A5.5 CD
INSTALLATION
Issue 2: 27
th
September 2007
Page
7
of
15
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your new A5.5 CD
player.
The A5.5 CD has extremely low jitter, vanishingly low
distortion, exemplary linearity and ultra low noise. Its
case design complements the A5.5 series components
which include an integrated amplifier all in the same
convenient size.
Great attention has been paid to internal layout,
isolating each circuit section to prevent possible
interaction.
The CD digital data streams are first up-sampled to
192kHz, which moves noise, jitter and distortion
artefacts well above the audio band. They are then
passed through a new, low noise, low distortion 24-bit
dual-differential digital-to-analogue converter, which
allows simpler filtering of the analogue output. This in
turn gives an improved audio response without the need
for sharp filters that degrade sound quality. The result is
a CD player which has a smoother response than
previously possible with none of the “hardness” of other
units.
Another feature of the A5.5 CD is an additional high
quality ECC88 valve buffer stage output for added valve
warmth to the sound.
The resultant performance achieved by this unit is
among the best in the world. It has excellent signal to
noise ratio, low distortion, wide bandwidth, huge
dynamic range, extraordinary resolution and fine detail.
NOTES ON USING COMPACT DISCS
Always hold discs by the edges and make sure they
remain clean - do not touch the surface. Keep discs away
from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators.
Clean discs with a cloth before playing them, but do not
use solvents such as benzene, thinners, or antistatic spray
intended for analogue records.
After playing, always return the disc to its case for
storage.
INSTALLATION
Position the A5.5 CD on a stable, horizontal surface
where there is no risk of it being knocked, or subjected
to vibration such as from loudspeakers.
Protect your A5.5 CD from humidity - if the unit is
moved from a cold place to a warm room, or in generally
humid conditions, moisture can form on the pickup lens
inside the player, preventing the laser beam from reading
the disc. If this happens, remove the CD, close the
drawer, and leave the unit switched on for an hour or so
to allow sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Outputs
: Connect your amplifier inputs to the RCA
sockets on the back panel marked as
LEFT
and
RIGHT
outputs. These are valve outputs for best in sonic
performance
If desired, the unit can also be attached to an external
DAC of your choice. The unit outputs COAX and
OPTICAL digital signal stream at 44.1kHz.
POWER CONNECTIONS
The unit plugs into mains supply using IEC mains lead.
Do not force the connector.
SWITCHING ON
Use the supplied IEC mains cable to connect the unit to
the mains supply. Press the POWER button on the front
panel. The display will light, and the word MUTE
appears for about 30 seconds. This is to allow the valve
stage to warm up and settle. MUTE then disappears
indicating the unit is ready to use.
CLEANING
Before cleaning the unit, switch off power at the mains
switch and remove the mains plug from the wall socket.
Clean the cabinet and remote control unit using a moist
cloth. We do not advise using solvents, white spirit or
thinners as they could damage the surface finish.
