Gato Audio CDD-1 User manual

CDD-1 CD-player/DAC
Anniversary Edition
User Manual

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 2
Contents
Don’t Be a Stranger 3
Contents 3
Safety First! 4
About the CDD-1 5
General Design 5
CD Transport 5
Digital Inputs 5
DAC 5
Analogue Stage 5
Components 5
PCB design 5
Fine-Tuning by Ear 5
Set-Up 6
Basic Connection 6
Overview 6
CD Mode 7
Power On 7
Stand by 7
Using the Clamp 7
Loading Disc 8
TOC (Table of Contents) Display 8
No Disc/Read Error 8
Playing a CD 8
Pause 8
Stop 8
Scan Reverse/Forward 9
Direct Track Selection 9
Repeat 9
Display modes 9
DAC Mode 10
Input Selection 10
Digital Input 10
Depth and Resolution 10
Changing Input While Playing a CD 10
RC-4 Remote Control 11
Installing USB Driver 12
Requirements 12
Windows PC Installation and Set-Up 12
Mac Installation and Set-Up 13
Make It Last! 14
If All Else Fails… 14
Technical specications 15

User Manual
Page 3
Don’t Be a Stranger
Thank you for purchasing the Gato Audio CDD-1. We are absolutely condent that it will bring you many hours of listening pleasure.
We hereby cordially invite you to join the Gato Audio family by registering your product online. You may also consider signing up for our
newsletter to receive information about exciting new products, events and technical updates. We are also present on several social media
like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and LinkedIn.
All this and more on www.gato-audio.com
Our very best,
Gato Audio
Contents
Please check that the following items are present and accounted for:
• 1 Gato Audio CDD-1 CD-player/DAC
• 1 Gato Audio CDD-1 clamp
• 1 Gato Audio RC-4 Remote Control
• CR2032 3 V battery
• 1 Mains Cable
• 1 CD-ROM with USB driver for Windows
• This Manual - it’s in your hand 

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 4
Safety First!
Mains Plug and AC Cable
• Insert the mains plug fully into the mains outlet socket
• Use only the original mains cable provided
• Do not move the CDD-1 while it is connected to mains
• Do not place heavy objects on the mains cable or place the cable near any source of heat
• Do not use damaged mains plugs or socket outlets
Liquids
Electricity and liquids are never a safe combination, therefore:
• When cleaning the CDD-1, remove the mains plug
• Do not handle the mains plug with wet hands
• Do not spray any liquid directly onto the CDD-1
• Do not place liquid containers above or near the CDD-1
• In short, keep all liquids well away from the CDD-1
…And
• This is not a toy and should not be handled like one (by children OR adults)
• Do not remove the covers of the CDD-1 (for service, see page 14)
• Do not attempt to insert foreign objects into the CDD-1 (for service, see page 14)
• Do not cover the CDD-1 with cloth or block the air vents in any way
• Place the CDD-1 only on a stable, horizontal surface
• When the CDD-1 will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the mains plug
• This unit is made for indoor temperature (15-25OC or 59-77 OF). If it has been exposed to cold temperature, let it adjust itself to indoor
temperature before use
• Make sure that the CDD-1 is able to breathe with unobstructed free space on all sides
• This is a Class 1 laser product. Class 1 is the lowest hazard classication of lasers and poses no threat to skin or eyes - even if you look
directly into the beam. But don’t be a hero and try to stare into the laser anyway...

User Manual
Page 5
About the CDD-1
General Design
Developing CD players and digital-to-analogue converters (DAC’s) is almost an art form, a delicate mix of digital and analogue signal
circuits that must combine the best of both worlds. Advanced software and microprocessor technology keep track of every movement
and build a bridge between man and machine. The CDD-1 is designed to match the Gato Audio AMP-150 integrated amplier and the
PRD-3S preamp + PWR-222 mono power ampliers to perfection; together, their performance and styling set them apart from all other
contenders in high end audio today.
CD Transport
A stable platform for retrieving data from the CD is essential for playback of the highest delity. The renowned Philips CDpro2LF drive is
mounted in approximately 1 kg of solid machined aluminium suspended in a tripod of Sorbothane® viscoelastic material to ensure not
only ultra-low mechanical resonance, but also high damping of external vibrations.
The special clamp/lid solution secures and stabilises the CD and acts as a protective cover for the delicate mechanics in one simple
movement.
Digital Inputs
The selected input source (CD, USB or S/PDIF) is fed into our high quality selector circuit and passed on to the state of the art sample rate
converter which upsamples all inputs to 24-bit/192 kHz. This enables the use of gentler and less harsh digital and analogue lters later in
the process.
DAC
All retrieved inputs, CD, USB or S/PDIF is fed into our high quality selector circuit and passed on to a state of the art sample rate converter,
converting all inputs to 24 Bit/192 kHz. This enables the use of softer and less harsh digital and analogue lters later in the process.
The dual mono, dual dierential coupled D to A converter circuit with outstanding technical quality and theoretically 132 dB dynamic
range – converts and process the digital data. Specially selected balanced I/V converters and soft HF lters oers precise and dynamic
sound that is true to life.
Analogue Stage
Specially selected components and circuits are crucial to achieving the nest analogue performance. The CDD-1 features super low noise,
wide-bandwidth amplication and special signal relays originally developed to handle extremely sensitive telecommunications signals.
Close proximity to the output connectors ensures a very short signal path, low noise and minimal distortion. Many hundreds of hours have
been invested in ne-tuning this critical section of the CDD-1.
Components
Every single component in the CDD-1 must live up to stringent production tolerances and over-specied values, but equally importantly,
selection of any component is contingent upon approval of its sonic capabilities through an obstacle course of intensive listening tests.
Simply put, if it does not sound right in its circuitry environment, we cannot use it, regardless of how good its measured values are. This
is the only way to maintain a natural, crisp and clear soundstage. Most CDD-1 components operate at a mere 30% of their maximum
workload capacity during normal use to ensure longevity and minimum stress for the player.
PCB design
Internally, the CDD-1 is divided into three parts, each with its own separate, dedicated printed circuit board:
1.Control board with advanced Motorola Coldre microprocessor and various interface functions, such as display, knobs, etc.
2.Power supply with a total of three transformers and nine regulated sources for stability and minimal interference between circuits.
3.Digital and analogue audio circuits, connectors and USB device.
Fine-Tuning by Ear
The nal 5% of ne-tuning and voicing is by far the most complicated and time-consuming aspect of our development work. Each time a
single critical component is replaced, it often requires modication of voltage and current supplies and consequently, listening evaluation
starts all over again.
In addition, blind-test listening is used, not just in our own reference installation, but also in various other systems, in order to evaluate the
CDD-1 just as thoroughly as every other product in our range.

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 6
3
2
4
4
,
1
4
8
8
8
,
2
9
6
total
time
1
7
6
,
4
1
9
2
CDD-1
InputStandby Display Previous Play Next
3
2
4
4
,
1
4
8
8
8
,
2
9
6
total
time
1
7
6
,
4
1
9
2
Set-Up
Basic Connection
Follow these steps to install CDD-1 in your system:
1.Place the CDD-1 as per the instructions on page 4
2.Connect digital inputs to the CDD-1
3.Connect the CDD-1 outputs to an amplier
4.Connect mains power to the CDD-1 and turn it on
5.Remove the clamp and place CD in the drive, and put the clamp back on. Enjoy!
Overview
RL
RL
Out In
Bal out
Mains
230 VAC 60W max T=315mA
Only replace fuse with same type and rating
DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO MOISTURE OR RAIN.
RCA out S PDIF
/
ANALOGUE DIGITAL
USB
Neutral
Live
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
Made in
Denmark
Mains
lead
Mains
switch
S/PDIF
input
USB
input
S/PDIF
output
Balanced
output
RCA
output
Toggle display
layout
Next track /
Scan forward
Previous track /
Scan reverse
Standby Digital input
selection
Play / Pause / Stop
Previous track/
Scan backward
USB
Track/Bit
S/PDIF
Next track/
Scan forward/
Play/Pause
Repeat Disc/Status
Resolution
IR sensor
Time/
Resolution
Standby/
Dim LED
Display with Time, Track and Input indication

User Manual
Page 7
CDD-1
InputStandby Display Previous Play Next
CDD-1
InputStandby Display Previous Play Next
CDD-1
InputStandby Display Previous Play Next
CDD-1
InputStandby Display Previous Play Next
CD Mode
The CDD-1 is actually two machines in one: a CD player and a DAC. The following chapter will describe the CD player.
Power On
Use the rear panel mains switch to power up the CDD-1. The CDD-1 is now in standby mode.
Stand by
The CDD-1 can exit or enter stand by mode by pressing Standby on the front panel or on the remote control. The CDD-1 will need a
few moments before it is ready. Only the microprocessor and the standby LED are powered during standby. Therefore, the CDD-1 has an
ultra-low standby power consumption of less than 1W.
Using the Clamp
The clamp has several functions. It attaches the disc rmly to the drive motor and protects both drive and disc during playback. The clamp
is aligned and held in place by magnets and can be placed in eight dierent positions. Follow these simple instructions to familiarise
yourself with the clamp:
Start by placing a CD in the drive with the label side up.
When the clamp is lifted from the drive, the display will write “No Clamp”.
Reverse these steps to remove the clamp and change disc: Turn the clamp left or right to loosen it, lift it up, change disc.
To protect the CD drive and laser, we recommend leaving the clamp in place on the CD drive, also when it is not in use.
Place the clamp on top of the disc. Then turn the clamp left or right
until it snaps into place.

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 8
Loading Disc
When the clamp is in place, the CDD-1 will immediately start searching for and reading the disc TOC (Table
of Contents). Meanwhile, the display will write “Reading”.
No Disc/Read Error
If the clamp is placed in an empty drive or if the disc TOC is unreadable, the display will write“No Disc”.
Pause
To pause CD playback, press Play on the front of the player or on the remote control. The play symbol will
start blinking in the display. Press again to continue playing.
Stop
To stop playback, press and hold Play on the front of the CDD-1 or press the button on remote control.
The display will show the disc TOC when the CD has been stopped.
Playing a CD
When the TOC has been loaded successfully, press Play on the CDD-1 or on the remote control.
The Play symbol will be lit and the arrow will show the progress of the track - from start to the end of the
track. At the end of the track, the arrow will return to zero and start displaying the progress of the next track.
TOC (Table of Contents) Display
When the CDD-1 has read the TOC, it will display the number of tracks and the complete length of the disc.
The disc status indicator will be lit and the arrow will also show how much space is being used on the
disc. A full disc contains 80 minutes on this scale. If the disc contains more than 80 minutes, the arrow will go
beyond the scale.
If a disc is loaded while the CDD-1 is in another input mode (USB or S/PDIF ), the CDD-1 will still
search for the TOC, but the TOC will not be displayed until CD input mode is selected.
Full disc/
80 min.
Disc length
Empty disc
Tracks

User Manual
Page 9
Display modes
Press the Display button on the front panel of the CDD-1 to toggle between three dierent display modes:
Direct Track Selection
On the remote control, press the number buttons to select a track directly. To select a track number greater
than 10, press the 10+ button followed by the appropriate number button (for instance, for track 13, press
10+ and 3). To select a track above 20, press 10+ twice followed by the appropriate number button. And so
on...
Scan Reverse/Forward
To scan backwards, press and hold Previous on the front of the CDD-1 or press and hold the button on
the remote control. To scan forward, press and hold Next on the front of the CDD-1 or press and hold the
button on the remote control. Scan speed will increase if the button is held more than 10 seconds.
Select Previous/Next Track
Press Previous or Next on the front panel of the CDD-1 to skip to the previous or the next track or use the
or the buttons on the remote control.
Total disc length
The arrow shows the progess of the entire
disc while the digital read-out count down
the tracks
Normal display mode
The arrow shows the progess of a
track along with the digital read-out
Repeat
Press the button to set the CDD-1 in Repeat mode. Press again to toggle through: Repeat All - Repeat 1 - No
Repeat.
Dimmed display
One dot only

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 10
DAC Mode
Before connecting the CDD-1 to your computer via USB, please read installation instructions on page 12.
Input Selection
Press Input on the CDD-1 or the button on the remote control to switch between input sources on the
CDD-1. See the order of the inputs in the gure on the right.
Digital Input
When a digital input has been selected, the display will change. Small numbers will light up on the display
perimeter and the digital read-out will show bit rate. If no signal is recognized by the CDD-1, the display will
write “No Input” and the arrow will point at zero.
Depth and Resolution
When a digital signal has been recognized by the CDD-1, the bit depth will be displayed and the arrow will
indicate the resolution, as shown in the example to the right; 24 bit, 192 kHz.
Changing Input While Playing a CD
If you change input on the CDD-1 while playing a CD, the CDD-1 will automatically pause playback. If you
return to the CD input within a minute, the CD will automatically resume playing. If you do not return to the
CD input within a minute, the CD will stop.
CD
S/PDIFUSB

User Manual
Page 11
RC-4 Remote Control
The RC-4 is an infrared remote control for the Gato Audio CDD-1 and AMP-150.
How to insert/replace the battery
The RC-4 runs on a standard CR2032 3 V button battery.
1.Remove the small lid on the bottom side of the remote
2.Insert or replace the CR2032 3 V button battery
3.Reinstall the small lid on the bottom side of the remote
Functions:
Standby
Mute
Volume up
Volume down
Next input channel
Previous input channel
Play/Pause
CD Input Select
Repeat
Stop
Next Track/Scan Forward
Previouse Track/Scan Backward
1-9/ 10+ Direct Track Selection
- Press the button to put the CDD-1 in standby
-Press it again to turn it on
- Press the button to mute the amplier
-Press it again to return to the previous volume level
- Press the button to increase the volume
- Press the button to decrease the volume
- Press the button to select next input channel
- Press the button to select previous input channel
- Press to toggle between inputs on the CDD-1
- Press to set the CDD-1 in Repeat mode
- Press the button to top playing
- Press the button to select the next track
-Press and hold to scan forward
- Press the button to select previous track
-Press and hold to scan backward
+
These functions are not available on the CDD-1

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 12
Installing USB Driver
Requirements
Minimum computer conguration required for USB audio streaming:
• Intel Core 2 @ 1.6 GHz, or AMD equivalent with 1 GB RAM
• USB 2.0 interface
• One of the following operating systems:
• Windows XP with SP3 (32 bit)
• Windows Vista with SP2 (32 bit & 64 bit)
• Windows 7, 8 and 10 (32 bit & 64 bit)
• Apple OS X 10.6.4 (Snow Leopard) or higher
Because there are so many PC congurations out there, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to stream audio on USB even if your
system meets the requirements above.
Windows PC Installation and Set-Up
Before you are able to stream audio from USB on your Windows PC the rst time, you will have to install the Gato Audio USB driver. A CD-ROM
with a USB driver is supplied with the CDD-1, but we recommend to go online to www.gato-audio.com and download the latest driver for
your specic Windows version. You will nd it in the download section in the bottom of the CDD-1 product page.
Connect your CDD-1 to a free USB port on your computer and start setup.exe, either from the CD-ROM or the downloaded driver.
Click Next to start installation
Click Finish to complete the installation
Choose your prefered destination for the
installation and click Install
During the installation process on Windows XP,
you may see this message. Please just click
Continue anyway
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User Manual
Page 13
Mac Installation and Set-Up
No driver installation is needed on the Mac. The driver will be
installed automatically when the CDD-1 is connected to your Mac
for the rst time.
To set up your Mac to send audio to the CDD-1:
Open Finder Choose Utilities Open Audio MIDI setup
In Audio MIDI setup select the Gato Audio USB 2.0 device and then
choose Use this device for sound output. Set your sample rate and
bit resolution at Format.
After the installation, follow these steps to setup Windows to stream to your Gato Audio device:
Click Start open Control panel Select Hardware & sound click on Sound
Select Gato Audio CDD-1 as
playback device and click Set Default
To adjust output format, click Properties and
select the Advanced tab

Gato Audio CDD-1 - CD-player / DAC
Page 14
Make It Last!
Please apply simple common sense in order to maintain sound quality and extend the lifespan of the CDD-1. Here are a few guidelines:
• Regular care: wipe the surfaces carefully with a clean, soft, dry cloth
• Cleaning: if necessary, wipe surfaces clean with a soft cloth dampened only with clean water.
• Grease stains or ngerprints can be removed carefully with a clean, soft cloth lightly dampened in a mix of clean, lukewarm water and
a single drop of household washing-up liquid. Then wipe the surface dry with a soft, dry cloth
• Be careful never to use hot water or any type of concentrated cleaning agent, solvent, thinner or any other volatile substance. This
could cause permanent damage to the surface
• Do not expose the CDD-1 to direct sunlight or other heat sources
If All Else Fails…
…Don’t panic! Every Gato Audio product is covered by a minimum two-year warranty. See our website for details.
This warranty does not cover damage or wear directly or indirectly caused by improper use, violence, tampering with or unauthorized
access to or servicing of any part of the product.
In the unlikely event that your CDD-1 should ever require service or repair, please do not hesitate to contact us at [e-mail]
or visit our website www.gato-audio.com for more information.

User Manual
Page 15
Technical specifications
Technical Specications
Output Level
Output Impedance
Frequency Response
THD+N
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Digital Inputs
Drive
Digital Output
Connectors
Balanced Analogue Output
Unbalanced Analogue Output
Digital Output
Digital Inputs
Size & Power
Power Requirements
Fuse
Power Consumption
Dimensions (WxHxD)
Weight
2.2 V unbalanced, 4.4 V balanced
100 Ω unbalanced, 200 Ω balanced
20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.2 dB
0,002 %
120 dB
Up to 24 bits @ 192 kHz (S/PDIF and USB input)
Compatible with red book CD and CD-R
75 Ω coaxial S/PDIF
1 pair gold-plated XLR Neutrik
1 pair gold-plated RCA
1 pc. gold-plated RCA
1 pc. gold-plated RCA and 1 pc. USB type B
115 VAC or 230 VAC, 50 Hz or 60 Hz
20 mm sand-lled, 630 mA @ 115 V, 315 mA @ 230 V
Stand by <1 W, Playing<30 W , Max<60 W
325 x 110 x 375 mm / 12.8 x 4.3 x 14.8 “
10 Kg. / 22 lbs.

510036 GA CDD-1 MAN 1.1 XXXX
Gato Audio
Marielundvej 28
DK-2730 Herlev
Denmark
Phone: [phone]
www.gato-audio.com
[email protected]