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Cogworks Distribution

IP Controlled, integrated MQA enabled controller, 2 x 65 Watts.

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Meridian 251 Power Zone Controller

Meridian 251 Powered Zone Controller

The Meridian 251 is an IP-controlled powered zone controller that combines Meridian’s full suite of source management, DSP processing, and MQA decoding with two channels of high-performance Class D amplification — all within a compact 1U chassis that can drive a pair of passive loudspeakers or a sound bar directly without external amplifier racks. Delivering 2 x 65W into 8Ω (2 x 100W into 4Ω) with a true hi-res bandwidth of 40kHz, the 251’s onboard amplification is cool-running and built for sustained, high-output listening in homes where dedicated equipment rooms are impractical or unwanted. It accepts analogue and digital sources up to 192kHz/24-bit, decodes MQA natively, acts as a Roon Tested endpoint, and outputs via both speaker terminals and line-level analogue — making it equally suited to powering a standalone stereo zone, driving a 2.1 system with a subwoofer, or feeding additional amplification. Part of Meridian’s 200 Series, the 251 delivers the same IP and IR controllability as the 218 Zone Controller while adding the amplification needed to create a complete, self-contained Meridian audio zone from a single component.

SKU MA-251. Categories , Brand:
Original price was: $5,499.00.Current price is: $1,999.00.

Key Features

  • Integrated 2 x 65W Class D amplification (8Ω) — two high-performance, cool-running amplifier channels scale to 2 x 100W into 4Ω with high peak output current capability, driving passive loudspeakers or sound bars directly from the controller without external amplification. True hi-res bandwidth extends to 40kHz.
  • Full IP control for seamless automation integration — controllable over Ethernet via the Meridian Control app (iOS and Android), third-party automation protocols, IR input, or Meridian comms, allowing seamless incorporation into Control4, Crestron, Savant, and other home automation platforms.
  • Onboard MQA decoding — decodes MQA-encoded streams natively, unfolding studio-quality audio for full-resolution playback through the integrated amplifiers or via the line-level outputs to external equipment.
  • Roon Tested endpoint — profiled by the Roon team for simple setup and reliable daily use, enabling high-resolution network streaming directly to the 251 without a separate source component.
  • Works with Sonos — connects to a Sonos Port or Sonos Connect to bring Meridian sound quality to Sonos-based multi-room systems, allowing music to be streamed and controlled from the Sonos app anywhere in the home.
  • 192kHz/24-bit coaxial and optical digital inputs — coaxial S/PDIF accepts up to 192kHz/24-bit; optical input supports up to 96kHz/24-bit, accommodating CD transports, media servers, TV audio outputs, and distributed audio matrix feeds.
  • Line-level analogue outputs with twin 192kHz DACs — RCA analogue outputs enable a 2.1 configuration with a powered subwoofer, or can feed additional external amplification such as the Meridian 258 multi-channel amplifier for expanded coverage across multiple speaker pairs.
  • Meridian True Link, True Time, and Digital Precision — True Link encrypts the digital audio stream over SPDIF connections to minimise clock degradation; True Time applies Meridian’s proprietary apodising filter to eliminate pre-ringing artefacts; Digital Precision maximises the signal-to-noise ratio to preserve the finest musical detail.
  • LipSync delay compensation — adds up to 85 milliseconds of adjustable audio delay to realign sound with video in home theatre installations where display processing introduces latency, and can time-align passive speaker zones with FFA-enabled Meridian DSP loudspeaker zones in multi-room systems.
  • Compact 200 Series chassis with flexible mounting — at just 42mm tall and 2.5kg, the 251 fits into standard AV racks using the optional 1U rack kit (accommodating two units side by side), mounts behind displays or on walls with optional VESA brackets, or sits freestanding in-room. Speaker connections use industry-standard Phoenix-style connectors compatible with 24–12 AWG cable.