Director

About the Director

The Meridian Director is a compact, high-performance digital-to-analog converter designed to deliver superior sound quality from computers, network players, and other digital sources into an analogue hi-fi system. It supports sample rates up to 24-bit/192kHz and incorporates Meridian's proprietary Resolution Enhancement technologies, including upsampling and an apodising filter that improves audio quality by reducing digital artifacts and correcting recording faults. The device automatically upsamples standard 16–24 bit, 44.1/48kHz inputs to 24-bit 88.2/96kHz, allowing filtering above the audible range. It features separate precision crystal oscillators for 44.1kHz and 48kHz-based sample rates to minimize jitter, a music-grade power supply, and a direct-coupled fixed output for connection to audio systems or powered loudspeakers. The DAC uses a Crystal CS4353 chip bypassing its internal filters in favor of Meridian's own DSP-based filters. It accepts USB (asynchronous), optical, and coaxial digital inputs via a hybrid 3.5mm jack with supplied adapters. The unit is powered via USB or an external power supply when using S/PDIF inputs. Housed in an elegant anodised metal enclosure, it is handmade in the UK with audiophile-grade components and offers a clean, transparent, and musically involving sound signature. The Director is discontinued but remains respected for its sonic performance and build quality.