A5.5 CD

INSTALLATION

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of your new A5.5 CD player.

The A5.5 CD has extremely low jitter, vanishingly low distortion, exemplary linearity and ultra low noise. Its case design complements the A5.5 series components which include an integrated amplifier all in the same convenient size.

Great attention has been paid to internal layout, isolating each circuit section to prevent possible interaction.

The CD digital data streams are first up-sampled to 192kHz, which moves noise, jitter and distortion artefacts well above the audio band. They are then passed through a new, low noise, low distortion 24-bit dual-differential digital-to-analogue converter, which allows simpler filtering of the analogue output. This in turn gives an improved audio response without the need for sharp filters that degrade sound quality. The result is a CD player which has a smoother response than previously possible with none of the “hardness” of other units.

Another feature of the A5.5 CD is an additional high quality ECC88 valve buffer stage output for added valve warmth to the sound.

The resultant performance achieved by this unit is among the best in the world. It has excellent signal to noise ratio, low distortion, wide bandwidth, huge dynamic range, extraordinary resolution and fine detail.

NOTES ON USING COMPACT DISCS

Always hold discs by the edges and make sure they remain clean - do not touch the surface. Keep discs away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators. Clean discs with a cloth before playing them, but do not use solvents such as benzene, thinners, or antistatic spray intended for analogue records.

After playing, always return the disc to its case for storage.

INSTALLATION

Position the A5.5 CD on a stable, horizontal surface where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected to vibration such as from loudspeakers.

Protect your A5.5 CD from humidity - if the unit is moved from a cold place to a warm room, or in generally humid conditions, moisture can form on the pickup lens inside the player, preventing the laser beam from reading the disc. If this happens, remove the CD, close the drawer, and leave the unit switched on for an hour or so to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.

AUDIO CONNECTIONS

Outputs: Connect your amplifier inputs to the RCA sockets on the back panel marked as LEFT and RIGHT outputs. These are valve outputs for best in sonic performance

If desired, the unit can also be attached to an external DAC of your choice. The unit outputs COAX and OPTICAL digital signal stream at 44.1kHz.

POWER CONNECTIONS

The unit plugs into mains supply using IEC mains lead.

Do not force the connector.

SWITCHING ON

Use the supplied IEC mains cable to connect the unit to the mains supply. Press the POWER button on the front panel. The display will light, and the word MUTE appears for about 30 seconds. This is to allow the valve stage to warm up and settle. MUTE then disappears indicating the unit is ready to use.

CLEANING

Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket. Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist cloth. We do not advise using solvents, white spirit or thinners as they could damage the surface finish.

Issue 2: 27th September 2007

 

Page 7 of 15