1
THANK YOU FROM EVERYONE AT
CLASSÉ
Thank you for purchasing the Classé Audio
CDP.3 compact disk player.
We take great pride in offering components
that combine exceptional sonic performance and
long-term reliability. To do that, we have invested
in extraordinary design and manufacturing
facilities. We trust that you will enjoy your
purchase for many years to come.
CLASSÉ DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
All of our components benefit from the same
rigorous design goal: All Classé products must
reproduce music with the harmonic and spatial
integrity typical of fine instruments heard in a
live, unamplified performance.
Single Circuit Design
To this end, we make extensive use of
carefully optimized versions of the same basic
circuit precisely matched to specific power
requirements. This means that all Classé line
level components and power amplifiers benefit
from years of refinement. However, our efforts
do not stop here.
Listening: The Critical Design Element
Once we determine general circuit values
for a particular application, we listen carefully
while exchanging and mixing different parts
(transistors, capacitors, wiring, PC boards, etc.)
and adjusting specific operating voltages within
proper engineering ranges.
Extended Real-World Lifespan
Every Classé component, even the most
affordable, benefits from our painstaking
approach to design parameters. The result is an
optimum balance between the often-conflicting
demands of exceptional performance and long-
term reliability. Our most expensive components
gain from even tighter tolerance parts and highly
segmented and exceptionally robust power
supplies with large reserve-current capabilities.
Our Pride in Manufacturing, Your Pride
in Ownership
We build all of our components to the highest
possible standards. From multi-layer glass-epoxy
circuit boards, the full sized power-supplies, and
the massive faceplates, every Classé product is
a tribute to both the science and art of sound
reproduction. We hope that you derive as much
pleasure and satisfaction in using your Classé as
we did in producing it.
UNPACKING & SET-UP
WARNING:
THE CDP.3 IS NOT TO BE OPERATED
WITH THE COVER OPENED.
THERE IS INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN THE
COVER IS OPENED.
AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE TO THE LASER BEAM.
Safety Instructions
1.
WATER AND MOISTURE: This product should
not be used near water. To prevent fire or shock
hazard, do not expose this product to rain or
moisture.
2.
HEAT: This product should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other appliances which
produces heat.
3.
POWER SOURCES: This product should be
connected to an AC power source of the proper
rated voltage. The original shipping container
and the serial number tag at the back of the unit
will stipulate the AC voltage from which this unit
can operate correctly.
4.
SERVICING: Do not open this unit for any
reason. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to an authorized service technician.
5.
NON-USE PERIODS: The power cord of this
unit should be unplugged from the AC outlet
when left unused for an extended period of time.
6.
DO NOT REMOVE THE TOP COVER while the
unit is “on” or connected to an AC outlet, there
is a SHOCK HAZARD, also, foreign objects could
fall in the unit and cause severe damage to
internal components, the player may also leak
invisible laser radiation. AVOID DIRECT
EXPOSURE TO THE BEAM.
1. Unpacking and Accessories
The Classé CDP.3 has been carefully wrapped in
heavy gauge plastic, packed in semi-rigid foam
and contained in a special box. To remove the
unit, open and spread the top flaps of the box.
By its sides, lift the CDP.3 out along with its
attached foam packing. Remove each foam side
by pulling them straight out. Remove the plastic
wrap and inspect the unit for any concealed
damage. Report any concealed damage to
your dealer promptly.
Apart from this owner's manual, please ensure
the following is also included:
• Detachable A.C. power cord.
• Remote control handset
(along with two (2) type “AAA” batteries).
Please report any missing parts to your
dealer promptly.
2. Setup
The CDP.3 CD player must be operated on a
horizontal platform (see specifications for details)
such as a table or, preferably, specialized audio
furniture to extract the best performance. Like
fine turntables and interconnect cables, the final
location of the CDP.3 should be free of any hum-
inducing magnetic fields, such as those caused
by power amplifiers, AC line filters and other
regulation devices. Such locations can introduce
noise into an audio system, which inevitably
degrades sound quality. Ideally, a few feet should
separate the CDP.3 from the power amplifier.
As well, keep low-level interconnect cables
away from the power amp and separate from
A.C. power cords. The CDP.3 generates negligible
amounts of heat. Therefore, air space around the
CDP.3 for ventilation need not be a concern.
Important! Check the Serial Number sticker on
the back of the unit for the correct operating
voltage. Regardless of the voltage, the fuse
rating should be a 3/8 AMP SLO-BLO type.
A.C. LINE POWER
The ON/OFF (POWER) switch on the CDP.3 is
located on the front panel of the unit, at the
left, besides the CD drawer. While thoroughly
musical shortly after turn-on, the CDP.3 will
exhibit “sonic growth” for the first 300 hours
of use.
For optimum sonic performance, you should
consider use of the optional CLASSÉ REFERENCE
A.C. LINE CORD. Consult your dealer regarding
this accessory.
CAUTION:
“Floating the ground”, or defeating
the ground on a 3-prong line cord may create a
shock hazard. Connect all interconnect cables
between the electronics before connecting the
A.C. line cords to the wall outlets. This will
reduce the potential shock hazard. In addition,
please read the warranty section of this owner's
manual.
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND
FUNCTIONS
The CDP.3 compact disk player is equipped with
both BALANCED and REGULAR RCA (single
ended) analog outputs. Connecting the CDP.3 to
your audio system requires a pair of BALANCED
or REGULAR RCA type interconnects and the
supplied AC power cord. The CDP.3 is also
equipped with a SINGLE ENDED (S/PDIF) data
output connector. To use this output, you
require a SINGLE-ENDED (REGULAR) DIGITAL
cable and an S/PDIF input connector on your
digital processor. Refer to Fig. 1 for visual aid.
A note about the connecting cables
The overall performance of the CD PLAYER will
vary dramatically with the quality and type of
cables chosen. Selection of the highest quality
digital output cables combined with proper
output interconnects is recommended for
maximum performance of the Classé CDP.3.
AC Line Input
In addition to the analog and digital outputs,
the remaining connection on the rear panel of
the CDP.3 is the AC input connector. Connect
the supplied AC power cord to this input. As
the CAUTION section on the previous page
indicates, it is always a wise PRECAUTION
to connect all interconnect cables before
attaching the AC power cords.
