Meridian 556

[greg788]

I found one of these for a *great* price and it's mint. The question is, how good is it as far as sound quality? What is its sonic character -- laid back, neutral, warm, etc.? And any known reliability issues? I'm in USA and older Meridian amps aren't well known over here.

 

[ciderglider]

Maybe lean. I had a 556, then moved on to its successor the G56, which had a fruitier bass, if memory serves.

 

[IceG]

Meridian equipment generally does not have an overriding sonic signature but open, neutral and laid-back might apply. One can listen to their kit all day. They are reliable but it might benefit from a recap as it is probably over 20 years old.

Here is an old review (which reminds me why reviews are pointless but ho-hum) www.meridian-audio.info/public/501_556%5b2406%5d.pdf

IMHO, the sound of a power amplifier is more a function of the relationship between the amplifier and speaker rather than the amplifier itself. If you have "normal" speakers (2 or 3-way 8ohm with a relatively benign impedence curve) the 556 should be nice. The 557 (the bigger brother and a different beast altogether) would be better if you want more than nice and/or have awkward speakers.

The Meridian forum (www.meridianunplugged.com) will give you contacts for support in the USA and a wealth of other information.

 

[Robert M]

It's a great powerful amplifier, but make sure you turn it on last and off first (pre amp wise) or the 3.15a fuse sometimes pops.

 

[linnfomaniac83]

Lovely amp, only ever used one with Meridian preamp 541/502. With a Meridian 507 CD player upfront and Ruark Talisman speakers, I have to agree with the above, neutral, wide open, detailed and relaxed.

 

[ciderglider]

Spookily, my 556 started out driving a pair of Talismen. It certainly dealt with them more effectively than the Aufiolab 8000S it replaced.