CD9SE - Audio player AUDIO RESEARCH - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	High-performance audio player (CD player)
Brand	Audio Research
Model	Reference CD9SE
Technology	High Definition®
Electronics	Vacuum tubes
Manufacturing	Handcrafted in Minnesota, United States
Digital inputs	Yes
Digital outputs	Yes
Analog outputs	Yes
Remote control	Yes (remote functions)
Loading mechanism	CD tray
CD clamp	Special clamp provided to place on the disc
Protective door	Yes, keep closed after use
Power supply	Detachable power cord with grounding plug
Electrical protection	Replacement fuse (same type and rating)
Ventilation	Fans on the rear panel
Recommended airflow	Air circulation above and on the sides
Cleaning	Soft, dry cloth
Tube maintenance	Replacement by a qualified technician
Recycling	Follow disposal and recycling guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions - CD9SE AUDIO RESEARCH

What is the required break-in period for the CD9SE?

It is recommended to let the CD9SE operate for a certain period to achieve the best sound quality. The guide suggests allowing an appropriate break-in period to fully enjoy the benefits of your player.

How to properly install a CD in the player?

Place the disc on the tray, then gently lower the supplied CD clamp onto the disc to avoid damaging the spindle mechanism. Then close the door.

Why should the player door remain closed?

The player door should remain closed after inserting or removing a CD to maintain adequate ventilation and minimize the infiltration of dust onto the lens and drive mechanism.

What types of connections does the CD9SE offer?

The CD9SE is equipped with digital inputs, digital outputs and analog outputs, allowing it to be easily integrated into an audio system.

How to clean the CD9SE?

For cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid any liquid or chemical products. Refer to the Maintenance section of the guide for more details.

How to replace the fuse of the CD9SE?

To protect the device against fire, replace the fuse only with the same type and rating as indicated on the fuse holder. Make sure to unplug the device before any intervention.

Why is it important to ensure good ventilation?

If the device is placed in a cabinet, ensure there is sufficient air circulation above and on the sides, and that the fans on the rear panel are not obstructed to prevent overheating.

How to protect against electric shock hazards?

The CD9SE is equipped with a power cord with a three-prong grounding plug. Do not defeat the grounding. Never remove the cover, as dangerous voltages are present inside. Have maintenance performed by a qualified technician.

Is the CD9SE supplied with a remote control?

Yes, the CD9SE has exclusive remote control functions in addition to the front-panel controls. This allows convenient use from a distance.

How to ensure the longevity of the vacuum tubes?

The vacuum tubes require periodic maintenance. In case of a problem, contact your authorized dealer or Audio Research customer service for replacement by qualified personnel.

USER MANUAL CD9SE AUDIO RESEARCH

audio research

HIGH DEFINITION®

Reference CD9SE

audio research

HIGH DEFINITION®

Thank you for choosing the Reference CD9SE to be a part of your high performance music listening system. Since 1970, Audio Research has been creating some of the world's finest audio equipment. Each piece is handcrafted in Minnesota, and has been designed to provide many years of listening enjoyment.

We understand you are eager to begin listening; however, please take a few minutes to read through this guide for useful information concerning the operation of your new amplifier. Once installed, please allow an appropriate break-in period to fully appreciate the benefits this amplifier will provide to your system.

After reading the user guide, if you have any further questions regarding your amplifier, contact your dealer or Audio Research customer service - they will be happy to help you make the most of your new component.

Happy Listening!

Thank You.

Contents

Warnings 5

Installation

Illustrations 6

Before operating the CD9SE 7

In Your System 8

A note about Vacuum Tubes 8

Connections

Digital Inputs 9

Digital Outputs 9

Analog Outputs 9

Operation

10 Front Panel Controls
11 Remote Only Functions
12 CD Door Functions/Warnings

13 Software Installation

Maintenance

Vacuum Tubes 14

Servicing 14

Cleaning 14

Disposal and Recycling Guidelines 14

About Fuse Replacement 14

Warranty 15

FCC Rules 16

Specifications 17

Warnings

To prevent fire, or shock hazard, do not expose your CD9SE to rain or moisture.

Do not place objects containing water on top of this unit.

This unit contains voltages which can cause serious injury or death. Do not operate with cover removed. Refer servicing to your authorized Audio Research dealer or other qualified personnel.

The detachable power cord on your CD9SE is equipped with a heavy gauge, 3-conductor cable and a standard three-prong grounding plug. For absolute protection, do not defeat the ground power plug. This provides power line grounding of the CD9SE chassis to provide absolute protection from electrical shock.

For continued protection against fire hazard, replace the fuse only with the same type and rating as specified at the fuse holder.

Do not operate the CD9SE player without the supplied CD9SE clamp installed on the CD. Gently place clamp on disc to prevent damaging the spindle mechanism.

Whenever the CD9SE power is on, the door covering the drive mechanism/tray area should remain fully closed after inserting or removing a CD. Following this procedure will maintain proper ventilation and also minimize dust intrusion on the lens and drive mechanism.

If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure such as an equipment rack, make certain that adequate airflow above and to each side of the unit is provided, and ensure that the ventilation fans on the back panel are not obstructed.

The appliance coupler at the rear of this unit must be accessible for emergency power disconnect.

This unit is RoHS compliant.

A note about packaging...

Save all packaging in a dry place away from fire hazard. Your CD9SE compact disc player is a precision electronic instrument and should be properly cartoned any time shipment is made. You may not have occasion to return your unit to the factory for service, but if that should prove necessary, or other occasion requiring shipment occurs, the original packaging will protect your CD9SE from unnecessary damage or delay.

Installation

Illustrations

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Remote

Installation

Before operating the CD9SE

Carefully remove each of the six vacuum tubes (five 6H30, one 6550WE) from their protective foam blocks and install them in their sockets on the circuit board, matching the "V" number on the tube with each matching numbered tube socket. The 6550WE is mounted horizontally in the socket on the metal bracket. When installing or removing the 6550WE vacuum tube in the V5 socket location, grasp the metal bracket with one hand while inserting the tube with the other to prevent flexing of the circuit board and possible damage to it.

Note: double damping rings are installed at the factory on each 6H30 tube for maximum sonic performance.

Installation

In your system

To insure normal component life and safe operation this unit must be operated only in an upright position. Adequate airflow and proper cooling can occur only if there is no restriction above and behind the unit and on either side.

The special non-marring elastomer feet provide adequate spacing and stability only on a smooth, hard surface, and also assist to isolate the CD player from spurious vibrations. For upright stability and best performance, never operate the unit while it is sitting on a soft surface such as a thick rug or carpet.

Due to its weight, this CD player must be supported on a surface specifically rated for such a load. Check with the manufacturer of your support system to be sure it is rated to handle this weight.

If the unit is to be operated in an enclosure such as an equipment rack, make certain that adequate airflow above and to each side of the unit is provided.

The ‘ambient’ operating temperature should never exceed 120° F or 49° C. Improper installation will cause premature tube failure and will affect your warranty, as well as the service life of the unit.

It is normal for a vacuum tube CD player to run quite warm, and if used for prolonged periods, hot to the touch. All components within are, however, operated at safe, conservative levels and will not be improperly affected thereby, providing the requirements outlined above are adhered to.

A Note about Vacuum Tubes

The vacuum tubes in your CD9SE have been burned in, tested and electrically matched to provide the best performance and reliability of your preamplifier. That said, vacuum tubes must be replaced from time to time. The 6H30 tubes in the CD9SE should have an expected life of approximately 4,000 hours, while the 6550WE tube in the power supply should have a life expectancy of approximately 2,000 hours. These life expectancies are only approximate.

Connections

Digital Connections

The CD9SE offers four digital inputs, and two standard digital output options. Which option is best for your system will depend on your personal listening preference, the nature of your system installation requirements, and the options allowed by your external digital processor, if one is used.

Digital Inputs

RCA: Connect to a transport or other device equipped with an RCA digital output. Press the INPUT button until the 'RCA' LED is illuminated.

USB: Connect to a Windows-based PC or Mac computer for music playback from your computer. Press the INPUT button until the 'USB' LED is illuminated. Software installation is not necessary for Mac or Linux users. Windows users can find the necessary software at www.audioresearch.com.

AES/EBU: Connect to a transport or other device equipped with an AES/EBU digital output. Press the INPUT button until the 'AES/EBU' LED is illuminated.

Toslink: Connect to a transport, computer or other device equipped with Toslink (optical) digital output. Press the INPUT button until the 'Toslink' LED is illuminated.

Digital Outputs

BNC: Use 75-ohm impedance coaxial cable with locking BNC-type connectors. An RCA/BNC adaptor is also supplied.

AES/EBU: For connection to digital processors having the AES/EBU-Standard interface.

Analog Outputs

Single-Ended (RCA): For connection to the inputs of a line-level preamplifier or integrated amplifier.

Balanced (XLR): For connection to the balanced inputs of a line-level preamplifier.

Caution

The digital outputs supply only a digital signal and should therefore only be connected to an input which is suitable for this signal. Never connect either of these digital outputs to a non-digital input of a preamplifier (such as those labeled CD, AUX, PHONO, TAPE, etc.) or to a power amplifier. To do so is to risk damage to your system and may void any or all warranties involved.

Operation

Front Panel Control Functions

Power: The Power switch completely turns on the CD9SE for operation (there is no “standby” mode). The power LED will illuminate dimly during the 40 second warm-up interval while the vacuum tubes are allowed to stabilize. During warm-up the analog SE and BAL outputs are muted. The digital BNC and AES/EBU outputs will function immediately. After 40 seconds, the power LED will fully illuminate, indicating the CD9SE is ready for operation, and the analog outputs will unmute.

Also illuminated will be the LEDs for the last selected settings of the Filter (Fast or Slow), the last input selected, and the sample rate (if an active digital input is selected, or a CD is loaded).

To turn off the CD9SE, press the power switch again. All LEDs will extinguish.

Prev: Selects the previous track to play. Continue pressing to cycle backward through previous tracks. (Track number will appear on display.)

Play: Starts play. CD door must first be fully closed. Begins to play first track unless another is selected. Restarts track if pressed during play. (Track number and elapsed track time appear on display.)

Next: Selects the next track to play. Continue pressing to cycle forward through tracks. (Track number will appear on display.)

Pause: Interrupts play (display will read "PAUSE"). Release PAUSE by pressing it a second time to resume playing disc.

Stop: Stops play. (Number of tracks and total disc track time appear on display.)

Input: Selects between the CD player and digital inputs on the rear panel. Pressing the Input button repeatedly will cycle through all the inputs.

Note

Play, Pause, Stop, Previous and Next only function when using the CD player.

Systems operation note: The CD9SE should be the first component turned on in your system, followed by other source components, the preamp, and last the power amp. This will prevent any extraneous turn-on noise an upstream component might generate from reaching the power amp, which could amplify the noise, which might potentially damage the loudspeakers. When powering down the system, reverse the order: Mute the preamp, turn off the power amp first, then the preamp, then the CD9SE and other source components. If the above is followed, it will help to avoid accidental loudspeaker damage.

Operation

Remote Only Functions

The remote control unit includes all of the above described CD9SE front panel control functions plus the following additional functions. (Functions in [ ] indicate labeling abbreviations appearing on remote control unit.)

0-9 Buttons: Pressing numbered button(s) corresponding to the disc track number will advance disc to desired track. Also used to select tracks when compiling a custom disc playback program (see PROGRAM function description below).

Shuffle [SHUF]: Toggles between Shuffle play (random playback order) and normal play (sequential playback). SHUFFLE appears in the display window when random playback is selected.

Filter: Select between Fast and Slow digital filters. Pressing FILTER will toggle between the two options, and will be indicated by an LED next to the selected filter name.

Display Down/Display Up: [DSPDN/

DSPUP]: Decreases/Increases display intensity, offering four levels of brightness as well as display off.

Scan: With a stopped CD and the CD door closed, press SCAN and the first 10 seconds of each track will be played in sequence. ("SCAN" will light up on display, then 10 seconds are counted out next to each track number.) To hear a track in full that the player is presently scanning, press SCAN button again which will cancel SCAN function.

A/B: Press the A/B button once while music is playing, then press it again; the musical passage in the interval between pressing the button is then repeated in a loop until pressing the A/B button once again to discontinue it. Display reads "A—B" to show activation. Note: you must discontinue the A/B loop before pressing PLAY to resume normal playback. Pressing and holding this button down will fast search backward through the track that is playing until it is released. Rate of search accelerates as button is held down.

Upsample: Select between native sampling rate playback and integer upsampling. 44.1 kHz and 88.2 kHz sampling frequencies are upsampled to 176.4 kHz, whereas 48 kHz and 96 kHz frequencies are upsampled to 192 kHz. An LED will indicate which sampling frequency is selected. Note: When using the USB input, upsampling is available only to 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz.

Input: Select between CD playback and the digital inputs on the rear panel (Toslink, USB, RCA, AES/EBU). Pressing INPUT toggles through the different inputs, and the selected input will be indicated by an LED next to the input name. Note: display window is illuminated only during CD playback.

Repeat [REP]: Press REPEAT once to repeat the entire disc continuously ("REPEAT" appears in display window). Press REPEAT once more to continuously repeat the track now playing ("REPEAT 1" appears in display window). Press REPEAT once again to discontinue repeat mode.

Operation

Remote Control Functions continued

Program [PROG]: Allows compiling a custom track selection and playback order of up to 20 tracks on a disc. With the player in STOP mode, enter the desired first track number and then press the PROGRAM button. The word “PROGRAM” will light and the display will show the total number of tracks programmed and total programmed time. If a second track selection is entered, the word “PROGRAM” flashes, indicating that other track(s) have already been stored in the program memory. Press the PROGRAM button to save the second track selection. Repeat procedure to program additional tracks as desired. This programming procedure, with readout of the cumulative total number of programmed tracks and total programming time (including time between tracks), works for any of the first 13 numbered tracks on a disc. You may program track numbers higher than 13, but from then on no track time information will appear on the display. To preview a program before playing it, press PLAY and then use the NEXT and PREV buttons to cycle through track selections. Pressing PLAY will begin playing program. Pressing STOP once will stop program play. Pressing PLAY again will resume play from beginning of program. To cancel program, press STOP twice.

Time: Pressing and releasing TIME repeatedly will cycle through the following information on the display: current track time elapsed (default setting initially seen on display), total disc time elapsed, and total disc time remaining.

CD Door Functions/Warnings

Do not attempt to play a CD without first installing the supplied CD9SE magnetic disc clamp on the CD. Use only the supplied CD9SE clamp in your CD9SE player.

CD door must be fully closed for the CD9SE to operate.

If the CD door is closed without a CD in the player and the CD9SE is powered up, the display will read "NO DISC".

If a CD is inserted (label side up) in the CD9SE, the CD door is fully closed and the CD9SE is powered up, the CD will spin for a few seconds while the track information is accessed. The number of tracks and total disc time will then be displayed, indicating the CD is ready to play.

Keep the CD door closed when the CD9SE is turned off and not in use to keep dust out of the lens and drive area.

Note

When the CD9SE power is on, keep the CD door fully closed (except to change CDs) to allow heat to escape through all of the top cover holes and prevent over-heating of the unit.

Software Installation

Software installation is not necessary for Mac or Linux users. Windows PC users can find the necessary software drivers at www.audioresearch.com under the Download tab.

Removal of previous driver versions

Uninstall any prior/existing Audio Research Corp. Drivers for Windows OS by opening the Windows “Control Panel” for your computer. Find and open the “Uninstall Programs” for your particular computer. This may be named “Programs” or “Programs and Features.”

If you experience difficulty, please contact your selling dealer or Audio Research Customer Support at [e-mail] or call 763-577-9700 between 8AM – 5PM CST.

Maintenance

Vacuum Tubes

It is recommended that you replace the vacuum tubes in your CD9SE in sets. All of the tubes in your CD player have been matched to have similar operating characteristics, to provide the best sound quality and reliability.

The vacuum tubes in your CD9SE have been burned in, tested and electrically matched to provide the best performance and reliability of your preamplifier. That said, vacuum tubes must be replaced from time to time. The 6H30 tubes in the CD9SE should have an expected life of approximately 4,000 hours, while the 6550WE tube in the power supply should have a life expectancy of approximately 2,000 hours. These life expectancies are only approximate.

Servicing

Because of its careful design and exacting standards of manufacture, your CD9SE CD player should normally require only minimal service to maintain its high level of performance, other than routine vacuum tube replacement noted above.

Disposal and Recycling Guidelines

To dispose of this electronic product, do not place in landfill. In accordance with the European Union Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive effective August 2005, this product may contain regulated materials which upon disposal require special reuse and recycling processing. Please contact your dealer or importing distributor for instructions on proper disposal of this product in your country. Or, contact Audio Research Corporation (763-577-9700) for the name

of your importing distributor and how to contact them. Packing and shipping materials may be disposed of in a normal manner.

Cleaning

To maintain the visual appearance of your CD9SE, occasionally wipe the front panel and top cover surfaces with a soft damp (not wet) cloth to remove dust. A mild, non-alkaline soap solution may be used to remove fingerprints or similar smudges. Cleaners containing abrasives should not be used as they will damage the brushed grain of the front panel finish, as well as the LED display window. A dry 2-inch pure bristle paint brush works well to remove dust from bevels, reliefs and switches.

The CD9SE CD compartment may be gently dusted: carefully avoid touching the laser assembly area to prevent possible damage.

About Fuse Replacement

The CD9SE has two internal fuses. Under normal operating, these should never blow. If you experience an operational problem and suspect a blown fuse, please contact Audio Research Customer Support for assistance.

Caution

The CD9SE contains sufficient levels of voltage and current to be lethal. The CD9SE power supply can store potentially lethal energy in its capacitor bank for several hours after the unit is turned off. Do not tamper with a component or parts inside the unit. Refer any needed service to your authorized Audio Research dealer or qualified technician. Should service be necessary, please contact your Audio Research dealer, or Audio Research Customer Service [phone].

Limited Warranty

Audio Research Corporation products are covered by a 3-Year Limited Warranty, or a 90-Day Limited Warranty on vacuum tubes. This Limited Warranty initiates from the date of purchase, and is limited to the original purchaser, or in the case of demonstration equipment, limited to the balance of warranty remaining after original shipment to the retailer or importer.

In the United States, the specific terms, conditions and remedies for fulfillment of this Limited Warranty are listed on the warranty card accompanying the product in its shipping carton, or may be obtained from the authorized retailer or from the Audio Research Customer Service Department. Outside the United States, the authorized importing retailer or distributor has accepted the responsibility for warranty of Audio Research products sold by them. The specific terms and remedies for fulfillment of the Limited Warranty may vary from country to country. Warranty service should normally be obtained from the importing retailer or distributor from whom the product was purchased.

In the unlikely event that technical service beyond the ability of the importer is required, Audio Research will fulfill the terms and conditions of the Limited Warranty. Such product must be returned at the purchaser's expense to the Audio Research factory, along with a photocopy of the dated purchase receipt for the product, a written description of the problem(s) encountered, and any information necessary for return shipment. The cost of return shipment is the responsibility of the purchaser.

FCC Rules

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Use interconnect cables of no more then one meter in length.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Specifications

Frequency Response: +0-3dB, 3Hz to 96kHz at rated output. 0.15dB 20Hz to 20kHz. (Balanced, 200k ohms load)@ 192kHz sample rate.

Distortion: THD+N Less than .003% at 2V RMS BAL output.

Signal-Noise-Ratio: 110dB

Dynamic Range (AES17): 110dB

IMD (SMPTE): .002%

RMS Noise level: -95dBV (20-20kHz)

Gain: 14.0dB Balanced, 7.0dB SE.

Input Impedance: Digital: 75 ohms RCA, 110 ohms AES/EBU, OPT 660nm TOSLink fiber 44.1 to 96kHz.

Output Impedance: 660 ohms Balanced, 330 ohms SE Main (2), 20K ohms minimum load and 2000pF maximum capacitance.

Output Polarity: Non-inverting.

Max. Output: At 0.0dB input, 5V RMS into 200K ohm balanced load.

Digital Sample Rates: 24 bits @ 44.1kHz to 192kHz, SPDIF, AES/EBU and USB 2.0 HS.

Upsampling: Select upsampling or Native mode; CD, RCA, AES/EBU, TOS upsample to 176.4 or 192kHz. USB upsamples to 88.2 or 96kHz.

Master Oscillator: 22.579mHz ±20Hz for 44.1, 88.2 & 176.4kHz. 24.576mHz ±20Hz for 48, 96 & 192kHz.

Intrinsic Jitter: <10ps

Outputs Digital: XLR Balanced AES/EBU 110-ohms 4V P-P, BNC coax SPDIF 75-ohms 0.7V P-P.

Channel Separation: 107dB @ 1kHz.

Push buttons: Power, Previous, Stop, Pause, Play, Next, Input.

Signal Format (disc): Sample freq. 44.1kHz, Quantization bit; 16bit linear/channel, Channel bit rate; 4.3218Mb/sec, Channel modulation code; EFM (8-14 modulation), Error Correction; CIRC.

Drive Mechanism (Top Load): Wow & Flutter; Un-measurable (Quartz stability); Discs; Accepts 5" (12cm) and 3" (8cm) sizes.

Optical pickup: Type; 3-beam LDGU (Laser Diode & Grating Unit), with holographic diffraction light pen, Laser; GaAlAs semiconductor, 780nm, 0.5mW max. output, Servo; Digitally-controlled low inertia linear positioning actuator.

Jitter reduction: High-stability crystal-controlled re-clocking for all outputs.

Display: Six-digit vacuum fluorescent with optical filter; LED display; CD, AES, USB, RCA, TOS, Fast, Slow, Upsample, Power, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz.

Tube complement: (4) 6H30 dual triodes, plus (1) 6550WE & 6H30 in power supply.

Remote Buttons: Repeat track/disc, 0-9 digit entry keys, Scan ten seconds each track, Pause program, Stop program, Play, Shuffle tracks, Program enters selection on program list, Time elapsed, remaining track, remaining disc, A/B repeat segment, Filter select, Input select, Pause, Play, Skip>, Skip<, FF, FR, Upsample/Native mode, DSP-DN, DSP-UP.

Power Requirements: 105-125VAC 60Hz (210-250VAC 50/60Hz) 120 watts maximum. Sleep mode 1 watts maximum.

Dimensions: Width 19" (48 cm)

Height 5.75" (14.5 cm) (standard rack panel)

Depth 17.75" (45 cm) including handles and jacks.

Weight: 33.0 lbs. (15.0 kg) Net; 43 lbs. (19.5 kg) Shipping.

This unit is RoHS compliant

THERE IS ONLY ONE REFERENCE®

audio research HIGH DEFINITIONS

6655 Wedgewood Road N., Ste. 115

Maple Grove, MN 55311

www.audioresearch.com