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ERC-3
Connections
The ERC-3 may be connected as a stand-alone audiophile CD player, or as a digital audio
CD transport. Both connection types may be used simultaneously, and there is no special
configuration required for either. (All analog and digital outputs remain active at all times,
and may be used at the same time.)
Connecting the ERC-3 as an audiophile CD player
The ERC-3 has both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) stereo analog audio outputs. Use either
to connect the analog output of the ERC-3 to a line level analog input on a stereo preamp or a
pre/pro. If your preamp has both types of inputs available, balanced connections are generally
preferred. Both the balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog audio outputs on the ERC-3
remain active at all times.
Note: The analog outputs of the ERC-3 are fixed level, and are designed to be connected to the
inputs of a preamp or pre/pro that includes a volume control. Do NoT connect the outputs of
the ERC-3 directly to the inputs of a power amplifier that does not include a volume control;
damage to your amplifier or speakers may result.
Note: on most preamps and pre/pros, all the line level analog inputs are similar; you can
usually use an input labelled Aux or line if your preamp doesn’t have an input labelled “CD”,
or if that input is already in use.
Connecting the ERC-3 as a digital audio CD transport
The ERC-3 has a full selection of digital audio outputs for use as a digital audio CD transport,
including Toslink (optical), coax (electrical S/PDIF), and AES/EBU. All digital outputs are active at all
times, and all carry the same signal (all are bit-perfect; no upsampling or other modification of the
digital signal takes place in the ERC-3).
Note: Even though the coaxial output uses a standard RCA type audio connector,
we recommend that you use a cable intended for DIGITAl audio to connect it to an external
DAC or other decoder (pre/pro). A regular analog audio cable may work over short distances,
but performance and sound quality may be compromised.
Connecting the Trigger Input and Trigger Output
The Trigger Input is used to allow other trigger enabled equipment to remotely switch the ERC-3
On; the Trigger Output allows the ERC-3 to remotely switch other trigger enabled equipment On.
A standard trigger cable (1/8” to 1/8” mono) is used for both. The Trigger Input accepts a standard
trigger signal (5 - 12 VDC) and the Trigger Output sends out a standard 12 VDC trigger signal
when the ERC-3 is On.
