Sonic Frontiers Sonic Frontiers SFCD 1 User manual

Operating Manual for the Sonic Frontiers SFCD 1 Compact Disc Player

Operating Manual for the Sonic Frontiers SFCD 1 Compact Disc Player
We at Sonic Frontiers hope you will derive many years of listening pleasure with your
new SFCD 1. This Operating Manual contains important information regarding the
operation and care of this player. Be sure to read this manual carefully and follow these
instructions in order to keep it performing and sounding its best. Please contact Sonic
Frontiers if you have any questions - a Customer Service Representative will be pleased
to assist you.
Contents
Unpacking................................................................................................................1
Quick Setup..............................................................................................................2
Reference Diagrams ..................................................................................................3
Installing the Tubes....................................................................................................6
Controls, Functions and Connections...........................................................................7
Care and Maintenance............................................................................................10
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................10
Warranty................................................................................................................12
Specifications..........................................................................................................13
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
This symbol is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompa-
nying the appliance.
Sonic Frontiers Inc. can be reached at:
2790 Brighton Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 5T4
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected] WWW: http://www.sonicfrontiers.com
6/96 SKU#56574

1
Unpacking
At this point we can assume that you have successfully opened the box flaps and found
this manual. These boxes were designed to ensure the safe transport of the SFCD 1.
Sonic Frontiers strongly recommends the storage of these boxes in a safe, dry place. In
the event that the SFCD 1 may have to be shipped in the future, the original boxes are
the best means for the protection and safety of the player during transportation.
Here is a chart listing what you will find in the box:
If after your inspection of the contents there is a discrepancy, contact your dealer or
Sonic Frontiers immediately.
Tube Complement:
Phillips Screwdriver
Power Cord
Cotton Gloves
Extra Fuse
SFCD 1 Compact Disc Player
SFCD 1 Top Cover
Warranty Card
Operating Manual
SFCD 1
2-6922
1
1
1 pair
2
1
1
1
1

2
Quick Setup
At this point we urge you to read and understand this manual in its entirety. But if you
desire immediate action and have skill and/or past experience with tube hardware, fol-
low these steps.
1. Place the player on a hard, flat, level surface.
2. Place the 6922 tubes in the tube sockets and secure the cover in place with air vents
situated at the front of the unit.
THE SFCD 1 IS NOT TO BE OPERATED WITH THE COVER OFF. THERE IS
INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN THE COVER IS OFF. AVOID DIRECT
EXPOSURE TO THE LASER BEAM.
3. Connect the SFCD 1’s left and right balanced, or single-ended outputs, to the left and
right inputs of your preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
4. Plug the detachable power cord into the SFCD 1 and into your power source.
5. Place the Power Switch at the rear of the chassis in the “on”position.
6. Press the Standby switch located on the front panel of the SFCD 1 - “no disc” should
appear in the Display Window.
7. Load and play your favorite discs.

3
Reference Diagrams
This drawing is referred to
as the “Chassis” within
the instructional text.
A “A” indicates the tube socket location for the 6922 tubes labeled V500 and V600.
Inspection of the printed board around the tube sockets reveals labels designating
the sockets V500 and V600.
B “B” designates the location of the already installed fuse.

4
This drawing is referred to
as the “Front Panel” within
the instructional text.
This drawing is referred to
as the “Rear Panel” within
the instructional text.
This drawing is referred to
as the “Remote Control” within
the instructional text.

5
Reference Diagram Labels
CLoading Drawer
DHDCD®LED
EDisplay Window
(Controls F thru M are also situated on the Remote Control)
FLoad Button
GPlay Button
HPause Button
IStop Button
JSearch Forward and Reverse Buttons
KSkip Forward and Reverse Buttons
LShuffle Button
MStandby/Power Button
NMain Power Switch
ODetachable Power Cord Socket
PLeft and Right Channel RCA Single-Ended Audio Output Connectors
QLeft and Right Channel Balanced XLR Audio Output Connectors
RExternal Infrared Remote Input
SNumeric Keypad*
TProgram Button*
UA-B Sample Button*
VTime Button*
WRepeat Button*
XScan Button*
* (on the remote only)

6
Installing the Tubes
Be sure the SFCD 1 is OFF (Main Power Switch on the rear panel in the “off” position)
and the AC power cord is detached before installing any tubes or when any of the tube
sockets are empty.
Wearing the cotton gloves provided with the SFCD 1 when handling tubes will prevent
skin oils from depositing on the glass surface of the tubes. The oils could cause the tubes
to become “gassy” and fail prematurely.
Inspecting the tube boxes that come with the player, you will notice that the boxes are
labeled V600 and V500 to correspond with the socket labels. See Reference Diagram of
the open Chassis for further clarification. Insert each tube in the corresponding socket in
the chassis, as labeled on the printed board and in the diagram.
When installing these 9 pin, small signal tubes (6922s), pay extra attention to the tube
pins and socket holes. You will notice an open space where an imaginary tenth pin or
hole would be. This is for proper tube alignment. Be sure pins are in line with holes when
installing tubes. Gently rock the tube into the socket until the tube is firmly seated.
ONCE THE TUBES ARE IN PLACE SCREW DOWN THE COVER. THE SFCD 1
IS NOT TO BE OPERATED WITH THE COVER OFF. THERE IS INVISIBLE
LASER RADIATION WHEN THE COVER IS OFF. AVOID DIRECT EXPOSURE
TO THE LASER BEAM.
Note the larger space
between two of the pins and
holes for proper alignment of
tube and socket.

7
Controls, Functions and Connections
Front Panel Refer to Reference Diagrams.
CLoading Drawer This is the mechanism for loading CDs for play in the SFCD-1. The drawer is opened by
depressing the LOAD (F) button. A CD is placed in the tray‘s circular depression, label
side up and lying flat. The drawer is closed, and the CD is loaded for play, by depress-
ing the LOAD (F) or PLAY (G) buttons. Although the drawer will also close by pushing
gently on the drawer front, it is recommended that a button control be exclusively used
for this function.
DHDCD®LED This LED will light when an HDCD (High Definition Compatible Digital) encoded digital
track is being played. The HDCD decoding is switched automatically by the SFCD 1 cir-
cuitry, and no user adjustments are necessary.
EDisplay Window The display window gives the operating status of the SFCD-1. When a CD is loaded, the
total number of tracks and total time will be displayed. When the SFCD1 is put in play
mode, the track being read is displayed with an arrow indicating play and is followed
by the time of the individual track. Also displayed are: NO DISC, when power is on and
no CD is in the drawer; and OPEN, TIME, TOTAL TIME, TOTAL REM(aining) TIME,
REM(aining) TIME, PROGRAM, SCAN, SHUFFLE, A->B, REPEAT, REPEAT 1 and PAUSE,
when these functions are selected.
F thru M also on Remote Control
FLoad Button When depressed, this button will open and close the LOADING DRAWER (C). It will also
clear any set functions such as programming, repeat or shuffle, from memory.
GPlay Button When depressed, this button will put the player in play mode. During play mode, the CD
is being read, the digital datastream is then converted to an analog signal which is then
amplified - all within the player.
HPause Button When depressed, this button will stop the transmission of the digital datastream at the
precise moment it is engaged, and will hold that position until play is resumed by
depressing the PAUSE or the PLAY (G) button again.
IStop Button When depressed, this button will stop all functions, taking the CD out of play mode and
aligning the player to the first track or the first programmed track. Depressing the STOP
button when the CD is not in play mode will clear programmed tracks from memory or
clear other selected functions such as SHUFFLE and REPEAT.
JSearch Reverse When depressed and held, these buttons allow a 10 second audible fast forward or
and Forward Buttons reverse search of a track in play mode. After the 10 second audible search, the SFCD 1
will mute and proceed in a faster search. The time positioning and the track are shown
in the DISPLAY WINDOW (E).
KSkip Reverse When depressed, these buttons will position the laser to read the start of the track either
and Forward Buttons before (skip reverse) or after (skip forward) the original position of the laser. The transport
may be in the play, pause, or stop mode. Play will continue forward from this chosen track.
LShuffle Button When depressed before the PLAY button (G), this button will randomize the order in
which the tracks on the CD are played.

8
MStandby Button When depressed, this button will allow power to the player for full-function control. When
(Power Button on this button is “off” and the MAIN POWER SWITCH (N) is “on”, a small amount of current
the remote control) will remain flowing through the tubes and certain sections of the player. This reduces
power consumption and extends tube life during periodic short term use. This feature will
keep optimal warm-up times shorter. For listening sessions spanning more than 3 days
apart, the player should be turned “ o ff ” via the MAIN POWER SWITCH (N)
Rear Panel Refer to Reference Diagrams.
NMain Power Switch This switch must be in the “on”position for the SFCD 1 to operate. When the STANDBY
button (M) has rendered the unit’s control functions off, this switch allows power to con-
tinue to circulate to sections of the player so the unit will operate at maximum efficiency
with less warm-up time required.
ODetachable Power Plug the detachable Power Cord into this socket. The SFCD 1 compact disc player
Cord Socket is configured for the country’s operating voltage in which it is sold. See shipping box or
check the rear of the chassis for voltage settings. If a different operating voltage is
required, please contact an authorized Sonic Frontiers dealer or the factory directly.
PLeft and Right Channel If the balanced outputs are not applicable for use, the RCA single-ended (unbalanced)
RCA Single-Ended audio outputs should be used when connecting the SFCD 1 to the RCA single-ended
Audio Output Connectors audio inputs of a line level preamplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver, left channel to
left, right channel to right.
QLeft and Right Channel If the balanced connections are available for use on your existing preamplifier, integrat-
ed amplifier or receiver, a connection made with these outputs will yield optimum sonic
performance. Connect the left channel of the SFCD 1 to the left channel of the control
unit and right channel to right.
Note: The XLR pin configurations are as follows:
Pin#1- Ground
Pin#2- Positive
Pin#3- Negative
RExternal Infrared An infrared remote extension unit may be connected to this 3.5 mm phone connector to
Remote Input allow control access via the Remote Control from other rooms or when the SFCD 1 is
obstructed from direct view of the Remote (ie. the SFCD 1 is in a closed cabinet).

9
Remaining Remote Refer to Reference Diagrams and to Front Panel Control descriptions.
Control Functions
SNumeric Keypad* This keypad allows tracks to be selected directly. Punch the desired track number and
then the next function (either PLAY or PROGRAM) to complete the selection.
TProgram Button* Tracks selected through the KEYPAD (S) or SKIP (K) buttons may be programmed for
desired playback order by selecting a desired track then pushing the program button. Up
to 20 tracks may be programmed into memory for playback. Tracks may only be pro-
grammed once; attempting to program a track twice will clear the track from memory. To
clear the programmed material from memory, press the STOP (I) button once before pro-
grammed play has begun, or twice consecutively during play.
UA-B Sample Button* This button will sample a portion of a track for repeat playback. This function is extreme-
ly useful for musicians. When the A-B button is depressed once during normal playback
of a CD, the SFCD 1 will use that position in the playing track as a starting point of the
sample and A-> will appear in the DISPLAY WINDOW. Press the A-B button a second
time and the SFCD 1 will use this point in the playing track as an ending point. A->B will
appear in the DISPLAY WINDOW and the SFCD 1 will repeat play the sampled selection
between the start and ending points.
VTime Button* This button toggles between the following four time displays. When the unit is first pow-
ered up it displays TIME of the current track (starts at 0:00 at the beginning of each
track). Pressing the button once displays the TOTAL TIME elapsed on the current CD or
programmed selection of tracks (starts at 0:00 at the beginning of the disc). Pressing the
button a second time displays TOTAL REMaining TIME on the current CD or programmed
selection of tracks (counts down to reach 0:00 at the end of the disc). Pressing this button
a third time displays the REMaining TIME of the current track (counts down to reach 0:00
at the end of the track). Pressing this button a fourth time returns it to TIME of the current
track (starts at 0:00 at the beginning of each track).
WRepeat Button* When depressed once, this button will cause a CD in play mode to repeat the tracks in
the order they appear on the CD or to repeat a programmed selection of tracks in the
order they are programmed. When pressed twice, the Repeat One mode will be activat-
ed, causing the currently selected or playing track to be repeatedly played. Pressing this
button a third time will clear this function.
XScan Button* When depressed, this button will cause the transport to scan the CD. During this scan the
transport will play the first 10 seconds of each track.
* (on the remote only)

10
Care and Maintenance
Placement
The SFCD 1 must be placed on a hard, flat, level surface with plenty of unobstructed
space around the player to allow for free movement of air for proper cooling. At no time
should the air vents be covered or obstructed in any way.
How do I know when to replace the tubes?
Small signal tubes such as the 6922s generally age very slowly. A lack of dynamics or a
channel that mysteriously stops working are some indications which could point to a mal-
functioning tube. If you need help determining these factors or sourcing replacement
tubes, contact your Sonic Frontiers dealer, Sonic Frontiers or The Parts Connection (a
division of Sonic Frontiers, 1-800-769-0747 in the U.S. or Canada, [phone]
elsewhere) for further assistance.
Cleaning
Sonic Frontiers recommends only a dry cloth be used to clean the SFCD 1 Compact
Disc Player. Sonic Frontiers does not warranty damage done through liquids spilled on
circuitry.
Troubleshooting
If at any time the SFCD 1 should fail to work, follow these steps:
1. Check that all tubes are fully seated in their proper sockets; turn the MAIN POWER
SWITCH (N) “off” first, disconnect the AC power cord and wait for 5 minutes for any
stored capacitance to discharge.
2. Check all connections at the rear panel.
3. Check that the SFCD 1 is not in PAUSE mode.
4. Check that the CD is loaded and placed in the LOADING DRAWER (C) properly.
5. Check that the SFCD 1 is NOT in STANDBY mode.
6. Check other equipment and connections to that equipment in your system, from speak-
ers to source.
7. Check that no fuses are blown in all equipment and/or breaker switches in the home.
If this checklist fails to be fruitful, contact your dealer or Sonic Frontiers directly.
Servicing
If the CD player ever requires servicing in or outside of the warranty limitations, contact
your Sonic Frontiers dealer or Sonic Frontiers directly.
Break-in Time
As with all audio electronic products, the ultimate sonic character of the SFCD 1 will not
be realized until and unless the unit receives a minimum of approximately 150 hours of
signal break-in time (i.e. the SFCD 1 is on and outputting a signal).

11
Safety Instructions
1. Water and Moisture - This product should not be used near water. To prevent fire or
shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
2. Heat - This product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other appliances which produce heat.
3. Power Sources - This product should be connected to an AC power source of the
proper rated voltage. The original shipping container will stipulate the AC voltage this
unit can operate with correctly.
4. Servicing - Do not open this product for any reason. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to an authorized service technician.
5. Non-Use Periods - The power cord of this product should be unplugged from the
outlet when left unused for an extended period of time.
6. Do not remove the top cover while the unit is “on”, or connected to an AC power
source. Cover screws could fall through the ventilation slots and cause electrical damage
to the player and the may player may leak invisible laser radiation if the cover is
removed. Avoid direct exposure to the laser beam.

12
Warranty
Disclaimer of Liability
Under no circumstances does Sonic Frontiers, Inc. assume liability or responsibility for
injury or damages sustained in the use or operation of this equipment or for damages
to any other equipment connected to it. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. reserves the right to make
design changes or improvements without the obligation to revise prior versions. All
specifications are subject to change without notice.
Limited Five Year Warranty
Sonic Frontiers, Inc. warrants to the purchaser that each CD player is free of manufactur-
ing defects for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This five (5) year lim-
ited non-transferable warranty excludes all vacuum tubes and the CD player mechanism,
which we warrant for a period of twelve (12) months. To receive this warranty, the origi-
nal purchaser must complete and mail to Sonic Frontiers, within thirty (30) days from the
date of purchase, the enclosed Warranty Registration Card. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will then
validate the warranty to the original purchaser. This warranty is subject to the following
conditions and limitations:
1. Warranty applies only to the original purchaser.
2. This warranty is void and inapplicable if the product has been handled other than in
accordance with the instructions in this Owner’s Manual, abused or misused, damaged
by accident or neglect or in being transported, or the defect is due to the product being
tampered with, modified or repaired by anyone other than Sonic Frontiers, Inc. or
an authorized Sonic Frontiers repair depot.
3. Warranty does not cover normal maintenance.
4. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. shall not be responsible in any way for consequential or indirect
damages or liabilities resulting from the use and operation of the product covered herein or
resulting from any breach of this warranty or any implied warranty relating to said product.
During this period, Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will repair or replace any defective components
free of charge. A Return Authorization Number (RA Number) is required before
any product is returned to our factory for any reason. This number must be visible on the
exterior of the shipping containers for Sonic Frontiers to accept the return.
Units shipped to us without a Return Authorization Number or without a visible RA Number
on the exterior of the shipping containers will be returned to the sender, freight collect.
Units to be repaired by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. must be sent shipping and insurance pre-
paid by the original purchaser in the original packing material. A returned product
should be accompanied by a written description of the defect. Repaired units will be
returned by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. shipping and insurance prepaid.
All other warranties or conditions either written or implied are void.
Note: In foreign markets (anywhere outside of Canada and the USA), the warranty is sup-
plied by the authorized International Distributor. Exact terms and conditions may vary.

13
Specifications
Note: Specifications ratings based on the nominal power line input.
Intrinsic Jitter <8ps measured over bandwidth from DC to 40kHz
Power Supply 3 toroidal power transformers featuring 12 stages of regulation
Transport Mechanism Philips CDM 12.4 and L1210 loader
D/A Converter UltraAnalog D20400A (1 Dual)
Tube Complement 2-6922/E88CC (in a high-speed vacuum tube buffer configuration)
Analog Outputs 1 pair single-ended RCA; 1 pair balanced XLR connector
HDCD Filter/Decoder Pacific Microsonics PMD100
Frequency Response 0.5Hz to 20kHz +/-0.3 dB
“A” weighted S/N Ratio >107 dB (balanced) from 20Hz to 20kHz
Crosstalk >100 dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
THD <0.05% 20Hz to 20kHz
Maximum Output Level Approx. 4.0 Volts (HDCD/s.e.), approx. 8.0 Volts (HDCD/bal.)
Approx. 2.0 Volts (non-HDCD/s.e.), approx. 4.0 Volts (non-HDCD/bal.)
Dimensions 19” (48 cm) W x 12” (31 cm) D x 4” (13 cm) H
Weight 27 lbs (12 kg) - unpacked
Warranty 5 years parts and labor on the electronics
1 year on the tubes and transport mechanism
Sonic Frontiers continually strives to improve their products; specifications are
subject to change without notice.