MOON CD
5.3 CD Player
Rear Panel Connections
Figure 2: MOON CD 5.3 Rear panel with optional balanced analog outputs
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 2 (above). On the left side is the analog audio output. There is one pair of RCA
analog audio output connectors that you should connect to a stereo analog input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
Don’t hesitate to use good quality interconnect cables.
In the event that you have purchased a MOON CD
5.3 with optional balanced analog circuitry, there will be a pair of XLR
balanced outputs located immediately beside each of the RCA analog outputs. In this case, we strongly recommend that you
use the balanced XLR connectors on your CD
5.3 to maximize its level of performance:
When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any
noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an AC power cord) will be reproduced by the
amplifier and heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate conductors; one for
the ground and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees out of phase with
the other. For example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +4 Volts, the other will be carrying a signal of –4 Volts.
When these two inverted signals on a balanced line are input into a differential preamplifier, any noise picked up by the
interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two signals: Noise on a
balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore not be processed.
There is one (1) “Digital Audio Output” located near the center of the rear panel. It uses an RCA connector labeled “S/PDIF”
which allows you to use the CD
5.3 as a CD transport whereby, digital signal processing will be handled externally by another
DAC or surround processor. You should use a 75
Ω
digital audio cable terminated with RCA connectors.
Your MOON CD
5.3 is equipped with a 1/8” mini jack input for use with aftermarket infrared remote control receivers. The
“IR in” connector is located to the right of the digital audio output. Finally on the right side is the “AC Power” section with a
main power switch (“0”=off, “1”=on) and IEC receptacle for the included AC power cord. Alternatively, you may use a
dedicated high-performance AC power cord designed for CD Players.
All rear panel connectors have been chosen because they provide the best possible connections for your unit. A poor contact
will degrade the signal substantially, and plugs and sockets should all look clean and free of dirt and corrosion. The easiest
way to clean them is to remove the cables from their sockets and push them back in again. This procedure requires that your
CD Player and the rest of your components be completely turned off. Not heeding this warning may result in serious damage
to your equipment. Special contact cleaning fluids and enhancers should not be used, as they deposit a difficult to remove
residue which degrades the performance of your components.
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Rear Panel Connections
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