Plinius CD-101 User manual

CD-101
COMPACT DISC PLAYER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
www.pliniusaudio.nzld.com

Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................2
Design Philosophy ...............................................................................................3
Unpacking....................................................................................................................4
Placement & Ventilation....................................................................................4
Care & Maintenance............................................................................................5
Precautions ................................................................................................................6
Front Panel Functions........................................................................................7
Rear Panel Functions .........................................................................................8
Remote Control Functions.............................................................................9
Installation & Operation ....................................................................................11
Product Features ..................................................................................................13
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................14
Specifications ..........................................................................................................15
Index ................................................................................................................................16
All operational, technical and descriptive material in this publication
is subject to change at any time without notice. For further product
information or queries, please contact your Plinius dealer.
Plinius products are designed and manufactured by
Plinius Audio Limited, New Zealand.

2 PLINIUS CD-101
Introduction
Congratulations on your decision to become the proud owner of this
Plinius CD-101 Compact Disc player.
This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of your CD
player, and to provide information about its design and the variety of ways it may
be used.
We have designed and manufactured this CD player to reproduce your favourite
music faithfully and accurately. With a little care and a full understanding of the
operating recommendations in this manual, your Plinius CD-101 Compact Disc player
will provide years of high-quality, trouble-free performance.
Please take the time to read this manual thoroughly before using your CD player.
SERIAL NUMBER
FINAL TEST CERTIFIED BY

3COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Design Philosophy
From a distance you can see that the design of the Plinius products is more than
an applied styling exercise to the front panel. We have started from the ground up
to produce a casing for our electronics that is unrivalled in its physical strength and
visual simplicity.
Wherever possible we have reduced the number of parts needed and then invested
massively in refining and producing the remaining parts to the highest quality
achievable with state of the art computer controlled machines allied with expert
craftsman. Examples of this approach include the hydraulically formed corners on
the amplifiers giving much greater strength and the one piece housing for the remote
control that looks, feels and genuinely is robust.
As with music that you are not familiar with, truly innovative new designs can take time
to understand and enjoy. How often have you heard music that you were first unsure
of, that over repeated listening, has become a firm favourite?
Our designs are fundamentally different to many other companies, and we hope that
you will take the time to explore their unique character and qualities because we have
not made them different simply to be different. We genuinely believe that their visual
and tactile qualities do improve the experience of listening to music and that is our
design goal!
Ross Stevens
DESIGN DIRECTOR

4 PLINIUS CD-101
Unpacking
Open the box from the top and remove the accessories from the foam end caps.
You may now proceed to lift the unit from the box, Once the unit is removed you can
proceed with the removal of the foam end caps. These caps are designed to fit on
the front and back of the unit for maximum protection. Retain the packaging for future
transportation of this unit.
Placement & Ventilation
Your Plinius CD-101 may operate at a moderately high temperature, especially during
extended listening sessions. The ideal location is upon a rigid stand, away from
direct contact with any temperature sensitive materials, furniture or deep pile carpets.
Ventilation through and around the unit should also be kept unimpeded. Please ensure
that the heat vents (slots in the base and lid) are not covered or restricted in any way.
The Plinius CD-101 design incorporates a very high level of mechanical decoupling
of the input and output. It can however still be influenced by acoustical feedback in
the operating environment. The use of acoustic cones or a suitably spiked amplifier
stand or table may further enhance the performance of this CD player. Consult your
Plinius dealer for further advice if required.

5COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Care & Maintenance
With simple care and maintenance your Plinius product can be kept looking and
operating like new for many years to come.
MAINTAINING THE CONNECTORS
Exposed connectors such as the RCA connectors will be subject to environmental
factors, and over time the surface may degrade. This can be greatly reduced by fitting
readily available ‘RCA caps’ to reduce the effects of environmental elements on the RCA
connectors. These RCA caps or RCA shorting caps can also provide sonic benefits.
Connector cleaning products are also available to clean the RCA and cable connectors
and frequent checks and cleaning will help maintain a good signal connection.
NOTE: DO NOT use RCA shorting caps on output connectors or power amplifier input
connectors. Use RCA shorting caps on unused preamplifier stage input connectors only.
Standard RCA shielding caps can be used on any unused input or output connectors.
MAINTAINING THE SWITCHES
Switches should be maintained by using each various switch setting periodically.
Even if a switch or a switch setting is not used, it is a good idea to toggle small
switches and turn rotary switches though the full range of the switch several times in
succession to keep the contacts active. Performing this simple action will promote
longevity of the switch contacts.
SURFACE CLEANING
From time to time you may wish to clean the surface of your Plinius equipment to
remove dust, or any material build up from the atmosphere or on commonly used
controls. Your Plinius product is made up of parts that have a hard anodised or a
powder coat finish and will clean easily without being damaged.
Cleaning should be carried out using a soft cleaning cloth, dry or with either a small
amount of water or a very mild surface cleaner while observing the following guidelines:
• As a safety precaution, always switch the equipment off before cleaning
• Always use a cloth that is soft and clean
• Never use abrasives or polishing compounds anywhere on the unit
• Never apply liquid directly to the surface of the unit
• Use the cloth dry or with mild surface cleaners of either liquid or foaming type
• Apply only small amounts of cleaner to the cloth
• DO NOT rub the surface but wipe clean only. Excessive rubbing may dull powder
coat or wear the screen printed text.

6 PLINIUS CD-101
Precautions
PLEASE TAKE SPECIAL NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING PRECAUTIONS
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR NEW COMPACT DISC PLAYER.
• This Compact Disc player operates at hazardous voltage levels. We recommend
that any work requiring removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and
experienced service technician.
• DO NOT earth any output terminals or connect any of these terminals together
without following the instructions in this manual or seeking qualified assistance.
• DO NOT place this Compact Disc player in any position where liquids or any
foreign material may accidentally enter it.
• DO NOT connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance
(other than suitable audio preamplifiers) to the Compact Disc player output
terminals.
• DO NOT use discs that are scratched or damaged. This may lead to unintended
operation or malfunction.

7COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Front Panel Functions
1. POWER LED
A blue LED on the centre front panel indicates that the power is on. When first
switched on, the LED will vary in brightness until the initialisation sequence is
completed, after which the LED remains lit.
2. COMPACT DISC DRAWER
The CD is inserted in this drawer, which is controlled by the Stop/Eject button.
3. STOP/EJECT BUTTON
Used to open and close the Compact Disc drawer and to stop a CD from playing.
4. DISPLAY LED’S
These small white LED’s communicate the activities of the Compact Disc player.
• When the Compact Disc drawer is empty all display LED’s will be off.
• After inserting a CD and closing the drawer, LED 1 will illuminate and flash
showing that the CD is being read.
• To identify the number of tracks on a CD, a series of LED’s will illuminate to display
the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th and/or 20+ tracks. Illuminating every fifth track assists for
easy identification of track numbers from a distance.
• A CD with less than 20 tracks will illuminate the first & every fifth LED leading up to
& including the final track number. E.g. a 13 track CD will light LED’s 1, 5, 10 and 13.
• A CD with more than 20 tracks will illuminate the first and every fifth LED up to
and including the 20+ LED. The final track number of the additional tracks past
20+ is also illuminated. E.g. a 32 track CD will light LED’s 1, 5, 10, 15 and 20+. Past
track 20, LED’s 1, 5, 10 and 12 will illuminate to indicate tracks 21, 25, 30 and 32.
• To identify the track number playing on a CD, the corresponding LED number will
illuminate and be brighter in comparison to other LED’s and will vary in brightness
while the track is playing.
• When a track number higher than 20 is being played, the 20+ LED will vary in
brightness as well as an additional LED to indicate the track number. Eg for
track 23, the 20+ LED will light as well as the 3 LED (20+ and 3 = 23).
• When a track higher than 40 plays, all display LED’s will go out except for 20+,
which will flash on and off.
• When the Repeat function is activated the Repeat LED will illuminate.
• When a CD track is paused the corresponding track number LED will flash.
1
3
4
2

8 PLINIUS CD-101
Rear Panel Functions
The rear panel incorporates all the terminals for connecting the output signal to your
preamplifier, AV receiver or integrated amplifier and mains supply.
Please remember that your Plinius CD-101 Compact Disc player is a high quality
electronic instrument capable of an exceptional level of performance. Be sure that
you understand your system’s requirements fully before you make any connection to
this Compact Disc player.
1. OUTPUT TERMINALS
Connections for preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers are provided on the rear panel.
Connections are available for analog single ended RCA, and balanced XLR cables,
as well as SPDIF digital output. Note that the only time the analog outputs are ‘live’ is
when the Compact Disc player is playing a track. The SPDIF output is live any time
the Compact Disc player is switched on.
The XLR output pin configuration used in all Plinius products is:
PIN 1 to GND
PIN 2 to +Signal
PIN 3 to –Signal
NOTE: Because of the way balanced XLR outputs are configured it is not
recommended to connect both XLR and RCA at the same time.
2. GROUND LIFT SWITCH
This switch allows the signal ground to be disconnected from the chassis. In some
installations a hum loop may exist due to duplicate ground paths from different
equipment. Use this switch to remove the connection from 0V to ground thus
allowing some flexibility in your particular set-up.
3. MAINS SWITCH
The heavy-duty rocker switch turns the Mains/Line Power to the amplifier ON or OFF.
The amplifier draws a moderately high current when switched on, so it is not good
practice to rapidly turn the Mains switch on and off repeatedly.
1 2
5
3
4

9COMPACT DISC PLAYER
4. MAINS POWER CORD IEC SOCKET
This connector is where the mains supply cable from your wall connects to the
Compact Disc player. A fuse holder is mounted within this connection, and it holds a
mains fuse to provide surge and overload protection for your Compact Disc player.
5. REMOTE IR SOCKET
This socket is for connecting to an external remote control sender. Some companies
manufacture these devices to enable multi-room remote control. Please see your
Plinius dealer for further advice.
Remote Control Functions
The CD-101 features a full function remote to control all actions of the unit. This section
details the buttons of the CD-101 remote and how they are used.
1. REPEAT
Press this button and the repeat light on the front panel will light
up. The CD-101 will now play all tracks on the CD as normal, and
then repeat all tracks from track 1 in an endless loop. It does not
repeat one track only, it repeats the entire contents of the CD.
2. DISPLAY
The display button on the remote enables you to quickly adjust the
display brightness. Use this button to toggle between high, low, and
off settings. Note that whenever the Compact Disc drawer is ejected
to change a CD, the display will automatically revert to full brightness.
3. CUE BUTTONS
Use these two buttons to cue through the track you are listening
to. Press and hold the right side button to cue forward through
the track, or press and hold the left side button to cue backwards
through the track. Once the start or end of the track is reached,
Cue will continue into the next track.
4. TRACK BUTTONS
Use these two buttons to go forward (right side button) or back
(left side button) through the tracks on the CD. Press the button
once to skip to the next track on the CD, or hold down to skip
through multiple tracks. The track currently selected will be
brightly lit. When playing a CD, press the back button once to
revert to the start of the current track. Pressing the back button
again will skip back to the previous track.
2
6
8
1
5
3
4
7

10 PLINIUS CD-101
5. STOP/EJECT
If the Compact Disc player is playing a CD, pressing this button will stop play and
return to track 1. Pressing the button again will open the Compact Disc drawer so the
CD can be changed.
6. PLAY/PAUSE
Press the Play button to begin playing the CD at the track selected. The display LED
corresponding to the track that is being played will vary in brightness. Press the
Play button again, and the track will pause, designated by the LED flashing. If the
Compact Disc drawer is open, pressing play will shut the drawer and start playing the
CD from track 1.
7. VOLUME CONTROL
Use these two buttons to control the volume level of a Plinius integrated amplifier
or preamplifier. The right side button increases volume, while the left side button
decreases the volume. Briefly press either button to make fine adjustments to the
volume level. Hold down either button to continually adjust the volume level. Note that
these buttons do not control the CD-101 Compact Disc player, and are included only to
remove the need for two remotes, if more than one Plinius product is in your system.
8. MUTE
Pressing this button toggles a Plinius integrated amplifier or preamplifier in and out of
mute. Note that this button does not control the CD-101 Compact Disc player, and is
included only to remove the need for two remotes, if more than one Plinius product is
in your system.

11COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Installation & Operation
WARNING: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
This Compact Disc player operates at hazardous voltage levels. We recommend
that any work requiring removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and
experienced service technician. DO NOT place this Compact Disc player in any
position where liquids or any foreign material may accidentally enter it.
PLEASE READ & UNDERSTAND THE PRECAUTIONS WITHIN THIS MANUAL
FOR PLACEMENT & OPERATION OF THIS PRODUCT.
CONNECTIONS
Connections to your Plinius CD-101 should be made in the same order as they are
listed in this section. DO NOT attempt to connect your Plinius CD-101 until you have
read and fully understood these instructions.
Although these instructions refer to the connection of the CD-101 to a Preamplifier,
the CD-101 can also be safely installed into multimedia systems by following the same
installation guidelines. Should you require further assistance, please contact your
Plinius dealer.
OUTPUT TERMINALS
The connection of the outputs of the Plinius CD-101 must be made by an ‘instructed
person’ or by suitable ready made interconnect cables only. Connections for
preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers are provided to the left of the rear panel.
Connections are available for analogue single ended RCA, and balanced XLR cables,
as well as SPDIF digital output.
If using single-ended RCA outputs, connect your CD-101 to the RCA inputs on the
back of the preamplifier. Make sure you connect the red coded cable to the red
RIGHT RCA output, and the black (or white) cable to the black LEFT RCA output. Also
make sure the RCA connectors are a snug fit and are inserted all the way in.
For XLR connection, make sure you connect the RIGHT XLR output and LEFT XLR
output of the CD-101 to the right and left inputs of your Preamplifier respectively. Also
make sure the XLR connectors click into place.
NOTE: The only time the analogue outputs are ‘live’ is when the Compact Disc player
is playing a track. The SPDIF output is live at any time while the unit is switched on.
DO NOT connect XLR and RCA at the same time, use only one or the other.

12 PLINIUS CD-101
TERMINATION QUALITY
Quality of the connections must be examined to ensure that high-performance,
trouble-free operation is enjoyed. Check that all interconnection cables are snug
fitting and inserted all the way in. In the case of balanced XLR sockets, ensure that
they click in positively.
CONNECTING THE MAINS SUPPLY
Firstly, check that the mains supply voltage printed on the rear of this unit is similar to
the mains supply voltage in your area. If in doubt, please consult your Plinius dealer.
Mains supply power connection is via the plug-in lead supplied with your Plinius
CD-101 Compact Disc player. Where possible, check the wall outlet is switched OFF,
then connect the local mains plug end of the lead to the wall outlet. Check the unit is
switched OFF, and connect the IEC end of the cable to the IEC socket at the back of
the CD-101. With the cord fully connected, switch the wall outlet ON.
Now that your CD-101 is configured correctly, switch the power switch on the rear panel to
ON. The display LED will cycle in brightness for approximately ten seconds as the internal
circuitry stabilises. You can now enjoy your new Plinius CD-101 Compact Disc player.
NOTE: This unit must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection. The wall outlet socket or mains switch must be accessible at all times in
case of emergency.
WARM-UP PERIOD
You will find that the Plinius CD-101 will become noticeably ‘purer’ in sound after being
on for a period of time. We usually recommend waiting at least 24 hours before
expecting the best quality of sound reproduction. Also, as the Plinius CD-101 uses very
little power while on, we suggest leaving the unit turned on so that it will always be at
its sonic best.

13COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Product Features
REMOTE CONTROL
Provided with your Plinius CD-101 is an 11 function remote control. Two AAA batteries
power the remote, and these are replaced by removing the two screws on the base
of the remote that hold the battery compartment in place. The bottom end of the
remote is now free to slide out for access to the batteries. Replace the two batteries,
taking care to refit the new ones with correct polarity.
DISPLAY STANDBY
The display has a time out feature, which will cause the display to shut down after 10
minutes once the CD has stopped. The display will reactivate when any function is
next used.
MAINS/LINE FUSE
A Mains/Line fuse is fitted within the IEC socket on the rear of the Compact Disc
player. A small drawer at the bottom of this socket may be removed (after the IEC
plug is removed) by levering it out with a flat blade screwdriver. The fuse fitted should
be rated at no greater than that specified on the rear panel.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING.
NOTE: Fuse failure may indicate a severe problem. Should the Compact Disc player
continue to exhibit mains fuse failure contact your Plinius dealer.
INTERNAL FUSES
The CD-101 features internal fuse links for each of the circuits powered by a separate
voltage from the transformer. These fuse links are designed to fail in the unlikely event
of an error in any individual sub-circuit. If you suspect internal fuse failure, please
contact your Plinius dealer.
COPY PROTECTED COMPACT DISCS
Please understand that the CD-101 has been designed to meet the standards as
laid out in the Redbook CD specification. Copy protected CD’s do not conform
to this standard, and are manufactured with deliberately introduced errors in an
attempt to frustrate those who may want to make digital copies. These schemes also
compromise the audio potential of the compact disc format.
The firmware in the CD-101 has been designed to enable most copy protected CD’s
to be played. However it is possible that if a non-standard CD is inserted, it may be
unreadable or create errors. If this occurs the power LED will be the only LED lit
after the CD initialisation sequence. Take the CD out of the Compact Disc player to
remedy the error condition. Any issues of this nature should be made known to the

14 PLINIUS CD-101
retailer the disc was purchased from, and to the record company.
NOTE: Scratched or damaged discs can adversely affect the performance and
function of your CD-101 Compact Disc player. Should you experience problems in
playing standard Redbook discs, please inspect the condition of the disc surface.
Troubleshooting
NO SOUND FROM THE UNIT
If the unit is not reproducing audio take the following steps:
• Check the unit is correctly connected to an appropriate input on the Preamplifier
or Integrated Amplifier. Refer to the Installation & Operation section on page 11.
• Check the CD is playing, and not paused. The track LED will be varying in
brightness when playing, or flashing when paused
• Check the Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier is set to the input that is connected
to the unit.
• Check the volume on the Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier is at a point just
below the normal listening level. DO NOT turn the volume up to maximum in case
the sound begins to come through the speakers.
• Try another CD or a track you are familiar with. This will help ensure it is not a
silent passage at the start or within the current track.
POWER FAILURE/NO POWER LED
The unit may have suffered mains fuse failure or internal protection fuse failure.
• Mains fuse failure: Check the mains fuse and replace if needed. Refer to the
Product Features section on page 13 for further information. NOTE: If the unit
immediately or repeatedly suffers mains fuse failure, there may be a major
problem and you should contact your Plinius dealer.
• Internal fuse failure: This must be checked by a technician. If you suspect an
internal fuse has activated, contact your Plinius dealer.
NO DISPLAY LED’S
The display features a time out function which will switch all display LED’s off 10
minutes after the disc has finished playing. Using any CD-101 function will return the
display to operation.

15COMPACT DISC PLAYER
Specifications
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20Hz to 20kHz +/–0.2dB
DISTORTION
<0.01% THD at rated input level
HUM & NOISE
–100dB at rated input level,
A Weighted
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
2V RMS into 10k ohms or higher
OUTPUT SOURCE IMPEDANCE
Typically 100 ohms
DIGITAL OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
75 ohms
POWER/CURRENT CONSUMPTION
50VA
0.1A (23W) Idle/Standby
DIMENSIONS
Height: 105mm (4”)
Width: 450mm (17.75”)
Depth: 400mm (15.75”)
Weight: 10kg (22lbs)

16 PLINIUS CD-101
Index
CD Drawer...................................................................................................7, 10
Copy Protected CD .............................................................................13
Display LED’s.............................................................................................7
Front Panel Layout...............................................................................7
Ground Lift Switch................................................................................8
IEC Power Connector........................................................................9, 12
Mains/Line Fuse.....................................................................................13
Mains Supply Connection .............................................................12
Mains Switch .............................................................................................8
Output Terminals ...................................................................................8, 11
Placement ...................................................................................................4
Power LED...................................................................................................7
Rear Panel Layout.................................................................................8
Remote Control.......................................................................................9, 13
Remote IR Socket.................................................................................9
Safety Precautions ...............................................................................6
Serial Number..........................................................................................2
Stop/Eject Button...................................................................................7, 10
Termination Quality ..............................................................................12
Troubleshooting......................................................................................14
Ventilation.....................................................................................................4
Warm-Up Period.....................................................................................12
XLR Connections...................................................................................8, 11