April Music Stello CDA200 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Stello CDA200
(CD Player with192kHz/24Bit D/A Converter Combo)
April Music, Inc.

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Stello CDA200 from April Music.
The Stello CDA200 is a truly innovative design embodying a brand new concept in CD player making that
combines the CD transport and D/A converter section in a single chassis. As a unique entry-level model, the
CDA200 stands out amongst a myriad of relatively affordable CD players. Intended for 2-channel
reproduction, the CDA200 will compete favorably against, and even surpass, the performance of the latest
available digital formats.
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CAUTION
yThe Stello CDA200 is designed to operate at the following line voltages; 100, 120, 220, 230 volts
AC. This proper voltage is selected through internal voltage selector switch. The 115 position on
the selector switch is designed for line voltage from 100 to 120 volts AC. The 230 position on the
selector switch is designed for 220 and 230 volts AC line voltages.
yThe Stello CDA200 is a highly sensitive electronic apparatus. The best performance results will be
achieved when used on a leveled, vibration free shelf system, away from airborne vibration.
yThe ‘Mains’ switch is located on the rear panel. The ‘Stand-by’ switch can be operated manually
on the front panel and through the red button of the remote control. During a normal daily
operation use only the ‘Stand-by’ switch leaving the ‘Mains’ switch in the ‘on’ position. The amount
of current draw in the stand by mode is very small while the internal circuitry is maintained at an
optimal operating temperature. It is, however, recommended to turn the ‘Mains’ switch off or
unplug the AC power lead when you plan to leave the house for a prolonged period of time.
yDo not open the chassis without prior authorization from the manufacturer or a certified Stello
agent. Unauthorized repair or tempering of any type will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
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FEATURES
True 192 kHz upsampling
Many CD players claiming 192 kHz upsampling performance often employ 96 kHz DAC chip, which is
basically a virtual upsampling implementation. The Stello CDA200, however, utilizes a true 24 Bit/192kHz
‘upsampler’ DAC chip with Full Balanced Output, resulting in a significantly improved resolution, dynamics
and soundstage of the musical recordings, even with standard 16 Bit/44.1kHz CDs.
In order to achieve the improvement in sound quality and mechanical reliability, and compared to many other
upsampler DAC that use Digital Signal Processing (DSP) software, the CDA200 applies a hardware based
upsampling technology to manage the Digital to Analogue conversion process. A selectable sampling rate
switch enables the user to choose between 44.1 kHz, 96 kHz or 192 kHz during play. This enables the user
to listen to a variety of different sound reproduction and choose the format most suitable for each CD, each
recording.
Modular ‘Plug-In’ Design Concept
The CDA200 is built utilizing a modular ‘plug-in’ concept. The modular approach further enhances the
mechanical reliability while offering an easy upgrade path and convenient maintenance.
On top of the main PC board are 4 plug-in modules;
yThe Digital Input Receiver Module
yThe Upsampling & D/A Converter
yA pair of Fully Balanced Analog Output Modules
The output section operates in pure Class A mode, resulting in negligible distortion performance. The logical
pin layout of each module offers the convenience of easy upgrade and easy maintenance, making a full use
of the ‘plug and play’concept.
Digital Inputs
The digital input section of CDA200 consists of 1 Coaxial and 1 Toslink. Connected to any of these two
inputs, DVD, LD, MD or any component with digital output up to 24Bit/96kHz can be instantly upsampled
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to 24Bit/192kHz.
When the dedicated DVD-Audio or SACD transport becomes available, the CDA200 can be upgraded to be
compatible with the latest High Density CD formats. The chassis is already adapted to install an IEEE1394
port when it becomes available, and by upgrading the Digital Input Receiver module and the cable harness,
the CDA200 can be modified to decode the DVD-A or SACD signals.
Power Supply
There are 2 separate toroidal power transformers feeding power to the digital and the analog sections
independently. By utilizing a total of 11 discrete regulation stages for the plug-in modules, the CDA200 power
section provides a clean and stable power throughout. The result is a pure and distortion free sound.
Transport Mechanism
The CDA200 uses the VAM 1201 Short Loader MK3 transport mechanism from Philips. This model employs
the latest available technology for improved readability and is compatible with any CD, CD-R or CD-RW
format.
The Product
The appearance of the CDA200 alone is a clear indication that this is no ordinary CD player. Taking a closer
look inside the CDA200 reveals the true dedication of talented audio engineers. Ultimately through the sound
transpires the true love of music and devotion to faithful sound reproduction. The CDA200 is a direct result of
innovative thinking! Innovative thinking is thinking outside the convention, it is challenging the accepted norm.
Regardless of the digital format war, the CDA200 will provide you with a sound reproduction that is one step
closer to achieving that musical nirvana, the true sound.
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CONNECTION
CD Player
yUse a pair of XLR (balanced) or RCA (unbalanced) interconnects between the analog output of the
CDA200 and the CD input of your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
yWhen using the balanced connection, the Pin 2 must be positive. Make sure this complies with
your other audio equipment.
(Consult with your dealer for the modification of the pin connection if necessary)
yThe balanced and the unbalanced outputs can be connected simultaneously.
yTo use the CDA200 as a dedicated CD transport uses the Digital Output section. The signal output
can be directed to an external D/A converter or a digital recording apparatus. The use of a top
quality digital, coaxial or Toslink cable is highly recommended for this application. (Consult your
local dealer for recommendations)
[Fig. 1] The Rear Panel
Digital to Analog Converter
yThe CDA200 can be used as a top quality 24Bit/96kHz Digital to Analog converter. Any input
signal can be upsampled up to 24Bit/192kHz. Audition carefully for a prolonged period and select
the upsampling rate that will best suite your system and listening habit.
yThere are two sets of inputs, one coaxial and one Toslink. A provisional opening for IEEE1394 is
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provided for connecting DVD-Audio or SACD transports in the future. Upgrade programs will be
offered when dedicated transports become readily available in the market. Consult with your dealer
about upgrades when new standards become available.
yAll digital apparatus like DVD player, LD player, Satellite Set Top Box, MD player can be
connected with the CDA200 as long as their sampling rate is under 24Bit/96kHz
yMost DVD players are equipped with a minimum of one coaxial and one Toslink digital outputs.
For connecting to a Surround Processor, you can choose between the coaxial or the Toslink
connection. For listening to 2-channel audio where the primary focus is musical reproduction
quality rather than surround sound experience, we recommend the use of the coaxial digital input
connection with a first grade 75 Ohm nominal digital cable.
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OPERATION
CD PLAYER
Front Panel
[Fig. 2] The Front Panel Layout
[Fig. 3] The Display Window
STANDBY
Turn on ‘Mains’ power switch located on the rear panel. Red LED above the ‘STANDBY’ switch will
begin to glow. Turn on the unit by pressing the ‘STANDBY’ button once. The LED will change to green
and the CDA200 is now ready for use.
UPSAMPLE
The factory setting for the UPSAMPLE rate is 192 kHz. A red LED indicates the selected rate.
You may select during play your favorite sampling rate by pressing the UPSAMPLE button.
The selection will alternate between 192 kHz, 96 kHz and 44.1 kHz. A small click sound during
selection is normal.
OPEN/CLOSE
Use this button to open or close the disc tray. Place the CD with printed label side up.
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PLAY
Press ‘PLAY’ to play the disc.
The track number and relapsed time will be displayed on the right side.
STOP
Use this button to stop playing.
The complete information of CD will be shown on the display window.
PAUSE
Use this button to pause. To resume play again, press ‘PLAY’.
TRACK
Press this button to skip the track forward or backward. Select the track you wish to play by pressing
one of the arrow buttons then press PLAY to start the music. While playing, press one of the arrow
buttons to skip tracks. Play will resume automatically on the selection of your choice.
REPEAT
There are three Repeat functions, repeat all, repeat 1 or repeat cancel. If you want repeat the whole
CD, choose ‘REPEAT’ and press ‘PLAY’. If you want to repeat only one track, choose the track you
wish to repeat and press ‘REPEAT’ until display shows ‘REPEAT 1’. Then press ‘PLAY’ button to start
the music. Press the ‘REPEAT’ button once more to cancel the repeat command.
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Remote Control
[Fig. 4] The Remote Controller Layout
STBY
Same as STANDBY switch of the front panel (red button)
DISC
Open/Close (blue button)
SCAN
Pressing this button will play the beginning of each track for 10 seconds.
Should you find the track you want to play, press ‘SCAN’ once more to play
the track.
PROG
Use this function to play only the programmed tracks.
To program, select the track by pressing the appropriate track number or
moving to a track number with the arrow buttons or Press the ‘PROG’ button
to initialize the selection. If you want to program more than one track, just
select the desired track and press ‘PROG’ after each selection until the
selection is completed.
Press ‘PLAY’ to start your selected program. After your program selection is
completed, the display will show the first track and the total time of your
selected program. For example, if you want to listen to tracks 8, 3, and 13
out of 15 tracks disc, press 8 > PROG > 3 > PROG > 13 > PROG > PLAY.
Press the ‘STOP’ button to stop the CD. The selected program is still
initialized. If you press ‘PLAY’ again, the CD will start from track 8 again up
to 13. If you select ‘REPEAT’ tracks 8, 3 and 13 will be played repeatedly.
To deactivate the ‘PROG’, press ‘STOP’ and then press ‘STOP’ again. The
‘PROG’ indicator on the display will be turned off.
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