Birdland Audio Odeon-lite User manual

1
The way music should sound Odéon-lite
Birdland Audio
Odéon-lite
Owner’s Manual
24 bit Digital to Analog Converter
with Solid-Tube TM Technology
Birdland Audio
http://www.birdland.com

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The way music should sound Odéon-lite
Birdland Audio
Dear Audiophile,
On behalf of Birdland Audio, I would like to thank and congratulate you on your acquisition of our
Odéon-lite 24 bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC). As digital techniques have greatly improved
over the past years and with the recent availability of 24bits / 96kHz masters on DVD, we wanted
you to be ready to jump to the next level of digital with the best quality DAC we could provide at
the most reasonable price.
e Odéon-lite reects our latest research in digital ltering techniques. Not only does it convert any
digital format at sampling rates of 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48k, 64k, 88.2k and 96kHz but it also upgrades
digital input to virtually create a full 24 bits if the input data path is less than that. e Odéon-lite
takes advantage of our 16 years of experience and includes our highly acclaimed Solid-Tube TM output
stages giving you the most natural sounding DAC available today at any cost.
For the last couple of years, many audiophiles have been waiting for the next high-end digital audio
format to surface. We believe the Odéon-lite is the ideal answer thanks to the wide variety of digital
formats supported. Its 24 bits digital upgrade lter will transform the CD collection you already own
to as close to nirvana as possible and, at the same time, bring tears to your eyes as you experience
high resolution 24/96 DVD audio.
I am sure that you will appreciate the Odéon-lite as much as I do. I wish you many hours of pure
pleasure as you listen to music the way it should sound.
Sincerely,
Gilles Gameiro
President / Design Engineer

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The way music should sound Odéon-lite
Birdland Audio
Table of Contents
1 - Safety instructions and important notes ..................................................4
2 - How to properly care for your DAC........................................................5
3 - Identication of controls.........................................................................6
4 - Understanding the Odéon-lite ................................................................8
5 - Connecting the Odéon-lite .....................................................................9
5.1 - e Digital Inputs...........................................................................9
5.2 - e Analog Output.......................................................................10
6 - Technical Specications.........................................................................11

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The way music should sound Odéon-lite
Birdland Audio
1 - Safety instructions and important notes
e Odéon-lite 24 bit digital-to-analog converter has been designed with safety in mind.
Improper use could result in electric shock or re hazard. Please read the following safety instruc-
tions carefully.
1 Do not remove the unit’s cover as you will be exposed to dangerous voltages which may result in
electric shock, this will also void the warranty. Refer servicing to qualied technicians only.
2 When connecting components to your Odéon DAC, it is a good idea to turn the entire system
o or to make sure that it is not connected to the an electrical outlet.
3 To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose the Odéon DAC to rain or heavy mois-
ture. Wait at least one-half hour before plugging the unit in after transferring it from a cold place
to a warmer room allowing for internal condensation of water to dissipate.
4 e Odéon-lite does not have any vent openings for cooling but it does require about one inch
of open space above and on the sides. Do not cover the unit. It should not be used in a built-in
installation such as a bookshelf or rack unless proper ventilation is provided.
5 When using the Odéon-lite connected directly to an amplier (without a preamplier) it is
recommended to lower the volume knob to the minimum before turning your Odéon DAC on.
Failing to do so could send high audio levels to your amplier and could overload and damage your
amplier or speakers.

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The way music should sound Odéon-lite
Birdland Audio
2 - How to properly care for your DAC
Heat
Keep the Odéon DAC away from heat sources such as radiators, space heaters, stoves, or other sources.
Water and moisture
Do not use the Odéon DAC near water sources such as bath tubs, sinks, wash bowls, swimming
pools, or other sources that may lead you to get water in the unit. Do not spill liquid of any kind
on the unit.
Stack and height
Do not stack too many components or heavy objects on top of the Odéon-lite. Doing this could
cause damage or deformation to the unit’s case.
Cleaning
Use a simple damp soft cloth to clean. Do not use liquid or abrasive cleaners.
Make sure your Odéon-lite DAC is not connected to the electrical outlet before cleaning it.
Protection
For added protection, you may choose to disconnect your Odéon from the wall outlet if you are
planning to leave it unattended for a long period of time or during storms. is may prevent dam-
age due to lightning.
Volume
Reduce the volume on your preamplier or Odéon to the minimum level before turning on the
unit. Doing so will prevent sudden loud volume sounds which could cause speaker, amplier, or
hearing damage.