CH D1.5 User manual

D1.5 SACD/CD Player/transport
User Manual

Dear Valued Customer,
We are honored that you have chosen the CH D1.5 SACD/CD player/
transport. It represents the considerable total of all our efforts
and experience, making this an outstanding product that we are
proud to present to you. We are condent that your D1.5 will bring
you uncountable hours of musical enjoyment from your SACD and
CD collection.
But before starting your musical journey, we kindly ask you to
appreciate and apply the information contained in this manual.
The D1.5, as you will discover in the following pages, is a Swiss
precision product designed for ultimate performance and exibility.
However, achieving its maximum possible performance requires your
unit to be setup and operated correctly and that is what this manual is
all about. If you have any questions or require assistance, please don’t
hesitate to contact your authorized dealer.
We hope you will enjoy your D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport for
many years.
The Concert has just begun...
Cossy F.
Heeb T.
D1.5 User Manual 2

D1.5 User Manual 3
Table of contents
1 Getting to know your CH Precision D1.5 4
1.1 SACD/CD optical disc mechanism 5
1.2 Mechanical construction 6
1.3 Modular architecture and slot-in boards 6
1.4 Power supply 7
1.5 Optional external power supply 7
2 Before use 7
2.1 Safety notice 7
2.2 Mains supply 8
2.3 Transport and packaging 8
2.4 Cleaning 8
2.5 Maintenance and service 9
3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking 9
3.2 Package contents 9
3.3 Positioning your D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport 10
4 Connections 12
4.1 CONTROL board functionality 14
4.2 CONTROL board USB port 14
4.3 CONTROL board Ethernet port 14
5 Output capabilities
5.1 DIGITAL_OUT_HD board 14
5.2 Monaural ANALOG_OUT boards 15
5.3 SYNC_IO board 15
6 External power supply connector 16
7 Operation
7.1 Front panel controls 16
7.2 User control knob 17
8 Operating modes
8.1 Normal mode 18
8.2 Normal mode control actions 19
8.3 Menu mode 20
9 Conguration
9.1 D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport menu structure 21
9.2 D1.5 conguration menu items 21
9.3 SHORTCUTS 22
9.4 NETWORK 22
9.5 FACTORY 23
10 Remote control
10.1 Remote control operation 24
10.2 Changing the remote control batteries 25
11 Advanced clocking
11.1 General clocking considerations 26
11.2 D1.5 SACD/CD Player/transport Without SYNC_IO board 26
11.3 D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport with SYNC_IO board + CH DAC (C1 DAC/Controller or I1) 26
with SYNC_IO board
11.4 D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport with SYNC_IO board + CH DAC (C1 or I1) with SYNC_IO 27
board + T1 Time Reference
11.5 Returning to factory defaults 27
12 Firmware update
12.1 Preparing the USB stick 28
12.2 Updating the unit’s rmware 28
12.3 Emergency rmware update procedure 29
13 Troubleshooting 30
14 Specications 31

1 Getting to know your CH Precision D1.5
Technical highlights
CH products are proudly designed and manufactured in Switzerland by CH Precision Sàrl. Our engineers have
put all their knowledge and experience into creating the D1.5, a high quality modular SACD/CD player/transport
based on slot-in boards and USB ash-drive updatable rmware. In its base version the D1.5 is a pure digital,
two-channel SACD/CD drive to be used with a high quality external Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). It includes
a DIGITAL_OUT_HD board and a CONTROL board. The highest quality playback performance is ensured when
the D1.5 is paired to a matching CH Precision DAC, using the proprietary high denition CH Link HD interface.
Optional boards allow owners to extend the functionality of the base version of the D1.5 SACD/CD drive. By
adding a pair of monaural ANALOG_OUT boards, the D1.5 becomes an integrated stereo SACD/CD player.
Finally, the optional SYNC_IO board allows the D1.5 to be synchronized with an external 10MHz clock
generator (like the CH T1 Time Reference) or a CH DAC like the C1 or I1.
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123
98
D1.5 System Architecture
1. External power supply input (for X1 optional
external power supply only)
2. Fuse holder, voltage selector and power cord
receptacle (on back panel)
3. Mains power switch
4. Adjustment shafts and screws
5. Power supply section
6. Main power transformer
7. Standby power transformer (ensures green
mode Standby)
8. Custom made optical disc mechanism.
9. SACD/CD drawer and AMOLED display
(on front panel)
10. Audio, clock, USB (rmware update) and RJ-45
(control) connectors (from slot-in boards). Analog
ground to Earth jumper
11. Slot-in boards (CONTROL, SYNC_IO, DIGITAL_
OUT_HD, Monaural ANALOG_OUT
12. Audio Processing board
13. Power supply regulation board
14. Concentric push control knob
4 4
10
11
12
13
14
5
6
4 4
7

1.1 SACD/CD optical disc mechanism
The D1.5 SACD/CD transport is built around our Mechanically Optimized Reading System (MORSe), whose
critical mechanical parts are designed and manufactured in-house. The MORSe consists of a heavy brass
module, weighing almost 1 kg, on which the optical pick-up and disc drive motor are precisely assembled.
This unusually high weight allows us to push the mechanical resonance frequency of the module several orders
of magnitude lower than in most other transports, while ensuring an ideal counter-weight to the torque of the
spinning disc.
The complete module is isolated from the rest of the chassis using four alpha-gel isolators, ne-tuned to lter
vibrations all the way down to AC mains frequencies. This prevents vibrations generated by the spinning of
the disc from reaching sensitive electronic boards, as well as low frequency vibrations originating in the power
supply or chassis disturbing the accurate tracking of the laser mechanism.
The disc clamp is made of lightweight PEEK polymer, which provides optimal grip and dimensional stability,
ensuring slip-free transmission from the direct drive motor to the disc.
The chassis holding this crucial sub-system is a 2 kg rigid aluminum structure, directly coupled to the heavy base
of the D1.5. This makes an ideal mechanical ground reference for the rotating parts.
D1.5 User Manual 5
high friction
lightweight
magnetic clamp
high-mass
optical disc
reading module
high rigidity
mounting structure
high-compliance
damping system
MORSe optical disc mechanism

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1.2 Mechanical construction
The D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport is assembled from high-quality aluminum and steel elements with no visible
screws on the front, top and side panels. The base of the unit is made of a thick, rectied aluminum plate while
the front panel, side panels and the top cover are machined from laminated aluminum plates. The power supply
is isolated from the audio section in its own compartment to avoid any contamination of the audio circuits by
noise radiated from the supply. Pin assembly of all chassis elements provides smooth joints between elements
while screws every 6cm ensures protection against electromagnetic interference. First class mechanical and
chemical surface treatments provide the luxury nish of the D1.5.
Four steel feet support the unit. Each foot incorporates an elastomer ring to sit on delicate surfaces but is
also equipped with a height adjustable hardened aluminum alloy/polymer spike (and optional polymer spike
shoe) to ne-tune the unit’s level and mechanical grounding. Adjustment is carried out with the screwdriver
provided, via the four caps/shafts accessible from the top of the unit. In addition to providing a precise
leveling capability, the spike/shaft assemblies also serve as mechanical ground paths if you choose to stack
CH units. Special shaft caps are provided to interface with the spikes of the stacked unit. Any vibration from
the upper unit is transmitted through the shaft cap to the shaft/spike below, forming a direct ground path for
mechanical vibration.
1.3 Modular architecture and slot-in boards
The D1.5 benets from a fully modular architecture. It features separated sections for power-supply, disc
mechanism and related control, front panel, audio processing and slot-in boards. This modular architecture
combined with the USB input for rmware updates (MCU, DSP, and FPGA) allows for easy servicing and upgrade
should one section become faulty or obsolete.
The slot-in board port consists of a vertically mounted mother-board with optional boards being plugged into it
to provide user selectable audio functionality and connectivity to other equipment. The D1.5 is factory tted with
the CONTROL and DIGITAL OUT HD Boards as standard. In addition, owners can order their D1.5 with additional
boards to increase functionality, or have them installed by their authorized dealer at a later point in time:
SYNC_IO: provides advanced clock synchronization options (one clock input, two clock outputs) for use with a
DAC such as the C1 DAC/Controller, or with an external master clock such as the T1 10MHz Time Reference.
Monaural ANALOG_OUT: each board provides one fully balanced channel of analog audio output. Supplied as
a pair, labeled and color-coded for Left or Right channel they turn the D1.5 transport into a standalone disc
player.
Please note that optional boards MUST be installed by a qualied technician. Failure to do so will void your
unit’s warranty.

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1.4 Power supply
The power supply of the D1.5 is a linear supply with multiple independent local regulation stages. It is based
on an oversized, magnetically shielded toroidal main transformer and includes a mains lter. A secondary
transformer (also toroidal) is used as for Standby operation to ensure that the green Standby mode meets the
latest energy saving regulations. Both transformers have static shields between their primary and secondary
windings. They are mounted on a separate plate, which is mechanically decoupled from the main base plate by
‘silent block’ isolators.
Discrete (power-transistor and op-amp based) ultra low noise regulators are used throughout the power
supply and special care has been paid to the master clock power supply. The master clock benets from its own
dedicated shunt regulated power supply, completely decoupled from the noisy digital and motor sections. This
ensures an ultra-low jitter clock source for the whole system.
Input AC voltage to the power supply can be set to 100V, 115V or 230V AC depending on your local mains
voltage.
1.5 Optional external power supply
The D1.5 is equipped with a socket for an optional external power supply input. This input is specic to the CH
X1 external power supply. When the external power supply is connected, the internal power supply of the D1.5
is turned off (only the Standby transformer remains active). Turning the main internal transformer off ensures
that no power supply induced noise, vibration or radiation is generated inside the D1.5’s chassis, thus ensuring
optimal operating conditions for the critical digital and analog audio circuits. Moreover, the D1.5’s internal
voltage regulation stages remain active, used in a cascaded topology with the X1’s regulation stages, signicantly
lowering the noise oor.
2 Before use
Please read this manual carefully before making connections or operating your D1.5. The latest version can be
accessed at www.chprecision.com at any time. If after reading this manual you feel unsure about how to make
connections or operate the unit, please contact your authorized dealer for assistance.
2.1 Safety notice
Make sure to observe the following rules:
Always handle with care. The D1.5 SACD/CD unit is very heavy, so have someone help you when moving it
around.
Install your D1.5 SACD/CD player on a stable base.
Do not install your D1.5 SACD/CD unit near water.
Do not expose the unit to any kind of liquid.
Do not install in direct sun light or near any heat source such as radiators or other sources of signicant heat.
Do not install in a conned space and make sure sufcient air can ow around the unit.
Do not operate under high ambient temperatures (>40C) or with extremely high humidity such as in humid
cellars.

D1.5 User Manual 8
Only use options and accessories specied or recommended by the manufacturer.
Do not open the unit nor try to service it by yourself. Do not try to install any option board by yourself.
Always refer to a qualied technician for service, maintenance or upgrades. Failure to do so will void the
unit’s warranty.
2.2 Mains supply
Make sure to use a fully grounded AC power cord (one with three terminals – live, neutral and ground).
Make sure that the mains voltage selection of the unit matches your local mains voltage.
Make sure your D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport is disconnected from the AC supply/wall socket in the
following cases:
When making connections (we also recommended disconnecting the rest of the system from the AC supply
when installing signal and speaker cables).
When cleaning.
During thunder storms.
When left unused for a long period.
2.3 Transport and packaging
The D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport must always be packed in its original carton for transportation. Doing so
will ensure the optimal level of protection for your unit. Therefore, keep all the packaging material in a dry and
clean place for future use.
To avoid any damage to the SACD/CD mechanism,
never transport your unit with a disc loaded.
Finally we recommend removal of the adjustable spikes, putting them into the holes provided in the D1.5
packaging for transportation. Indeed, vibrations during transport may cause the adjustment spikes to move
from their fully retracted position. There is then a risk of scratching the supporting surface when re-installing
the unit.
2.4 Cleaning
Use a soft, dry towel or cloth for cleaning. Never use any solvent or liquids as they may damage the surface
treatment or penetrate inside the unit.
2.5 Maintenance and service
The D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to open, modify or repair
your D1.5 by yourself. This will void any warranty. Your D1.5 SACD/CD player should be checked by a qualied
technician if:
The unit is not functioning properly.
The mains cable or the power cord receptacle is damaged.
The unit shows signs of having been dropped or presents external damage.
The D1.5 SACD/CD player has been exposed to liquids (such as rain) or unknown substances.

D1.5 User Manual 9
3 Installation
3.1 Unpacking
Make sure that you have sufcient space in which to work and that there is a soft surface on which to place your
D1.5.
Unpack the D1.5 SACD/CD unit and store the packaging for future transportation. Do be careful when lifting the
D1.5 as the unit is heavy (almost 30kg) so if in doubt, get somebody to help you lift it clear of the carton.
Also, lifting it is one thing, extending your arms in order to place it in a rack is far more challenging. Again, it is
a good idea to get someone to help you if necessary. When unpacking and installing the D1.5, take care not to
damage the high quality surface nish.
3.2 Package contents
Make sure that the package contents are complete. If not, please contact your authorized dealer. Your
package should contain:
D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport .
Power cord.
Four aluminum/polymer spikes.
A suction cup (used to unscrew the top covers).
An accessory box containing:
–Handheld infrared remote control
–Spike adjustment screwdriver
–Torx T10 screwdriver
–Four polymer footer discs
– USB stick containing the latest CH Precision rmware.
–Four small CH dimpled polymer stacking caps
Check your D1.5 for any apparent damage. In case of damage, immediately contact your authorized dealer.
If your D1.5 is cold due to transport, please let it warm up to room temperature before powering it up.

D1.5 User Manual 10
3.3 Positioning your D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport
Your D1.5 SACD/CD unit’s four feet are tted with elastomer rings, ensuring both scratch-protection for the
surface on which the unit sits, as well as secure, non-slip positioning. That means that it is best to lift the D1.5
slightly when placing or repositioning it.
However, we have built a far more advanced mechanical grounding system into all CH Precision products. To use
this coupling system, simply take the following steps:
1. Place the D1.5 on the stable support on which you intend to use it. Make sure cooling air is able to freely ow
around the unit and that you have enough space above the unit to remove the top-caps and insert/adjust the
support spikes.
2. Gently lift the unit’s corners in turn and insert one of the polymer support disc under each foot (an AirWedge
or similar lifting bladder is ideal for this purpose). The foot’s elastomer ring should locate into the groove in
the support disc when they are properly positioned. With all four, polymer support discs in place, ensure that
they are all properly located and that the unit is stable. The polymer discs allow the unit to be positioned
easily and precisely.
3. Unscrew the D1.5’s four top covers using the provided suction cup. Be careful not to scratch their delicate
nish.
4. Insert an aluminum alloy/polymer adjustment spike into each of the shafts revealed.
5. Using the short screwdriver provided, gently rotate each spike clockwise. First you will feel it engage the
thread at the base of the shaft adjustment shaft, then you will feel resistance as it contacts the polymer disc
and starts to lift the D1.5.
6. Once you feel resistance on all four spikes, turn each one the same amount – two turns for example – to lift
the unit’s feet completely clear of the supporting discs. Check that the unit is stable and that the loading on all
four spikes is the same.
7. It is now important to level the D1.5 precisely, using a precision spirit level. This has a direct impact on the
unit’s musical performance, so take your time and get it just right.
8. Depending on the supporting surface, you may well achieve better results by removing the polymer support
discs so that the spikes contact the surface directly. This is very much a case of trial and error, but in general,
direct spiking works best on lossy, dispersive surfaces (wood-based, carbon-bre, composite or constrained
layer supports) while hard, reective surfaces such as granite, glass or marble will sound better with the
polymer discs acting as an interface.
When removing the discs to listen to the direct spike option, remember that the spikes
protrude below the D1.5’s feet. If you try to slide or reposition the unit, you may damage the
supporting surface, while direct spiking may also mark it.
9. Once you have decided on your preferred spiking arrangement (with or without the polymer discs) make sure
that you check that the D1.5 is still perfectly level and that the loading/resistance on the four spikes is equal.
10. If no CH Precision unit is to be stacked on top of the D1.5, replace the four top covers. Otherwise, insert the
four polymer stacking caps that are also provided. If placing another CH Precision unit on top of the D1.5, do
so with extreme care and ensure that the two are precisely aligned, in order to prevent damage to the D1.5’s
top-plate.

D1.5 User Manual 11
Although all CH Precision units can be stacked, best performance is achieved by giving each
product its own, dedicated support surface. If units must be stacked, we would recommend
placing the D1.5 on the top of its stack.
Never stack any component other than another CH Precision product on top of your D1.5.
Never use the aluminum top caps if another CH component is to be stacked on top of your D1.5.
Adjustment shafts, feet and spikes
1. Adjustment shafts. Insert adjustment spikes and use
screwdriver to secure and adjust individual feet spikes.
2. Feet.
3. Adjustment spike heads (when inserted into
adjustment shafts).
4. Adjustment spike.
Shaft covers (left: stacking cover, right: top cover)
1 1
1 1
3 33 3
4
2 2
2 2

D1.5 User Manual 12
4 Connections
This section provides information about connecting your D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport to your system. As the
D1.5 is a modular design with various, optional input and output boards, the precise rear-panel arrangement of
your unit may vary from the example shown below.
The D1.5 is factory tted with the CONTROL board and Digital OUT HD boards as standard, conguring it for
use as a dedicated SACD/CD transport. But, as noted in the introduction to this manual, you have the option to
specify additional boards to further increase functionality:
SYNC_IO board: provides advanced clock synchronization options (one clock input, two clock outputs) for use
with a CH DAC or an external 10MHz master clock such as the T1 Time Reference.
Monaural ANALOG_OUT: each board provides one fully balanced channel of analog audio output. Supplied as
a pair, labeled and color-coded for Left or Right channel.
These boards can be either factory-tted or installed later to upgrade an existing unit. If retro-tted, this must
be carried out by a qualied technician or you will void your unit’s warranty.
The example below shows a fully-loaded unit with all of the optional boards installed. If you are not using either
the Monaural ANALOG OUT boards or the SYNC IO board, simply ignore those connections.
If you don’t feel condent with the connections to be applied to your conguration, please contact your
authorized dealer for assistance.

D1.5 User Manual 13
1. Optional single-ended RCA analog output for R
channel (monaural ANALOG_OUT_R board)
2. Optional single-ended BNC analog output for R
channel (monaural ANALOG_OUT_R board)
3. Optional single-ended RCA analog output for L
channel (monaural ANALOG_OUT_L board)
4. Optional single-ended BNC analog output for L
channel (monaural ANALOG_OUT_L board)
5. Optical TOSLINK (S/PDIF) digital output [DIGITAL_
OUT_HD board]
6. XLR AES-EBU digital output [DIGITAL_OUT_HD
board]
7. BNC clock input. Provides 75 Ohm or Hi-Z input
[optional SNYC_IO board]
8. Ethernet port for connection to a local area
network for control via the CH Control Android App.
9. Analog ground connector 1
10. External power supply connector for X1 power
supply option
11. Power on/off switch
12. Optional balanced analog output for R channel
(monaural ANALOG-OUT-R board)
13. Optional balanced analog output for L channel
(monaural ANALOG-OUT-L board)
14. Coaxial RCA (S/PDIF) digital output [DIGITAL_
OUT_HD board]
15. CH Link HD digital output [DIGITAL_OUT_HD
board]
16. BNC 75 Ohm clock output 2 [optional SYNC_IO
board]
17. BNC 75 Ohm clock output 1 [optional SYNC_IO
board]
18. USB port for software upgrades [CONTROL
board]
19. Earth connector. Internally connected to digital
ground
20. Analog ground connector 2. Can be connected to
digital ground (Earth) using provided jumper
21. Power fuse and voltage selection
22. Power cord receptacle
Rear panel connections
1 53
2 6 7 8 9 10 114
12 13 14 15 17 2016 18 19 21 22

D1.5 User Manual 14
4.1 CONTROL board functionality
The CONTROL board is factory installed in the D1.5. It provides a USB port for software updates and an Ethernet
port for controlling the unit via a local area network and the CH Control App.
4.2 CONTROL board USB port
The USB port on the CONTROL board is dedicated to rmware updates of the D1.5 unit. Do not use it for any
other purpose. For more information on unit rmware update, please refer to the corresponding section of this
manual.
4.3 CONTROL board Ethernet port
The Ethernet port on the CONTROL board is dedicated to network-based control of this and other CH Precision
units. It is NOT an Ethernet audio input for le replay/streaming purposes. Audio streaming is an optional
feature available on the CH Precision C1 DAC/Controller and I1 Integrated amp, via the STREAMING INPUT HD
board.
5 Output capabilities
5.1 DIGITAL_OUT_HD board
Provides digital audio output capabilities.
Standard digital outputs
The DIGITAL_OUT_HD board provides three standard digital outputs: AES-EBU (carrying consumer encoding),
Coaxial (S/PDIF) and Optical (TOSLINK).
These three connectors can output different audio data formats and rates, depending on the type of optical disc
being played back (red-book CD, MQA-CD or SACD).
CD: The D1.5 can be congured to apply the rst step of MQA decoding, converting the raw 44.1kHz/16bit
MQA data extracted from the disc to 88.2kHz/24bit MQB audio. In that case, the format fed to the AES-EBU,
coaxial and optical connectors will be 88.2kHz/24bit for all CD playback (red book and MQA), to avoid on-the-
y sampling frequency change (upon MQA ag detection by the MQA decoder). When the digital outputs are
congured to 88.2kHz/24bits for CD playback, the MQA decoder is used to up-sample MQA CDs, while our
custom PEtER spline up-sampler is used for redbook CD.
SACD: When the DSD layer of an SACD is played, it is possible to select the format of the audio stream on
these outputs, depending on the external DAC’s capabilities: DSD (the raw bitstream is encapsulated on a
PCM frame to form a DoP stream), 176.4kHz (DSD is converted to very high resolution PCM format), 88.2kHz
(DSD is converted to high resolution PCM format), or 44.1kHz (DSD is converted to CD quality PCM audio).

D1.5 User Manual 15
CH Link HD digital audio interface
The DIGITAL_OUT_HD board includes a CH Link HD proprietary digital audio interface. This interface allows for
high denition uncompressed digital audio transfer and supports both DSD and PCM (up to 705.6 / 768 kHz).
For CD playback, output rate can be set to 1x Fs (raw MQA, and raw CD data at 44.1kHz) of to 2x Fs (MQB, and
up-sampled CD data at 88.2kHz).
For SACD playback, the original DSD bit-stream is transferred through this link.
Use CH Link HD as the preferred interface when connecting your D1.5 to other CH units such as the C1 DAC/
Controller or I1 Integrated amp.
5.2 Monaural ANALOG_OUT boards
A pair of monaural ANALOG_OUT boards can be installed in a D1.5 to provide true fully-balanced (XLR), single-
ended 75 Ohm (RCA) and single-ended 50 Ohm (BNC) analog audio outputs.
The Monaural ANALOG_OUT boards and DIGITAL_OUT_HD board can be combined, allowing the D1.5 to be both
an SACD/CD player and a transport.
MQA CDs get fully decoded and rendered to 352.8kHz prior to the D/A conversion. Red book CD 44.1kHz audio
streams get up-sampled to 352.8kHz using our PEtER spline-based algorithm prior to D/A conversion. SACD
DSD bit-stream also gets converted to DXD PCM by custom algorithm prior to conversion.
5.3 SYNC_IO board
The SYNC_IO board is an optional clock synchronization board to be used with an external 10MHz clock
generator such as the CH T1 Time Reference, or together with other CH products, such as the C1 DAC/Controller
or I1 Integrated amp. The board provides one clock input and two clock outputs on BNC connectors. The DCO
digital PLL of the D1.5 is capable of frequency and phase locking. The frequency is tracked below 0.1 Hz with
0.1PPM adjustments for optimal jitter rejection. When fed with an audio Word-clock, the D1.5’s internal clock will
always keep phase accuracy below 2.5 us (equivalent to sub-millimeter positional accuracy of audio sources).
BNC clock input (upper socket)
The SYNC_IO board provides a BNC clock input that can be congured as 75 Ohm input impedance or high
input impedance through the D1.5’s menu. Supported input frequencies on this connector are all standard audio
Word-clocks (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6 and 768 kHz), audio Master-clocks (22.5792 and
24.576 MHz), DSD bit-clock (2.8224 and 3.072MHz) and ultra-low jitter clock reference frequencies (100 kHz and
10 MHz). Use this connector to synchronize your D1.5 unit to an external clock source such as the CH T1 Time
Reference or external DAC, like the CH C1 or I1.
BNC clock outputs (middle and lower sockets)
Two 75 Ohm output clock connectors are also provided on the SYNC_IO board. Use one of these connectors
to synchronize an external device to your D1.5. The Output clock signal is either a buffered version of the input
clock (if the D1.5 is synchronized to an external clock source), or the word clock signal generated by the D1.5’s
internal high precision oscillator.

D1.5 User Manual 16
1. Standby LED
2. SACD/CD drawer
3. User control knob (dual concentric rotatory knob
with push function)
4. IR remote control receiver
5. Display area (high-denition AMOLED display
Front panel elements
6 External power supply connector
The external power supply connector allows you to add the optional CH Precision X1 power supply to your
D1.5 to further enhance performance. When the X1 is used, it completely replaces the D1.5’s internal power
supply, minimizing noise, reducing the noise-oor and increasing dynamic range and audio quality. With the X1
connected, the (small) standby transformer of the D1.5 remains active to ensure the unit’s wake up functionality,
so the power cord must be left in place.
7 Operation
The D1.5 SACD/CD unit can be operated from the front panel, from the handheld infra-red remote control or, if
connected to a dedicated, local area network, via the CH Control App installed on an Android tablet. Unit status
is indicated by the high-denition AMOLED display with customizable colors, or via the tablet screen if using
the Control App. The unit can be operated and fully congured using either the dual-concentric control or the
Control App.
7.1 Front panel controls
1 2 3
4 5

D1.5 User Manual 17
The standby LED lights up when the unit is in standby. It is normally turned-off during operation and shortly
lights up whenever it receives a valid IR remote control command. The LED can also be programmed to remain
on during operation. The display is a high-denition AMOLED panel with very wide viewing angle, high contrast
and high brightness ensuring optimal reading comfort. The color and brightness of the display can be congured
according to user’s taste and different colors can be chosen for CD, MQA, MQA Studio or SACD playback.
7.2 User control knob
The user control knob is built around a dual concentric rotary knob, complete with a central push function. Both
the central and the external part of the knob can be moved to the left or the right independently, giving six
movements:
External Rotate Left/Right [<<E]/[E>>].
Central Rotate Left/Right [<<C]/[C>>].
Central Knob Push – Normal Push [NP] and Long Push [LP].
For a Normal Push, just press the central part of the knob and release it immediately. For a Long Push, press and
hold the central part of the knob for at least two seconds.
1. External ring rotate Left [<<E]
2. Central knob rotate Left [<<C]
3. Central knob push. There are two types of push:
Normal Push [NP] and Long Push [LP]
4. External ring rotate Right [E>>]
5. Central knob rotate Right [C>>]
User control knob movements
1
2
3
4
5

D1.5 User Manual 18
8 Operating modes
The D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport has two main operating modes: Normal mode and Menu mode. Normal
mode is used to access standard playback controls whereas Menu mode is used to congure the unit. The D1.5
also includes the ability to program Shortcuts for quick access to user selected Menu mode items.
8.1 Normal mode
Normal mode is used for SACD/CD playback control. When powered-on, the D1.5 SACD/CD unit starts in Normal
mode. The display will look like this:
In the example above, the 7th track of an SACD is being played back. Total elapsed time is 28min 34s, phase is
inverted and the whole disc is repeated. The D1.5 is powered through an external power supply and is locked to
its internal clock but its outputs are muted.
Normal mode display elements
1. Disc layer selected (SACD or CD). Also shows when
MQA or MQA Studio is detected and decoded.
2. Playing status indication
3. Time display mode. Indicates TOTAL if time
information is relative to the whole disc
4. Mute indication. If the7 symbol is present, the
output is muted
5. Repeat indication. If the symbol:is present,
repeat mode is engaged
6. Repeat type. If repeat is for the whole disc, the
indication ALL is activated
7. Current time. Negative time indicates remaining
time (either for track or for disc)
8. Polarity (phase) indication. If theHsymbol is
present, polarity is reversed
9. External power supply indication. When
an external power supply is connected and
engaged, <symbol is displayed and internal power
supply is turned off
10. Clock source indication
11. Lock indication (J orI). Indicates if the unit is
locked to a clock source or not
12. Track number
12
11
6
8
7
12 3 4
10
5
9

D1.5 User Manual 19
8.2 Normal mode control actions
To wake the unit up from STANDBY, apply a Normal Push [NP].
User Control Knob Action Unit State Unit Action
[NP] Normal Push OPEN Closes the drawer and reads the disc’s TOC (STOP)
Any other state Enter Shortcuts mode
[LP] Long Push OPEN Closes the drawer and goes to STANDBY
Any other state Go to STANDBY
[C>>] Center Rotate Right OPEN Closes the drawer and reads the disc’s TOC (STOP)
STOP Start playback (PLAY)
PLAY Go into pause (PAUSE)
PAUSE Resume playback (PLAY)
[<<C] Center Rotate Left OPEN Do nothing
STOP Open the drawer (OPEN)
PLAY Stop playback (STOP)
PAUSE Resume playback (PLAY)
[E>>] External Rotate Right OPEN Do nothing
STOP Skip through tracks
forward and starts playback (PLAY)
PLAY Skip to next track
PAUSE Skip through tracks forward
[<<E] External Rotate Left OPEN Do nothing
STOP Skip through tracks backward and starts
playback (PLAY)
PLAY/ PAUSE Skip to track begin, then to previous tracks
on subsequent [<<E]

D1.5 User Manual 20
8.3 Menu mode
The Menu mode allows for Conguration and Setup of the D1.5 SACD/CD player/transport. If no shortcut is
dened, you enter Menu mode from Normal mode by applying a single Normal Push [NP].
Otherwise, successive Normal Pushes [NP] will take you through all shortcuts before reaching the DETAILED
SETUP screen. Apply an External or Central Rotate Right [E>> or C>>] to enter the Menu mode.
Navigation in Menu mode is based on Central Rotate Left/Right [<<C]/[C>>] to select a given menu item and
External Rotate Left/Right [<<E]/[E>>] to change menu level.
User Control Knob Action Unit Action
[NP] Normal Push Enter next menu level or Validate choice (save setting)
[LP] Long Push Puts the unit into Standby
[C>>] Center Rotate Right Move to next menu item downward
[<<C] Center Rotate Left Move to next menu item upward
[E>>] External Rotate Right Enter next menu level
[<<E] External Rotate Left Return to previous menu level without saving