MERIDIAN 505

Pre owned. In good condition. Shows signs of wear, also visible in the photos. Without the original packaging.

The Meridian 505 is a mono power amplifier designed to deliver outstanding control, dynamics, and transparency while remaining faithful to the engineering philosophy that has long distinguished the British manufacturer. Developed for high-end Hi-Fi and Home Theater systems, it is capable of driving demanding loudspeakers with authority, ensuring precise, stable, and powerful sound reproduction.

Built in a true monoblock configuration, the 505 delivers 160 watts into 8 ohms and is engineered to provide exceptionally high current capability, a key factor in maintaining complete control over loudspeakers, even when driving very low impedance loads. The output stage employs six high-power output transistors, while the power supply is based around a generously sized low-noise 800 VA toroidal transformer capable of delivering currents in excess of 25 amperes without compromising stability or sonic performance. This substantial power reserve enables the amplifier to handle speaker loads below 2 ohms with confidence, preserving dynamics and precision even during the most demanding musical passages.

The circuitry follows Meridian's well-established design philosophy, featuring a high-precision input stage with extremely fast response and excellent DC accuracy. A fully complementary amplifier topology, combined with a carefully optimized output stage, ensures linear, natural, and controlled performance across the entire frequency range.

The design also incorporates Meridian's proven self-adjusting bias and output error-correction circuitry. This technology keeps the output devices operating under optimal conditions, reducing distortion, improving long-term reliability, and ensuring consistent performance regardless of the connected speaker load.

The amplifier is equipped with both balanced and unbalanced inputs, providing excellent flexibility for integration with a wide variety of preamplifiers and audio processors. Twin loudspeaker outputs are also provided for bi-wiring, allowing enthusiasts to further optimize loudspeaker control and improve separation between crossover sections.

The Meridian 505 is equally well suited to multichannel applications and was designed to partner perfectly with Meridian's 500 Series preamplifiers and the 568 Surround Controller. Thanks to its monoblock architecture, it can be used individually, as a stereo pair, or in multiple-amplifier Home Theater systems, making it particularly suitable as a dedicated center-channel amplifier alongside the Meridian 557 stereo power amplifier.

Special attention has also been given to operational safety. The amplifier incorporates comprehensive protection against DC at the output and thermal overload, safeguarding both the amplifier and connected loudspeakers without affecting normal performance.

The Meridian 505 remains a classic British power amplifier, combining robust construction, impressive driving capability, and refined sonic performance. Even today, it continues to exemplify the engineering excellence and musicality that have earned Meridian a lasting reputation among high-fidelity enthusiasts.

Technical specifications:

• Power output: 160 W into 8 Ω; 260 W into 4 Ω
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.05%
• Signal-to-noise ratio: -90 dB
• Inputs: Balanced XLR (2.66 V RMS sensitivity); unbalanced RCA (1.27 V RMS sensitivity)
• Outputs: Twin speaker outputs for bi-wiring
• Configuration: Mono power amplifier; 3 pairs of output transistors; 2 high-quality smoothing capacitors; error-corrected output stage; low-feedback design; fully balanced Dynamic Bridge input stage; DC and thermal overload protection
• Controls: Rear-panel power on/off switch
• Front panel indicator: Power LED
• Dimensions (W × D × H): 385 × 306 × 174 mm
• Weight: 17 kg