Sonoma M1 User manual

Model One Electrostatic
Headphone System
USER MANUAL
April 2017 lVersion 1.0
Sonoma Acoustics Inc., 1434 Spruce St., Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

COPYRIGHT
This document is copyright © 2017 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 04/2017 First public release

CONTENTS
TRANSLATED WARNING AND CAUTION MESSAGES...............................................................................................................i
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS................................................................................................................................. vi
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................................................................................................1
Thank You................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Safety Information............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
Liability Waiver..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
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 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................9
Analog/Digital Source Selection........................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Analog Input Selection ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Digital Input Selection.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Volume Control................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

CHAPTER 4
COMPUTER-BASED AUDIO SET-UP.................................................................................................................................................10
XMOS Driver Installation for Windows Users............................................................................................................................................10
Checking the Firmware Version (Windows Users).................................................................................................................................12
Updating the Firmware Version (Windows Users).................................................................................................................................12
Checking and Updating the Firmware Version (Macintosh Users)..........................................................................................13
Configuring Your Playback Software................................................................................................................................................................15
CHAPTER 5
CARE AND MAINTENANCE................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Power Down........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Replacing the Ear Pads.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
Replacing the Headband Pad...............................................................................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 6
TROUBLESHOOTING.................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
CHAPTER 7
CUSTOMER SERVICE................................................................................................................................................................................20
GLOSSARY........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................................................................................................................................23
WARRANTY..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24

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

iii
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.

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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics.
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-Acoustics-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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics 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
Acoustics.
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 Acoustics 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. Serrvicing 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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics 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 Acoustics 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
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) COMPLIANCE NOTICES
Class B Interference Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to Part 15, Subpart B of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed 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 harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference 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 encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Caution:
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Canadian ICES Statements
Canadian Department of Communications Radio Interference Regulations. This digital apparatus
does not exceed the Class B limits for radio-noise emissions from a digital apparatus as set out in the
Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This Class B digital
apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique du ministère des Communications. Cet appareil numérique
respecte les limites de bruits radioélectriques visant les appareils numériques de classe B prescrites
dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique du ministère des Communications du Canada. Cet
appareil numérique de la Classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
European Union and European Fair Trade Association (EFTA) Regulatory Compliance
This equipment may be operated in the countries that comprise the member countries of the European
Union and the European Fair Trade Association. These countries, listed below, are referred to as The
European Community throughout this document: AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, BULGARIA, CYPRUS, CZECH
REPUBLIC, DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, IRELAND, ITALY,
LATVIA, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALTA, NETHERLANDS, POLAND, PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA,
SLOVENIA, SPAIN, SWEDEN, UNITED KINGDOM, ICELAND, LICHTENSTEIN, NORWAY, SWITZERLAND.
Declaration of Conformity
Marking by this symbol indicates compliance with the Essential Requirements of the
EMC Directive of the European Union (2014/30/EU). This equipment meets the following
conformance standards:
vi

vii
Safety:
EN 60065: 2002 + A1: 2006 + A11: 2008 + A2: 2010 + A12: 2011 (GS License)
Also Licensed for Standards:
IEC 60065: 2001 + A1: 2005 + A2: 2010, (CB Scheme Report/Certificate)
UL60065: 2003 R7.13 (NRTL License), CAN/CSA-C22.2 No.60065-03 +A1: 06 (R2012) + A2: 12
EN 50332-1: 2000, EN 50332-2: 2003
Emissions:
EN 55032: 2012, CISPR 22: 2008, EN 61000-3-2: 2014, EN 61000-3-3: 2013
Immunity:
EN 55103-2: 2009, EN 61000-4-2: 2009, EN 61000-4-3: 2006 + A1: 2008 + A2: 2010
EN 61000-4-4: 2004 + A1: 2010, EN 61000-4-5: 2006, EN 61000-4-6: 2009, EN 61000-4-11: 2004
Environments: E2, E3 and E4
The products are licensed, as required, for additional country specific standards for the International
Marketplace. Additional issued licenses available upon request. Environmental: Low Voltage Directive
2014/35/EU, RoHS 2011/65/EU, REACH 2006/1907/EC WEEE 2012/19/EU and Packaging 94/62/EC
Warning!
This is a Class B product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference, in
which case, the user may be required to take appropriate measures.
Achtung!
Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwertklasse B. In Wohnbereichen können bei Betrieb dieses Gerätes
Rundfunkstörungen auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für entsprechende Gegenmaßnahmen
verantwortlich ist.
Attention!
Ceci est un produit de Classe B. Dans un environnement domestique, ce produit risque de créer des
interférences radioélectriques, il appartiendra alors à l’utilisateur de prendre les mesures spécifiques
appropriées.
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed
of with your other household waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste
equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical
and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the
time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that
protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your
waste for recycling, please contact your local authority, or where you purchased your product.
Please visit the following URL for a complete copy of the declaration of conformity and user manual:
www.sonomaacoustics.com/support
This is a Class B product based on the standard of the VCCI Council (VCCI V-3/2015.04). If this equipment
is used in a domestic environment, radio interference may occur, in which case, the user may be required
to take corrective actions.

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
THANK YOU
Dear Model One Customer,
Congratulations on the purchase of your Model One (M1) 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 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 ‘Cabretta’ sheepskin 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/general-inquiry
Thank you!
The Team at Sonoma Acoustics
INTRODUCTION 1

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.
6This 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.
LIABILITY WAIVER
The Sonoma Model One Electrostatic Headphone System has been designed for home use only.
Sonoma Acoustics Inc. will not accept liability for any damage or injury arising from improper use/
misuse of this product.

INTRODUCTION 3
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION
SYSTEM CONTENTS
The M1 system comprises two parts, a headphone and an associated energizing 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 M1 energizing 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

4INSTALLATION
1On/off switch
2Power connector
3USB (Type B) input
4Coaxial S/PDIF input
5RCA analog inputs
63.5 mm stereo analog input
7Analog input selector
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
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 be a 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.
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS

5INSTALLATION
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 high precision, self-latching connectors. The cable
is color coded, 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 indicated above it, 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.

6INSTALLATION
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 and it 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 pull backwards 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!
SPDIF
COAX
PRE-OUT
OFF

7INSTALLATION
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!).
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 using the supplied USB cable, or
any similar high-quality USB cable up to 2 meters in length. Avoid using longer USB cables or USB hubs.
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
counter-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!

8INSTALLATION
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.
ON

9OPERATION
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.
The gain of each input is optimized for different source devices. The
3.5 mm (LOW) input should be driven by source devices with up
to 850 mV (rms) maximum output. The RCA (HI) inputs should be
driven by source devices with up to 2.1 V (rms) maximum output.
Higher maximum output source devices can be used for these
inputs, but levels will need to be reduced to avoid over-driving the
analog inputs.
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 counter-clockwise to
decrease it. As a precaution, we recommend always powering ON/
OFF with the volume control at its minimum position!