Sony S9000ES manual Audio Direct Output for all discs, Jitter-Free 96 kHz / 24-bit Digital Output

Photo 5: Sony minimizes power transformer hum and noise by incorporating two carefully made R-core power transformers.

Audio

DVD Technical Notes

27 MHz. For a further reduction in noise, the power supply to any unused clocks is automatically turned off.

purity. A straight path carries the signal directly from the D/A converter input to the output terminals on the back panel. As an added precaution, extra-thick low-impedance jumper cables eliminate patterning between the main ground of the audio board and the main ground of the digital block.

Fig. 19: Contrary to common practice, the DVP-S9000ES subdivides the audio master

clock for video, not the other way around.

Audio Direct Output ( for all discs )

One potential concern with so many types of circuitry in one chassis is mutual interference. Sony minimizes the possibility of radiated interference with Audio Direct output, a front panel switch that automatically shuts off all Video and Digital outputs. The switch enables the DVP-S9000ES to operate audio-only whenever you desire. Three other power configurations are also offered:

•Video Off. Shuts down the video and power circuitry to eliminate its effect on the audio circuitry.

•Digital Off. Shuts down the signal.

•Display Off. Cuts off power to the fluorescent display panel, for a further reduction in noise.

Jitter-Free 96 kHz / 24-bit Digital Output

The DVP-S9000ES is capable of sending out DVD-Video sound tracks at full 96 kHz/24-bit resolution on discs without copy protection. (Discs with copy protection are limited to 48 kHz/ 16-bit digital outputs.) To support full 96 kHz/24-bit digital output, the optical output module operates all the way up to 13.2 Mbps. So you can connect with maximum fidelity.

As an added safeguard to signal integrity, the digital output signal is re-synchronized immediately before the coaxial and optical digital outputs. The signal is realigned to the highly accurate master clock at 49 MHz (for DVD-Audio) and 45 MHz (for CD and SACD). This reduces the possibility of distortion- inducing jitter at the digital outputs.

Separate Audio Circuit Board ( for all discs )

As a further defense against radiated noise, the audio circuitry is isolated on its own circuit board, shielded by 1.6 mm sheet metal and fed by its own, dedicated power supply secondary, located on the circuit board itself. The board is laid out in classic dual monaural configuration, for enhanced stereo separation and sonic

Photo 4: The front and back of the audio circuit board reveal

Twin R-Core Power Transformers ( for all discs )

Power transformer cores and windings can vibrate and degrade the sound, radiating 60 Hz hum into nearby audio circuits. That’s why Sony shields the audio circuit board. And that’s why Sony chose twin R-Core power transformers. The R stands for

round. Not only is the core round, it has a cylindrical cross section, enabling the transformer windings to be wrapped without the voids or gaps that permit vibration. This results in far less

radiation, far less hum. The core itself is formed from long narrow magnetic steel plates, rolled into shape without gaps that might also generate hum. To further protect the audio stage from interference, one transformer handles video, system control and servo systems while the other specializes in audio alone.

Power Supply Configuration ( for all discs )

While switching power supplies are common in DVD players, Sony demanded more. We use more traditional series power supplies with the twin transformers followed by rectifiers. Separate power supply secondaries are employed for each stage. And the secondaries are located on the circuit boards they serve: audio, video, system, motor drive and display. In addition, separate regulation is used in the D/A converter, VC 24 Plus, master clock oscillator and digital output buffer blocks. This minimizes even slight opportunities for mutual interference through the power supply.

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