Installation and Connections

Important Note: To prevent possible damage to your speakers or other components in your audio system, we strongly recommend that ALL system components, including the CDR 26, be turned off and unplugged from their AC power source when any connections are made or a new component is installed.

Placement of the CDR 26

Since the CD transports in the CDR 26 are precision instruments, they are subject to interference from vibration. To minimize the possibility of skipping during playback or recording, it is recommended that the unit be placed on a level, solid, vibration-free surface.

When installing the CDR 26 in a cabinet or tight space, always make certain that there is enough room in front of the unit for the disc drawers to open fully, and that there is enough space above the unit so that discs may easily be inserted in the disc drawers.

In addition to the safety considerations outlined on page 4, it is also recommended that the CDR 26 not be placed in a location that is subject to direct sunlight or extreme heat or cold, as these conditions may damage the discs used in the player, or the player itself. Note that audio amplifiers or high-power receivers, as well as certain other electronic products, may generate significant heat. For that reason, do not place the CDR 26 directly on top of an amplifier, receiver or other heat source. Always allow at least one inch of free space on all sides of the CDR 26, as well as other electronic products, to allow for proper ventilation.

The unit should also be kept away from sources of water or damp conditions.

Connections to Your Audio System

When connecting the CDR 26, think of the process as if you were connecting a standard tape or cassette recorder, with the addition of the digital connections.

Depending on the capabilities of your receiver, preamp or processor, you may find it convenient to connect the analog inputs and outputs to the jacks marked for a tape recorder. As the CDR 26’s functions resemble those of a standard tape recorder, this may make it easier to select it as an input on your receiver or pre- amp. Connect the Analog Output Jacks ¡ to the Play/In jacks of a Tape or Aux input on your receiver or preamp. Connect the Analog Input Jacks ™ to the Tape Rec/Out jacks on your receiver or preamp.

To play the output through the digital decoder in your receiver or an external processor, connect the Coaxial-Digital Output Jack £ or the Optical- Digital Output Jack § to the matching digital-input jack on your receiver or processor. You may have to change a setting on the receiver or processor to link the digital input to the “Tape” button or the specific input selector associated with the digital inputs. Consult the owner’s manual on your receiver or processor for details, as this configuration may vary from unit to unit.

To make recordings from external digital sources, such as a CD, DVD or MD player, connect the Coaxial- Digital Input Jacks &¢ or Optical-Digital Input Jacks ^∞ on the CDR 26 to the digital output jacks on your receiver or processor. If your receiver does not have digital-output jacks, you may connect the Coaxial-Digital Input Jacks &¢ or Optical- Digital Input Jacks ^∞ on the CDR 26 directly to the digital outputs on your CD player or other digital device.

Connections to a portable digital CD or MD player may also be made by connecting the Coax or Optical Digital Output of the player to one of the front-panel Digital Inputs ^& on the CDR 26.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON DIGITAL CONNECTIONS:

Although digital-coax connections use the same type of “RCA” phono jack as standard analog signals, please take special care to connect digital signals only to digital jacks. In many cases, the digital jacks may be identified by an orange-colored insert ring around the center of the jack. When making digital connections, be sure to use coax-interconnect cables, such as the one supplied with the CDR 26 or cables intended for video applications. Even though they have the correct type of RCA connector, do not use audio-interconnect cables that have twisted-pair construction, as they are not appropriate for digital signal use. If you have any questions about the type of cables to use with the CDR 26, consult your dealer.

12 INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS

CDR 26 specifications

The Harman-Kardon CDR 26 is a sophisticated CD recorder that combines high-quality audio playback with recording capabilities, catering to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. Renowned for its sleek design and user-friendly interface, the CDR 26 has become a popular choice for those looking to preserve their favorite music from CDs or other sources onto writable CDs.

One of the standout features of the CDR 26 is its dual disc operation, allowing users to seamlessly switch between a CD playback source and a recording medium. This feature enhances the recording process, making it efficient and straightforward. The device supports various disc formats, including CD-R and CD-RW, giving users the flexibility to burn their music onto a variety of media.

The CDR 26 employs advanced recording technologies that ensure optimal audio fidelity. With a high-quality 24-bit/96kHz digital-to-analog converter, it provides rich sound reproduction that faithfully captures the nuances of the original recordings. Additionally, the device boasts a variety of recording modes, including on-the-fly recording, which allows users to create compilations without the need for a computer.

Another remarkable characteristic of the CDR 26 is its integrated digital signal processing (DSP) features. The built-in DSP allows for various editing functions, such as track splitting and adjusting levels, making it easier for users to create professional-quality recordings. The intuitive interface includes an LCD screen that displays pertinent information, including track numbers, remaining recording time, and more, making navigation clear and efficient.

Furthermore, the Harman-Kardon CDR 26 includes extensive connectivity options. With optical and coaxial digital inputs, as well as traditional analog inputs, users can connect it to a variety of audio sources, including turntables and tape decks. This versatility makes it an ideal component in a comprehensive audio system.

In summary, the Harman-Kardon CDR 26 is a feature-rich CD recorder that excels in both audio quality and usability. Its dual disc operation, advanced recording technologies, integrated DSP capabilities, and versatile connectivity options make it a valuable tool for anyone who wishes to curate and preserve their musical collections while enjoying high-fidelity sound. Whether for personal use or as part of a larger audio setup, the CDR 26 represents a reliable choice for all your CD recording needs.