TAG MCLAREN AUDIO CDT20R User manual

88 88 8888
:
DISC REPEAT ALL STEP
ERRORTO
PRE-EMP A – B
PLAY
PAUSE
PROGRAM TRACKS INDEX TOTAL TIME REM
power
LED remote control
window
CD
drawer display control
buttons power
button
cd transport CDT20R
open/close play pause
stop track
--- +
AES/EBU OUTPUT
110 ohm bal
cd transport CDT 20R
serial
number
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse: T1A L250V
made in United Kingdom
this product complies
with 21 CFR §1010
CLASS 1
LASER PRODUCT
spdif 75 ohm1COAXIAL OUTPUT2
fuse
carrier AES/EBU output
socket
coaxial output
sockets
ac supply
socket
CDT 1234567
02 welcome
08 key features
10 getting started
12 playing cds
14 selecting tracks
16 repeat play
18 display options
19 programming
23 editing stored program
25 digital output types
27 running in and warming up
28 care and maintenance
30 technical data
32 international standards
contents
Specification shown may vary for different countries
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 1

03
Now,this blend of talent and
expertise has been combined
with the award-winning
experience ofAudiolab to create
a company with a technical
advantage and access to
resources second-to-none in the
high end audio industry -
TAG McLarenAudio.
TAG McLarenAudio has been created with
one aim in mind:to produce the best high-
fidelity audio and audio-visual systems
available.Now the first fruits of that
alliance are ready – a unique new range of
audio products.
Throughout the F3 Series development
process,quality,performance and
reliability have been paramount,resulting
in unparalleled performance, operational
excellence and sheer listening pleasure.
celebrating a TAG McLaren victory
All TAG companies perpetually strive
for,and achieve,excellence and high-
performance in every area of their
business.
These qualities are demonstrated in the
fastidious standards that makeTAG Heuer
watches some of the world’s most
admired;in the teamwork that makesTAG
McLaren’s motor racing team one of the
most successful in Formula One;and in the
advanced electronics technology that
makesTAG Electronic Systems the first
choice for many Formula One constructors
and high-performance car makers.
Derek Scotland (on the left) – Technical Director
Peter Stevens – Chief Industrial Designer
Dr. Zucker – Chief Executive
welcome to a new partnership
..in hi-performance, hi-fidelity
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 3

cd transport
Many years ago,when CDs were
introduced,it was assumed that the process
of reading the digital data from a CD
(which is what happens in the CDT20R) is
a simple task.Simple because the data is
digital and error correction mechanisms
exist which allow reconstruction of
missing data.The last 10 years have shown
that this assumption is an over-
simplification.It is,in fact,extremely
difficult to read the data from the disc in
such a way that errors do not occur.
The error correction mechanisms in a CD
player simply cloud missing data by making
a best assumption.This adds distortion and
reduces clarity and transparency.
Furthermore,the data coming from
the CD,even when read correctly, is an
extremely difficult signal to process.
welcome welcome
0504
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLarenAudio cd transport CDT20R.
For best listening results,we strongly
recommend that you use your CDT20R
with a very high quality digital to analogue
converter,such as our DAC20,together
with a high-quality digital connection
cable,as recommended by our retailers.
digital output
In the CDT20R,the digital data stream
coming from the CD transport is available
at the digital output sockets in two
different formats: SPDIF 75 Ωcoaxial
using both phono and BNC connectors
and,for optimum noise rejection,
AES/EBU 110 Ω,balanced,transformer-
coupled using XLR connectors.
cd transport CDT20R
We are convinced it will give you many hours o
listening pleasure.
You already know about the undoubted virtues of Compact
Discs (CDs) –their convenience,ruggedness and long,
uninterrupted playing time –but,up to now, you may have
been disappointed by the sound quality when you play
them.AtTAG McLarenAudio we understand exactly what
needs to be done to get the best sound from a CD.
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 5

program your choice of tracks in any
sequence.You can also edit the program
after you’ve entered it.
The CDT20R,when used with a
hi- performance DAC,provides you
with hi-fidelity sound coupled to the
convenience of the Compact Disc.
high-quality transport mechanism
To minimise any corruption of data
being read from the CD,the CDT20R
has a heavy-duty transport mechanism
and the laser,which reads the data from
the CD,has a fast digital servo control
to ensure that it follows the CD tracks
as quickly and accurately as possible.
The specially-designed Sorbothane®
sonic isolation feet help the servo to
track accurately by minimising the
vibration that reaches the mechanism.
stable internal clock
The timing of the data is as important as
the data itself.Timing inaccuracy,known as
‘jitter’,is responsible for a wide range of
subtle distortions. In the CDT20R,
jitter is reduced to an absolute technical
minimum by a very stable electronic
clock which is synchronised to the CD
data stream to provide accurate timing.
high-quality circuitry
The circuits in the CDT20R are‘no-
compromise’designs using high-quality,
high-stability components to send a
smooth,clean signal to your DAC for
excellent sound quality
easy control
Controls on the front panel and on the
remote control make the CDT20R easy
and convenient to operate.Our engineers
have made sure that you cannot damage
your CDT20R,or your discs,should you
accidentally operate the wrong control.
The CDT20R offers you sophisticated
facilities to repeat tracks or specified
sections of a CD,and allows you to
welcome
06
welcome
07
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 7

High-stability transport mechanism with digital servo control
Low-noise data re-timing clock
SPDIF 75 Ωcoaxial digital output using both phono and
BNC connectors
AES/EBU, 110 Ω, balanced, transformer-coupled digital output
using XLR connectors
High-quality, high-stability components
Back-lit LCD display to show information about the CD being
played and CDT20R functions
Operation by front panel or remote control
Remote control also operates selected TAG McLaren Audio F3
Series amplifiers and preamplifiers
Microprocessor control with computer logic to prevent damage
and reduce the number of key presses
Sophisticated programming facilities allow up to 59 tracks to be
played in any order, including repetitions
Program may be edited after it has been entered
Repeat tracks or specified sections of a CD
Sorbothane®sonic isolation feet, specially designed by
TAG McLaren Audio(1)
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
08 09
key eatures key eatures
1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on
individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 9

We know you are keen to get your CDT20R working. This section
will have you listening to your favourite CD as quickly as possible.
If you fold out the front cover of this manual you will locate diagrams
which will help you find your way around your CDT20R(1).
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any
connections.
Your CDT20R does not have an analogue output and cannot
be connected directly to an amplifier unless it has a digital input.
It is intended for use with a dedicated, high-quality, external
digital to analogue converter (such as our DAC20). Use a good-
quality, screened digital cable to connect COAXIAL OUTPUT spdif
75 ohm 1 to the coaxial SPDIF input socket of your digital to
analogue converter (on the DAC20 use COAXIAL INPUT spdif
75 ohm 1). The cable should have a phono plug for the CDT20R
at one end and the appropriate plug for your digital to analogue
converter at the other end(2).
Check that the power button is out so that power is off when you
plug in(3). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the
back of your CDT20R to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound
quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug adaptors.
be ore
you start
connection to a
digital to
analogue
converter
power
connection
Ensure that your digital to analogue converter is connected to
your amplifier and switch them both on. Turn the volume down on
your amplifier and select the appropriate input(4).
Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on
and the display window will light up and show the word DISC(5).
Press the open/close button(6). The CD drawer will slide open.
Put a CD in the drawer with its label facing up. Press the play
button to close the drawer and start the CD playing. Turn up the
volume on your amplifier, sit back and enjoy the music. Feel free
to experiment with the controls. You cannot damage the CD or
the CDT20R if you press the wrong button.
prepare your
system
switch on
open drawer
play a cd
10 11
getting started getting started
1. Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles) , bold print indicates the
lettering that you will find on the panels and display of your CDT20R
2. To enable you to get started easily we suggest you use a phono-phono digital
cable. However, you will get better results with the BNC or the AES/EBU output.
Please see page 25
3. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will
release it
4. Please refer to the instruction manuals supplied with your digital to analogue
converter and amplifier
5. If there is already a CD in the CDT20R then, after a few seconds, the display
will show the number of tracks and the total playing time of the CD
6. You can use the button on the front panel or on the remote control
spdif 75 ohm1COAXIAL OUTPUT2
open/close
play
k
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 11

Press the pause button to interrupt the playing of the CD. PAUSE
appears on the display while playing is paused. This function
remembers which part of the CD was playing when you pressed
the button. Press pause again, or press play, to restart at exactly
the same place.
Press the stop button to stop the CD playing. This function does
not remember which part of the CD was playing when you pressed
the button and clears any repeat settings (see page 16).
pause
stop
Your CDT20R can be operated by using the buttons on the front
panel or by using the remote control supplied(1). The remote
control also operates selected TAG McLaren Audio integrated
amplifiers and preamplifiers.
Press the open/close button to open the CD drawer. You can
now put a CD in the drawer (make sure its label is facing up).
Press the button again to close the drawer. The drawer will
close automatically after about three minutes.
A few seconds after the CD is loaded, the display will show the
table of contents, referred to as TOC, which consists of the total
number of tracks and total playing time of the CD.
If the CD is not loaded correctly or is faulty, the word ERROR will
be shown on the display for about three seconds, followed by the
word DISC. If this happens, open the drawer and re-seat the CD.
Press the play button to start the CD playing. The TRACK number,
TIME(2) and the word PLAY will appear on the display. Play will
start at the first track and go on to the end of the CD. If you
press play while a track is playing, the CDT20R will return to the
beginning of the track and start playing it again. If the drawer is
open, pressing play will close it.
open drawer
cd recognition
play
12 13
playing cds playing cds
1. Some buttons have special functions when pressed for more than two seconds
(see page 14 and 19). Unless you want to use these functions you should not
hold any button down for longer than two seconds
2. See page 18 for more information about the TIME display
open/close
play
k
stop
pause
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 13

Buttons on the remote control allow you to select tracks and
to search through tracks as they play. The track + and track –
buttons are duplicated on the front panel of your CDT20R. For
optimum performance from the remote control, you must point it
towards the remote control pickup window on the front panel.
Press the track + button to go to the start of the next track(1). Press
track –for the previous track. If you hold down either of the track
buttons for more than two seconds, the CDT20R will quickly step
through the track numbers. Play will continue from the selected
track to the end of the CD.
Press the search + button to play at high speed forwards.
Press search –to play at high speed backwards. The output of
the CDT20R will sound strange as the music is played at high
speed. The volume is automatically reduced to minimise any
possibility of damage to loudspeakers.
Press the index + button to go to the start of the next index(2) and
play it. Press index –for the previous index. If a track includes
index markers, the display shows the index number and the word
INDEX. The first index is not displayed. Play will continue from
the selected index to the end of the CD.
Press a number button to go directly to a specific track on the CD.
The number you have selected will be shown on the display. If the
number is flashing you can enter another digit(3). The first digit will
flash five times before the track is played. Play will continue from
the selected track to the end of the CD.
next/previous
track
search
index
direct entry
14 15
selecting tracks selecting tracks
track
--- +
+search
-
+index
-
1. If you press track + while the CD is stopped, the CDT20R will go to track 2 and
start playing from there. If you press track –while the CD is stopped, the
CDT20R will go to the last track and play it
2. An index is a subdivision of a track. It is occasionally used on classical
recordings but very few other CDs have index markers
3. If you enter a two digit number which is greater than the number of tracks on the
CD, then the track corresponding to the second digit will be played. (e.g. if you
select 18 when the CD has only 16 tracks, then track 8 will be played)
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 15

Your CDT20R can be set to repeat tracks, selected sections
of a CD or the entire CD. The controls for this are only on the
remote control.
Press the repeat button to repeat the track that is playing.
The word REPEAT is displayed. This track will continue to repeat
until you press the repeat button again twice(1).
If you press the repeat button twice the words REPEAT ALL are
displayed. The CD will continue playing to the end and then start
again from the beginning. The entire CD will continue to repeat
until you press the repeat button again.
The a-b button is used to set up a section of the CD to be
repeated. The section can include more than one track.
Go to the start of the section you want to repeat using the track or
search button and press the a-b button. The display will show A -.
Now go to the end of the section using the track or search button
and press the a-b button again. The display will now show A - B
and the CDT20R will return to the start of the section and keep
repeating it.
Press the a-b button again to stop repeating the section.
You can also use the a-b button to select a section of the CD
to be skipped (i.e. the selected section will not be played).
If you set up A - B playing so that Bis earlier than A, then the
section between them will be skipped.
For example, press the a-b button when the total time played
is 20 minutes. Then use the search –button to go back to 12
minutes and press the a-b button again. Start playing the CD
from, say, six minutes. When 12 minutes is reached, play will
skip to 20 minutes and continue to the end of the CD.
Press the a-b button again to return to normal playing.
skip section
repeat track
repeat all tracks
repeat section
16 17
repeat play repeat play
1. The repeat button cycles through REPEAT, REPEAT ALL and back to normal play
(REPEAT is no longer displayed). Pressing the stop button also clears the repeat
settings
+search
-
press twice
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 17

You can change the way your CDT20R displays information.
The controls for this are only on the remote control.
Press the time button repeatedly, or press and hold, to cycle
through the time display modes.
1 - The display shows the amount of time played so far on the
current track. The word TIME is also displayed.
2 - The display shows the amount of time remaining on the
current track. The words TIME REM are also displayed.
3 - The display shows the amount of time remaining on the CD.
The words TOTAL TIME REM are also displayed.
4 - The display shows the amount of time played so far on the
CD. The words TOTAL TIME are also displayed.
While a CD is playing, you can display the table of contents by
holding down the toc button. This consists of the total number of
tracks and playing time of the CD.
Press the display button to switch the display off and on.
Programming allows you to play tracks in the sequence you
choose instead of the order in which they appear on the CD.
To do this, you have to enter your chosen sequence of tracks into
the memory of the CDT20R. When you store a program, you
assign a track to each step of the program. This process is called
programming and the sequence of steps is the program.
This section describes how to store and play a program. All the
buttons referred to can be found on both the front panel and the
remote control.
In order to store and play a program, your CDT20R has to be in
program mode. In program mode, the CDT20R plays in step
sequence instead of the recorded track sequence.
To enter program mode, press the stop button for at least two
seconds. The display will show:
PROGRAM
TRACK with the track number above it
STEP with the step number below it
TOTAL TIME with the time above it
entering
program mode
time display
table o
contents
display
display o
18 19
display options programming
stop
hold for at least
two seconds
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:53 Page 19

Select the track that you want to be first in the program by using
the track + or track –buttons(1). Press the play button to store the
track. The STEP number increases by one.
Repeat this procedure for each track that you want to store.
The TOTAL TIME shows the approximate(2) cumulative time of the
program including the track you have currently selected.
If you want to repeat a track, you can store it more than once.
If you do this, TRACK will flash to remind you that the track has
already been selected.
Once you have stored your program, you can play it by pressing
the play button for at least two seconds.
20 21
programming programming
storing a
program
playing a
program
delayed play
exiting program
mode
erasing a
program
maximum
program length
play
hold for at least
two seconds
pause
hold for at least
two seconds
stop
hold for at least
two seconds
open/close
hold for at least
two seconds
track
--- +
play
1. You can also select a track by using the remote control number buttons. You can
enter one or two digits. If you want to replace a two digit number by a single
digit you have to enter a leading zero. See page 15 for more information on the
use of the numeric keys for direct entry
2. The cumulative time shown on the CDT20R’s display is taken from the table of
contents information, and includes the pause between each track. Because the
pause can be any length (including zero), and may or may not be included in
the times stated by the CD manufacturer, the cumulative time can only be
approximate 1. The CDT20R will start playing almost instantly from pause as the CD is already spinning. This is useful for cueing recordings
If you do not want to play your program as soon as you have
stored it, you can press the pause button for at least two seconds.
When you are ready, to play your program, press either the play
or the pause button(1).
Press the stop button for at least two seconds to exit program
mode. The word PROGRAM is no longer displayed. You can now
play your CD in the usual way. The program has not been erased
and you can return to it by pressing the stop button for at least
two seconds to re-enter program mode.
Opening the CD drawer or turning off the power will erase the
stored program. If the CDT20R is still in program mode, press the
open/close button for at least two seconds to open the CD
drawer. This will also exit program mode.
Your program can include a maximum of 59 steps. If the total
program playing time exceeds 99 minutes and 59 seconds, the
time display will show --:--. This has no effect on the playing of
your program.
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 21

time display
table o
contents
When the CDT20R is playing a CD in program mode, TOTAL
TIME and TOTAL TIME REM refer to the stored program.
When the CDT20R is playing a CD in program mode, pressing
the toc button on the remote control displays the table of contents
of the stored program.
While the program is being stored, pressing the toc button
displays the table of contents of the whole CD.
22 23
programming editing stored program
reviewing your
stored program
changing a
selection
You can change your stored program at any time. To do this, the
CDT20R has to be in program mode. If you are not in program
mode, press the stop button for at least two seconds.
The buttons for editing can be found on both the front panel and
the remote control, except for index + and index –which are
only on the remote control.
Press the stop button then use the play or index + buttons to step
forward or the index –button to step back through your program.
Pressing the stop button always returns you to the first step.
Go to the step you want to change as if you were reviewing your
program. When you find the step, you can select a different track
by pressing the track + or track –buttons(1).
1. You can also use the number buttons on the remote control
stop
hold for at least
two seconds
+index
-
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 23

Go to the step where you want to insert a new track. Press the
open/close button for less than two seconds(1). A dash is
displayed above TRACK. You can now select a track which will
be stored at this step. The step numbers after the newly inserted
track are increased by one.
Go to the step you want to erase. Press the open/close button
twice to erase the step. The step numbers after the erased step
are reduced by one.
To erase your chosen step and all steps to the end of the
program, press the open/close button then the pause button.
If you want to erase the whole program, go to the first step, press
the open/close button then the pause button.
24 25
editing stored program digital output types
inserting a step
erasing program
steps
coaxial output
Your CDT20R has two types of digital output(1): AES/EBU and
coaxial SPDIF. If you have a choice of inputs to your digital to
analogue converter we recommend that you use the coaxial
SPDIF via a BNC connector, followed in preference by the
AES/EBU connection, then the coaxial SPDIF via a phono
connector(2). All the outputs are on the back of your CDT20R.
Please ask your retailer for advice on selecting the best output
format.
Always use high-quality digital cables for connecting outputs.
The coaxial outputs conform to the SPDIF format and are intended
to be used with 75 Ωcable. Two independent coaxial outputs are
provided. COAXIAL OUTPUT 1 has a phono socket while
COAXIAL OUTPUT 2 has a BNC socket.
pause
open/close
open/close
spdif 75 ohm1COAXIAL OUTPUT2
1. The digital signal carries both stereo channels, so only one connection is needed
2. BNC connectors give better performance than phono connectors in this
application. The phono connection is provided for convenience
1. If you hold the open/close button for two seconds or more you will lose your
whole program
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 25

aes/ebu output The AES/EBU format was developed for professional use in
broadcasting and recording studios. It is transformer-coupled and
uses balanced cable to allow the use of long cables. An XLR
socket is provided for this output.
XLR connectors are latched so you will hear a click when the plug
is fully inserted. You have to press the button on the plug to
remove it.
Suitable 110 Ω, balanced, digital interconnecting cables are
available from your retailer.
26
digital output types running in and warming up
27
running in
warming up
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your CDT20R will
improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic
components will then have reached and settled down to near-
perfect specification.
Every time you switch on your CDT20R, the performance will
improve until the components reach their optimum operating
temperature.
AES/EBU OUTPUT
110 ohm bal
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 27

uses
cleaning
There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your CDT20R.
To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse
carrier drawer(1).
The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you
see when you open the carrier.
There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the CDT20R.
In order to maintain the appearance of your CDT20R, you can
clean it as follows:
before cleaning, always disconnect your CDT20R from the AC
supply.
any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft,
lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm
water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any
other solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives.
take great care not to get any liquid inside the case.
If this happens, you should have your CDT20R serviced.
28
care and maintenance care and maintenance
29
service The only service you should do to your CDT20R is described on
the left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of
our authorised service agents.
If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG
McLaren Audio retailer. If your CDT20R is still under guarantee,
please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on
how to claim against the guarantee.
Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your
CDT20R is transported.
1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 29

CDM 12.4
Coaxial SPDIF
XLR AES/EBU consumer format
Coaxial 1 phono connector
Coaxial 2 BNC connector
XLR XLR connector
Coaxial 75 Ω±10%
XLR 110 Ω±10% (balanced)
Coaxial 600 mV pp ±10% into 75 Ω
XLR 2.8 V pp ±10% into 110 Ω
digital output
connector
digital output
impedance
cd mechanism
digital output
ormat
This section is for those of you who really want to know the
‘ insides’
of your CDT20R. You will not miss out on any of the functions or
performance of your CDT20R if you choose not to read any further.
technical data
digital output level
(into rated load)
3130
technical data
30 ns nominal
10 –35 ˚C
50 –60 Hz
110 –120 V or 220 –240 V
The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit
less than 25 W
445 mm wide
75 mm high
320 mm deep (excluding loading tray)
digital output rise
and all times
operating
temperature range
ac supply requency
ac supply
voltage
power consumption
dimensions
(including feet,
terminals and controls)
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice
Specification may vary for different countries
The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either
230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units
GRA00046.1-[CA]CDT20R 13/03/01 09:54 Page 31

32
international standards
Your CDT20R meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below:
directives
sa ety
emc emissions
emc immunity
89/336/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
21CFR §1010 FDA rules (USA)
IEC65: 1985
IEC65 A2: 1989
IEC65 A3: 1992
EN60065: 1993
21CFR §1010: 1997
EN50081 -1: 1992
EN55022 Class B: 1994
EN60555 -2: 1987
EN61000 -3-2: 1995
EN61000 -3-3: 1995
FCC Part 15 Class B: 1997
EN50082 -1: 1992
IEC801 -2: 1991 ± 8 kV air discharge
IEC801 -3: 1984 3 V/m
IEC801 -4: 1988 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-2: 1995 ± 8 kV air, ± 4 kV contact discharge
EN61000 -4-4: 1995 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-5: 1995 ± 2 kV common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode
EN61000 -4-11: 1994
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