500 vs Bel Canto Design CD3T
The CD3T's weight is 5.44 kg (12 lbs) against the 500's 6.4 kg (14 lbs). Both share bit depth (16-bit), max sample rate (44.1 kHz), and height (88 mm).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
DigitalCD PlayersDiscontinued
Estimated price (community-sourced)
$2,092.71
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
About the 500
The Meridian 500 is a high-end CD transport from Meridian Audio's 500 Series, launched in 1993. It features a robust build with a CDM-4/12 mechanism, precise clock accuracy of ±20ppm, and multiple digital outputs including coaxial (500mV p-p), optical (EIAJ), and AES/EBU balanced via XLR. Available in three versions: MK1, MK2 (with triple beam laser and AES/EBU), and MK3. Compatible with Meridian System Remote (MSR+). Power consumption: 20VA. Intended for pairing with DACs such as the 563, which offers 16-bit resolution via dual differential delta-sigma, 64x oversampling at 2 bits (19 bits effective), with 3x coaxial, 1x TOSLINK inputs, AES/EBU XLR, and both unbalanced/balanced analog outputs. No longer manufactured, with used prices ranging $650-$2000.
Specifications
Digital Audio
DAC capabilities and digital audio processing
- Bit Depth
- 16-bit
- Max Sample Rate
- 44.1 kHz
- DAC Chip
- dual differential delta-sigma
Analog Output
Analog signal output specifications
- Output Impedance
- 75Ω
Connectivity
Input and output connections
- Bluetooth
- No
- Wi-Fi
- No
- Ethernet
- No
- Digital Outputs
- Coaxial, Optical, AES/EBU
Physical Dimensions
Size, weight, and appearance
- Dimensions
- 321 × 88 × 332 mm (W × H × D)
- Weight
- 6.4 kg (14 lbs)
- Available Colors
- Black textured enamel and glass
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions