Meridian 251
Integrated Zone Amplifier
The compact Meridian 251 is an excellent solution if you wish to add an audio zone to an existing Meridian system or create a discreet, standalone audio system.
The Meridian 251 is essentially an integrated amplifier, but you won’t find any controls for input selection, volume, or similar directly on it. This amplifier is designed to be part of an existing Meridian system, where control is broadly integrated. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t be used as a regular integrated amplifier – it simply requires network operation using the free Meridian Control app available for both Android and iOS. Alternatively, or as a supplement, you can purchase a Meridian MSR2 remote control and a G12 IR receiver, allowing the amplifier to be operated in the usual way.
Small enough to hide away
The advantage of the Meridian 251 is naturally its extremely compact size, making it possible to place it in a cabinet or even behind a television. It is built around a powerful Class-D solution that delivers 100 cool watts, driving any speaker. In terms of connectivity, it offers both analog and digital options. Naturally, there’s a SpeakerLink input, enabling the amplifier to be part of a Meridian system. Additionally, you get a set of analog inputs, e.g., for a turntable, as well as an optical and a coaxial S/PDIF input for digital sources, e.g., a TV. The Meridian 251 is also ready to integrate into a Sonos system and is Works with Sonos certified. It is also Roon Tested, meaning it will appear as a player in a Roon system. On the output side, there’s a set of analog RCA connectors, which can be used, for example, to add one or two subwoofers to the system.
Advanced Meridian technologies at work
As expected from a Meridian product, the 251 is naturally equipped with advanced technologies that make it possible to deliver sound of this quality in this size. You get Q-Sync, which is Meridian’s own ‘First In, First Out’ buffering system, ensuring significant jitter reduction and perfect timing with improved sound transparency. The 251 is also equipped with True Time, Meridian’s own Apodising Filter, which avoids pre-ringing and cleans up questionable filters used in early digital recordings. The result is a sound closer to the original recording, with less noise and significantly better definition. The Meridian 251 can be customized in every way, and it’s all done by accessing its menu through a web browser. Here, you can adjust subwoofer gain, bass, treble, and balance, as well as advanced options for system integration.
| Measurements | 20.4 x 4.2 x 22.1 cm |
| Weight (net) | 2.5 kg |
| Digital input(s) | Yes |
| Input, optical (TosLink) | 1 |
| Input, coaxial (S/Pdif) | 1 |
| Input, network (RJ45) | Yes |
| Input, Speakerlink | Yes |
| Input, Stereo RCA | 1 |
| Output, Stereo RCA | 1 |
| Output, LFE (Sub out) | 2 |
| IR input | Yes |
| 12v. trigger output | Yes |
| Wired network | Yes |
| App Control | Yes, iOS & Android |
| Audio decoding | MQA decoder and renderer |
| Supported sample rates, kHz | 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 |
| Supported bit depth | 16 bit, 24 bit |
| Roon Tested DAC | Yes |
| Power at 8Ω (per channel) | 65 watts |
| Power at 4Ω (per. channel) | 100 watts |
| A/B Speaker | No |
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Amplifier type | Class D |
| In the box | Power cable, Users guide |
| Other included accessories | Phoenix blocks for connecting speaker cable, four self-adhesive feet |
| User manual available in | English |
| Made in | England |