability >40dB. 1x Asynchronous USB 2.0 interface, 44.1–192kHz ≤24-bit. Jitter <90ps p-p. Apodising filter and upsampling of 44.1/48kHz inputs to 88.2/96kHz; MQA decode and render

AUDIO OUTPUTS: 1x pair phono (stereo) preamp out. Maximum output 3.1Vrms @ 1kHz, THD <0.001% @ 1kHz up to 3V rms. Crosstalk <–70dB @ 1kHz. Output can be disabled via power button 2x 1/4in A-type stereo phone jacks. Maximum output 3Vrms off load, THD <0.002%. Output impedance <100mΩ. Power output 250mW up to 42Ω. Short-circuit protected 1x 3.5mm stereo phone jack. Max output 3Vrms off-load, THD <0.002%. Output impedance 2.2Ω

PERFORMANCE: Output noise (input A1) < –100dBV CCIR or A weighted Frequency response +0/–1dB DC–70kHz, +0/–3dB DC–200kHz

COMPATIBILITY: Suitable for impedances in the range 16–1kΩ or more. Suitable for open, closed, in-, on- or over-ear models. Recommended sensitivity >80dBspl/mW or >96dBspl/V

CONTROLS: Volume with precise tracking, 70dB range Input switch Processing (off/i/ii) Power including rear output mute

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT: HEIGHT: 50mm [2.0in] WIDTH: 160mm [6.3in] DEPTH: 150mm [5.9in] WEIGHT: 0.9 kg (2.0 lbs)

POWER: 12V DC Consumption <0.5W standby <1W in quiescent

The tonal balance is nicely judged and the Prime never sounds flustered or rushed. It’s totally in control.

What HiFi

The Meridian Prime Headphone Amplifier can be powered by the wall-mounted supply provided or, for even higher audio quality, by the Meridian Prime Power
Supply. The use of this external power supply means that AC noise is kept well away from the pure analogue stages of the Headphone Amplifier.

In addition to its use with headphones, the Prime headphone Amplifier is also an outstanding analogue preamplifier, allowing multiple inputs to be managed
effectively and brought up to line level at extraordinarily high quality for driving external power amplifiers or powered analogue speakers.

The tonal balance is nicely judged and the Prime never sounds flustered or rushed. It’s totally in control. This is a supremely capable headphone amplifier and also a fine, if slightly feature-limited, stereo preamp. And that is enough for the full five stars – treat the DAC as a nice bonus.

A recommendation, therefore, for this beautifully finished, excellent-sounding headphone amplifier—especially if you can spring for its companion Prime Power Supply.

I found the Meridian Prime to match up very well with the Audeze headphones and should definitely be on the audition list for users of those cans. The Prime’s clean and neutral sound played well with the LCD-X’s warm and lush tone. With its 6.35mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs, the Meridian also makes a great amp for those with a variety of headphones and in-ear monitors. Don’t let its size fool you, the Meridian is a force to be reckoned with, do check it out.