Abbingdon Music Research CD-77 User manual

Abbingdon Music Research
CD-77 Reference Class
Compact Disk Processor
Owner’s Manual

2
‘All the Music Recreated’

3
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying this component.
This component weighs 39 kilograms. Do not place this component on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or
table as the component may fall causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the unit. An
appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces
may cause the component and cart combination to overturn.
Any mounting of the device on a wall or ceiling should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and should use a
mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
Read and follow all the safety and operating instructions before connecting or using this component.
All warnings on the component and in its operating instructions should be adhered to.
Retain this Owner’s Manual for future reference.
Do not use this unit near water; for example, near a bath tub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement or near a swimming pool.
Unplug the component from the wall outlet before cleaning. Never use benzine, thinner or other solvents for
cleaning; use only a soft damp cloth.
WARNINGS

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Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through any
openings.
This component should be serviced only by qualifiedAMR service personnel when:
A. The power cable or the power input socket has been damaged;
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the component;
C. The component has been exposed to rain or liquids of any kind;
D. The component does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance;
E. The component has been dropped or the enclosure has been damaged.
DO NOT ATTEMPT SERVICING OF THIS UNIT-YOURSELF. REFER SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED AMR SERVICE PERSONNEL
Upon completion of any servicing or repairs, request the service point’s assurance that only AMR Authorised
Replacement Parts with the same characteristics as the original parts have been used, and that the routine
safety checks have been performed to guarantee that the component is in a safe operating condition.
REPLACEMENT WITH UNAUTHORIZED PARTS MAY RESULT IN FIRE,
ELECTRIC SHOCK OR OTHER HAZARDS

5
On placement
Just like a thermionic electron valve amplifier, with a compliment of 6 valves, the CD-77 will become warm
during operation. This is normal. Given this, it is imperative that the installation of the CD-77 DOES NOT
interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, it should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar surface that may block the top or bottom
ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow
of air through its top and bottom ventilation openings.
Do not place the component in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive
dust, or mechanical shock. Do not place the component in an inclined position. It is designed to be operated in a
Precautions
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set out in the EMC Directive using a
connection cable shorter than 3 metres.
On power sources
The mains power cable should be routed so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched, especially near the
plug or back panel receptacle. The component should not be disconnected from theAC power source as long as
it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the component itself has been turned off.
If this component is not going to be used for a long time, be sure to disconnect the component from the wall
outlet. To disconnect the AC power cable, grasp the plug itself; never pull the cable.

6
horizontal position only. Do not place heavy objects on the component. Do not place heavy objects on the
component.
Keep the component and compact discs away from equipment with strong magnets, such as microwave ovens
or large loudspeakers.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place vessels filled with liquids, such as vases, on the component.
Touch-Sensitive Buttons
On the front fascia of this AMR component are touch-sensitive buttons. Due to the wide variance of climes
around the world, instances may arise where to activate a button:
- the touching finger may be required to be in contact with both the button and the front fascia to register;
- the touching finger may have to touch the chassis to discharge any static electricity prior to button selection.
Running-In
AMR estimates that the CD-77 may take between 300-500 operating hours for all of the internal components to
be fully-broken in. Please anticipate the sonic performance of the CD-77 to settle only after it has been used for
this approximate length of time.
Stand-By
Please note that the solid state section needs to find its equilibrium and due to the (unavoidable) use of electro-
lytic capacitors (and an effect called soakage) around 24-48 hours of ‘standby’ (or operation) are required to
stabilise performance. Therefore, ‘standby’ does not shut down the solid-state sections, only the valves.

7
Contents
WARNINGS 3
Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup 9
1a. Unpacking 10
1b. Setup 11
Section 2 - Component Overview 13
2a. Start-Up 17
Section 3 - Advanced Features 27
3a. OptiSample® 27
3b. DAC Input 29
3c. IR Link 29
3d. Crowbar ‘Muting’ Circuit 29
3e. OptiMains® Protection for Excessive Under/Over-Voltages 30

8
Section 4 - Technical Features 31
Appendix - Troubleshooting & Maintanence 32
Maintenance 33
Specifications 35

9
Figure 1.1 - Front Panel of the CD-77
Section 1 - Unpacking and Setup
Figure 1.2 - Rear Panel of the CD-77
COMPACT DISK PROCESSOR CD 77
-
Analog
Outputs
Analog
Outputs
RL
USB Input
IR Link
Power
On Off
90V 135V
190V
260V
～
AC IN
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
!
SERIAL NO.
Designed and Engineered in Great Britain
Compact Disk Processor CD 77
-

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Thank you for purchasing this AMR reference class component.
We hope you derive as much pleasure from using this component as we have enjoyed making it for you.
1a. Unpacking
This section refers to the unpacking of the CD-77 and its subsequent setup.
Upon unpacking, please find:
i. CD-77 Reference Class Compact Disk Processor
ii. Aluminium CD puck
iii. RC-77 Remote Commander (with 2 x AAA batteries)
iv. PC-77 OptiLink® Reference mains power cable
v. IC-77 OptiLink® Reference interconnect cable (RCA-type)
vi. CD-77 Owner’s Manual
vii. Quick-Start Card
viii. AMR Warranty Card
ix. Aluminium Professional Flightcase
Please ensure that all items are present. Should an item be missing, please contact yourAMR distributor/dealer.
Please that check
all contents are
present

11
1b. Setup
The following diagram graphically illustrates the standard connection of the CD-77 in a two-channel system.
Figure 1.3 - CD-77 System Setup (CD-77 + AM-77 + LS-77)
System connec-
tion using XLR
connectors
Analog
Outputs
Analog
Outputs
R L
USB Input
IR Link
Power
On Off
90V 135V
190V
260V
～
AC IN
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
!
SERIAL NO.
Designed and Engineered in Great Britain
Compact Disk Processor CD 77
-
Speaker CableSpeaker Cable
Interconnect Cable Interconnect Cable
Speaker R
HF
LF
Designedand Engineered in Great Britain
LS77 Professional Monitor -
Sensitivity:
FrequencyResponse:
PeakProg Handing:.
Cont Power Handing.:
Impedance:
87dB
8Ohms
150W
600W
()seegraph
IN OUT
100 1000 10000
FrequencyHz()
FrequencyHz()
50
60
70
80
90
100
OutputdB()
OutputdB()
HF
LevelAdjustment
Resistor
HF
LF
Designedand Engineered in Great Britain
LS77 Professional Monitor -
Sensitivity:
FrequencyResponse:
PeakProg Handing:.
Cont Power Handing.:
Impedance:
87dB
8Ohms
150W
600W
()seegraph
100 1000 10000
FrequencyHz()
FrequencyHz()
50
60
70
80
90
100
OutputdB()
OutputdB()
HF
LevelAdjustment
Resistor
Speaker L
IN OUT
CD 77-
CD 77-
Power
On Off
Sync
Balanced
Input
Designed and Engineered in Great Britain
Dual Mono Amplifier AM 77
-
+ +
_ _
90V 135V
190V
260V
～
AC IN
Speaker
Output
Speaker
Output
LR
IR Link
L
R
15
4
3
2
Inputs
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
!
,
() .
.
Under normal operation set all switches to
the default position Please refer to
the instruction manual for further details
bold
HiFi Pro
Mode
Int
Amp
Power
Amp
-
Option
SERIALNO.
LR
MMM
In Out
AM 77-
AM 77-

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i. Unpack the CD-77 and remove the protective foam insert inside the CD well.
ii. Remove the protective sheet from the acrylic front panel.
iii. Ensure the CD-77 is located on a level and solid surface capable of supporting at least 50 kgs.
iv. Using the spirit level located inside the CD well, check the CD-77 is on a level platform (when the
air bubble is at least inside the red circle).
v. Connect the IC-77 RCA-type interconnect via the left (blue/white) and right (red) leads to the
respective channels at the rear of the CD-77.
vi. Connect the other end of the IC-77’s left and right channels to the respective inputs of the amplifi-
er. Ensure that the correct colour-coding is adhered.
vii. Connect the IEC end of the PC-77 mains power cable to the mains receptacle of the CD-77 and
connect the mains plug into a mains socket power source.
OptionalIC-77
(XLR-type)
interconnect can
be purchased
separately

13
Figure 2.1 - CD-77 Front Fascia
Section 2 - Component Overview
F1. STANDBY button: to place the CD-77 in active or standby mode.
F2. PLAY/PAUSE button: to initiate playback/pause once a compact disk has been correctly loaded.
F3. STOP button: to halt/stop play.
F4. FWD/NEXT button: to select the following track/fast forward.
F5. REV/REVERSE button: to select the previous track/fast reverse.
F5
F4
F3
F2
F1
COMPACT DISK PROCESSOR CD 77
-

14
Figure 2.2 - CD-77 Rear Panel
R1. RCA Outputs: for the connection RCA interconnects.
R2. XLR Outputs: for the connection of XLR interconnects.
R3. USB Input*: for the connection of a USB signal input.
R4. INFRA-RED Link*: for the connection of a wireline remote control.
R5. POWER Switch: to switch on mains electricity to the CD-77.
R11. IEC power rceptacle: for the connection of PC-77 mains power cable to the CD-77.
* Please refer to Section 3 - Advanced Features for a detailed explanation.
R5
R3
R2 R4
R1 R11
Analog
Outputs
Analog
Outputs
RL
USB Input
IR Link
Power
On Off
90V 135V
190V
260V
～
AC IN
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
No User Serviceable Components Inside.
,
.
.
For service contact your Authorised
Dealer or Distributor Any modifications to
this equipment will void all warranties
CAUTION ATTENTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
!
SERIAL NO.
Designed and Engineered in Great Britain
Compact Disk Processor CD 77
-

15
Figure 2.3 - RC-77 Remote Control
RC-77: battery installation
To install the 2 x AAA batteries, using a Philips screwdriver, remove the four screws at the four corners of the
rear battery compartment.
Install the 2 xAAA batteries in the correct direction according to the baseplate inside the battery compartment.
Replace the battery compartment and the four cover screws.
REMOTE COMMANDER
RC
-
77
kHz
IN VOL
Amplifier
CD Processor
RC4
RC3
RC1
RC6
RC2
RC5
RC7
RC11
RC10
RC14
RC13
RC12
RC9
RC8
RC15

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RC1. Numeric Pad: to enter track selections.
RC2. REPEAT button: to select a repeat mode.
RC3. A-B button: to select an excerpt from a track for repeat.
RC4. DAC button: with a USB connection made, to bypass the transport and enter DAC mode.
RC5. STANDBY button: to place the CD-77 in active or standby mode.
RC6. REV/REVERSE button: to fast reverse or select the previous track.
RC7. STOP button: to halt/stop play.
RC8. FWD/NEXT button: to fast forward or select the following track.
RC9. PLAY/Pause button: to commence playback or to pause playback.
RC10. SAMPLING button: to cycle through the 6 different Optisample® modes.*
RC11. BRIGHTNESS button: to switch between 4 different brightness levels including display off.
RC12. TIME button: to alternate between the display of current track or time remaining.
RC13. INTRO button: to commence a 10 second or 30 second scan of each track.
RC14. PROGRAM button: to program an order of playback.
RC15. SHUFFLE button: to select random shuffle of music tracks.
NOTE: *Please refer to Section 3 - Advanced Features for a detailed explanation.

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2a. Start-Up
1. Power On/Off
Press the ‘POWER’ rocker switch (R5) at the rear of the CD-77 to switch mains power ON to the CD-77.
To switch the mains power OFF, press again and release. Always WAIT at least 20 seconds before switching
on again. This is to enable the OptiMains® circuit to shutdown properly.
Thedisplaywilllight up to indicatetheunitis switched on andreadyforuse. This should take justunder1minute
as the OptiMains® circuit is verifying the incoming mains and the CD processor is warming up.
The display should flash the message:
Optimising Supply Voltage
it will then change to:
Warming Up Please Wait
The display will then countdown the remaining warm-up time.
Once the OptiMains®circuitry has completed its initiation process, the CD-77 is ready for operation.
Once powered
OFF:always wait
20 seconds
before switching
on again

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2. Standby
After start-up, pressing the STANDBY button (F1) on either the front fascia or the RC-77 (RC5), the CD-77
will switch to STANDBY mode.
Standby
By pressing this button again, the CD-77 will commence warm-up to prepare for operation.
Under STANDBY mode, power to CD-77’s digital circuit is kept active in order to provide the optimum per-
formance for the next listening session. However, power to the valves will be switched off to preserve valve life.
3. Loading (Autoplay)
To play a compact disc, slide back the top-loading CD door. Remove the CD puck and place the compact disc
in the large circular recess in the well, with its transparent playing surface facing down. The label side of the
compact disc MUST face UP.
Replace the CD puck in the center and close the lid. Make sure the CD puck is correctly centered and positively
engaged.
Close the CD door so that the CD-77 is able to scan the compact disc’s TOC (Table of Contents) and display the
total number of tracks and playing time.
Standby will
maintainpower
to the non-valve
circuitry

19
Upon closing the door, play will automatically commence from Track 1. ThisAutoplay feature can be enabled/
disabled by simultaneously pressing the STOP button (F3) on the front fascia of the CD-77 and pressing the
PLAY/PAUSE button (RC9) on the RC-77 remote control.
NOTE: The CD-77 has been designed to play all types of compact discs including the CD layer of hybrid
SACD’s. However, as such discs are thicker, please ensure the CD puck is positively engaged with the spindle.
We do not recommend the placement of any type of ‘damping disc’ on top of a compact disc.
4. Display
The display provides information about playback status and the optical pickup’s location on the compact disc.
5. Play/Pause
Once the compact disc has been correctly placed in the CD-77, press PLAY/PAUSE (F2) on either the front
fascia of the compact disk processor or on the RC-77 (RC9), to commence playback.
During playback, at anytime, pressing PLAY/PAUSE again, on either the front fascia or the RC-77, playback
will be paused. To resume playback, press PLAY/PAUSE once more.
When the recording was made on the compact disc, it was segmented into numbered tracks. Typically each
numbered track will correspond to a different song, symphonic movement, etc. These track numbers are iden-
tified on the CD package and are encoded in the disc by its manufacturer. As a result, the display will automat-
ically illustrate the current track number and the elapsed time of a particular track (or other time indications as
selected via the remote control).
Always use the
CDpuck

20
6. Stop (Resume)
At any time, pressing the STOP button (F3) once on either the front fascia or the RC-77 (RC7) will halt
playback. By pressing PLAY/PAUSE (F2) or (RC9), playback will resume from the last point at which play was
halted.
In order to clear the resume memory, press STOP (F3) or (RC7) a second time. The next time playback is
selected, it will commence from the very beginning of the compact disc.
7. FWD/Next
At any time, pressing FWD (F4) once on either the front fascia or the RC-77 (RC8), the next track will be
selected. By holding down FWD (F4) or (RC8), playback will fast forward until the button is released.
8. REV/Reverse
At any time, pressing REV (F5) once on either the front fascia or the RC-77 (RC6), the previous track will be
selected. By holding down REV (F5) or (RC6), playback will reverse until the button is released.
9. Remote Commander-77: Numeric Pad
This encapsulates the numbers 0-9 on the numeric pad. By pressing any combination of the numeric keys, a
desired track may be selected directly.
For example, to select Track 2, press ‘2’; to select Track 21, press ‘2’ and then ‘1’.
During playback,
ifSTOP is
pressed once and
then PLAY is
pressed, play-
backwill resume
from the current
position
Figure2.3:RC1