(5) Main power transformer
(6) Standby power transformer (ensures green mode Standby)
(7) Esoteric VMK-5 SACD/CD drive mounted on steel support
(8) SACD/CD drawer and AMOLED display (on front panel)
(9) Audio, clock, USB (firmware update) and RJ-45 (control) connectors (from slot-in boards). Analog ground to Earth jumper
(10) Slot-in boards (SYNC_IO, CONTROL, DIGITAL_OUT, stereo ANALOG_OUT or monaural ANALOG_OUT)
(11) Main board
(12) Power supply regulation board
(13) SACD/CD mechanism control section
(14) Concentric push control knob
1.1 SACD/CD drive (VMK-5)
The D1 SACD/CD unit is built around the high-quality Esoteric VMK-5 SACD/CD mechanism featuring VRDS-Neo disc clamping. The
VRDS disc clamp covers the whole disc (not only its central part) ensuring vibration and error free digital data reading. CH has
further improved the vibration immunity of the SACD/CD mechanism by mounting it on a heavy steel rails directly assembled to a
massive steel base plate weighting over 15kg.
1.2 Mechanical construction
The D1 SACD/CD unit is assembled from high-quality aluminum and steel elements with no visible screws on the front, top and side
panels. The base of the unit is made of a heavy steel plate whereas the front panel, the side panels and the top cover are
machined from aluminum. The power supply is isolated from the audio section in its own compartment to avoid any contamination
of the audio circuits by noise radiated from the supply. Pin assembly of all chassis elements provides smooth joints between
elements while screws every 6cm ensures protection against electromagnetic interferences. First class mechanical and chemical
surface treatments provide the luxury finish of the D1.
Four steel feet support the unit. Each feet ends with a elastomer ring to sit on delicate surfaces but is also equipped with a height
adjustable steel spike to fine tune unit positioning. Horizontal adjustment is done with the provided screwdriver through the four
adjustment shafts accessible from the top of the unit. In addition to providing convenient horizontal adjustment from the top of the
unit, the shafts also serve as vibration evacuation channels for any stacked unit. Special shaft covers are provided to interface with
the spikes of the stacked unit. Any vibration from the upper unit is transmitted by the shaft cover to the shaft and from the shaft to
the lower unit feet or spike, forming a privileged path for vibrations evacuation.
1.3 Modular architecture and slot-in boards
The D1 benefits from a fully modular architecture. It features separated sections for power-supply, disc mechanism and related
control, front panel, central host processor and slot-in boards. This modular architecture combined to the USB plug for all firmwares
(MCU, DSP, and FPGA) update allows for easy servicing and upgrade should one section become faulty or obsolete.
The slot-in boards section consists in a vertically mounted mother board with optional boards plugged into it. Optional boards
provide audio functionality and connectivity to other equipment. There are five types of slot-in boards:
•
CONTROL board: provides a USB port for software upgrade and an Ethernet port for command
8
D1 User Manual
Rev 3.0
