Accustic Arts CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) User manual

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To our valued customer and music enthusiast,
With the purchase of your CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) from ACCUSTIC ARTS®you have opted for a product
which incorporates the most modern technology to achieve excellent sound and quality. To make sure
that you have pleasure for as long as possible with your CD-Player we kindly ask you to thoroughly read
this instruction manual through to the end.
We wish you many enjoyable hours of listening to music with your new unit.
SCHUNK AUDIO ENGINEERING –The home of ACCUSTIC ARTS®
1 CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) highlights
24 Bit / 192 kHz Upsampling CD-Player in top-loader design
CD positioning in drive using exceptionally precise puck, whereby the integrated magnet inside the
puck guarantees ideal pressing and smooth running
CDM Pro 2LF drive module with cast metal frame and involved mechanical decoupling
Generously dimensioned magnetically shielded toroidal core 100 VA transformer
5 separate generously dimensioned power supply units for laser control, digital signal processing,
display control, display heating and D/A converter section
Very high capacity (50,000 µF) made of finest Panasonic capacitors
integrated, extremely fine D/A converter section with the following features:
-24 bit / 192 kHz multi-bit D/A converter
-Extremely fine analog output stage with solely usage of 12 bB Butterworth-Filter
-generously dimensioned buffer section
-selected filter capacitors and metal film resistors
-digital filter of very high quality
Extremely fine digital output stage with extra large power supply unit and voltage stabilisation; jitter
minimising digital output stage
Balanced analog and unbalanced analog output
Balanced and unbalanced digital outputs with HF-transformers
Resonance minimising aluminium housing
Shielded separate compartment in housing inside area for drive mechanism, mains power
components, digital signal processing, display control and D/A converter section
CD loader cover with indirect blue lighting (switchable)
ACCUSTIC ARTS®system remote control SRC II
ACCUSTIC ARTS®CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) is “Handmade in Germany”

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CAUTION: WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
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 the appliance.
Marking by the “CE” symbol indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of
the European Community.
WARNING!
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death.
CAUTION!
Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition or the like that, if not
correctly performed or adhered to, could result in a damage or destruction to
part or all of the component.
To guarantee a reliable function of this unit over the long-term we kindly ask you to thoroughly read this
instruction manual before connecting this unit and to observe the following instructions. This is also
necessary for your own safety when dealing with the unit.
2 Important safety instructions
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this appliance near water.
Never use this appliance near hot surfaces.
Never use this appliance outside and always place it in a dry environment.

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Check that your mains voltage corresponds to that stated on the appliance.
Never leave the appliance unsupervised when in use. Always keep electrical equipment out of the
reach of children.
Never pour or spill liquids directly onto this appliance.
Never operate this apparatus in an explosive atmosphere.
Do not put any vases or similar objects containing water or liquids on top of this appliance.
Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Ensure that the appliance has sufficient air around it and avoid extreme temperature influences on
the unit, especially direct sunshine and high humidity.
Always disconnect the appliance from the mains power before carrying out any changes to the
cables or when cleaning the appliance.
Protect the mains cable from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs and the point where
they exit from the appliance.
The mains cable of this appliance is equipped with an equipment grounding conductor. This
equipment grounding conductor must never be disconnected or taped over. In case any humming
occurs please contact your authorized dealer.
From time to time check the mains cable and the appliance for damages. Take care that the mains
cable is not buckled or damaged by any house pets.
Never move the appliance by pulling the mains cable. Make sure the mains cable cannot get caught
in any way. Do not wind the mains cable around the appliance and do not bend it.
Never use accessories which are not recommended by the manufacturer. They could constitute a
danger to the user and risk to damage the appliance.
Never operate the appliance with the housing open.
To clean the aluminium housing please only use a cloth moistened with water and some detergent.
Never use inflammable or chemically aggressive cleaning agents.
In the event of a defect, please never attempt to repair it yourself. Any tampering with the appliance
by an unauthorised person will make the warranty void. Please get in contact with your authorized
dealer.
Refer all servicing to qualified service person. Servicing is required when the appliance has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the appliance, the appliance has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally or has been dropped.
Never bypass a fuse.
Replace fuses only with original types having the same ampere value, the same voltage endurance
and the same time-lag. You can find the corresponding value in chapter 5.5 of this instruction manual
or on the backside of the apparatus.
No user-serviceable parts inside.

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3 Unpacking
Great care must be exercised when unpacking the unit. Carefully store the transportation packaging for
the possibility of further use. If you have a claim on the warranty, always use the original packaging for
any necessary transportation. Transportation without this packaging can lead to damage to the housing.
Please check, if the following items are included:
1 x AC mains cable (type depends on your country)
1 x ACCUSTIC ARTS®system remote control –SRC II
2 x batteries for the remote control
1 x replacement fuse (type depends on your mains voltage)
4 Positioning
This unit has no special requirements regarding its position, but it should be positioned on stable, even
and horizontal surface. You can even put the unit in a cupboard. For reasons of better access to the
various input and output sockets we recommend you position the unit in an audio rack. Professionally
designed audio racks can have a positive effect on the music reproduction of your audio system.
CAUTION!
Please observe at all times
Before you connect the CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) with some other unit using a
cable, please never forget that both units must first be switched off and
disconnected from the mains power.

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5 Installation
Fig. 1: Rear view
1Fuse holder (plastic cap with integrated fuse)
2Mains power switch
3.1 OUT 1: Balanced AES / EBU - digital output (XLR)
3.2 OUT 2: Unbalanced S/P-DIF - digital output (RCA)
4AUDIO OUTPUT UNBAL.: Unbalanced analog output (RCA)
5AUDIO OUTPUT BALANCED: Balanced analog output (XLR)
Pin declaration of the balanced output (XLR):
Pin 1: Ground (shield) Pin 2: Non-inverting (hot; 0°) Pin 3: Inverting (cold; 180°)
These pin assignments comply with the standard adopted by the Audio Engineering Society. Refer to the
operating manual of your other units to verify that the pin assignments of their connectors correspond to
your ACCUSTIC ARTS® unit.

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Fig. 2: Front view
6SKIP : Rotary switch for track selection
I : go to the next/later track
I: go to the current or previous track
7STOP : Push-button to stop the running disc
8REMOTE: IR receiver for remote control
9LIGHT: Switchable Multifunction component: switch & LED
Please see chapter 6.3
10 STANDBY: LED (blue) indicates standby status of device
11 PLAY : Push-button to start the CD
12 STANDBY / OPERATE : Rotary switch for standby status STANDBY and operation OPERATE
13 CD loader cover with push release and integrated, blue lit logo
Fig. 3: Side view of the CD clamper
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14 CD puck with integrated magnet mounting

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5.1 Application possibilities for the CD-PLAYER I (MK 3)
The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) is a professional top-loader CD player with integrated 24 bit / 192 kHz
Upsampling D/A converter with extremely developed mechanical and electronic details. In order to help
fully exploit this CD player, the device has a number of inputs and outputs. Additionally you can connect
an external D/A converter.
The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) plays all types of CDs (redbook standard) including CD-R and CD-RW.
5.2Connecting an external D/A processor or digital recording device
The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) possesses a balanced (XLR) 3.1 and an unbalanced (RCA)3.2 output. For
the connection of an external D/A converter (e.g. DAC I or TUBE-DAC II from ACCUSTIC ARTS®), use a
digital output of the unit and connect this to the corresponding digital input of the external D/A converter.
You can use these digital outputs also to connect a recording device, e.g. a mini disc or CD recorder.
5.3 Connecting a preamplifier or analog recording device
The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) possesses an unbalanced (RCA) 4and a balanced (XLR) 5output. For the
connection of a preamplifier (e.g. PREAMP I from ACCUSTIC ARTS®), use the analog output of the CD-
PLAYER I (MK 3) and connect this to the corresponding analog input of the preamplifier. You can use
these analog outputs also to connect a recording device, e.g. an analog tape recorder.
5.4 Connection to mains power
Only connect the unit to the mains power when all the other cable connections have already been carried
out.
Firstly, plug in the mains cable in the inlet connector socket of the unit and only then the earthing pin-plug
in the mains socket.
By actuating the mains power switch 2, you can switch the unit on or off.
5.5 Replacing damaged mains fuses
If a fuse is damaged only replace the fuse with original types having the same ampere value, the same
voltage endurance and the same time-lag. Never use fuses with other ampere classes or time-lag
classes.
WARNING!
Pull out the mains plug!
Always disconnect the unit from the mains power before replacing a fuse.
To change the fuse 1please use a screwdriver suitable for the slot in the fuse holder. Press the
screwdriver lightly into the slot and gently lever the fuse holder (plastic cap) carefully out of the respective
socket. Now you can take out the fuse holder and replace the fuse.
For countries with 220 - 240 V / 50 - 60 Hz
please use the following fuse types:
For countries with 100 - 120 V / 50 - 60 Hz
please use the following fuse types:
0.8 Ampere –time lag
1.6 Ampere –time lag

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6 Reproduction of a CD
6.1 Start-up and loading a CD
First of all, please switch on the device by pressing the mains power switch 2and set the rotary switch
12 to the position OPERATE. The laser unit of the CD player now initialises for approx. 2 seconds and
finds out if a CD is loaded or not. If no CD is inserted, then the display shows No disc . If there is a CD
in the device, then after initialisation of the laser the number of music tracks and the total time of the CD
is displayed. Then, for example, on the display shows 10 65:20 .
This means that the inserted CD has 10 music tracks and the complete total playing time is 65 minutes
and 20 seconds.
If you wish to load a CD or exchange a CD which is already loaded, then first of all slowly push the cover
13 to the back. On the display will now appear Open , indicating the cover is open. Now remove the
clamper 14 by lifting it upwards. Please note that the puck has an integrated magnet and therefore sits
rather firmly on the CD. After removing the puck you may now remove a CD. When removing the CD take
care not to touch the laser unit. Finger prints and dirt on the laser unit can disturb the scanning process
and so negatively affect the sound.
Insert the desired CD and now place the clamper 14 in the middle of the CD. Make sure that the puck
locks correctly into position, otherwise playback is not possible. Close the cover 13 completely again.
After the closing process the laser initialises again, i.e. it scans the inserted CD and determines the
number of music tracks as well as the total time. If no CD is loaded or the clamper 14 is not correctly
fixed on to the CD, the display shows No disc .
6.2 Basic functions of the CD-PLAYER I (MK 3)
After the CD has been correctly inserted the device is now ready for operation and you can start the CD
by shortly pressing the pushbutton PLAY.
To stop the CD please press the pushbutton STOP.
To jump or go to the next track please use the left rotary switch SKIP by shortly turning it clockwise and
then release. Should you wish to jump back one or several tracks, turn the rotary switch once or several
times shortly to the left (anti-clockwise).
Should you wish to interrupt your music listening for a short time (e.g. a number of minutes or a just for a
few hours), operate the right rotary switch 12 and turn it left to the STANDBY position. In the standby
function now only the blue standby LED 10 is lit. The lighting for the upper logo and the display goes out.
For a complete start-up of the player, set the rotary switch 12again to the position OPERATE.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
If you wish to discontinue your music listening for a longer period (more than 1 hour) the device
must be completely disconnected from the mains power and this is done by pressing the mains
power switch 2.
The functions SKIP, STOP and PLAY can also be operated using the IR remote control. The functions
STANDBY andOPERATE are not available via the remote control.

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6.3 Multifunction component: switch & LED
This multifunction component is a switch with an integrated blue LED LIGHT:
1. Function = switch: please press the switch to turn off/on the drawer lighting.
2. Function = LED: When the LED lights the unit is completely turned-on and the rotary switch 10 is set
to position OPERATE.
This LED has an automatic dimmer function (see chapter 6.7 ).
6.4Display
Fig 4: Display modes
AThis area shows the number of the selected music track (TRACK)
BThe arrow sign always lights when the CD is started with PLAY
CThis area shows the various times of the CD (TOTAL TIME –TOTAL REM TIME –TIME); for this
see chapter 6.6.6
DThe individual functions light up when the respective function is activated by the remote control
A
D
C
B

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6.5 Basic functions of the remote control SRC II
Fig 5: Buttons on the remote control
12 3
45 6
78
90
SCAN TIME
REPEA T
A/B
SHUFFLE PAUSE
SHIFT
VOLUME
REMOTE CONTROL - SRC II
Numeric keys
A/B
Next track
PLAY
(SCAN FORWARDS)
Previous track
STOP
Program mode
Controls the volume of
otherACCUSTICARTS
units, e.g. or
etc.
POWER I
PREAMP I
(SCAN BACKWARDS)
Basic functions of the remote:
SCAN
TIME
PROG
PROG
0
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VOLUME
…REPEAT(REPEAT TRACK / REPEATALL)
SHUFFLE
PAUSE
Additional functions by the -key:
I M P O R T AN T !
Selection of additional functions:
SHIFT
SHUFFLE,
1.) Push -key; function remains
active for 10 seconds after every
keystroke (red LED is lit)
2.) desired
function e.g. until the
function is indicated in the unit’s
display.
Push and hold down
Signal LED
SHIFT
6.5.1 Keys 0 - 9
You can use the keys on the remote control to select individual music tracks.
Example 1: You wish to hear track 3
Press key 3.
Press (if the CD has not yet started)
Example 2: You wish to hear track 12
Press key 1(display flashes)
Press key 2.
Press (if the CD has not yet started)
6.5.2 (PLAY) and (STOP)
Key starts the CD playback
Key ends the CD playback
Key pressed twice restarts the playing track from the beginning

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6.5.3 Iand I (= SKIP)
Key Istarts the previous track
Key I starts the next track
6.5.4 PROG (= programming function)
Use the PROG key to re-define the playback order of the CD music tracks and so create your own
individual playback sequence.The programming is made as follows:
Press the number keys for the tracks you would like to enter in your selection in the desired order. After
pressing each number key you must also press the PROG key in order to store the respective track in the
program mode. If you have stored the wrong track –a track you do not require in the selection –then
press the number of the track you wish to delete once more and confirm with the PROG key.
Example: To program the tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 9 and 12 of a CD
First press the number key 2and then the PROG key. In the display PROGRAM is shown and the track
2 is set as your first selected track. Now press key 3and then PROG again. Proceed in the same way
until track 12. After track 12 is also programmed, in your display you will see the following:
622:40
This display shows clearly you have stored 6 tracks (TRACK) with a total playing (TOTAL TIME) of
exactly 22 minutes 40 seconds in this example.
When you have finished your programming, please press PLAY and playback begins. To stop the CD
press STOP once as usual, the programming remains. When STOP is pressed again your programming
is deleted, PROGRAM in the display goes away and the device once again shows the total number of
tracks and the total playing time .
6.5.5 VOLUME
Use the VOLUME key to adjust the volume of an ACCUSTIC ARTS® integrated amplifier (e.g. POWER I
or preamplifier (e.g. PREAMP I).
Please note: The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) itself is not equipped with a volume control.
6.6SHIFT key: additional functions of the remote control SRC II
Use the SHIFT key to activate the following functions:
REPEAT
SHUFFLE
PAUSE
(SCAN FORWARDS)
(SCAN BACKWARDS)
SCAN
TIME
A/B
Press the SHIFT key once to activate the function and the red LED lights up on the remote control.
You now have enough time to select additional functions (REPEAT, SHUFFLE, etc.). After 10 seconds
with no key pressed the SHIFT function is automatically cancelled and the red LED goes out.
You can also end the SHIFT function at any time by pressing and holding the SHIFT key until the red
LED light goes out.

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6.6.1 REPEAT
Press SHIFT once (red LED lights up)
Press the REPEAT key to activate the repeat mode and in the display REPEAT appears. You can
repeat tracks in every mode, i.e. also in SHUFFLE or PROGRAM mode.
Press the REPEAT key again to activate TRACK REPEAT. REPEAT 1 is shown on the display,
i.e. now the track currently playing is repeated exclusively.
A further pressing of the key deactivates the repeat mode
6.6.2 SHUFFLE
Press SHIFT once (red LED lights up)
Press and hold down SHUFFLE until the display shows SHUFFLE.t
Press SHIFT if not activated and SHUFFLE again to deactivate this mode
6.6.3 PAUSE
Press SHIFT once (red LED lights up)
Press and hold down PAUSE until the display shows PAUSE
Press SHIFT if not activated and PAUSE again to deactivate this mode
6.6.4 and (SCAN FWD / BWD)
Press SHIFT once (red LED lights up)
Press key and hold down to go fast forward with a music track (SCAN FWD).
Press key and hold to rewind within a music track (SCAN BWD)
6.6.5 SCAN
With the SCAN function each track on the CD is played for 10 seconds. This function gives you an
overview of all the tracks on the CD. You can only activate the SCAN function if the CD was not started
yet. You can end the process early by pressing the SCAN key again.
6.6.6 TIME
The key TIME can display a total of 3 different time modes for the CD which is loaded. These 3 playing
times are respectively shown in the display as TOTAL TIME –TOTAL REM TIME –TIME. The individual
time modes are activated by respectively pressing the TIME key.
The different time modes have the following functions:
TOTAL TIME: If the CD is inserted but not started, then the total playing time of the CD is
displayed. If the CD is started, then TOTAL TIME shows the playing time of the
CD already elapsed
TOTAL REM TIME: This time mode shows the total remaining time left the CD which has started
TIME: If this mode is activated, then the playing time of the respectively played music
track is displayed.
Example: 2min 40sec playing time of music track no.2 is shown in the display
with: 2 > 2:40

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6.6.7 A / B
The A / B function is also a repeat mode. You can use this key to repeat a certain passage of the track.
The A / B repeat mode is operated as follows:
1. During CD playback press the A / B key on the remote control just as the required passage begins
(start point A). In the display A –now appears.
2. When the end of the passage is reached (end point B), press the A / B key again and on the display
A –B now appears.
The device now plays the marked passage between points A and B again and again.
Pressing the A / B key again deactivates the repeat mode.
6.7Dimmer function of blue LEDs
The two blue LEDs for STANDBY and OPERATE have an integrated dimmer function. That means the
LEDs will be automatically adapt to the brightness of your room.
7 Looking after your equipment
The CD-PLAYER I (MK 3) from ACCUSTIC ARTS® does not require special treatment in excess of the
usual care taken with high quality devices. Clean the housing with a dry or slightly moistened cloth.
Please do not use any aggressive detergents or detergents which contain silicon.
The best way to clean the front plate is with a mild non-aggressive fat-dissolving detergent (e.g. glass
cleaner). Never use abrasive agents or polishing agents with abrasive particles.
CAUTION!
Do not place the unit in direct sunshine and avoid extreme changes in temperature.
8 Troubleshooting
Malfunctions are mostly caused by something simple which can be put right quickly.
In the next section some possible malfunctions are described together with their corrective action.
However, if it is not possible to remove the malfunction please contact your authorised dealer.
Malfunction The unit was switched on, the blue LED 9remains dark.
Cause 1 The mains cable is not properly connected.
Solution Check mains cable and push in firmly.
Cause 2 The fuse is damaged.
Solution Pull out all mains plugs and replace the corresponding fuse (see chapter 5.5).
Malfunction The unit was switched on. The laser initialises, but shows OPEN .
Cause 1 The CD loader cover 13 was not properly closed during the switching on process.
Solution Close CD loader cover; laser unit always initialises after each closing process.

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Malfunction Playback of the CD is bad or is continuously interrupted
Cause 1 Due to finger prints the CD is badly soiled, therefore the error correction has to interfere
all the time or the error on the CD cannot be corrected.
Solution Clean the CD carefully with a soft cloth
Cause 2 The CD is damaged due to scratches or other surface damage and therefore the error
correction has to interfere all the time or the error on the CD cannot be corrected.
Solution If the scratches on the CD are not too deep, then they can be removed by using a special
polish for discs. If the scratches are deep, quite often a restoration is not possible.
For malfunctions which affect the reproduction relating to individual devices first of all make sure that all
connections are correctly and thoroughly made. In general, errors which arise are often a result of an
unsatisfactory or wrongly-made connection.
9Specifications (selection)
Analog outputs: 1 x XLR (balanced –2 x 620 )
1 x RCA (unbalanced –100 )
Digital outputs: 1 x AES/EBU; XLR (balanced –110 )
1 x S/P-DIF; RCA (unbalanced –75 )
D/A converter: 24 Bit / 192 kHz Upsampling technology
Distortion factor (THD+N): 0.0016 %
Dynamic: 120 dB
Crosstalk: > 101 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio: - 103 dB
Dimensions : 110 x 482 x 375 mm / 4.1 x 19 x 14.8 inches (H x W x D)
Weight: 16 kg / 35 lbs.
VII-11