Solution Digital-Player 541 User manual

Digital-Player 541
User manual
soulution
nature of sound

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 1
Dear client
We are proud that you decided yourself for a soulution product. You have acquired a
product with outstanding sonic performance which you will enjoy for many years.
We understand your eagerness to get started but even though please study this
manual step by step before you integrate the Digital-Player 541 in your High Fideli-
ty system. This manual contains also useful tips for the optimisation of your overall
HiFi-system.
If there are any questions regarding the start-up or operation of your Digital-Player
541 please do not hesitate to contact your dealer.
Have fun!
your soulution Team

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Page 2
CE-Declaration of Conformity
Spemot AG declares that this product is in conformance with the following direc-
tives and standards:
Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EG (EN/IEC 60065:2002)
Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/EG (EN 55013:2001, EN 55020:2002,
EN 61000-3-2:2006, EN61000-3-3:1995)
FCC-Notice
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are de-
signed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harm-
ful interference to radio communications. However there is no guarantee that inter-
ference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encour-
aged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-adjust or relocate the receiving antenna
-increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
-connect the equipment into a mains outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected
-consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
Disposal
According to the Directive 2002/96/EG of the European Parliament used
consumer-electro technical appliances have to be disposed separately
and have to be indicated with the following symbol.
In the case of disposal of this component please do so in conformity with legal and
environmental regulations.

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 3
Table of contents
1Technical Highlights......................................................................................4
2Safety advice: ...........................................................................................6
3Scope of delivery and packing ........................................................................7
4Rear panel ....................................................................................................7
5Front panel .................................................................................................10
6Program-Mode ............................................................................................15
7Remote control ...........................................................................................18
8Trouble shooting .........................................................................................19
9Service .......................................................................................................19
10 Safety functions ..........................................................................................20
11 Warranty.....................................................................................................20
12 Specifications .............................................................................................21
13 Dimensions.................................................................................................22
Quick start
Unpacking
ð
Unpack the
5
41 SACD
-
Player
ðStore the packing for future transportations
Treat the top class surface with care.
Positioning
ð
Position th
e
5
41 SACD
-
Player
on a stable base.
Cooling air must be able to escape unrestricted.
Cabling
ð
Disconnect all components of your setup from the mains
ðConnect the 541 with your (pre)amplifier
ðConnect the 541 with your digital source components
ðReconnect all components with the mains
While manipulating with cables the 541 SACD-Player
has
to remain disconnected from the mains.
Programming
ð
Default values for all functions are programmed
.
ðNo additional settings are required.
Switch on
ð
Switch on
the
5
41 SACD
-
Player
ðSelect moderate volume at the (pre)amplifier
ðSwitch on the source components and your amplifier
Check the cabling before you switch on.

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1Technical Highlights
1.1 Layout
The power supply units, the CD/SACD mechanism as well as the digital circuits are
strictly separated. The analog output section is realized in dual mono layout.
1.2 Drive
The Digital-Player 541 uses a top class mechanism of the Esoteric model range. It
allows for optimal data read-out of the CD as well as the SACD data.
1.3 DSP (Digital Signal Processor)
A powerful DSP performs the calculations for the upsampling to 24Bit, 384kHz.
The DSD data of a SACD is converted into PCM format during the upsampling pro-
cess. The converted data is extrapolated by a 3rd order polynomial algorithm. Addi-
tionally this DSP performs computations for the volume control and the balance set-
tings. Thanks to the 32Bit floating comma architecture of the DSP these calcula-
tions go without the usually increase of the quantification noise.
1.4 Digital/Analog-Converter
The D/A converter section as well as the analog output stages are done in dual mono
layout, one board per audio channel (left/right). We use the Burr-Brown 1792 DAC
which guarantees excellent performance. Only the top quality converter section
which runs up to 384 kHz of the chip is used. The internal upsampling section is
bypassed! Two extremely fast (3MHz) I-V converters per DAC transform the output
currents of the DAC chips in voltages before they get filtered in the following stage.
This ensures optimal conditions in the filter stage as well as for the I-V converters.

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 5
1.5
The soulution 541 SACD-Player incorporates the unique and innovative, DSP based
Zero-Phase-Technology. Every digital to analog converter requires an analog low
pass filter in its output in order to suppress high frequency noise and aliasing sig-
nals, which adds phase shifts for higher frequencies. Despite its relatively high cut-
off frequency of 120kHz, the analog 3rd order Bessel-filter of the 541 shows a
phase shift of up to 15° in the audio band. A powerful DSP does pre-correct these
potential phase errors in the digital signal. Once the signal passes the D/A converter
stages and its related low pass filter these errors get cancelled out. The phase error
of the resulting analog music signal remains below 1°, 20Hz - 100kHz! The Zero-
Phase-Technology brings you even closer to the beauty of the source material!
1.6 Clock and PLL (Phase Lock Loop)
Utmost precision of the clock signal is a must have for a top class D/A-Conversion.
Synchronisation to external digital data requires a clock/PLL that must adapt itself
very fast to eventual changes of the external data.
1.7 Output stage
The output stage is optimised for velocity, precision and impulse current rating.
Thanks to its low output impedance of 10Wand Class-A operation the output stage
is stable on every load (also long cables are driven without problems). The output
stage is a completely symmetrical design.
1.8 Power Supply
The Digital-Player 541 has two strictly separated power supply units which are
combined with a multistage filtering network for lowest mutual interferences.
The supply voltages for the analog section are stabilised in several stages for mini-
mal deviations.

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Page 6
2Safety advice:
User manual
ð
Follow the safety advice
s
ðKeep this user manual.
Mains supply
Exclusively use 3 phase power cords with ground conductor.
Unplug the 541 from the mains in the following cases:
ðbefore you manipulate with cables
ðbefore cleaning
ðduring thunder storms
ðbefore you leave for longer periods
Cabling
While manipulating with cables the
5
41
has to remain disco
n-
nected from the mains. Wrong cabling may cause damages to
your 541 amplifier and loudspeakers. Excessive volumes due to
inappropriate handling may cause hearing damages.
Tra
nsport
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 cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury or tip over.
Packing
In order to omit conde
nsation of water inside your
5
41 SACD
-
Player, let it warm up within the packing.
Please keep the original packing for future transports.
Operation
Never run your
4
1 SACD
-
Player
ðwith opened housing
ðwith closed cooling-slots
ðwith high ambient temperatures (>40°C)
ðclose to heat sources like radiators, etc.
ðwith extremely high humidity for example in humid cellars
ðclose to water (Sink, bathtub, or similar equipment)
Cleaning
Use a soft and dry towel. We suggest using a nonabrasive microf
i-
ber towel. Please do not use any solvents or liquidities
Service
Service by a qualified person required if
ðthe mains-cable or the mains connectors are damaged
ðforeign substances or liquidity have entered the 541
ðthe 541 has seen rain
ðthe 541 seems to malfunction
ðthe 541 has fallen to the floor or the housing is damaged

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 7
3Scope of delivery and packing
Please check the scope of delivery:
-Digital-Player 541
-Remote Control
-Mains cable
-User manual
4Rear panel
4.1.1 Mains (A)
Connect the 541 SACD-Player with the mains supply. In standby the 541 has a
power consumption of <0.5W (red LEDs in display).
Only switch
-
off the mains if your
5
41 SACD
-
Player
is in standby.
LINK (B)
Connect the LINK-In of the 541 SACD-Player with the LINK-Out of your soulution
preamplifier. LINK-Out allows including further components in the LINK-network.

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Output (C)
Due to the extraordinary load-stability of the output-stage also long cables can be
used with no reduction of sound quality. For long cables we recommend using the
balanced connectors. For short cable lengths also unbalanced cables represent a
high quality connection, top quality cable and optimal layout prerequisite.
Digital-Input (D)
The 541 SACD-Player has three digital input connectors (SPDIF, AES/EBU and
Toslink). Digital data (PCM) up until 24Bit, 192kHz can be received.
LAN (E, optional)
The 541 SACD-Player can receive digital audio data from your local area network. It
will be seen by media servers as „UPnPTM AV/DLNA Media Renderer device.
Following file formats are supported:
File
format
Bit depth
Sampling
rate
FLAC (Free Losless Audio Codec)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
WAV (Waveform Audio File Fo
r
mat)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
MP3 (Mpeg Audio Layer 3)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
ALAC (Apple Los
s
less Audio Codec)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
AAC (Advanced A
u
dio Coding)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
AIFF (Audio Interchange File Fo
r
mat)
16
-
24 bit
44.1
–
192 kHz
DSF and DFF (DSD stream file)
1 bit
2.82
–
5.64 MHz
DXD
(
Digital eXtr
e
me Defin
ition
)
24
bit
352.8 k
Hz

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 9
USB Audio (F)
The readable file formats depend mainly on the used player software. The following
formats can be received by the 541 SACD-Player:
File
format
Bit
depth
Sampling
rate
PCM (WAV, AIFF, FLAC; etc.)
16
-
24 bit
32
–
9
6
kHz
Digital-Output (G)
The 541 SACD-Player has 3 digital output connectors. (SPDIF (RCA), AES/EBU,
Toslink). Connect your favourite digital output with the digital input of your external
D/A-Converter. With the program-function
4.1.2 RS 232 Interface (H)
The 560 D/A-Converter can be remote controlled through the RS232 interface. All
functions can be controlled and relevant information is provided to the control unit.
4.2 Type label (I)
The type label shows the serial number and the nominal power consumption.

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5Front panel
5.1 Power (J)
The Power-button defines the operating condition ON or OFF (red LEDs). The audio
circuits remain disconnected from the outputs until it is switched on.
Display OFF condition Display during start-up Display in operation
We suggest switching the 541 SACD-Player to standby (OFF) while not listening to
music. (Power consumption <0.5 W).
Unplug the
5
41 SACD
-
Player
from the mains before you mani
pulate with
cables, be
fore cleaning, during thunder storms or before you leave for longer
periods.
5.2 Open (I)
The Open button opens or closes the drawer of the Digital-Player 541. If a CD/SACD
is playing the first push on the Open button will stop the mechanism, the second
push will open the drawer. In Source-Mode DAC the mechanism can not be opened.

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 11
Display while opening the
mechanism.
Display while closing the
drawer of the mechanism.
Display while playing a
CD/SACD.
Never close the draw
er by hand.
5.3 Prog (J)
The Prog button switches the Digital-Player 541 between operating-mode and pro-
gramming-mode. In the programming-mode you may adjust the Digital-Player 541
to your individual requirements.
5.4 Select (K)
The Select knob controls the functions Track select, Volume Control, Play/Pause,
Input-Select and is used for the Programming. The behaviour of the Select knob
changes depending on the activated Source-Mode.

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Source Mode: CD/SACD
Volume
-
Mode „ON“
Volume
-
Mode „OFF“
Track select
(5.4.1) Track select (5.4.1)
Play/Pause
(5.4.3) Play/Pause (5.4.3)
Change to Volume-
Control-Mode no function
Volume-Control
(5.4.4) no function
Source
-
Mode: DAC
Volume
-
Mode „ON“
Volume
-
Mode „OFF“
Input-Select
(5.4.2) Input-Select (5.4.2)
Change to Volume-
Control-Mode no function
Volume-Control
(5.4.4) no function

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 13
5.4.1 Track select
Rotating the Select knob allows selecting a new track. Rotating to the right will in-
crease the track number, rotating to the left will decrease the track number. After 3
seconds the newly selected track will be played.
5.4.2 Input-Select
Rotating the Select knob allows selecting the digital input.
Display in D/A-Converter-
Mode for Input SPDIF
Display in DA-Converter
Mode for Input AES/EBU
5.4.3 Play/Pause
In Source-Mode CD/SACD pressing the Select knob for less than 0.5 seconds will
switch the Digital-Player 541 between Play and Pause. If the drawer is open while
pressing the Select knob for less than 0.5 seconds the drawer will be closed and the
Digital-Player 541 starts to play track 1 of the inserted CD/SACD.
Display while playing a
CD/SACD
Display for Pause
5.4.4 Volume Control
If the Volume-Mode has been activated, a long push on the select knob will bring
the Digital-Player 541 in Volume-Control-Mode. Rotating the select knob will
change the volume. After a timeout of approx. 3 seconds the Volume-Control-Mode
is deactivated. This ensures that the volume is changed only by purpose.

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Display in Volume-Control-
Mode
Display after deactivating
the Volume-Control-Mode
in SACD/CD-Player Mode
Display after deactivating
the Volume-Control-Mode in
D/A-Converter Mode
The volume as well as the balance setting is only displayed in the Volume-Control-
Mode.
5.4.5 Programming:
In programming-mode the Select knob is used for the selection of the program-
functions and the function values.
5.5 Display / IR-Receiver (L)
The display shows all relevant information for operating your Digital-Player 541.

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 15
6Program-Mode
General
The 541 SACD-Player can be adjusted to your individual setup. It is already pro-
grammed with default settings. Further programming is not mandatory.
We recommend to adjust the Start-Volume and to set the Max-Volume.
Function
Push on the Prog button activates the Program-Mode.
Timeout after 10 seconds.
Rotating of the Select knob allows selecting the desired
Program-Function
Push on the Select knob for approval of the selected
function. Now the value domain of the selected Pro-
gram-Function is active. (red LEDs in display).
Rotating of the Select knob allows for adjusting the de-
sired value.
Push on the Select knob for approval of the respective
value.
Push on the Prog button deactivates the Program-Mode.
Timeout after 10 seconds.

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Page 16
6.1 Program-Functions
Fun
c
tion
Values
Remarks
CD
/SACD
, DAC
Defines
the source mode
.
Track, Disc,
Random, OFF
Defines the
repeat mode
TRCK
-
FWD
,
TRCK-BWD,
DISC-FWD,
DISC-BWD
D
efines the time mode
0
°
, 180°
Def
ines the polarity of the signal
0° = no inversion
180° = left & right inverted
ON,
OFF
(
De)activates
the Vo
l
ume
-
Mode
.
1..
30
..50
Defines the Start
-
Volume level. In
the
value domain it changes to the Start-
Volume level.
50...
80
The maximal volume can be limited. In the
value domain the volume level does not
change.

Digital-Player 541
User manual
Page 17
Fun
c
tion
Values
Remarks
<
-
9...
0
...9
-
>
Defines the level difference b
e
tween left
and right channel.
NORM
,
LINK
NORM
ð
OFF (Standby)
LINK ðDepending on Link System
SPDIF
,AES/EBU,
Optical, USB,
Ethernet
Defines which input shall be active after
start-up.
OFF,
ON
(De)activates the digital outputs
1 = low
2 = medium
3 = high
Adjusts the br
ightness of the display
1
, 2
Defines the
IR
identification of the 560.
The remote control has to be adjusted
accordingly
Loads
the default values
(bold)
for all
functions.

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7Remote control
Taste
Pre
/DAC
-
Mod
e
CD
-
Mod
e
(1) IR-transmitter Operation until 5m distance and angel of ±45°.
(2,3) pqVolume +/-
(4) DIM /4; Volume-Dim Play/Pause
(5/6) tuSelect +/- Next / Previous track
(7) 8Enter Function for Program-Mode
(8) P (De)activates Program-Mode
(9) Mute -
(10) ON / OFF
(11) - Open/Close
(12) PRE - Activates PRE-Mode
(13) CD Activates CD-Mode -
Change of Remote Ctrl ID:
Press the respective buttons for approx. 5 seconds.
ðID 1: t(6), u(5), (10)
ðID 2: t(6), u(5), (9)
Exchange of batteries (2 x AAA):
ðOpen the battery tray on the rear side.
ðInsert the batteries into the tray as indicated.
ðEnsure correct polarity of the batteries.
ðClose the tray with corresponding screw.
ðDispose the exhausted batteries