Sonoma M1 User manual

1
Model One Electrostatic
Headphone System
USER MANUAL
December 2016 lVersion 1.0
Sonoma Acoustics Inc., 1434 Spruce St., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

COPYRIGHT
This document is copyright © 2016 Sonoma Acoustics Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this material may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic, mechanical, or otherwise, including photocopying and recording or in
connection with any information storage or retrieval system, without written permission from
Sonoma Acoustics Inc.
The Sonoma logo is a registered trademark of Super Audio Center LLC, Colorado, USA and is used
under license.
REVISION HISTORY
VERSION DATE DESCRIPTION
1.0 12/2016 First public release

CONTENTS
TRANSLATED WARNING AND CAUTION MESSAGES
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Thank You.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Information................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION
System Contents........................................................................................................................................................................................................3
Front Panel Controls...............................................................................................................................................................................................3
Rear Panel Connections/Controls................................................................................................................................................................4
Headband Adjustment........................................................................................................................................................................................4
Positioning The Headphones..........................................................................................................................................................................5
Connecting The Headphone Cable............................................................................................................................................................5
Detaching The Headphone Cable.............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting The Headphones To The Amplifier .............................................................................................................................. 6
Connecting Analog And Digital Sources To The Amplifier..................................................................................................... 6
Assembling And Connecting The Power Supply Unit................................................................................................................7
Powering The Unit On.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION
Analog/Digital Source Selection.................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Analog Input Selection ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Digital Input Selection......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Volume Control.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 4
COMPUTER-BASED AUDIO SET-UP
XMOS Driver Installation For Windows Users..................................................................................................................................10
Checking The Firmware Version (Windows Users)........................................................................................................................11
Updating The Firmware Version (Windows Users).......................................................................................................................12
Checking The Firmware Version (Macintosh Users) ....................................................................................................................13
Updating The Firmware Version (Macintosh Users) ....................................................................................................................13
Configuring Your Playback Software.......................................................................................................................................................13

CHAPTER 5
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Power Down................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Cleaning .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................15
Replacing The Ear Pads.....................................................................................................................................................................................15
Replacing The Headband Pad.....................................................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER 6
TROUBLESHOOTING
CHAPTER 7
CUSTOMER SERVICE
GLOSSARY
SPECIFICATIONS
WARRANTY

TRANSLATED WARNING AND CAUTION MESSAGES
The following caution statements, warning conventions, and warning messages apply to the
Sonoma Model One (M1) system and manual.
Warning Symbol Hazard Symbol Caution Symbol
BEFORE OPERATION PLEASE READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Warning! Read and follow all warning notices and instructions marked on the product or
included in the documentation.
Avertissement! Lisez et conformez-vous à tous les avis et instructions d’avertissement
indiqués sur le produit ou dans la documentation.
Warnung! Lesen und befolgen Sie die Warnhinweise und Anweisungen, die auf dem Produkt
angebracht oder in der Dokumentation enthalten sind.
¡Advertencia! Lea y siga todas las instrucciones y advertencias marcadas en el producto o
incluidas en la documentación.
Aviso! Leia e siga todos os avisos e instruções assinalados no produto ou incluídos na
documentação.
Avviso! Leggere e seguire tutti gli avvisi e le istruzioni presenti sul prodotto o inclusi nella
documentazione.
Warning! Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Avertissement! Ne bloquez aucune ouverture de ventilation. Suivez les instructions du
fabricant lors de l’installation.
Warnung! Die Lüftungsöffnungen dürfen nicht blockiert werden. Nur gemäß den
Anweisungen des Herstellers installieren.
¡Advertencia! No bloquee ninguna de las aberturas de la ventilación. Instale de acuerdo con
las instrucciones del fabricante.
Aviso! Não obstrua nenhuma das aberturas de ventilação. Instale de acordo com as instruções
do fabricante.
Avviso! Non ostruire le aperture di ventilazione. Installare in conformità con le istruzioni del
fornitore.
i

Warning! Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Avertissement! N’installez pas l’appareil près d’une source de chaleur telle que des radiateurs,
des bouches d’air de chauffage, des fourneaux ou d’autres appareils (amplificateurs compris)
qui produisent de la chaleur.
Warnung! Nicht in der Nähe von Wärmequellen wie Heizkörpern, Heizregistern, Öfen oder
anderen Wärme erzeugenden Geräten (einschließlich Verstärkern) aufstellen.
¡Advertencia! No instale cerca de fuentes de calor tales como radiadores, registros de calor,
estufas u otros aparatos (incluidos amplificadores) que generan calor.
Aviso! Não instale perto de nenhuma fonte de calor tal como radiadores, saídas de calor,
fogões ou outros aparelhos (incluindo amplificadores) que produzam calor.
Avviso! Non installare vicino a fonti di calore come termosifoni, diffusori di aria calda, stufe o
altri apparecchi (amplificatori compresi) che emettono calore.
Warning! Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your
safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.
Avertissement! La sécurité de la prise polarisée ou de la prise de type mise à la terre ne doit
en aucun cas être empêchée de fonctionner. Une prise polarisée a deux broches, l’une étant
plus large que l’autre. Une prise de type mise à la terre a deux broches et une troisième
broche pour la mise à la terre. La broche large ou la troisième broche sont fournies pour votre
sécurité. Si la prise fournie ne s’insère pas dans votre prise femelle, consultez un électricien
pour le remplacement de la prise femelle obsolète.
Warnung! Der Sicherheitszweck des gepolten bzw. Schukosteckers ist zu berücksichtigen.
Ein gepolter Stecker verfügt über zwei Pole, von denen einer breiter als der andere ist. Ein
Schukostecker verfügt neben den zwei Polen noch über einen dritten Pol zur Erdung. Der
breite Pol bzw. der Erdungspol dienen der Sicherheit. Wenn der zur Verfügung gestellte
Stecker nicht in Ihren Anschluss passt, konsultieren Sie einen Elektriker, um den veralteten
Anschluss zu ersetzen.
¡Advertencia! No eche por tierra la finalidad del tipo de enchufe polarizado con conexión a
tierra. Un enchufe polarizado tiene dos espigas, una más ancha que la otra. Un enchufe con
conexión a tierra tiene dos espigas iguales y una tercera espiga que sirve para la conexión a
tierra. La expiga ancha, o la tercera espiga, sirven para su seguridad. Si el enchufe suministrado
no encaja en el tomacorriente, consulte con un electricista para reemplazar el tomacorriente
obsoleto.
Aviso! Não anule a finalidade da segurança da ficha polarizada ou do tipo ligação terra. Uma
ficha polarizada tem duas lâminas sendo uma mais larga do que a outra. Uma ficha do tipo
de ligação à terra tem duas lâminas e um terceiro terminal de ligação à terra. A lâmina larga
ou o terceiro terminal são fornecidos para sua segurança. Se a ficha fornecida não couber na
sua tomada, consulte um electricista para a substituição da tomada obsoleta.
Avviso! Non compromettere la sicurezza della spina polarizzata o con messa a terra. Una
spina polarizzata ha due spinotti, di cui uno più largo. Una spina con messa a terra ha due
spinotti eun terzo polo per la messa a terra. Lo spinotto largo o il terzo polo sono forniti per
motivi di sicurezza. Se la spina fornita non si inserisce nella presa di corrente, contattare un
elettricista per la sostituzione della presa obsoleta.
ii

Warning! Since the Mains plug is used as the disconnection for the device, it must remain
readily accessible and operable.
Avertissement! Puisque la prise principale est utilisée pour débrancher l’appareil, elle doit
rester aisément accessible et fonctionnelle.
Warnung! Da der Netzstecker als Trennvorrichtung dient, muss er stets zugänglich und
funktionsfähig sein.
¡Advertencia! Puesto que el enchufe de la red eléctrica se utiliza como dispositivo de
desconexión, debe seguir siendo fácilmente accesible y operable.
Aviso! Dado que a ficha principal é utilizada como a desconexão para o dispositivo, esta deve
manter-se prontamente acessível e funcional.
Avviso! Poiché il cavo di alimentazione viene usato come dispositivo di sconnessione, deve
rimane prontamente accessibile e operabile.
Warning! Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the device.
Avertissement! Protégez le cordon d’alimentation pour que l’on ne marche pas dessus ou
qu’on le pince, en particulier au niveau des prises mâles, des réceptacles de convenance, et à
l’endroit où il sort de l’appareil.
Warnung! Vermeiden Sie, dass auf das Netzkabel getreten oder das Kabel geknickt wird,
insbesondere an den Steckern, den Steckdosen und am Kabelausgang am Gerät.
¡Advertencia! Proteja el cable de energía para que no se le pise ni apriete, en especial cerca
del enchufe, los receptáculos de conveniencia y el punto del que salen del equipo.
Aviso! Proteja o cabo de alimentação de ser pisado ou de ser comprimido particularmente
nas fichas, em tomadas de parede de conveniência e no ponto de onde sai do dispositivo.
Avviso! Proteggere il cavo di alimentazione in modo che nessuno ci cammini sopra e che
non venga schiacciato soprattutto in corrispondenza delle spine e del punto in cui esce dal
dispositivo.
Warning! Unplug this device during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Avertissement! Débranchez cet appareil pendant les orages avec éclairsou s’il est inutilisé
pendant de longues périodes.
Warnung! Das Gerät ist bei Gewitterstürmen oder wenn es über lange Zeiträume ungenutzt
bleibt vom Netz zu trennen.
¡Advertencia! Desenchufe este dispositivo durante tormentas eléctricas o cuando no se lo
utilice por largos periodos del tiempo.
Aviso! Desconecte este dispositivo da tomada durante trovoadas ou quando não é utilizado
durante longos períodos de tempo.
Avviso! Utilizzare soltanto i collegamenti e gli accessori specificati e/o venduti dal produttore,
quali il treppiedi e l’esoscheletro.
iii

Warning! Do not open the chassis. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Opening the
chassis will void the warranty unless performed by a Sonoma service center or licensed facility.
Avertissement! Ne pas ouvrir le châssis. Aucun élément à l’intérieur du châssis ne peut
être réparé par l’utilisateur. La garantie sera annulée si le châssis est ouvert par toute autre
personne qu’un technicien d’un centre de service ou d’un établissement agréé Sonoma.
Warnung! Öffnen Sie das Gehäuse nicht. Keine der Geräteteile können vom Benutzer
gewartet werden. Durch das Öffnen des Gehäuses wird die Garantie hinfällig, es sei denn,
solche Wartungsarbeiten werden in einem Sonoma-Service-Center oder einem lizenzierten
Betrieb vorgenommen.
¡Advertencia! No abra el chasis. El interior no contiene piezas reparables por el usuario. El
abrir el chasis anulará la garantía a menos que se lo haga en un centro de servicio Sonoma o
en un local autorizado.
Advertência! Não abra o chassi. Não há internamente nenhuma peça que permita
manutenção pelo usuário. Abrir o chassi anula a garantia, a menos que a abertura seja
realizada por uma central de serviços da Sonoma ou por um local autorizado.
Avvertenza! Non aprire lo chassis. All’interno non ci sono parti riparabili dall’utente. L’apertura
dello chassis invaliderà la garanzia se non viene effettuata da un centro ufficiale o autorizzato
Sonoma.
Warning! Disconnect the external AC power supply line cord(s) from the mains power before
moving the unit.
Avertissement! Retirez le ou les cordons d’alimentation en CA de la source d’alimentation
principale lorsque vous déplacez l’appareil.
Warnung! Trennen Sie die Wechselstrom-Versorgungskabel vom Netzstrom, bevor Sie das
Gerät verschieben.
¡Advertencia! Cuando mueva la unidad desenchufe de la red eléctrica el/los cable(s) de la
fuente de alimentación CA tipo brick.
Advertência! Remova os cabos CA de alimentação brick da rede elétrica ao mover a unidade.
Avvertenza! Scollegare il cavo dell’alimentatore quando si sposta l’unità.
Warning! Only use attachments and accessories specified and/or sold by the manufacturer.
Avertissement! Utilisez seulement les attaches et accessoires spécifiés et/ou vendus par le
fabricant.
Warnung! Verwenden Sie nur Zusatzgeräte und Zubehör angegeben und / oder verkauft
wurde durch den Hersteller.
¡Advertencia! Utilice solamente los accesorios y conexiones especificados y/o vendidos por el
fabricante.
Aviso! Utilize apenas equipamentos/acessórios especificados e/ou vendidos pelo fabricante.
Avviso! Utilizzare soltanto i collegamenti e gli accessori specificati e/o venduti dal produttore.
iv

Warning! The Sonoma M1 has no user-serviceable parts. To remove power from the unit,
remove the power connector to ensure disconnection. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the device has been damaged in any way, such as
power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the
device, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
Avertissement! Aucun des composants du Sonoma M1 ne peut être remplacé par l’utilisateur.
Pour mettre l’unité hors tension, déconnectez-la en débranchant le connecteur électrique.
Confiez l’entretien à du personnel de maintenance qualifié. Il faut effectuer une révision
lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque façon que ce soit, par exemple lorsque le
câble d’alimentation ou le connecteur est endommagé, lorsque du liquide a été renversé
ou que des objets sont tombés sur l’appareil, lorsque ce dernier a été exposé à la pluie ou à
l’humidité, lorsqu’il ne fonctionne pas normalement ou lorsqu’il a subi une chute.
Achtung! Der Sonoma M1 besitzt keine vom Anwender zu wartenden Teile. Um die Einheit
stromlos zu schalten, den Stromanschluss abziehen, um Abschaltung sicherzustellen.
Wartung darf nur von qualifiziertem Wartungspersonal vorgenommen werden. Wartung
ist erforderlich, falls das Gerät auf irgendeine Weise beschädigt worden ist, z.B. wenn das
Netzkabel oder der Stecker beschädigt wurde, Flüssigkeit in das Gerät verschüttet wurde oder
Gegenstände in das Gerät gefallen sind, das Gerät Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt wurde,
es nicht auf normale Weise funktioniert oder fallengelassen wurde. Avvertenza! Il Sonoma M1
non contiene parti su cui l’utente possa intervenire. Per spegnere il dispositivo, rimuovere il
connettore di alimentazione. Per qualsiasi intervento rivolgersi a personale di manutenzione
qualificato. È necessario intervenire sul dispositivo se questo è stato danneggiato in un modo
qualsiasi, ad esempio la spina o il cavo di alimentazione ha subito danni, è stato versato
liquido o sono caduti oggetti sul dispositivo oppure se il dispositivo è stato esposto alla
pioggia o a umidità, non funziona normalmente o è caduto.
Aviso! O Sonoma M1 não tem partes de manutenção pelo utilizador. Para retirar a energia
da unidade, retire o conector de energia, para assegurar a desconexão. Indique toda a
manutenção para pessoal de manutenção qualificado. A manutenção é necessária quando
o dispositivo tiver sido danificado sob qualquer forma, como, por exemplo, se o cabo
eléctrico ou de alimentação foi danificado, líquido foi derramado ou objectos caíram sobre o
dispositivo, o dispositivo foi exposto a chuva ou humidade, não funciona normalmente ou se
tiver caído.
¡Advertencia! Sonoma M1 no tiene piezas que el usuario pueda reparar. Para eliminar el
potencia de la unidad, retire el conector de alimentación de para asegurar la desconexión.
Diríjase a un personal calificado de servicio para toda reparación. Se requiere servicio cuando
el aparato ha sido dañado de cualquier forma, por ejemplo el cable de alimentación o el
enchufe está dañado, se ha derramado líquido u objetos han caído en el dispositivo, el
dispositivo ha sido expuesto a la lluvia o humedad, no funciona normalmente o se ha caído.
v

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS
This is just a place-holder for the official text!
vi

vii

1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU
Dear Model One Customer,
Congratulations on the purchase of your Model One Electrostatic Headphone System! We urge
you to take the time to study this user manual because with proper operation and maintenance
your M1 will provide you with many years of unparalleled listening pleasure. Built around the
revolutionary High-Precision Electrostatic Laminate (HPEL) transducer, the M1 has been designed
from the ground up to be optimized for playing today’s high-resolution (Hi-Res) music formats.
These features are key to delivering its extraordinary sonic quality and comfort:
1. Revolutionary lightweight High-Precision Electrostatic Laminate (HPEL) transducer
2. Injected magnesium ear cups for strength and lightness
3. Handmade hair sheep ear and headband pads
4. Custom low-capacitance headphone cable
5. Discrete FET Class-A energizing amplifier
6. 32-bit/384 kHz ESS SABRE Reference DACs
7. 32-bit/384 kHz AKM Premium ADCs
8. Custom 64-bit fixed-point double-precision Digital Signal Processing
9. Ultra low phase-noise master oscillator (±80 femtoseconds of jitter at 100 MHz)
10. Superior USB cable
11. Precision-machined aluminum case
12. Custom, fixed-frequency universal power supply unit
In developing the Sonoma Model One, our paramount goal was to stay true to the precedent for
uncompromised audio quality set by its namesake, the Sonoma Digital Audio Workstation. We
value your thoughts so please let us know if you think we have achieved our goal:
www.sonomaacoustics.com/feedback.
Thank you!
The Team at Sonoma Acoustics
INTRODUCTION

2
SAFETY INFORMATION
For your safety, and to ensure optimum performance, please thoroughly review the information in
this manual before using the product. In particular, please pay attention to the following:
1. place the amplifier on a solid, level surface such as a desk or table, and do NOT block the
ventilation holes as this could result in damage to the amplifier.
2. keep liquids and sprays away from the amplifier at all times!
3. do not attempt to insert anything into the ventilation holes at any time, especially when the
amplifier is on!
4. keep out of the reach of children at all times.
5. this product has been designed to conform to European standard EN 50332 on maximum
volume level, however, permanent hearing damage may still occur if you listen at a very high
level for long periods. Please protect your hearing by exercising some caution with the volume
control, especially when doing extended listening.
6. this product MUST be connected to a grounded mains outlet!
7. there are NO user serviceable parts inside, and, due to the high voltages needed for operation,
we strongly advise against opening the amplifier unit for any reason.
8. if any of the cables show signs of wear or damage, please do NOT use the system until they have
been replaced.
[Do we need a liability waiver statement à la Sennheiser?]
INTRODUCTION

3INSTALLATION
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION
SYSTEM CONTENTS
The M1 system comprises two parts, a headphone and an associated amplifier/digital-to-analog
converter (DAC). These are packed separately: the amplifier/DAC in the larger of the two packing
boxes.
The headphone box contains the following items:
• 1x M1 headphone
• 1x headphone cable
• 1x Quick Start Guide (headphone)
The amplifier/DAC box contains the following items:
• 1x amplifier/DAC unit
• 1x universal power supply unit
• 1x IEC power cord (region-specific)
• 1x USB cable
• 1x Quick Start Guide (amplifier)
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
1Analog/digital input selector
2Analog/digital input indicator
3Min. volume level
4Volume control
5Max. volume level
6Power/status indicator
7Headphone connector
1 2 3 4 6 75

4
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS
1On/off switch
2Power connector
3USB input
4Coaxial S/PDIF input
5RCA analog inputs
63.5 mm stereo analog input
7Analog input selector
HEADBAND ADJUSTMENT
To get the best from your M1 headphones, it is important to ensure that they are correctly adjusted
to fit your head, and that they are properly positioned on your head.
The headband can be adjusted by means of an
inner band that can be lengthened/shortened as
needed. To adjust the band, hold the headband
with one hand, and carefully pull or push the ear-
cup with the other. When new, the inner band
may bea little stiff.
Ensure that the same length of inner band is
visible on both sides of the headphone, so that
they sit level on your head. There should be
no gap between the top of your head and the
underside of the headband.
INSTALLATION
1 2 3 4 5 6 7

5
POSITIONING THE HEADPHONES
The headphones should be positioned on your
head such that the headband is vertical. When
you have the correct adjustment and orientation,
you will have a good seal of the ear-cup pad
around your ear which is essential for correct
bass response. You can check whether you have
a good seal by carefully pushing on the ear-cup.
This should result in a crackling sound as the
trapped air in the ear-cup moves the electrostatic
transducer, causing it to work like a microphone.
CONNECTING THE HEADPHONE CABLE
As soon as you have properly adjusted the
headband, it will be time to connect the
headphone cable to the headphones.
The headphone cable connects to the
headphone via highprecision, self-latching
connectors. The cable is colorcoded, and a small
red band at the end of the strain-relief indicates
the right-hand channel. Locate the ear-cup with
the letter R, and insert the cable with the red
band until it latches.
When the right-hand cable has been attached,
connect the other cable to the left-hand ear-cup
in the same way.
INSTALLATION

6
DETACHING THE HEADPHONE CABLE
Should you need to detach the cable for any
reason, grasp the barrel of the cable and carefully
pull backwards until the cable disconnects. You
can then release the barrel andit will return to its
usual position.
CONNECTING THE HEADPHONES TO THE AMPLIFIER
With the cable connected to both ear-cups,
connect the headphone to the amplifier/DAC
unit by inserting the cable into the headphone
connector. Be sure to align the red dots on the
connector and chassis. Push the cable into the
connector until it latches.
If you need to detach the cable, grasp the barrel
of the connector and carefully pullbackwards until
the cable disconnects, as shown above. Please
ensure that the amplifier is switched OFF before
connecting/disconnecting the headphone cable.
CONNECTING ANALOG AND DIGITAL SOURCES TO THE AMPLIFIER
NOTE: Before beginning this section, please ensure that the power supply unit is NOT attached,
and that the amplifier/DAC unit’s power switch is in the OFF position!
Connect the stereo analog output of a portable
audio device, for example, to the 3.5 mm stereo
input jack. Simply insert the jack until it latches.
To remove, carefully pull on the connector (not
the cable!).
Connect the stereo (L and R) analog outputs of a
disc player or the Pre-Outs of an amplifier using
two cables fitted with RCA connectors. Push the
jacks until they make a firm connection.
To remove, simply pull on the connectors
(not the cables!).
INSTALLATION
SPDIF
COAX
PRE-OUT
OFF

7
Connect the coaxial digital (S/PDIF) stereo output of a digital audio disc player (CD/DVD/SACD/BD)
to the coaxial S/PDIF digital input. Use a digital interlink fitted with RCA connectors. Push the jack
until it makes a firm connection. To remove, simply pull on the connector (not the cable!).
Connect a digital audio player or computer to the USB digital input. NOTE: Windows PC users
please refer to the section XMOS Driver Installation For Windows Users before attempting to use a
PC with this product!
ASSEMBLING AND CONNECTING THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT
When all audio sources and the headphones
have been connected to the amplifier/DAC unit,
it will be time to connect the power supply unit,
however, before beginning, please ensure that
the volume control is turned to its lowest position
as shown.
Firmly insert the supplied IEC mains cable into
the power supply unit.
Carefully insert the cable from the power supply
unit into the power connector on the back of
the amplifier/DAC unit. Then lock the connector
in place by turning the threaded connector
clockwise. To remove, first unscrew the connector
(by turning it anti-clockwise) and then carefully
pull on it (not the cable!).
When the power supply unit has been
assembled and connected to the amplifier/DAC,
insert the mains plug into a GROUNDED mains
socket!
Please note: your product has been supplied with the correct mains cable for your geographic
location, and may differ in pin configuration from the model illustrated!
INSTALLATION
1
2
3
4

8
POWERING THE UNIT ON
When all connections have been securely made,
power the amplifier/DAC unit ON by flipping
the rear panel power switch to the up position.
To power OFF simply depress the switch to the
down position.
Provided all connections have been properly
made, the front panel status indicator should
glow WHITE. Your Sonoma M1 system is then
ready to use.
If the amplifier/DAC detects a fault condition,
the status indicator will glow RED. In this case,
first power the unit OFF and re-check all the
connections. If the problem persists, please refer
to the Troubleshooting section.
INSTALLATION
ON
5
6

9
CHAPTER 3
OPERATION
ANALOG/DIGITAL SOURCE SELECTION
Choose between analog or digital input sources by
means of the front panel switch. Push the switch to the
down position to select an analog source, move it to the
up position to select a digital source. The orange input
indicator lamp will confirm your choice.
You can freely switch between the two modes while
music is playing. Which source you will hear will depend
on further configuration options as described below.
ANALOG INPUT SELECTION
Choose between the 3.5 mm stereo analog input (LOW)
and the RCA Left/Right stereo analog inputs (HI) by
means of the rear panel switch. Push the switch to the
down position to select the 3.5 mm analog source, move it
to the up position to select the RCA analog source.
DIGITAL INPUT SELECTION
The M1 amplifier/DAC unit has been configured to monitor the presence of a valid S/PDIF signal.
When detected, the unit switches the digital input to S/PDIF mode. The USB connection is then
effectively disconnected, and you will not be able to hear music via this connection while the S/
PDIF signal is present. If you use both USB and S/PDIF connections, you can control the digital
input selection via the following methods:
1. turn the S/PDIF digital output OFF on your disc player or computer;
2. turn the power OFF on the S/PDIF source.
VOLUME CONTROL
Use the front panel level control to increase/decrease
volume. Turn the control clockwise to increase level,
and anti-clockwise to decrease it. As a precaution, we
recommend always powering ON/OFF with the volume
control at its minimum position!
OPERATION