Musical Fidelity CD Pre User manual

Issue 1: January 2002 CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 1of 19
LINE 1 LINE 2 LINE 3
DIGITAL 1 DIGITAL 2 CD
DIGITAL
MONITOR TAPE MONITOR
POWER
NEXT
PREVIOUS
LANGUAGE
PLAY/PAUSE
STOP
OPEN/CLOSE
CD Pre
COMBINATION CD PLAYER AND
DIGITAL / ANALOGUE PRE-AMPLIFIER
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity CD Pre.
Used properly and carefully, it should give many years of outstanding
musical reproduction.
The CD Pre uses the latest 24 Bit DAC technology and jitter reduction
techniques to achieve both an excellent technical specification and
unparalleled sound quality.
Æsthetically, the CD Pre is a perfect match for the A3 FM tuner and
A3 amplifier or A300 integrated amplifier.
Together these components form one of the finest hi-fi systems available.
Dust regularly with a soft duster or soft brush but be careful when using
cleaning or polishing agents - they may harm the surface finish.
If you have any questions about your audio system,
please consult your dealer who is there to help and advise.

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 2of 19
CONTENTS
PAGE
3Safety Information: -Mains plug (U.K. only)
-Modification warning
4Safety Information: -Warnings
(continued)
5User Information: -Radio-frequency interference
6General Advice: -Installation precautions
-User information
7Remote Control: -Use and illustration
8Facilities and -Front and rear panel illustrations
Connections:
9Interconnection and -Interconnection procedure
Pre-amp operation: -Switching on
-Input source selection
10 Pre-amplifier, -Mute function
Operation: -Line input monitoring
-Tape recording
11 CD Player, -Loading and playing discs
Basic Operation: -Pause
-Index points
12 CD Player, -Track selection
Basic Operation: -Search
-Displaying playback time
13 CD Player, -Repeat playback
Special Features: -A-B repeat playback
-Shuffle playback
14 CD Player, -Introduction search
Special Features: -Programmed play
-Random Music Selection
15 CD Player, -Programmed play - continued
Special Features: -Autospace
-Display on / off
16 CD Text: -CD text discs
17 CD Text: -Other languages
18 Troubleshooting: -Basic problem solving
19 Specifications
Issue 1: January 2002

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 3of 19
Issue 1: January 2002
SAFETY
INFORMATION
IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)
This unit is supplied in the U.K. with a mains lead fitted with a moulded 13 amp plug.
If, for any reason, you need to cut off the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of
the plug safely, out of reach of children. It must not be plugged into a mains outlet.
The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are coloured in accordance
with the following code:
Green and yellow..............Earth
Blue................................Neutral
Brown................................Live
WARNING - This appliance must be earthed
As the colours of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the
coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter E or coloured green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth
symbol:
The wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter L or coloured red.
The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the
letter N or coloured black.
If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.
WARNING:
ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY
APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO IS THE PARTY
RESPONSIBLE FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID
THE USER'S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 4of 19
WARNINGS
Issue 1: January 2002
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
This CD player has been designed and manufactured according to FDA regulations "title 21,
CFR, chapter 1, subchapter J, based on the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of
1968", and is classified as a Class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous radiation during nor-
mal use because invisible radiation emitted inside this product is completely confined within
the protective housing. However you must observe the following important warnings:
CAUTION !
•THIS CD PLAYER USES INVISIBLE LASER LIGHT. WHEN THE PLAYER
OPERATES, LASER LIGHT IS RADIATED INTERNALLY.
DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSINGS.
•USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES
OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS
RADIATION EXPOSURE CAUSING EYE INJURY.
•IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS A FAULT, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORISED
MUSICAL FIDELITY SERVICE AGENT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE IT YOUR-
SELF AND DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE THIS PRODUCT IN A FAULTY STATE.
WARNING AND INFORMATION LABELS:
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH DHHS RULES 21 CFR,
CHAPTER 1, SUBCHAPTER J, PART 1040 AT DATE OF MANUFACTURE.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO TWO CONDITIONS:
1THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND
2THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING
INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
CAUTION - INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AND
INTERLOCKS DEFEATED. AVOID EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
VORSICHT! - UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG TRITT AUS,
WENN DECKEL GEÖFFNET UND WENN
SICHERHEITSVERRIEGELUNG ÜBERBRÜCKT IST
NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN!
VARNING - SYNLIG LASERSTRALNING NÄR DENNA DEL
ÄR ÖPPNAD OCH SPÄRR AR URKOPPLAD.
STRALENARFARLIG.
ADVARSEL - USYNLIG LASERSTRALING VED ABNING, NAR
SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDERE ER UDE AF FUNKTION.
UNDGA UDSÆTTELSE FOR STRALING.
VAROITUS! - SUOJAKOTELOA EI SAA AVATA. LAITE SISÄLTÄÄ
LASERDIODIN, JOKA LÄHETTÄÄ (NÄKYMÄTONTÄ)
SILMILLE VAARALLISTA LASERSÄTEILYÄ.
FITTED INTERNALLY
TO BASE OF CHASSIS
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
LINE1 LINE 2 LINE 3
ANALOGUE
INPUTS TAPE
MONITOR TAPE OUT PRE OUT
DIGITAL INPUTS
COAXIAL
1 2
DIGITAL INPUTS
OPTICAL DIGITAL
MONITOR
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
COAXIAL OPTICAL
MOUNT UNIT ON SOLID SURFACE. DO NOT REMOVE SCREWS OR
COVERS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. NO USER SERVICEABLE
COMPONENTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED ENGINEER.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH DHHS RULES 21CFR, CHAPTER 1, SUBCHAPTER J, PART 1040 AT DATE OF MANUFACTURE.
THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FFC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO TWO CONDITIONS: -
1 THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE, AND
2 THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED, INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
CAUTION
THIS APPLIANCE
MUST
BE EARTHED
SERIAL
NUMBER:
DATE OF
MANUFACTURE
MUSICAL FIDELITY CD PRE
2 4
MANUFACTURED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY LTD. 15-17 OLYMPIC TRADING ESTATE, FULTON ROAD,
WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX, HA9 OTF, ENGLAND
POWER COMSUMPTION 22W

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 5of 19
Issue 1: January 2002
USER INFORMATION
RADIO - FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI)
This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and operated in
accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications and other
electronic equipment.
However, it is designed to minimise RFI, and accordingly been tested to North American stan-
dards (FCC regulations - limits for a class B digital device persuant to part 15 of the rules).
These requirements are intended to provide reasonable protection against excessive interference
in a residential installation.
Conversely, the product has also been checked to ensure that its own operation is not adversely
affected by normal background levels of RFI received externally.
However, if interference is experienced, for instance to radio or TV broadcasts, the user is rec-
ommended to try one or more of the following measures:
• Identify the source of interference by turning off power to the CD Pre or other
equipment individually, and checking whether the problem then disappears.
• Re-orientate or relocate the receiving aerial.
• Move the CD Pre away from the receiver.
• Connect the CD Pre to a mains outlet on a different circuit from the receiver.
• Consult a dealer or experienced TV/radio technician for help.
If a problem persists, please contact Musical Fidelity's service department.

Issue 1: January 2002 A3 CD Instructions for Use. Page 6of 15
GENERAL ADVICE
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS AND USER INFORMATION
Your CD Pre is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all
electronic devices it is necessary to observe a few precautions:
* Note all warnings shown on the back of the unit.
* Only connect the CD Pre to a mains outlet having the same voltage as marked on the back of
the unit.
* Always switch off the mains supply before before connecting or disconnecting your audio
equipment.
* Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or
trapped by items placed on them.
* Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers on the pre-amplifier, for example
flower vases or potted plants. If water does spill into the equipment, immediately pull out
the mains plug from the wall socket and inform your dealer, who should then check the
unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the pre-amplifier is dangerous, and may cause
electric shock or fire hazard.
* Do not place the unit near heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or above other
equipment which becomes warm with use. Do not obstruct ventilation slots.
* Do not remove any covers or try to gain access - refer all service work to an authorised
Musical Fidelity agent. There are no internal user adjustments.
NOTE: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claims.
* There are fuses inside this product. In the unlikely event that one blows, refer the unit to
your audio dealer.
Do NOT try to replace the fuse yourself as this will invalidate the warranty.
* Dust regularly with a soft duster or soft brush. For more thorough cleaning of the cabinet and
remote control, use a moist cloth. We do not recommend the use of solvents such as white
spirit or thinners, as they could damage the surface finish.
* The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely
affected or damaged by lightning. For protection of of your audio system during electrical
storms, remove the mains plugs and disconnect any aerial lead.
* If after-sales service is required, to help your dealer identify the CD Pre, please quote the
serial number located on the rear panel of the unit.

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 7of 19
REMOTE CONTROL
Issue 1: January 2002
REMOTE CONTROL
The remote control enables most functions of the pre-amplifier to be operated from a conven-
ient distance.
Equivalent buttons on the remote handset have the same functions as the those on the front
panel of the unit.
Some operations are only available via the handset.
As the remote control uses an invisible infra-red light beam, the transmitter must be pointed
directly towards the receiver window on the front of the pre-amplifier, without visual obstruc-
tion between them.
If the range of the remote control greatly decreases, replace the batteries with new ones.
Do not mix old and new batteries - four are required, type SUM-4, AAA or LR03.
OPEN / CLOSE CD tray PLAY / PAUSE
to start, pause or
resume CD playback.
CD direct track access buttons.
CD special feature buttons
- see pages 13 to 15.
STOP to stop CD playback.
VOLUME up / down
SEARCHbuttons to scan
CD forwards or backwards
TRACK back/forwards buttons
Input source selector buttons
MUTE button
MONITOR buttons
- see page 10

CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 8of 19
Issue 1: January 2002
FACILITIES AND CONNECTIONS
LINE1 LINE 2 LINE 3
ANALOGUE
INPUTS TAPE
MONITOR TAPE OUT PRE OUT
DIGITAL INPUTS
COAXIAL
1 2
DIGITAL INPUTS
OPTICAL DIGITAL
MONITOR
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
COAXIAL OPTICAL
MUSICAL FIDELITY CD PRE
2 4
MANUFACTURED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY LTD. 15-17 OLYMPIC TRADING ESTATE, FULTON ROAD,
WEMBLEY, MIDDLESEX, HA9 OTF, ENGLAND
LINE 1 LINE 2 LINE 3
DIGITAL 1 DIGITAL 2 CD
DIGITAL
MONITOR TAPE MONITOR
POWER
NEXT
PREVIOUS
LANGUAGE
PLAY/PAUSE
STOP
OPEN/CLOSE
7DIGITAL 1 input selector button and LED
8Digital monitor LED (see page 10)
9DIGITAL 2 input selector button and LED
10 POWER mains on/off switch
11 Tape monitor LED (see page10)
12 CD input selector button and LED
13 CD LANGUAGE button (see page 17)
14 PREVIOUS CD track button
15 CD drawer
16 CD drawer OPEN / CLOSE button
17 CD STOP button
18 Volume control knob with LED
19 LINE INPUT 1 - analogue
- left and right
20 LINE INPUT 2 - analogue
- left and right
21 LINE INPUT 3 - analogue
- left and right
22 TAPE MONITOR
- analogue, left and right
REAR PANEL
23 TAPE OUTPUT - analogue
- left and right (see page 10)
24 LINE OUTPUT - analogue
left and right (to amplifier)
25 INPUT 1 - digital co-axial
26 INPUT 2 - digital co-axial
27 INPUT 1 - optical
28 INPUT 2 - optical
29 DIGITAL MONITOR
- digital co-axial
30 LINE OUTPUT
- digital co-axial
31 LINE OUTPUT
- optical
19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
7 9 11 13 14 15 16 17 18
8 10 12
1 2 3 4 5 6
FRONT PANEL
1LINE 1 input selector button and LED
2LINE 2 input selector button and LED
3LINE 3 input selector button and LED
4 NEXT CD track button
5 Display (incorporates infra-red
remote control receiver)
6 CD PLAY / PAUSE button
IEC type mains inlet socket
24
MUSICAL FIDELITY

BEFORE CONNECTING . . . . . . .
Ensure that mains power to the various
components of your audio system is
switched off. Please note that audio con-
necting leads are not supplied with this
product.
OUTPUT CONNECTION
The CD Pre should be connected to an ana-
logue amplifier input by audio cables with
RCA/phono type plugs. These link the left
and right PRE OUT sockets on the rear
panel of the CD Pre to corresponding line
input sockets on the amplifier. Do not use
any sockets on the amplifier intended for
“vinyl” phono cartridge input, as the sensi-
tive circuit will overload, producing a
severely distorted sound.
Alternatively, the DIGITAL OUTPUTS
(coaxial or optical) can be used for connec-
tion to suitable digital equipment.
All three types of output can be used for
feeding different equipment at the same
time, if required.
Note that the volume control only affects
analogue audio line output to the amplifier,
not digital or tape outputs.
INPUT CONNECTION
Analogue inputs are provided for three ana-
logue line sources, and two digital (optical
or co-axial).
Do not connect both co-axial and optical
leads to the same input.
Connect digital or optical input leads from
the other audio sources in your system as
required.
The internal D-to-A convertor will also han-
dle digital data from an external CD or
DVD audio source.
MAINS POWER CONNECTION
Insert the accessory IEC mains lead plug
into the rear panel socket, and then the other
end into a convenient wall outlet.
SWITCHING ON
Before applying mains power to other audio
components, check that the volume control
setting on the CD Pre is low (knob turned
anticlockwise).
Press the power switch, and the front panel
display will light to confirm that the unit is
ready for use.
INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
Choose the required input source either by
pressing the front panel function buttons or
corresponding buttons on the remote control
marked LINE 1, 2 or 3, or DIGITAL 1 or 2.
The appropriate front panel LED will then
light to confirm your selection.
In the case of digital inputs, if no digital
data is being received at the selected input
socket, the associated LED will flash instead
of remaining constant.
Turn the volume control to obtain the pre-
ferred level of sound.
CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 9of 19
Issue 1: January 2002
CONNECTIONS & PRE-AMPLIFIER OPERATION

PRE-AMPLIFIER OPERATION
MUTE (Remote Control Only)
Pressing the MUTE button once on the
remote control will interrupt analogue out-
put to the amplifier. Pressing MUTE again
will restore audio output. The LED in the
volume control knob then goes off to indi-
cate that the outputs are muted.
This function does not affect tape monitor
or digital outputs.
If the CD Pre is powered off while still
muted, the effect will be cancelled when
next switched on.
DIGITAL MONITORING
(Remote Control Only)
Any selected input source can be monitored
with suitable external equipment from the
digital co-axial and/or optical output sock-
ets.
A digital input source (co-axial only) can be
monitored by pressing DIGITAL MONI-
TOR on the remote control. This does not
affect the selected input source, which will
still be available from the tape or digital
outputs.
This feature may be used together with a
digital output to connect to a computer
sound card or CD recorder, providing it has
digital inputs and outputs.
If the selected input source is digital (CD or
DVD audio formats only) a converted ana-
logue signal will also be available at the
tape output sockets.
Note that with this arrangement the CD
Pre’s volume control has no effect.
TAPE MONITOR (Remote Control Only)
The CD Pre can be used in analogue mode
for off-tape monitoring from 3-head tape
decks.
This allows the user to compare the original
sound with the recorded version while the
recording is being made.
In this case, the recorder’s left- and right-
hand line output sockets should be connect-
ed to the CD Pre’s tape input, and the
recorder’s line input sockets to the CD Pre’s
tape output sockets.
To record, simply select the required source
with the appropriate button on the CD Pre’s
front panel or from the remote control.
Pressing TAPE MONITOR on the remote
control will allow you to monitor what is
being recorded, and the matching blue LED
on the front panel will light to confirm oper
-
ation. Press TAPE MONITOR again to
cancel this mode.
On some 3-head tape decks, there is an addi
-
tional “tape / source” switch which should
be in the “tape” position for this arrange-
ment to function. If in doubt, refer to the
recorder’s user manual, or consult your
dealer.
CD Pre Instructions for Use. Page 10 of 19
Issue 1: January 2002