Stello CDA 500 User manual

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the Stello CDA 500 from April Music. This superb CD player is also a USB DAC,
enabling playback of computer audio files through high-quality audio systems. The CDA 500 incorporates
state-of-the-art engineering and extreme musicality in a compact form factor. For music lovers and audio
enthusiasts alike, the CDA 500 offers the utmost in sonic reproduction and quality of construction.
Perfect for music of all genres, the CDA 500 features a top-loading transport mechanism for maximum
stability. This design eliminates the need for a drawer and drawer-loading mechanism, problematic with
players from other makers. The CDA 500 features custom-designed signal-processing and transmission
circuits that emphasize the overall musicality of the source recording.
April Music delivers the opposite of the cold, antiseptic digital sound so often encountered with equipment
built to rigorous engineering specifications but lacking the necessary soulfulness of real musicianship. For us,
music comes first.
Downloads are everywhere, but the compact disc is also here to stay. The Stello CDA 500 accommodates
both formats with ease. A superb CD player, the CDA 500 features a top-loading mechanism for trouble-free
operation. Electronic highlights include upsampling to 24 bits/192kHz, and compatibility with both “Red Book”
standard CDs and CD-Rs. With a full bank of analog and digital inputs and outputs, the CDA 500 will fit into
any kind of home entertainment system, be it old-school analog or cutting-edge digital.
The CDA 500 is also a bridge to the world of computer audio. USB connectivity means the CDA 500 can
communicate directly with your personal computer, elevating your archived audio files to CD quality. The
computer is a fantastic tool and ultra-convenient portable library, but it lacks refinement as an audio playback
device. You will be amazed at how good computer audio can sound when processed through the CDA 500‟s
state-of-the-art Digital-to-Analog converter.

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FEATURES
-Top-loading transport mechanism, with sliding type cover, proven to be among the most efficient
transports available, with improved readability for all CD, CD-R, and CD-RW audio discs. The CDA
500 does not support playback of SACD, DVD-A, DVD or Blu-ray formats.
-The transport mechanism is specially mounted to enhance mechanical isolation, even after extended
use.
-Pick-up mechanism and Digital Signal Transmission Circuit (DSTC) are physically separated for
maximum operating efficiency
-Proprietary transmission circuitries get the most out of audio signals with no signal loss or audible
noise, resulting in a compelling listening experience
-Two digital outputs are provided for flexible connection to an external DAC. These include
coaxial and optical (Toslink).
-Elegant form factor is consistent with other Stello products, providing world-class performance
without the spatial intrusion of oversized components.
-Digital inputs include coax, optical and USB.
-USB input enables playback of audio files direct from computer.

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PRECAUTIONS
The Stello CDA 500 is designed to operate at the proper voltage within the country it is used.
Please check the voltage before powering the CDA 500. If it is necessary to change the mains
voltage, please contact the authorized dealer from whom you purchased this unit, or contact April
Music at www.aprilmusic.com.
The Stello CDA 500 is a highly sensitive precision instrument. For best results, use it on a level,
vibration-free shelf system, isolated from airborne vibration.
Do not open the chassis without prior authorization from the manufacturer or a certified Stello
agent. Unauthorized repair or tempering of any type will void the manufacturer‟s warranty.
If you have to travel with the CDA 500, be sure to reinstall the drawer protector to prevent
accidental opening of the drawer.
UNPACKING
In the box you will find the following:
CDA 500
Power Cord
PC USB Cable Connector
Remote Control
Retainer Puck for the CDA 500
Owner's Manual
Remove all contents. Save the box and packing in case you need to ship the CDA 500.
Place the CDA 500 on a sturdy surface near your other components and plug in the power cord. When
playing CDs, you will open the sliding cover, place the disc label side up, put the retainer puck on top of it,
and close the cover.

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CONNECTIONS
Analog Connections –CDA 500 as a CD player
The CDA 500 has both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) stereophonic Left/Right outputs.
Digital Connections –CDA 500 as a CD Transport
The CDA 500 has coaxial and optical digital outputs. Use an unbalanced digital cable with 75-Ohm
characteristic impedance for RCA type coaxial connection. Use RCA-BNC adapter for a BNC
connection. Use a Toslink optical cable between CDA 500 and Toslink-based DAC port.
DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) Connections –CDA 500 as a DAC
All of the digital connections are fully operational. The user just needs to select the proper cables
to connect CD transport or computer to the CDA 500.

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OPERATION
Front Panel
Functions
1. POWER On/Off: Turn on „Main‟ power switch located on the upper left corner of the front panel.
2. INPUT: Selects source - COAX/ OPT/ PC/ CD (Display shows LOAD first; CD spins, then display shows
playing track and time status, for example, “01 00:45”). To insert disc, place CD on spindle with printed label
side up. Place stabilizing puck on top of the disc and close the glass cover
3. UPSAMPLE: Select 16 bits/44.1 kHZ (BYPASS), 24/96 or 24/192 upsampling by sequentially pressing the
center button under the display window. BYPASS mode is set as default but you can choose either SRC 96K
or SRC 192 based on your preference from your CDs.
4. TIME: By pressing the TIME button, the display changes as follows: Current track time increase / current
track time decrease / decrease from total track time.
5. Circular button on the right side, from the top: (REPEAT, ▶||, ■) From left: (|◀, ▶|)
PLAY / PAUSE(▶||): Press „PLAY‟ (center button on right side of front panel) to play the disc.
The track number and elapsed time will be displayed. Use this button (same as play button) to pause the
disc. To resume play, press again.
STOP(■): Use this button (bottom on right side) to stop playing the disc.
The CD‟s embedded information will be shown on the display window.
TRACK: Press this button to skip to the previous or following track. Select the desired track by pressing one
of the arrow buttons, then press PLAY to start the music. While playing, press one of the arrow buttons to
skip tracks. Play will resume automatically on the selection of your choice.
REPEAT (via remote control) There are three Repeat functions: REPEAT ALL, REPEAT ONE, and

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REPEAT OFF. To repeat the entire disc, choose „REPEAT ALL‟. To repeat only one track, choose the track
and press „REPEAT‟ until display shows „REPEAT ONE‟, then press „PLAY‟ button to start the music. Press
the „REPEAT‟ button once more to cancel the repeat command.

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REMOTE CONTROL
[Remote Controller Layout]
STANDBY
Reactive the CDA500
DISPLAY
You can vary the brightness of the display in five levels (from „off‟to „very bright‟)
by pressing the “DISPLAY”button.
DISC
CD loading (Reset button)
1~0
You can listen wanted track by pressing 2 digits from these key pads.
PROGRAM
Use this function to play only the programmed tracks.
For example, to listen to tracks 8, 3, and 13, press 8 > PROG > 3 > PROG > 13 >
PROG > PLAY. Press the „STOP‟ button to stop the CD. The selected program is
still initialized. If „PLAY‟ is pressed again, the CD will begin from track 8. To
deactivate the „PROG‟ function, press „■‟twice. The „PROG‟ indicator on the
display will be turned off.
A - B
Use this function to listen to a customized edit of the track, extremely useful for
musicians in the process of learning a part from a recording. During playback,
press „A - B‟ at the beginning of the desired section. An „A‟ will appear at the
bottom of display window. Press „B‟ at the end of the section, which will change
the display to „A - B‟, and the CDA 500 will repeatedly play the edited section until
the A - B key is pressed to cancel the time-selected repeat function.
TIME
Press the „TIME‟ key once to show the total playing time. Press the „TIME‟ key
again to show total remaining time. (TIME REM). Press „TIME‟ a third time to
return to the standard display.

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SCAN
Pressing this button will play the beginning of each track for 10 seconds.
Press „SCAN‟ once more to play the entire track.
RANDOM
Tracks will be played in random order. Press RANDOM again to deactivate the function.
INPUT
Same as the function explained from front panel section.
UPSAMPLE
Same as the function explained from front panel section.
REPEAT
Same as the function explained from front panel section.
Previous Track (|◀)
This button has two functions, and is marked |◀. Press once and the track being played will start playing
from the beginning again. Press |◀twice quickly and the previous track on the CD will play from the
beginning.
Next Track (▶|)
This button only has one function, and is marked as ▶|.Press this button once and the next track on the CD
will begin playing. Each time you press this button, the next track on the CD will begin to play in the normal
ascending numeric order, or the next programmed selection if you have used the “PROG”option.
Play / Pause (▶||)
The PLAY function is used to start a new listening program. When a CD is placed on the turntable the PLAY
function will not operate until one of the two following function is activated :
a) The “DISC”button on the CD player has been pressed.
b) The “STANDBY”button on the remote control is pressed twice.
This starts the turntable spinning and the disc information is read by the laser. The disc information will then
appear on the main display screen. Once the disc information is displayed, it is possible to play the CD by
pressing the “▶||” on the remote control.

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This function suspends the playing of the CD at the exact point that the “▶||” button was pressed. This
mutes the sound completely. Press “▶||” again and play resumes from the exact point it was originally
suspended.
Stop Button (■)
This function stops the CD turntable from spinning and the laser from reading the digital information on the
disc. It also cancels all programmed functions and enables the current disc to be removed. The CD turntable
is now ready to accept another disc or to be switched off at the end of the current listening session.
Search Buttons (◀◀ ▶▶)
During playback, this feature allows fast search forward or fast search backward to the exact location of the
track. Press the double arrows to move forward or to go backward. To increase search speed, continue
holding the button. The music will play at normal speed when the button is released.

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SPECIFICATIONS
CD Mechanism Top loading CD Deck Design
Format Audio : CD(CD-DA), CD -Recordable(CD-R)
Upsample : Upto 192 kHz
DAC 24/192 Digital to Analog Converter
Frequency Range : 10 ~ 45 kHz
2 Analog Outputs: RCA, XLR
3 Digital Inputs : COAX, OPT, PC USB Link
2 Digital Outputs : COAX, OPT
Full Function Remote Control
Dimension : 460(W) x 86(H) x 400(D) mm
Weight : 16 Kg (Net.)
* All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

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INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY
The warranty service is valid only when purchased from an authorized dealer. A valid proof of purchase must
be supplied for all warranty services. Any unauthorized work, modification or service rendered on the player
will void the warranty.
Warranty Period
2 years
Date of Purchase
Authorized Dealer
Telephone
Serial No.
Authorized Service Center
Unauthorized persons should not try to modify April Music products!