Philips DFA 888 User manual

English
INTRODUCTION
This amplifier represents a new step forwards in digital sound
technology.
Because this amplifier incorporates a Digital/Analog converter,
it offers a number of facilities which until now have not been
available.
The combination of Digital/Analogconverter with a high-specifi-
cation amplifier makes it possible for you to play digital signals
from, for example, a Compact Disc, DAT or digital radio
transmissions without external interference, such as from
electromagnetic waves (radio and
TV transmissions),the mains
supply and/or other electrical equipment.
The fact that the digital signals enter the amplifier directly
eliminatesany sort of externalinterference andinadditiontothis
guarantees absolutely top
- quality sound.
The Digital/Analog converter automatically switches to the
correct sampling frequency, such as for a digital transmitter
(32kHz), Compact Disc player (44kHz) and DAT (48kHz).
The optical input for the Compact Disc player on this amplifier
gives a considerable improvement in playback because interfer
-
ence and signal loss are completely eliminated. You are advised
toread this operating manualthrough carefully and youwill then
quickly become familiar with the facilities this amplifier has to
offer.
INSTALLATION
When positioning the amplifier you should bear the following
points in mind:
Do not expose the amplifier to rain or moisture, as this can
damage it.
When in operation every amplifier produces a certain amount
of heat, which must be able to dissipate freely. For this reason,
do not cover any ventilation openings and ensure that there is
sufficient space for ventilation behind, above and around the
amplifier.
Avoid placingthe amplifier in direct sunlight or close to aheat
source, as this will only create extra heat.
If your localmainsvoltage isnotthe same as that stated onthe
type plate on the rear of the unit, contact your dealer.
CONNECTIONS
When connecting units tothe amplifier the following points must
be taken into account:
0 Ensure that the amplifier is not switched on.
Make the connections one by one.
Check that every connection made is correct and press the
plugs firmly into the sockets.
Always connect sockets or plugs which are white or marked
'L' or 'LEFT' with similarly marked terminal sockets or plugs.
Dothe same for sockets or plugs which are red or marked 'R' or
'RIGHT'.
Alwaysconnectthe 'OUT'outputs of arecorderwiththe 'PLAY'
sockets of the amplifier and the 'IN' inputs of the recorder with
the 'REC' sockets of the amplifier.
Figure 1
(iJ 'DIGITALCD COAX' coaxial socket
For connecting the digital output of a Compact Disc player
using a coaxial cable.
@ 'OPT/COAX' selection switch
Depending onthe digital connection systemusedwhenusing
a CD player, the switch must be in the 'OPT' or 'COAX'
position.
Button
@ not pressed: 'COAX' position (connection via the
coaxial socket
@)
Button @ pressed in: 'OPT' position (connection via the
glass
- fibre socket a).
'DIGITAL CD OPT' glass - fibre socket
For connection of a digital output of a Compact Disc player
using an optical glass
- fibre cable.
@ 'DIGITAL DBS/AUX' coaxial socket
For connecting by means of a coaxial cable the digital output
of adigital satellite tuner (DBS)orthe digital output of another
unit. (Consult your dealer).
@ 'PHONO' terminal sockets
For connecting arecordplayer with an 'MM'(MovingMagnet)
or an 'MC' (Moving Coil) cartridge.
Note: These connection sockets are gold - plated in order to
minimise the contact resistance between these terminal
sockets and the connection cables of the player. In order to
maintain the high quality of this connection, you are advised
to use connection cables which have gold
- plated plugs.
@ selection switch for 'MM' or 'MC' record player cartridge.
Dependingonthecartridge used,this switch mustbe ineither
the 'MM' (Moving Magnet) or 'MC' (Moving Coil) position.
See the record player operating instructions.
Button
@ not pressed in: 'MM' position.
Button
@ pressed in: 'MC' position.
@ 'CD' terminal sockets
For connecting a Compact Disc player.
Note: See note at @.
@ connection screw for earthing wire of 'GND' record player
For connecting the earthing wire of the record player.
-) of a 'TAPE 1'
To prevent hum.
a 'TAPE 1 PLAY' terminal sockets
For connecting the line outputs (LINE OUT
recorder.
Q 'TAPE 1 REC' terminal sockets
For connecting the line inputs (LINE IN)
recorder. of a 'TAPE
1'
@ 'SPEAKER SYSTEMS' loudspeaker connection terminals
For connecting loudspeakers. See figs. 3 and 4.
Read also the section'Loudspeaker connection' under the
heading 'GENERAL INFORMATION'.
@ 'DIGITAL DAT PLAY' coaxial socket
For connecting the digital output of a DAT recorder using a
coaxial cable.
@ DIGITAL DAT REC' coaxial socket
For connecting the digital input of a DAT recorder using a
coaxial cable.
@ 'TUNER' terminal sockets
For connecting a tuner.
@ 'AUX 1' terminal sockets
For connecting an extra tuner, receiver, CD player, audio
outputof aTVset,recorder(onlyforplayback) or anotherunit,
with an output level which is suitable for this input. (Consult
your dealer).
@ 'AUX2' terminal sockets
For connecting an extra tuner, receiver, CD player, audio
outputof aTVset,recorder(onlyforplayback) or anotherunit,
with an output level which is suitable for this input. (Consult
your dealer).
@ 'DAT/TAPE2 REC' terminal sockets
For connecting the line inputs (LINEIN) of a DAT or second
recorder.
@ 'DAT/TAPE 2 PLAY' terminal sockets
For connecting the line outputs (LINE OUT) of a DAT or
second recorder.
@ mains cable

OPERATING ELEMENTS AND THEIR FUNCTION
Figure 2
@ 'ONIOFF' switch
Once the 'ONIOFF switch has been pressed, it will take
approximately
7 seconds before theamplifier isfully switched
on. This can be heard by the clicking of the loudspeaker
relays.
@ '48 kHz', '44 kHz', '32 kHz' frequency indictors
For indicating the sampling frequency of the selected digital
signal source. The amplifier automatically switches to the
correct sampling frequency and the corresponding indicator
then lights up.
@ 'VOLUME' control
Insidethe amplifierthere are four volume controls,the reason
for this being to improve the signal/noiseratio at low volume
levels.
@ 'PHONES' terminal socket for stereo headphones
For connecting stereo headphones with an impedance of
8 - 1000 ohms. By releasing the 'SPEAKERS' switches @, it is
possible to listen separately through the headphones.
@ 'SPEAKERS' A and B switches
For switching on and off the loudspeakers, which are
connectedtothecorresponding loudspeaker connections
@.
@ 'REC SELECTOR' recorder selection switch
For transferring the signal from the signal source to be
recorded to the terminal sockets
@ 'TAPE 1 REC' or @
'DAT/TAPE2 REC'.
If norecordingis being made,thisswitch shouldpreferablybe
in the 'OFF' position.
For copying sound recording tapes from 'TAPE
1' to 'DAT/
TAPE 2' and vice versa.
Note: For further information on the use of this switch, see
section on
'Use with a recorder' under the heading 'OPERA -
TION'.
@ 'BASS/TREBLE' controls
Usingthese controls you can set the base and treble to your
own personal preference. The neutral position is
'0'.
@ signal source direct switch with 'SOURCE DIRECT' indicator
If this switch is pressed, the signal from the connected signal
source will be channelled directly via the volume control and
'Tone Defeat', with a flat curve, to the final amplifier and the
sound will be amplified.
@ signal source selector switches with 'PHONO', 'AUX l',
'AUX 2', 'TAPE l', 'DAT/TAPE 2', 'TUNER/DBS' and 'CD'
indicator.
Forplaybackof theselectedsignal sourcewhichisconnected
to the corresponding terminal sockets.
@ 'LOUDNESS' correction switch
Switch for extra amplification of the bass and treble at low
volume levels.
@ 'DIGITAL' analog/digital switch with indicator
Depending on the signal source connections to be used, the
switch must be in the 'ANALOG' or 'DIGITAL' position.
When switch
@ is not pressed: 'ANALOG' position, indicator
does not light up. (This is the setting for units connected to
the connections
@, @, 0, @,a, @, @, @ and @.)
Whenswitch@ispressed:'DIGITAL'position, indicatorlights
up. (Thisisthe setting for units connected to the connections
@,@, @, Q and 63.1
@ 'BALANCE' control
Used to give a balanced adjustment of left and right stereo
channels.
OPERATION
Use with the signal source selection switch
1. Ensure that the 'VOLUME' control @ is not on maximum.
This should preferably be set at a lower position to prevent
damage to the loudspeakers.
2. Switch on the amplifier using the 'ONIOFF' switch @.
The lighting around the volume control @ and above the
'ON/OFF' switch @ lights up.
3. Switch on the loudspeakers using the 'SPEAKERS' switch -
(es) @.
When button 'A' is pressed: for loudspeakers connected to
the loudspeaker connections
@ 'system A', see figure 3.
When button
'B' is pressed: for loudspeakers connected to
the loudspeaker connections
@ 'system B', see figure 4.
4. Switch on the required signal source and prepare this for
playback.
5. Onthe amplifier, pressthe selection switch @ appropriatefor
the signal source. The corresponding indicator will light up.
6. If youare using adigital signalsource,press 'DIGITAL' switch
0. The corresponding indicator will light up.
7. Slowly adjust the volume level using 'VOLUME' control @.
If you hear nothing and no indicator lights up:
- The amplifieris not switched on.
- The amplifieris not connected to the mains supply.
- There is no power at the mains.
If you hear nothing but an indicator does light up:
- Check selection switch @ is in the correct position.
- Check that the selected sound source is working properly
- Check that the loudspeakers are switched on.
- Check that the volume control is set high enough.
Do not leave it on
MAX!
- Check that the loudspeakers are properly connected.
Before checking this, the amplifiermust be switched off.
8. Adjust the stereo balance using 'BALANCE' control @.
9. Adjustthe bass and treble usingthe 'BASS/TREBLE' control
w.
10.lf required,atalowvolumelevel,switch ontheloudnessusing
the 'LOUDNESS' correction switch
@.
If sound comes from one side only:
- check that the position of the balance control is correct.
- check the connection to the faulty loudspeaker.
- check the connection between the signal source and amplifier.
- if using stereo headphones, push the plug fully into the terminal socket.
If the amplifier hums, buzzes or howls duringrecord playback.
- Check the earthing of the record player.
- Check that the connection plugsareinserted far enoughinto the terminal
sockets.
- Ensure that the connection cable to the recordplayer is as far away as
possible from the mains cables (hum)or
TV circuits (buzz).
- The amplifier may howl as a result of acoustic feedback from the
loudspeakers to the record player. This may occur particularly at high
volume levels.
In such a case, change the position of the loudspeakers.
Use with the signal source direct switch
Fordirectplaybackfromasignalsource selectedusingthesignal
source selection switch
@.
If you use this switch, the signal from the connected signal
source will be channelled directly via the volume control and
'Tone Defeat',with aflatcurve,tothefinal amplifier andthesound
will be amplified.
The advantage of thisisthatthesoundsignalpassesthroughthe
lowest possible number of circuits and is therefore reproduced
most naturally.
Playback
1. Switch on the amplifier using 'ONIOFF' a.
2, Switch on the loudspeakers using 'SPEAKERS' @.
3. Switch on the required signal source and prepare this for
playback.
4, If youare using adigital signal source,press 'DIGITAL'switch
The corresponding indicator will light up.
5. On the amplifier press 'SOURCE DIRECT' switch @.

Note:
If the 'SOURCE DIRECT' switch @ is pressed:
- the 'SOURCE DIRECT' indicator lights up.
- the 'BASS/TREBLE' controls @ are switched off.
e A'SOURCEDIRECT' switch whichispressed in shouldbe
released after youhavefinished,by pressingthe switch once
more. The indicator will then go out.
6. Slowly adjust the volume using 'VOLUME' control @.
7. Adjust the stereo balance using 'BALANCE' control @.
8. If required, at alowvolumelevel,switchontheloudness using
'LOUDNESS'correction switch
@. This makes the bass and
treble more pronounced
at low volume levels.
Use with a DAT and/or recorder
Playback
Playback from a DAT or recorder connected to the terminal
sockets
@ and @, and @ or @ and @ takes place just as from
any other sound source, as indicated in steps
4. to 7. under the
heading
'Use with the signal source selection switch'.
Recording
A recording can be made in two ways:
With the 'RECSELECTOR'recorder selection switch @in the
'source' position. The same signal will be produced at the
terminal sockets
@ and @ as can be heard through the
loudspeakers and/or headphones.
Atthe sametime,switch onarecorderwhichisconnected tothe
terminal sockets
a and @ or @ and @ to record.
Withthe 'RECSELECTOR'recorder selection switch @inthe
'CD'or 'TUNER' position. The same signalwill thenbe produced
attheterminal sockets @and@ascorresponds tothe selected
'REC SELECTOR' position (oncondition that the signal source
is operative).
At the sametime, switch onarecorderconnected totheterminal
sockets and
@ or @ and @ to record.
Note:
- If the recorder used has separate heads for recording and
playingback, then it is possible to monitor the recording. For
further information see the operating manual of the recorder.
- Operating the bass/treble, volume level, balance control and
loudness switch has no effect during the recording.
Listeningto a differentsignalsourcewhilstmakinga recording
If you make a recording with the 'REC SELECTOR' recorder
selection switch @inthe 'CD'or 'TUNER' position, it is possible
to listen to a different signal source.
If you wish to do so, press on the amplifier the selection switch
@which corresponds to the signal source. The corresponding
indicator will light up.
If the recording fails:
An unsuccessfulrecording may be the result of:
a faulty operation of the signal source to be recorded.
operation of the 'REC SELECTOR' recorder selection switch @.
operation of the 'DIGITAL' switch 0.
Copying tapes
With the 'REC SELECTOR' recorder selection switch @ in the
'COPY 1
-b 2' position, a tape in recorder 1 can be copied onto
that in recorder
2.
With the 'REC SELECTOR' recorder selection switch @ in the
'COPY
2 -b 1' position, a tape in recorder 2 can be copied onto
a tape in recorder 1.
In the meantime, if required, it is possible to listen to a different
signal source.
Set the 'REC SELECTOR' recorder selection switch @to the
'COPY 1
-b 2' or 'COPY 2 -b 1' position.
Play back using recorder 1 or 2.
Record simultaneously using recorder 2 or 1.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Loudspeaker connection
Loudspeakers must be connected in pairs to the 'SPEAKERS'
loudspeaker connections
@ (impedance 4 to 16 ohms, if only
system A or system B is used or loudspeakers with an imped
-
ance of 8 to 16 ohms if system A and system B are used).
In order to do this, the wires of the loudspeaker cables, which
shouldpreferablyhave aminimumdiameter of 1'1, mm
2
,must be
prepared by removing the insulation (+5 mm.) and twisting the
core wires. If necessary, remove the loudspeaker plugs to do
this. If you prefer not to do this, use suitable adaptor cables.
One of the two wires of a loudspeaker cable or adaptor cable is
markedthroughoutwith a special marking. This maybe acolour,
stripe, rib or other indication.
Bear this distinction in mind!
Connection
1. Ensure that the amplifier is switched off!
2. Determine which group of terminals you will use (e.g. A).
3. Select the loudspeaker to be connected (e.g. the left, 'L').
Thiswill thendetermine which two wires are to be connected
to which two terminals.
4. Insert the marked wire into the red terminal, the non - marked
wire into the black terminal (see Figs.
5a, 5b and 5c).
Tighten the loudspeaker terminal firmly to limit the contact
resistance between the terminal and the wire as far as
possible.
5. In exactly the same way, connect the wires of the other
loudspeaker (in this case the right, 'R') with the two other
terminals (in this case A), i.e. the marked wire in the red
terminal,the non
- marked wire inthe black terminal. If youdo
not do this, the loudspeakers will not work 'in phase'. The
stereo reproduction will then not be correct.
6. If connecting a second pair of loudspeakers, connect these
in exactly the same way to the remaining terminals (in this
case the B terminal).
7. Check all connections made are correct:
0 Uninsulated wire ends must not touch (short circuit!).
The wires must not be loose in the terminals (tightenfully).
8. Ensure that the volume control is not on MAX and only then
should you switch on the amplifier.
Positioningthe loudspeakers
In order to obtainas goodastereo effect as possible,take some
time when positioning your loudspeakers. Because every room
has its own limitations, the best positioning can only be obtained
by experimenting.
The following rules should be borne in mind:
Looking from the listener's position, place the loudspeaker
connected to the 'L' terminal on the left. Place the loudspeaker
connected to the 'R' terminals on the right.
Try tokeep the distance between the two loudspeakers equal
to that between each of the loudspeakers and the listener's
position.
Bassreproductionis amplified byplacingtheloudspeakerson
the floor or in a corner.
Treble reproduction is adversely affected by placing the
loudspeakers behind objects (furniture, sunblinds, curtains,
etc.).
Try to keep the arrangement and the positioning height as
symmetrical as possible.
Maintenance
The amplifier can be cleaned on the outside using a damp cloth
(notwet!).Use only water to dampen the cloth.

TECHNICAL DATA
(Subject to alteration)
0 Power output acc. to FTC
at 8ohm load
(20
- 20.000Hz, D < 0.03%):75 W continuous sine wave
at 4ohm load
(20
- 20.000Hz, D < 0.05%) : 90 W continuous sine wave
0 Power output acc. to IEC
at 8ohm load
(63
- 12.500Hz, D < 0.3%):80 W continuous sine wave
0 Power output acc. to DIN
(1kHz, D <0.7%)
at 8ohm load: 85
W continuous sine wave
at 4ohm load: 115
W continuous sine wave
at
2 ohm load: 140 W continuous sine wave
0 IHF music power
at 8ohm load: 95
W
at 4ohm load: 140 W
at 2 ohm load: 160 W
Harmonic distortion (1kHz) : 0.0I%
0 Intermodulation distortion: 0.03%
0 Power bandwidth ( - 3 dB) : 10 - 30.000 Hz
0 Frequency response: 20 - 20.000Hz + 0.5dB
0 S/N ratio: 90 dB (weighted)
0 Channel separation (1kHz) : 70 dB
0 Damping factor at 8 ohms: 80
0 Input sensitivity:
Phono MC: 0.25 mV/150ohm
Phono MM: 2,5 mV/47kohm
Compact Disc: 150mV/20kohm
Tuner: 150 mV/20kohm
Aux 1
: 150mV/20kohm
Aux 2: 150 mV/20 kohm
Tape 1
: 150mV/20kohm
DAT/Tape2
: 150mV/20 kohm
Compact Disc optical: 1
x Toslink
Compact Disc: 0.5 V p-p/75Ohm
DBS/Aux.: 0.5V p-p/75 Ohm
DAT/Play/Rec:0.5 V p-p/75Ohm
0 Outputs:
DAT/Tape
: 150mV/550 ohm
2 x 2 loudspeakers: 4 - 8 ohm
Headphones: 8-1000ohm
0 Tone control:
bass:
+ 8 dB to - 8 dB at 100 Hz
treble:
+ 8 dB to - 8 dB at 10 kHz
0 Loudness: +6 dB at 100 Hz, +4 dB at 10 kHz
0 Balance control: 0-codB
0 Power consumption: 330 W
This product complies with the radio interference requirements
as laid down in EC (European Community) regulations.
Importantnote for users in U.K.:
The U.K.-versionis not fitted witha mains plug
When fittinga mains plug to the mains lead proceed as follows: The wires in the mains lead
are coloured with the followingcode:
BLUE=NEUTRAL,
BROWN
= LIVE.
Asthesecolours maynotcorrespond withthecolourmarkingsidentifying theterminalsin your
plugproceed asfollows:The Brownwiremust be connectedto theterminal whichis marked
withthe letter L or coloured Red.
TheBluewiremust beconnected to theterminalwhichis markedwiththeletter Norcoloured
Black.
Note: This apparatusmust be protected by a
3 Amp Fuse if a 13 Amp plug is used or, if any
othertypeof plugis used,by a
5 Amp Fuse eitherin the plugor adapter or at the distribution
board.If in doubt consult a qualifiedelectrician.