Perreaux Silhouette SXCD User manual

Silhouette SX
CD
Compact Disc Player
Owners Manual

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Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other
than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document,
reserves the ri ht to chan e products or specifications detailed herein at any time
without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information
contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Perreaux
are ranted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products,
expressly or by implication.
mboob^ru
®
is a re istered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.
Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

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i
ii
i Introducing the
Perreaux Silhouette Series
Desi ned as a ran e of hi h quality, yet affordable modules; the
Silhouette series will compliment and enhance your existin
system.
Drawin on our extensive knowled e ained from more than a
quarter of a century of developin hi hest quality audio products,
the Silhouette series concentrates our le endary desi n and build-
quality into a compact packa e without sacrificin performance.
The Perreaux Silhouette series provides performance levels never
before seen in its class.
Key Features
 Computer optical drive transport
 Flexible two-box solution
 Low-jitter, precision master clock
 Burr-Brown (Texas Instruments) DAC and SPDIF
transmitter
 Option to use external master clock via pLINK
 Optimal PCB and round plane layout
 Ultra-short si nal paths
 Hi h-quality fibre lass PCB with minimal internal wirin
 Di ital output
 Scientific Conversion di ital output transformer
 RS232 communication via pLINK
 RC-5 remote input
 Compact and stylish
The Perreaux Silhouette series takes you even closer to the
elusive goal of “The Perfect Re-Creation of a Musical
Event”.
From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for
choosin the Perreaux Silhouette Series SXCD Compact Disc
Player.

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ii Important Safety Instructions
Note:
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to
operate your Perreaux Silhouette SXCD Compact Disc
Player.
ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attemptin to
connect or disconnect cables.
ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before
attemptin to clean your unit.
ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
ALWAYS unplu sensitive electronic equipment durin
electrical storms.
NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.
NEVER operate the SXCD with the cover removed.
NEVER use any liquid inside the SXCD.
NEVER attempt to repair the SXCD. In the event of a problem,
please contact your Perreaux dealer.
NEVER expose the SXCD to extremely hi h or low
temperatures.

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iii
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iii Table of Contents
i
ii
i Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series ....................................
ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions............................................................. 4
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents .................................................................................. 5
1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement .................................................................. 6
2
22
2 Instant Install .......................................................................................... 7
Electronics Module ................................................................................ 9
4
44
4 Transport Module ................................................................................15
5
55
5 Placement Options..............................................................................17
6
66
6 Special Design Philosophies..............................................................18
7
77
7 Special Design Features .....................................................................20
8
88
8 Care and Maintenance .......................................................................2
9
99
9 Warranty Information ........................................................................24
10
1010
10 Extended Warranty Registration Form..........................................25
1
11
11
11
1 Troubleshooting Guide ......................................................................26
1
11
12
22
2 Specifications........................................................................................28
1
11
1 Physical Dimensions............................................................................ 1
1
11
14
44
4 Contact Details .....................................................................................

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1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement
Unpacking
Procedure
The two components which comprise the SXCD CD player are
packa ed for maximum protection. To open, sit each box upri ht
and cut the reinforced tape at the top of each box. Each module
can now be removed.
Pull the foam protectin end-caps off either side of each of the
modules and remove the black material coverin .
The SXCD Compact Disc Player is now unpacked and ready for
further installation.
Note:
Please retain all packaging material for future transport.
Box
Contents
1 x SXCD Compact Disc Player Electronics
1 x SXCD Compact Disc Player Transport
1 x Product manual
1 x Detachable AC power cord
1 x 50-way ribbon cable
1 x 75Ω coaxial cable
1 x BNC to RCA adaptor
3 x Performance analysis charts
Placing Your
SXCD
The SXCD should enerally be placed close to your preamplifier
or inte rated amplifier, thus keepin interconnect cablin
between the SXCD and associated components as short as
practical. This will reduce the systems susceptibility to radio
frequency (RF) interference and the ne ative effects associated
with lon cables.
Ventilation
Requirements
The SXCD is a low power electronic device. Ventilation
requirements are not considered an important factor in product
placement.
In the event that the SXCD is to be incorporated into custom
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in
the Physical Dimensions section of the manual (Chapter 13).

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2
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2 Instant Install
If you are like us, the first thin you will want to do is to play
your favourite piece of music throu h your new SXCD Compact
Disc Player. The followin instructions are written to enable you
to achieve this as quickly as possible. These are not
comprehensive instructions, but are desi ned to enable you to
play music now!
Note:
Please take the time to read the SXCD manual thoroughly
as it incorporates many features, hich ill enhance its
operation.
Placement
The SXCD is a low power electronic device and best results will
be achieved when placed away from potential interference from
other components and electrical devices, for example AC mains
cords/outlets, transformers, hi h-power amplifiers, computers,
etc.
Place the SXCD close or near the preamplifier in order to make
as short a connection as possible.
Turn off associated components
This minimises the potential to dama e any other components
when connectin your SXCD into the system.
Connect Transport module to Electronics module
Connect the Transport module to the Electronics module by
connectin the 50-way ribbon cable between the header on the
underside of the Transport and the header at the rear of the
Electronics module. Notin polarity of each connector. Refer to
Chapters 3 and 4 for more information about connectin this
cable.
Connect SXCD to preamplifier
Connect the analo output of the SXCD to the input of your
preamplifier. Refer to Chapter 3 for Rear Panel information.
Connect preamplifier to power amplifier
Connect the audio output from the preamplifier to the input of the
power amplifier.

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Switch on preamplifier
Turn on your preamplifier.
Switch on power amplifier
Turn on your power amplifier.
Plug CD player into AC mains
Please check the volta e label to ensure that your unit conforms
to the mains volta e in your re ion then connect to the AC mains
usin the AC power cord supplied.
Caution!
Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.
Switch on SXCD CD player
Power up your SXCD CD Player by settin the power switch at
the rear of the electronics unit to the down position.
Open disc drawer
Open the disc drawer of the SXCD by pressin the EJECT
button, topmost button of user interface.
Insert disc
Place your favourite CD recordin in the drawer label-side up,
ensurin the disc is properly centered.
Press PLAY
Start your favourite recordin by pressin PLAY, the centre
button. The tray will retract and your favourite recordin will be
playin in seconds.
Turn it up
Slowly increase the volume of your preamplifier to achieve a
comfortable listenin level.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax
and please read the rest of the manual at your own pace in your
favourite armchair whilst sippin a lass of wine. You’ll find the
whole experience much more pleasurable whilst listenin to
music.

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3
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3 lectronics Module
Front Panel
Functions
Status LED
This blue LED indicates the status of your SXCD compact disc
player.
Off
This indicates the power to the CD player is switched off.
On
The LED constantly illuminated indicates the SXCD is powered
and either playin a disc or is in an idle state ready for a disc to
be played.
Slo Flashing
If the LED is flashin slowly, the CD player is paused.
Moderate Flashing
If the LED is flashin at a moderate rate, the CD player is busy
and may not respond immediately to any user interface.
Fast Flashing
If the LED flashes fast, the CD player has encountered an error,
such as a bad disc or incompatible media format.
Skip/Scan Back
Pressin this button momentarily returns to the be innin of the
current track. Pressin multiple times quickly in succession
returns to the be innin of the applicable track, until the start of
the disc is reached.

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Pressin and holdin this button will scan backwards throu h the
currently playin disc. Upon releasin the button, the disc will
play. If the start of the disc is reached the disc will stop
Stop
Pressin this button stops a disc that is playin . If play is
resumed, the disc will start over from the first track.
Skip/Scan Forward
Pressin this button momentarily advances to the be innin of
the next track. Pressin multiple times quickly in succession
advances to the be innin of the applicable track, until the end of
the disc is reached.
Pressin and holdin this button will scan forwards throu h the
currently playin disc. Upon releasin the button, the disc will
play. If the end of the disc is reached the disc will stop.
Play/Pause
Pressin this button starts playin the current disc. If the disc
drawer is open, it will close automatically.
Normally, the disc will start playin from the first track.
However, a different track can be selected usin the SKIP
buttons before pressin the PLAY button to start playin a
different selection.
Pressin this button once durin playback will suspend play at
that point in the track. The disc continues to spin and play will
be resumed from the current position. Pressin the PAUSE
button a second time will resume play.
Eject
When the transport drawer is closed, pressin this button opens
the drawer. To close the drawer press the EJECT button a ain.
The drawer can also be closed by pressin the PLAY button.

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Rear Panel
Functions
Transport Interface
The 50-way header allows connection to the SXCD transport
unit usin the ribbon cable supplied.
Caution!
This header is polarised, please note polarity of mating
plug hen connecting the ribbon cable.
Damage may occur to the transport and/or electronics if
ribbon cable is connected ith the incorrect polarity.
Use only the supplied 50- ay ribbon cable.
Analog Outputs
These sin le-ended (RCA) outputs provide line-level analo
audio, via suitable RCA interconnect cables, to a preamplifier or
inte rated amplifier.
For more information on analo output specifications, please
refer to Chapter 12.
Digital Output
The sin le-ended (BNC) output provides a Sony/Philips Di ital
Interface Standard (SPDIF) di ital audio si nal to an outboard
di ital to analo converter (DAC) or di ital receiver.
The SPDIF standard dictates 75Ω transmission of the di ital
audio si nal. Use a di ital interconnect cable specifically
desi ned with a characteristic impedance of 75Ω, such as the
coaxial cable supplied.
A BNC connector has been used in place of the “standard” RCA
type because RCA connectors can never achieve a characteristic
impedance of 75Ω. Refer to Chapter 7 ‘Special Desi n Features’
for more information on why a BNC connector is used.

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If you already have a suitable hi h-quality di ital interconnect
equipped with RCA connectors, please use the supplied adaptor
to convert the BNC output to RCA.
For more information on di ital output specifications, please
refer to Chapter 12.
Note:
Use a 75Ω digital interconnect cable equipped ith BNC
connectors to get the best possible digital performance,
such as the coaxial cable supplied.
Using the supplied adaptor to convert the BNC output to
RCA ill not degrade the signal any more than if an RCA
connector as fitted by default.
pLINK Port
This RJ45 connector offers two functions – communication
usin the RS232 protocol and the ability to use the master clock
of an external source.
RS232 Communication
Basic functions of the SXCD compact disc player can be
controlled usin the RS232 serial communication protocol.
The RJ45 pins are confi ured for RS232 as follows:
Pin 1: 5V
Pin 2: CMOS/TTL Receive (RX)
Pin 3: CMOS/TTL Transmit (TX)
Pin 4: Gr und (GND)
An adaptor, available from your Perreaux dealer, enables
inte ration via RS232 with control products; such as AMX,
Crestron and Control4.
Caution!
Attempting to use the pLINK port for RS232 ithout the
necessary adaptor ill result in damage to the SXCD, and
may also damage the control device.
External Master Clock
Best jitter performance in any di ital system occurs when there is
a sin le master clock in the entire system and that clock is
located as close as possible to the conversion sta e.

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The SXCD compact disc player facilitates this functionality by
allowin the internal master clock to be disabled and sourced
from an external device, such as an external di ital to analo
converter (DAC).
The RJ45 pins are confi ured for usin an external master clock
as follows:
Pin 6: Master Cl ck Input
Pin 7: Gr und (GND)
Pin 8: Internal Cl ck Disable
To enable this function the internal master clock must first be
disabled by connectin the Internal Clock Disable (Pin 8) to
GND. The master clock from the external device can then be
supplied to the Master Clock Input (Pin 6).
Caution!
The frequency of the external master clock must be
11.2896MHz.
RC-5 Input
This 3.5mm stereo jack allows standard CD player RC-5 remote
control codes to control the basic functions of the SXCD
compact disc player.
IR Repeater Port
Directly connectin to a device with an infrared (IR) repeater
port, via a 3.5mm stereo plu cable, allows easy inte ration into
automation and control solutions such as Niles and Xantech.
Each 3.5mm stereo plu must follow the specifications as per the
dia ram below:
Sleeve: Gr und (GND)
Ring: N c nnecti n
Tip: Signal
Caution!
Do not use a mono 3.5mm plug hen directly connecting
the RC-5 input to an infrared (IR) repeater port.
A stereo 3.5mm plug must be used to avoid damage to the
SXCD. Using a stereo 3.5mm plug ill not harm the
infrared (IR) repeater port.

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The SXCD is desi ned to function with the standard CD player
RC-5 remote control codes. For more information about the
standard RC-5 remote control codes for CD players please visit
www.perreaux.com/files/sxcd-rc5-codes.pdf on the Perreaux
website.
External IR Receiver
Alternately, by usin an external infrared (IR) receiver,
commands can be received from a universal or pro rammable
remote control which uses the standard CD player RC-5 remote
codes.
The stereo 3.5mm plu of the infrared (IR) receiver must follow
the specifications as per the dia ram below:
Sleeve: Gr und (GND)
Ring: +ve
Tip: Signal
More information about the infrared (IR) receiver can be
obtained from your Perreaux dealer or found on the Perreaux
website at www.perreaux.com/files/sxcd-ir-receiver.pdf.
Serial Number/Voltage Label
The serial number is unique to your SXCD. Please record this
number and store it in a safe place. For any service related
enquiry, please be prepared to quote the product serial number to
Perreaux personnel or their service representative.
The volta e displayed in this area is the ONLY volta e that can
be accepted by the unit.
Caution!
Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.
AC Mains Input
An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit.
The AC cord set is removable, allowin it to be up raded at your
will.
On/Off Switch
When operatin the switch down, power is applied to the SXCD
compact disc player.

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4
44
4 Transport Module
Underside
Functions
Electronics Interface
The 50-way header allows connection to the SXCD electronics
unit usin the ribbon cable supplied.
Caution!
This header is polarised, please note polarity of mating
plug hen connecting the ribbon cable.
Damage may occur to the transport and/or electronics if
ribbon cable is connected ith the incorrect polarity.
Use only the supplied 50- ay ribbon cable.

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Disc Drawer
Functions
Disc Drawer
The disc drawer lides out to accept a compact disc and retracts
to play it. Place the disc in the drawer label-side up and make
sure the disc is properly centred in the tray.
The disc drawer is normally opened by pressin the EJECT
button. It may be closed by pressin the EJECT button a ain or
by pressin the PLAY button, where the drawer will retract and
playback will commence.
Manual Eject
In the event that the disc drawer doesn’t respond to the EJECT
button bein pressed; a small thin object, such as a strai htened
paper clip, can be inserted into the hole to manually eject the disc
drawer.
Caution!
To avoid potentially damaging the transport, the CD player
must be s itched OFF before attempting to manually eject
the disc dra er.

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5 Placement Options
Two-Box
Solution
The compact two-box solution provides the flexibility and
versatility to meet a ran e of placement and style options.
Mixin with other Silhouette Series components creates a system
which strikes at the heart of Silhouette Series philosophies –
minimalist form and function harmoniously encompassin
superlative performance.
Stacked
The two modules can be stacked one on top of the other for a
narrow front profile.
Electronics on top
Transport on top
Side-by-Side
Placin the units side-by-side is ives a sleek modern form.

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6 Special Design Philosophies
Perreaux has been desi nin and manufacturin only the hi hest
quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century.
Technolo y has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and
our knowled e and application of desi n, materials and
manufacturin techniques has advanced in tandem with this.
Today’s Perreaux ran e comes closer to fulfillin our shared
vision than at any other time in the past.
The SXCD has been developed to meet customer demands for
compact hi her quality products. Careful attention has been
taken throu hout the development phase, not to make
compromises that would de rade the hi h quality of reproduction
that the unit is capable of deliverin .
To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux desi n
philosophies that have been incorporated into the entire ran e.
Minimalist
Design
Leadin British architect, John Pawson, writes:
“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection
that an object achieves when it is no longer
possible to improve it by subtraction. This is the
quality that an object has when every component,
every detail, and every junction has been reduced
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of
the omission of the inessentials”.
Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an
audio desi n perspective only. The concept of “less equatin to
more” has been at the heart of all Perreaux audio desi ns for
more than a quarter of a century. Our current product offerin
takes the minimalist ethic to new levels by totally embracin the
concept.
Minimalist Electronics
We wish to maximise the quality of your listenin pleasure by
keepin the componentry and si nal path as uncluttered, short
and clean possible. All components in the si nal path, even those
of the hi hest quality have an effect on the si nal, thereby
alterin the quality of the reproduction in some way. Our aim is
to recreate in its entirety, the ori inal performance by not addin
or subtractin anythin , irrespective of the source.

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Minimalist Aesthetics
Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio
exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.
“Form and function” are both tou h masters. We make no
excuses for producin some of the most distinctive hi h-end
audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend
to ether in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true
minimalist utilisation.
Minimalism in a Wider Context
John Pawson writes:
“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go
beyond the purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the
reflection of some innate, inner quality, or the
pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the
nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.