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Instruction Manual Covering: 

 

CDX 2 Compact Disc Player 

 

 

 

 

Contents 

 

1 Introduction & Final Inspection 

 

2 Set Up Guide 

 

3 Connecting inputs & outputs 

 

4 Getting the best performance 

 

5 Trouble Shooting 

 

6 Valve Replacement  

 

7 Specifications 

 

8 Guarantee 

 

9 Packing Instructions 

 

1 Introduction 

 

Thank  you  for  purchasing  the 

CDX2

.  This 

advanced  CD  player  uses  the  latest  digital 
technology  to  decode  the  optical  digital  signal 
coming  from  the  laser  pickup,  using  192  kHz 
upsampling and 24 bit resolution. That is where any 
similarity to other CD players ends. David Shaw and 
the  Icon  team  have  always  felt  that  the  potential 
sonic benefits of the Compact Disc have rarely been 
realised compared with many of the CD players on 
the market today, many are technically excellent but 
are  often  “lack-lustre”  and  mechanical  sounding, 
whereas  we  believe  that  a  CD  player  should  be 
similar  to  our  unique  pure  valve  vinyl  phono  pre 
amps  with  a  vivid  layered  and  textured  quality  that 
keeps  you  wanting  “more”!  So  the  CDX2  not  only 
needs to be technically good but to have the warm 
relaxed  easy  listening  analogue  sonic  qualities  that 
are  so  hard  to  achieve  from  the  somewhat  dated 
1977 Philips/Sony Compact Disc system. 
So  after  creating  the  initial  design  for  the  CDX2 
many  hours  were  spent  auditioning  different 
combinations of valves and components in order to 
achieve the desired results. It was self-evident that a 
good digital decoding system is pre requisite to good 
performance,  but  the  analogue  output  stage  rarely 
gets  a  mention.  We  feel  that  this  final  link  in  the 
audio chain is vital to audiophile performance and as 
such  a  well-designed  valve  stage  will  enhance  the 
sound quality of the previous circuitry. 

The excellent ECC82 also known as 12AU7 is used 
as  the  output  valve.  The  “son”  of  the  venerable 
6SN7 double triode probably the best sounding hi fi 
valve  ever.  Its  warm  tonal  balance  is  an  excellent 
counter to some of the less desirable characteristics 
that  digital  systems  present.  It  is  very  reliable  and 
long lasting to maintain performance. 

 

You  will  notice  that  the  weight  of  the  CDX2  is 
heavier  and  more  solid  than  many  other  players 
using  alloy  plate  and  heavy  gauge  steel  this  is  to 
provide  mechanical  stability  and  dampen  unwanted 
resonances. 

 

The  CDX2  is  hand  built  using  carefully  selected 
audiophile  components.  The  transformers  are  hand 
wound using low oxygen copper and long grain iron. 
Finally 

each 

player 

is 

valved, 

carefully 

commissioned and tweaked for best performance in 
Leicester UK.

 

In  order  to  get  the  best  out  of  your  CDX2,  please 
read  the  enclosed  notes.  Even  if  you  are 
experienced with hi fi 

please read the ‘quick set up 

guide’. 

Should  you  be  uncertain  about  anything 

please contact your dealer or us for advice. 
Valve  equipment  does  need  a  little  more  attention 
than  its  solid-state  counterparts,  such  as 
occasionally replacing the valve but the sonic results 
are more than worth it. In this manual we have tried 
to  include  everything  that  you  need  to  know. 

          IMPORTANT! 

THIS MANUAL CONTAINS 
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION 
FOR THE HEALTH & SAFETY 
OF YOUR CDX2. PLEASE 
READ & KEEP SAFE AND 
REFER TO IF NECESSARY 

Summary of Contents for CDX 2

Page 1: ...d performance but the analogue output stage rarely gets a mention We feel that this final link in the audio chain is vital to audiophile performance and as such a well designed valve stage will enhanc...

Page 2: ...2 hour test Check input N A Output Valve Bias level N A Sound Quality Channel Balance Valve Microphony Valve Seating Noise level RF Test Display brightness Serial No sticker and recorded Mains voltage...

Page 3: ...al terminal and Green Yellow to Earth terminal 5 Connect to your amplifier using the TUBE output RCA output sockets The other outputs are not valve output 6 Using the CD Player with a separate DAC Usi...

Page 4: ...ght sockets on the rear this will give the best sound quality as this uses our specially designed valve circuit Interconnect and mains Cables In our experience Icon valve equipment is very tolerant of...

Page 5: ...utton PAUSE button STOP button Replay button one previous song with one press of the button Next button One next song with one press of the button Function displayer and window remote control sensor T...

Page 6: ...s this button and there will be a on the lower left corner of the screen Press again this function will be removed Press this button continuously to fast forward Previous Button One press or two of th...

Page 7: ...able material Do not disassemble the machine No user serviceable parts inside Refer to Icon Audio or a suitable service agent If replacing the valve refer to section 6 Connecting power line Insert the...

Page 8: ...e or return the valve for testing free of charge Use the original carton and packing this will protect your CD player Or ensure well packed to prevent damage Mains Supply This amplifier is hard wired...

Page 9: ...9 heater current too high ECC88 6922 6DJ8 6N6 wrong pin connections heater ratings or any other valves which may be close as the performance will be impaired or damage may result Ideally a near perfec...

Page 10: ...ormance Gold plated output terminals 220 240volts 40watts W 41cm D 35cm H 11cm 9KG allow for connections Shipping Info W 50cm D 47 H 23 12kg 0 058m2 IEC mains lead 5amp fused CE certified ROHS WEEE co...

Page 11: ...may keep you up to date of any upgrades or improvements Check our website Warranty Limitations Damage caused by incorrect operation or damage by dropping liquid damage to Laser assembly Unauthorized...

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