moon Neo 260D User manual

Owner’s Manual
Series
260D
CD Transport
with optional
32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or another apparatus that produces
heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
prong is provided for safety. If the provided plug does not fit into the outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of
the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus. Unplug mains cord during transportation.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as when the power cord or plug has been damaged; liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
apparatus; or the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. No naked flame sources, such as candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Important Safety Instructions (cont’d)
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the 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 (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the
EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of the
European Community
Please read all instructions and precautions carefully and completely
before operating your Simaudio MOON Nēo
260D CD Transport.
1. ALWAYS disconnect your entire system from the AC mains before connecting or disconnecting any cables,
or when cleaning any component. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC mains, disconnect
the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
2. The MOON 260D must be terminated with a three-conductor AC mains power cord which includes an earth
ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, all three connections must ALWAYS be used. Connect the
MOON 260D only to an AC source of the proper voltage; Both the shipping box and rear panel serial number
label will indicate the correct voltage. Use of any other voltage will likely damage the unit and void the
warranty
3. AC extension cords are NOT recommended for use with this product. The mains plug of the power supply
cord shall remain readily accessible.
4. NEVER use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
5. NEVER operate the MOON 260D with any covers removed. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. An
open unit, especially if it is still connected to an AC source, presents a potentially lethal shock hazard. Refer
all questions to authorized service personnel only.
6. NEVER wet the inside of the MOON 260D with any liquid. If a liquid substance does enter your MOON
260D, immediately disconnect it from the AC mains and take it to your MOON dealer for a complete check-
up.
7. NEVER spill or pour liquids directly onto the MOON 260D.
8. NEVER block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
9. NEVER bypass any fuse.
10. NEVER replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified
11. NEVER attempt to repair the MOON 260D. If a problem occurs contact your MOON dealer.
12. NEVER expose the MOON 260D to extremely high or low temperatures.
13. NEVER operate the MOON 260D in an explosive atmosphere.
14. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
15. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
16. WARNING: Do not expose batteries or battery pack to excessive heat such as sunshine, or fire or the like.
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................... 5
Unpacking........................................................ 6
Installation & Placement ................................... 6
Front Panel Controls ......................................... 7
Rear Panel Connections ..................................... 9
SimLink™ .......................................................10
Operating the 260D .........................................10
Balanced Operation ....................................... 10
Remote Control Operation ................................11
Specifications .................................................13
www.simaudio.com
Simaudio Ltd., 1345 Newton Road
Boucherville, Quebec J4B 5H2 CANADA
Date Code: 20130903
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
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5
Introduction
Thank you for selecting the MOON Nēo 260D CD Transport as a part of your music/cinema system. This component has
been designed to offer state-of-the-art high-end performance in an elegant package, while retaining all the sonic hallmarks on
which Simaudio has made its reputation. We have spared no effort to ensure that it is amongst
the finest CD Transports
available in its class. We have been building high-performance audio equipment for over 30 years, and the know-how gained
through our cumulative experience is an important reason why MOON digital audio products are so musically satisfying.
The performance of your Nēo 260D will continue to improve during the first 400 hours of listening. This is the result of a
“break-in” period required for the numerous high quality electronic parts used throughout this CD Transport.
Before setting up your new 260D, we encourage you to please read this manual thoroughly to properly acquaint yourself with
its features. We hope you enjoy listening to the Nēo 260D CD Transport as much as the pride we have taken in creating this
fine audio product. We understand the power and emotion of music and build our products with the goal of faithfully
capturing these elusive qualities.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version
of this manual is available on our official website at http://www.simaudio.com/manuals.htm
Your Nēo 260D CD Transport incorporates many significant design features to achieve its “world class” level of performance.
This is an abbreviated list of the more important features:
Proprietary CD drive system with in-house developed hardware & software.
CD drive system mounted on our M-Quattro gel-based 4-point floating suspension for vibration damping, allowing ambient
and spatial cues in your recordings to come to life like never before
Two (2) digital outputs – S/PDIF and AES/EBU
Oversized power supply with up to 13 stages of voltage regulation (5 for Transport and 8 for the DAC)
RS-232 port for (i) full unsolicited bidirectional feedback and (ii) firmware updates and IR input for external control with
aftermarket infrared remote control receivers
Rigid chassis construction to minimize the effects of external vibrations.
With Optional Digital-to-Analog Converter:
32-bit asynchronous DAC
Four (4) digital inputs (S/PDIF x 2, TosLink x 1 and USB x 1) allowing for a connection to virtually any digital source
USB input with galvanic isolation which eliminates all ground current (i.e. no electrical connection) between the USB
device (computer,music server, etc) and the 260D, preserving the accuracy of the audio signal
Advanced analog signal path using a DC servo circuit and proprietary analog filter.

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
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6
Unpacking
The Nēo 260D CD Transport should be removed from its box with care.
The following accessories should be included inside the box with your CD Transport:
9 AC power cable
9 ‘CRM-2’ remote control with two ‘AA’ batteries
9 ‘SimLink’ cable with 1/8” mini plug terminations on each end
9 This owner’s manual
9 Warranty and product registration information (USA and Canada only)
Once the Nēo 260D is unpacked, inspect it thoroughly and report any damage to your dealer immediately. We suggest that
you keep all of the original packaging, storing it in a safe, dry place in case you’re required to transport this product. The
customized packaging is specially designed to protect the 260D from any potential damage during transit.
Please write the serial number of your new Nēo 260D in the space provided below for future reference.
Serial No.: ________________
Installation & Placement
The Nēo 260D requires only minimal ventilation to maintain an optimum and consistent operating temperature. However,
you should avoid placing it near a heat source as this could compromise the CD Transport’s performance and reliability. As
well, it should be placed on a solid level surface. The 260D uses a toroidal transformer; even though it is well shielded, you
should not place the CD Transport too close to source components sensitive to EMI, such as a turntables.
Compact discs are easily damaged, and must be kept very clean. Always store them in their cases. Dirty or finger-marked
discs will reproduce music poorly. Moreover, the transport may even mute parts of a track, or be unable to find some tracks.
If you need to clean a CD remember to use a soft lint-free cloth, using a radial action (i.e. starting from the center and aiming
towards the edges). Do not attempt to clean a compact disc using a rotating motion.

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Front Panel Controls
Figure 1: Nēo 260D Front panel
The front panel will look similar to Figure 1 (above). The large digital display window indicates the track number of the
compact disc currently playing (or the total number of tracks in stop mode) and corresponding time information. For units
equipped with the
optional 32-bit DAC , the display will indicate the selected digital input (“D1” thru “D4”) and the
corresponding sampling frequency in kHz (“44.1” thru “192.0”) of the source material currently being played.
The “Standby” button disengages all internal circuitry from the power supply, except for the controller circuit and the IR
receiver. The blue indicator LED turns off when the Nēo 260D is in “Standby” mode. The 260D will automatically go into
standby mode after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity. However, you can disable this
automatic standby feature by
pressing and holding the “Program” button for two seconds until “0 EuP” appears in the display window. To revert back to the
default mode, simply repeat this operation; press and hold the “Program” button for two seconds until appears “1 EuP” in the
display window.
The “Program” button allows you to program a selection of tracks to play in any desired order. After loading a compact disc
into the Nēo 260D, select the first track you wish to listen to, using the or buttons and then press “Program”. To
program a second track, select it the same way you did for the first one and press “Program” again. Repeat this operation as
many times as you want to program tracks to a maximum of 30 tracks. Once you’ve completed programming your track
selection(s), the digital display window will show the number of tracks that have been programmed and their total time. To
begin playing your programmed selections, simply press the Xbutton. Pressing will only suspend the playing of the
programmed selection. Pressing a second time will clear your program selection from the 260D’s memory. As well, opening
the top drawer at any time will also clear your program. After you begin creating your program list, the LED immediately to
the left of the “Program” button will illuminate and remain on until you clear your program from memory.
The “Display” button allows you to turn the digital display on and off.
Pressing the “Repeat” button once results in the entire disc being played again once it has reached the end of the final track.
Pressing “Repeat” a second time will result in the track currently playing being repeated again once it has ended. To cancel
this mode, simply press the “Repeat” button a third time or open the CD drawer. There are two (2) LED’s located to the left of
the “Repeat” button; The top one will illuminate when the current track is being repeated and both will illuminate when the
entire disc is being repeated. If you have created a program of selected tracks, pressing “Repeat” once will result in your
entire program repeating itself once it has completed its cycle; Pressing “Repeat” a second time will result in the current track
from your program being played again once it has ended; Pressing “Repeat” a third time will terminate the “Repeat” mode.
For units equipped with the
optional 32-bit DAC , the “Input” button is used to select an external digital source by sequentially
scrolling through four (4) digital inputs: D1 and D2 use an RCA connector for a S/PDIF digital signal; D3 uses a TosLink
connector for an optical digital signal and D4 uses a USB type B connector for use with a computer equipped with a USB port
and music player software such as iTunes, J-River, Winamp, etc. Note: you cannot connect a USB flash drive to the “D4”
input. When you change inputs, the display window will show the new digital input and briefly, four (4) dashes “----”. These
dashes indicate that the Nēo 260D is in the process of locking onto a digital signal – this may take several seconds.
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
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8
Front Panel Controls (cont’d)
Once the Nēo 260D successfully locks onto the digital signal, the four dashes will be replaced by the sampling rate frequency
of this digital signal. When the DAC cannot lock onto the selected digital input signal, “----” remains in the display window.
The 260D’s DAC is capable of processing a digital signal at one of the following six (6) different sampling rates: “44.1”,
“48.0”, “88.2”, “96.0” , “176.4” and “192.0” (all in kHz).
To return back to the disc input, simply press the “Input” button; the disc input follows the “D4” input.
The “Random” button, when pressed, will play each of the tracks on a compact disc in a completely random order, as opposed
to the sequential order as they appear on the disc. If you have already created a program of selected tracks, it will play these
programmed tracks in a random order. The LED located immediately to the left of the “Random” button will illuminate when
you’ve engaged the random mode.
The “Time” button allows you to scroll through the four (4) different display modes for time related information. Each time
you press the “Time” button, the system scrolls to the next time information mode. By default, the Nēo 260D will display the
elapsed time of the track currently playing. The scrolling order is as follows:
1. Elapsed time of the current track
2. Remaining time of the current track
3. Elapsed time of the entire compact disc (or programmed tracks)
4. Remaining time of the entire compact disc (or programmed tracks)
If you want to turn the display off, press and hold the “Display” button for 3 seconds. When the display is turned off, it will
still come back on for a short period of time whenever you press any of the buttons located on the front panel or the remote
control; the display will automatically turn off again once you are done. To turn the display back on, simply press and hold the
“Display” button for 3 seconds. Finally, the display mode that you select will continue to be used until you either select
another mode or power down the Nēo 260D using the main power switch located on the rear panel.
To load a compact disc into the Nēo 260D, press Sto open the drawer. While the drawer is opened, four (4) dashes “----”
will appear in the display. Place the CD in the drawer with the label side facing up. To close the drawer, press Sagain; Once
the CD is successfully read, the total number of tracks and total playing time will appear in the display window. As a result of
various copy protection schemes, some CDs will take longer to read than others.
When you load a CD that contains no musical tracks (i.e. data only), the word ‘DATA’ will appear in the display window. As
well, if you load a disc that is not compatible with the 260D (i.e. SACD, DVD-A, DVD-Video etc), the phrase ‘NO DISC’ will
appear in the display window. Finally, when you inadvertently leave the drawer open, it will automatically close
after approximately three (3) minutes.
Press Xto begin playing a compact disc. Pressing Xwhile a track is already playing will result in the current track
immediately playing again, starting from the beginning. Press to search backward or to search forward through the
compact disc’s tracks. When you’ve located the track number, press Xto begin playing that track. When you initiate a
forward or backward track change while a disc is already playing, it will automatically start playing the track you select; you
need not press X.
Pressto pause the compact disc currently playing. The disc will continue spinning and the laser will be suspended in its
current position. Pressa second time or Xto resume playing the disc. Press to stop the compact disc from playing. The
laser will return to the start position of the disc.

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Rear Panel Connections
Figure 2: Nēo 260D Rear panel
The rear panel will look similar to Figure 2 (above). The analog outputs are on the left side; There are two pairs, “Right” and
“Left”, each with a single-ended RCA and balanced XLR connector. These are “Fixed Level” outputs, intended to be connected
to a line-level input on either your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. We strongly recommend that you use the balanced XLR
connectors on your 260D to maximize its level of performance. Both pairs of analog outputs can be used simultaneously if
required. Don’t hesitate to use high quality interconnect cables*. Poor quality interconnect cables can degrade the overall
sonic performance of your system.
Next is a group of four (4) “Digital Inputs” labelled “D1” thru “D4”. Inputs “D1” and “D2” are S/PDIF on RCA connectors,
benefitting most from cables with an impedance of 75Ω. Input “D3” is Optical and uses a Toslink connector. Finally, input
“D4” is USB type-B connector. Next, are two digital outputs; AES/EBU on a XLR connector (that benefits most from a 110Ω
digital audio cable terminated with XLR connectors) and SPDIF on an RCA connector. Don’t hesitate to use high quality digital
interconnect cables*.
The right side of the rear panel has various connectors for external communications. The Nēo 260D is equipped with full-
function bi-directional RS-232 port control and status for custom integration or automation, as well as future software
updates. Next to the RS-232 port are two (2) “SimLink™” connectors labeled “in” and “out” on 1/8” mini jacks. Please refer to
the next section entitled SimLink™ for more details. Then there is a 1/8” mini-jack input for use with aftermarket infrared
remote control receivers.
Finally on the far right side is the main power switch (“0”=off, “1”=on), the IEC receptacle, labeled “AC Input” for the
included AC power cord, and the “AC Fuse” socket cover. Connect the supplied AC power cable to the IEC receptacle. Ensure
that the AC wall outlet you use has a functioning ground. For the best sonic performance, it is preferable that you plug your
260D directly into a dedicated AC outlet and avoid using an extension cord.
* Please speak with your MOON Authorized Retailer about the benefits of high quality cables for your system.
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9

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
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10
SimLink™
The main feature of SimLink™ on the Nēo 260D, involves the “Standby” function. By pressing down and holding the
“Standby” button for 2 seconds on the 260D, all other MOON components connected via the SimLink will go into “Standby”
mode along with the 260D. The same logic applies when switching from “Standby” to active mode.
The connection rules for the SimLink™ are very straightforward. You must always connect the supplied cable between one
component’s “SimLink™ Out” jack and another component’s “SimLink™ In” jack. If you inadvertently connect the cable
between either two “SimLink™ In” or two “SimLink™ Out” jacks, the SimLink™ communication feature may not function. Also,
there is no master component in a SimLink™ chain; no one particular component operates as the main communications
controller. If you are using your Nēo 260D with an older MOON product such as a P-7, P-8 or i-7, you will need to update the
software of the older product to allow for complete SimLink™ functionality. Contact your retailer for further details.
Operating the Nēo 260D
Turning on your Nēo 260D for the first time
Prior to turning the CD Transport on for the first time, make sure that every cable is properly connected to avoid any
problems. Flick the main rocker switch, located on the rear panel, labeled “POWER” to the ‘1’ (on) position. Next, briefly press
the push button labeled “Standby” located on the front panel. You will hear a very faint click sound confirming that everything
is in order. The blue LED on the front panel will illuminate, indicating that the 260D is now powered up and ready for use.
On and Off Sequence
To avoid having any annoying noises (ie. “thumps” and “pops”) emanate from your speakers when powering your 260D on or
off, you should always power up your 260D before powering up your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or power amplifier. As
well, always power down your 260D after powering down your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or power amplifier.
Balanced Operation
When using an unbalanced interconnect, the audio signal runs through both the center wire and the shield/ground wire. Any
noise picked up by this interconnect (ie. nearby magnetic fields such as an AC power cord) will be reproduced by both the
preamplifier and amplifier, then heard through the loudspeakers. Conversely, a balanced interconnect has three separate
conductors; one for the ground and two for the actual signal. These two signals are identical except that one is 180 degrees
out of phase with the other. For example, when one conductor is carrying a signal of +4 Volts, the other will be carrying a
signal of –4 Volts. When these two inverted signals on a balanced line are output from the Nēo 260D, any noise picked up by
the interconnect will be eliminated since a differential circuit amplifies only the difference between these two signals: Noise on
a balanced interconnect will be equal on both conductors and therefore cancel out.

260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Remote Control Operation
Figure 3: Remote operation with SimLink™
In figure 3 we have a 180 “MiND” Music Streamer connected to a Nēo 260D CD Transport via their respective SimLink™
ports (using a 1/8” mini-jack cable), and the 260D connected to a 340i Integrated Amplifier also via their respective
SimLink™ ports. When you launch the MiND App on your smart device (iPad, iPhone, Android Device) and select this system’s
ZONE, the 180 “MiND”, 260D and 340i will alll turn on. As well, the 260D, equipped with the optional DAC, will automatically
switch to the default MiND input “D1”. To shut down the system, press “Off” for this ZONE in the “MiND” app.
Figure 4: Remote Operation with SimLink™ and 12V Trigger
In figure 4 we have a Nēo 260D CD Transport connected to a 350P Preamplifier via their respective SimLink™ ports (using a
1/8” mini-jack cable), and the 350P is connected to a 330A Amplifier via their respective 12V triggers (also using a 1/8” mini-
jack cable). When you turn on the 260D via remote control (or its Standby button), both the 350P and 330A will turn on
automatically. The same rule applies when you put the 260D into Standby mode.
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Remote Control Operation (cont’d)
The Nēo 260D CD Transport uses the ‘CRM-2’ full-function remote control (figure
3). It operates on the Philips RC-5 communication protocol and is can be used
with other MOON components.
The ‘CRM-2’ remote uses two AA batteries (included). To install them, simply slide
the back plate off in the direction of the arrow; insert the batteries in the correct
direction and then replace the back plate.
To engage the ‘CRM-2’ remote for use with the 260D CD Player, you must first
press the button labeled CD.
The POWER button located on the upper left will switch the CD Player to either
‘Stand by’ or ‘On’ mode.
Certain buttons found on this remote control perform identical functions to their
corresponding button located on the 260D’s front panel. Please refer to page 8 for
a more detailed description of the “RANDOM”, “REPEAT”, “PROG” and “TIME”
buttons.
0 thru 9 Direct access track number selection
OPEN/CLOSE Open/Close the Compact Disc drawer
DISPLAY Turns the front panel display on and off
TIME Changes the time display mode on front panel
(refer to TIME button on page 8 for more details)
◄INPUT ►To switch from listening to the disc loaded in the player to
an external digital source connected to the player
Stop playing the CD’s current track
Pauses the player
XPlay the compact disc loaded into the player
Press Once: Go back to the previous track on the disc
Press and hold: Scan backward through current track
Press Once: Skip to the next track on the disc
Press and hold: Scan forward through current track
Figure 5: CRM-2 Remote Control
For Nēo 260D units equipped with the optional 32-bit DAC, you can sequentially scroll, either backwards or forwards,
through all four (4) available inputs using the 2 buttons labelled ◄INPUT ►.For example, to switch from “D4” to “D1”
you may press either ◄INPUT three (3) times or INPUT ►one (1) time. Pressing and holding down either of
these buttons results in only a single change to the selected input.
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260D CD Transport with optional DAC
Specifications
Configuration ......................................................... Single-Ended
Digital / Analog Power Supply Transformers .............. 25VA
Power Supply Capacitance ...................................... 19,800µF
Digital Outputs (2) ................................................. S/PDIF (RCA), AES/EBU (XLR)
Remote Control ...................................................... Full-Function CRM-2
Power Consumption in Standby ................................ 0.5 watts
AC Power Requirements ......................................... 120V / 60Hz or 240V / 50Hz
Shipping Weight ..................................................... 16 lbs / 7.5 Kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D) .......................................... 16.9 x 3.4 x 13.1 in. / 42.9 x 8.6 x 33.3 cm.
Optional 32-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter:
Digital Filter / Digital-to-Analog Converter ................. 32-bit
Frequency Response (full range) .............................. 2Hz - 100kHz +0/-3dB
THD @1kHz, 0dBFS (A-weighted).............................. < 0.001%
Intermodulation Distortion ...................................... < 0.001%
Dynamic Range ...................................................... > 120dB
Signal-to-noise Ratio .............................................. > 120dB @ full output
Channel Separation ................................................ > 116dB
Low Level Linearity ................................................. < ±0.25dB at -90dBFS
Intrinsic Jitter ......................................................... 1 picosecond RMS
Analog Outputs – Balanced ..................................... 1 pair XLR
Analog Outputs – Single Ended ............................... 1 pair RCA
Analog Output Impedance - XLR / RCA .................. 75Ω
Max. Analog Output @ 0dBFS - XLR / RCA .............. 2.0 Volts
Bit-depth range / Sampling Frequency – All inputs ..... 16 to 24 bits / 44.1kHz to 192kHz
Digital Inputs (4)..................................................... 2 x S/PDIF (RCA), 1 x TosLink (Optical), 1 x USB
Balanced Pin Assignment: Pin 1................................ Ground
Pin 2................................ Positive
Pin 3 .............................. Negative
NOTE: If you require the RS-232 codes for your Nēo 260D,please contact Simaudio Ltd.
directly by either email ([e-mail]) or by toll-free telephone [phone]).
Fuse Replacement: F1 : 0.5A slow blow (5 x 20mm size).
F2 : 120V version use a 0.2A slow blow (5 x 20mm size).
230V version use a 0.1A slow blow (5 x 20mm size).
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