Advantage S-1 Owners manual

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 0

S1 DISC PLAYER

OWNER’S MANUAL

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 1

This symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of uninsulated, dangerous
voltage within the unit’s case that may be sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock.

This symbol is intended to alert you to the presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit.

_____________________________________________________________________
____

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

Do not remove the cabinet cover, or you may be exposed to dangerous
voltage.

Refer servicing to qualified service personnel only.

_____________________________________________________________________
____

The “CE ” symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the EMC
(Electromagnetic Compatibility)and LVD (Low Voltage Directive) standards of
the European Community.

The information contained in the manual is subject to change without notice. The most
current version of this manual will be posted on our web site at http://www.bladelius.com.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 2

Introduction Thank you for purchasing the ADVANTAGE S-1

Disc-player.

Your S-1 is a state-of-the-art unit, and has been
assembled by highly skilled ADVANTAGE craftsmen
to provide you with many years of listening pleasure.
Our unit’s esteem arises from the way we handle
music-signals. ADVANTAGE develops products for
people who wish absolutely natural
and enjoyable music reproduction.

“BURN-IN” Due to the extremely short signal paths designed

and built into this piece of equipment, a significant
"burn-in" period is required before the unit will reach
its maximum sonic potential.

We recommend the unit be left on (or in standby
mode) at all times, especially during the first 5-6
weeks of operation, in order to speed the "burn-in"
process.
For best results, the S-1 should be left on or in the
standby mode at all times. The unit should not be
switched off via the master ON/OFF switch unless
the unit will not be being used for a significant
period of time (during vacations, etc.).

Design Reduction is the principle for the shaping of all

ADVANTAGE components. The unobtrusive design
harmonizes with almost every environment and does
not compete with your personal sphere. The form
refers to the tonal ability of the product line, whose
composure and strength manifests a well-balanced
equilibrium.

Balanced signal transmission Balanced signal transmission means that two signal

lines are used which carry the same signal with
opposite phase. On the receiving side, the signals
are mixed. Since any noise interference that has
arisen during transmission will be present in both
lines with identical phase, such noise is cancelled
out, leaving only the pure original signal. Balanced
connection therefore keeps the signal transfer free
from any kind of interference.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 3

Unpacking When you have received your S-1, you should make

sure that the shipping box is in its original state. If
however that should not be the case, please
contact your dealer. Please unpack your unit
carefully; there are several parts that can be
damaged. We suggest that you to keep your box
and shock absorbers. Save your plastic bag, inserts,
and carton. You may need these later for
transporting the S-1 or for shipment in the event it
ever requires factory service. Record the serial
number (on rear panel) here for future reference:
____________________

Please make sure that your shipping box contains
the
following:
1 pc ADVANTAGE S-1
1 pc Remote control
1 pc Power cord
2 pcs Batteries LR03 (AAA)

Cleaning To clean the unit, use only a soft tissue (Kleenex

type). Never apply abrasive cleaners to the outer
surfaces of the unit.

Note!

At no time should liquid cleaners be applied directly
to the S-1, as direct application of liquids may result
in damage to electronic components within the unit.

Installation Install the Compact Disc player on a level, vibration-

free surface. Severe vibration, or operation in a tilted
position, may cause the player to mis-track. The
player may be stacked with other stereo
components, as long as there is adequate
ventilation around it.

If the player is placed in close proximity to a radio
tuner (AM or FM), a VCR, or a television set, the
operation of its digital circuits may produce
interference that would affect reception of weak
broadcast signals. If this occurs, move the CD
player away from other devices or switch it off when
viewing or listening to broadcasts.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 4

Playing Compact Discs 1. Connect a stereo cable from the L (left) and R

(right) Line Output jacks (Choose either balanced or
unbalanced outputs according to what your amplifier
accepts) to the corresponding CD inputs on your
amplifier.

2.Connect the detachable AC power cord to the rear
panel.

3.Plug the AC power cord into a functioning wall
outlet.

4. Activate the player’s main switch on the back

panel.

5. Turn the player on with the DIM/STANDBY button

6. Press the STOP/DRAWER button a while to open
the disc drawer.

7. Place a CD, label side up, in the tray's circular
recess. Be certain that the disc is centred within the
recess.

8. Press PLAY/PAUSE. The drawer closes
automatically, and the disc begins to play.

9. At any time you may press SKIP 9 or : to select
different tracks on the disc.

10. Press PLAY/PAUSE if you want to stop play
temporarily while keeping the pickup at its current
position on the disc. (Press PLAY/PAUSE again
when you want to resume playback.) Press
STOP/DRAWER once if you want to end play and
re-set the pickup to the beginning of the disc, twice
to open the drawer.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 5

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

This Player is designed as a modular design allowing for plugging in different modules for
different features and performance.
There is totally four slots for different plug in modules. In this version two of these are
used, One is the digital input/Output/DAC section and the other one is the analogue
output section.

Different modules will be developed to either add new features or to upgrade the existing
ones.

From left to right

DIGITAL INPUTS

(Slot 1)

1. Balanced digital input. AES/EBU standard, 600 ohms.
This is a professional standard digital input, permitting the ultimate in high quality digital
transmission with the best associated equipment.
The serial data output is taken after error correction but before digital-to-analog
conversion and filtering. The input is transformer-isolated from the built-in D-to-A circuits.

2. Unbalanced digital coaxial input S/P DIF format
To use the digital input, connect a cable from this jack to the digital output or equivalent
output on a digital signal source (DVD-player, MD-player or computer sound card). For
best results the cable should be a 75-ohm coaxial cable of the type used for video
signals, with a BNC connection at each end.

3. Optical digital input, Toslink, S/P DIF format
This jack accepts the digital audio input signal from a
compatible digital audio product.

DIGITAL OUTPUTS

1. Balanced digital output. AES/EBU standard, 600 ohms.
This is a professional standard digital output. The signal is available from the
XLR/Cannon connector marked AES/EBU DIGITAL OUT, permitting the ultimate in high
quality digital transmission with the best associated equipment.
The serial data output is taken after error correction but before digital-to-analog
conversion and filtering. The output is transformer-isolated from the built-in D-to-A circuits.

2. Unbalanced digital coaxial output S/P DIF format
The digital playback signal is available at this output also. It may be connected to any
digital signal processor that conforms to the Sony/Philips (SPDIF) standard.
To use the digital output, connect a cable from this jack to the "CD digital" or equivalent
input on a digital processor. For best results the cable should be a 75-ohm coaxial cable
of the type used for video signals, with a BNC connection at each end.

3. Optical digital output, Toslink, S/P DIF format
Use this output if the receiving component only is equipped with an optical input.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 6

ANALOG OUTPUT

(Slot 2)

1. BALANCED LINE OUTPUT
Connections to an amplifier or preamplifier that uses balanced XLR input connectors,
such as ADVANTAGE S100 or S2 or directly to your S150 or S250 power
amplifiers.
Balanced signal transmission provides far better suppression of outside electrical
interference and shielding.

The wiring standard used for these connectors is:
Pin 1:Chassis Earth (GROUND)
Pin 2:Hot (+ OUT)
Pin 3:Signal Ground (- OUT)

2. UNBALANCED LINE OUTPUT
Connect an RCA cable from these jacks to your amplifier. Plug one end of a stereo audio
cable into the Left (upper) and Right (lower) output jacks. Connect the other end of the
cable to your stereo amplifier's CD input, or to any other "line-level" input jacks (such as
the AUXiliary inputs). Do NOT connect this cable to any amplifier's PHONO input jacks.
Make sure that the plugs are pushed home properly.

THE BENEFITS OF BALANCED CONNECTIONS
With a conventional (unbalanced) connection, audio signal current flows from the CD
player to the amplifier via the cable’s centre conductor. To complete the circuit, audio
signal current flows back to the CD player ground via the cable’s outer conductor. The
outer conductor also serves as the cable’s shield.

When two audio components are connected together, power-supply noise and “leakage”
hum may also flow on the cable shields, combining with the return audio current. The
resulting distortion and noise may depend on the orientation of AC power plugs in their
sockets. Designers of some audiophile cables combat this contamination by leaving the
shield unconnected at one end. Since the shield is grounded at only one end, the
performance of such a cable may depend on the direction of its connection, i.e. whether
the shield is grounded at the CD player or at the amplifier.

A three-wire balanced connection avoids all of these uncertainties. The signal “hot” and
return currents are both carried on inner conductors. The separate cable shield,
connected to the amplifier chassis at both ends, protects the audio signal from all forms
of interference and power-supply noise.

Slot 3 and 4 are nor used in this configuration

DATA COM and RS232 connections
The Data Com connection is used to exchange information between different Advantage
products.
The RS232 port is used to control or program the unit from an external controller or
computer

MAIN POWER SWITCH
Press this switch to switch on the power to the player. Switch the unit off only if it is not
going to be used for a longer period.

IEC AC MAINS (POWER) INPUT
The S1 comes supplied with a separate AC Mains cable. Before connecting the cable to
a live wall socket ensure that it is firmly connected to the ADVANTAGE S1’s AC Mains
input socket first. Always disconnect the AC Mains cable plug from the live wall socket
first, before disconnecting the cable from the S1 Mains input socket.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 7

FRONT PANEL

Display windows

Left display
This display shows all “transport” functions of the player such as track info, playing time,
repeat selections and CD-Text info (if present on the disc).

Right display
This display shows all DAC and output stage functions and settings of the player.
It shows What (digital) input is selected: CD, BNC, Toslink, Balanced (Where CD stands
for the built in transport (default usage))
It also shows volume control setting if the volume control is activated.
This window also shows all other settings made by pressing DISP/EDIT on the remote
control.

Both these displays can be dimmed (i.e. shut off) by pressing the Dim/Display button on
the remote control. In this setting the display will light briefly when any setting or control is
used.

Controls, Left to right

1. STOP/DRAWER
Press and hold this button to open the disc drawer, and press it again to close the
drawer. If this button is pressed briefly once while a disc is being played, the playback will
stop and the pickup will re-set to the beginning of the disc. To open the drawer, press
and hold the button.

When the disc drawer is open, the drawer-closing mechanism can also be activated by
pressing PLAY/PAUSE.

CAUTION: DO NOT try to close the drawer by pushing it in by hand, regardless if the
player is ON or switched OFF. The disc drawer is opened and closed by an internal motor,
which may be damaged if forced.

When the drawer closes, the player scans the disc's "table of contents" and displays the
number of tracks and total playing time on the disc. If you press PLAY/PAUSE to close
the drawer, this display is skipped, and play commences immediately at Track 1.

If the CD is recorded with “CD-TEXT” information, the title of the album and the artist
name will be displayed.

2. SKIP Back 9 and SCAN Back button

These functions are combined in one SKIP/SCAN Back button. One press skips back to
the beginning of the track. Press 9twice to skip back to the previous track and so on. If
you try to SKIP Back past the first track on the disc, the first track will be played.

The SCAN Back function is activated by pressing the same button, but keeping it
depressed for more than 1 second. This causes the laser to scan backwards
continuously, first slowly, after a few seconds rapidly, until the button is released. This
button works in PLAY, PAUSE or STOP mode. After loading a new disc, you must press
PLAY/PAUSE before the scan circuit will work.

If the scan is initiated while the player is in PAUSE, the scan is silent. If the scan is
initiated during PLAY, the music will be heard in fragmentary form at reduced volume as
the player scans through it. Use this "audible scan" to cue the player precisely to the spot
where you want to resume play.

If you scan back to the beginning of the disc while playing Track 1, the player stops
scanning and resumes PLAY or PAUSE when you let go of the button.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 8

3. PLAY/PAUSE

This dual-function button alternates between starting and stopping playback. Press to
start play or to resume play after pause. During play, press this button to stop playback
temporarily, keeping the laser at its current position on the disc.

The play mode is identified by the “4” icon in the display. In the pause mode, the “;”
icon is displayed instead.
To resume playback at the exact point where it stopped, press PLAY/PAUSE again. If
you don't want to resume play at the same point, you may use the SKIP controls to cue
the pickup to a different starting point before pressing PLAY/PAUSE again.

4. SKIP Forward :and SCAN Forward

The : functions are combined in one SKIP/SCAN Forward button. During play, pressing
SKIP Forward : will jump to the beginning of the next track and resume play there.
Thus, to sample each song on a disc, press PLAY/PAUSE and then tap SKIP Forward :
after you've heard a few seconds of each track.
If you try to SKIP Forward past the last track on the disc the player will play the last track
on the disc.

The SCAN Forward function is activated by pressing the same button, but keeping it
depressed for more than 1 second. This causes the laser to scan rapidly forward through
the music. The behaviour of this function is similar to SCAN Back.

If you scan forward to the end of the disc while playing the final track, the scan will stop
and the display will show “-OVER-“. When you let go of the button, the player switches to
STOP mode.

5. MENU

This button cycles through the different options and settings that can be programmed on
the player

6. VOLUME –

By pressing this button you lower the volume from the player.

7. VOLUME +

By pressing this button you lower the volume from the player.

Observe:
These two buttons are only active when the player is set to Volume control enabled.
Read more about this function in “Programming your S1”

8. DIM/STANDBY

If you press this button briefly you can switch the displays on and off. When you are in
“OFF” mode the player will show all changes briefly before shutting the display again (i.e.
changing volume setting, skipping etc.)
If you press this button for more than a second the player switches off to standby mode.
Press again to switch it on.

For best results, the S-1 should be left on or in the standby mode at all times. The unit
should not be switched off via the master ON/OFF switch unless the unit will not be used
for
a significant period of time (during vacations, etc.).

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 9

Remote control

1. PRE/CD/DAC activates the different functions of each
ADVANTAGE product. CD and DAC activate the functions on S-1.

2. EXT activates other ADVANTAGE products which
are connected via data-com.

3. CMD gives access to the different commands
available on the selected unit.

4. DISPLAY to get a quick overview of the current
settings in DAC mode.
EDIT changes the names of the inputs.

5. SOURCE selects the digital input to be used.

6. REC/PHASE Changes absolute phase on S-1 when in DAC mode.

7. SKIP hold button: forward and rewind, push
button: track forward and rewind.

8. SURR/MODE Turns resampling on and off in DAC mode.

9. STOP push button to stop player.
OPEN hold button for a second to open.

10. PLAY starts playing the CD.

11. PAUSE

12. VOL + /- volume settings (if activated).

13. MUTE/REPEAT Silences the player in DAC mode. Activates the
repeat function in CD mode.

14. BAL +/- balance settings (only on preamplifier).

15. DIM adjusts the display brightness with a push
on the button.
STANDBY switches the unit between operation
and standby mode when you hold the button.

The volume control function

The S-1 is equipped with a state-of-the-art output stage with a built in volume control.
This enables the user to connect the S-1 directly to your power amplifier/s.

The volume control is controlled with the two buttons on the front panel or the two
buttons on the bottom left on the remote control.

Before you connect the S-1 directly to any power amplifiers you must verify that the
volume control is active. Press the DISPLAY button (4) on the remote until “VOL CTRL
ENA” or “VOL CTRL OFF” is shown in the right display. If the setting is “OFF” you must
switch it on by pressing either of the volume control buttons on the remote to toggle the
function to “VOL CTRL ENA” which means that the volume control is enabled.

As always, do not make any connections unless all equipment is switched off!

Source selection

In DAC mode on the remote control you can select what digital source the DAC will
encode.
To use the S-1 as a regular CD-player this setting is “CD” (factory default). By pressing
either of the source buttons you will cycle through the different digital inputs on the
player.

Absolute Phase

The S-1 is equipped with a function to change the polarity or absolute phase of the
signal output. This is done by pressing, in DAC-mod, the REC/PHASE button (6). The
right display will show the status.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 10

Resampling

The D/A converter in S-1 can handle resolution up to 24bits/96kHz. It is possible to get
even better sound quality from CD’s by resampling the original 16bit/44.1kHz up to
24bits/96kHz.
The factory default position of this feature is ON but it can be controlled by the user.
In DAC mode, press MODE to toggle this function ON and OFF.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 11

Installing and replacing batteries.

The remote control requires two 1.5-volt AAA-size (i.e. UM-4 or IEC RO3) cells. Alkaline
cells are recommended to obtain maximum operating life.

To open the battery compartment, unscrew the lid on the back of the remote control
unit. Install fresh cells, orienting them as shown on the diagram within the
compartment. The coil springs should contact the (-) end of each cell. Put the battery
compartment cover back on and fasten the screws.

In some cases, poor operation may be caused by corrosion or fingerprint oil on the
battery contacts. Remove both cells, rub the metal contacts at both ends of each cell
with a clean cloth or a pencil eraser, and re-install the cells, being careful to orient them
correctly.

MAINTENANCE

At periodic intervals, open the disc drawer and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any
loose dust.

HANDLING COMPACT DISCS

Handle Compact Discs with care. The playback of a disc will not be impaired by small
dust particles, a few light fingerprints, or slight scratches. But large scratches, or a thick
layer of oily fingerprints, can prevent the player from tracking the disc. (Incidentally,
although the tracking laser "plays" the disc through its clear side, the actual data
surface is embedded directly beneath the label, protected only by a very thin coating of
lacquer. So a scratch that cuts through the label may damage the disc more than a
similar scratch on the transparent "playing" surface. You should treat both surfaces of
the disc with care.)

Severe scratches or fingerprints may cause the player to miss-track (skipping ahead, or
repeating the same passage). Less severe damage may produce very brief bursts of
high-frequency noise. The tracking and error-correction circuits of this ADVANTAGE CD
player are unusually sophisticated, providing secure tracking of flawed discs that are
unplayable on some other players. Nevertheless, the discs should not be abused or
handled carelessly.

CLEANING DISCS

Soiled discs may be cleaned by wiping with a soft cloth, either dry or moistened with
water. Do NOT use conventional LP record-cleaning products (cleaning solutions,
sprays, treated cloths, or anti-static preparations), nor any kind of chemical solvent
(alcohol, benzene, et al). A severely soiled disc may be washed in a warm-water spray,
possibly with a small amount of a mild kitchen detergent added, and then wiped dry
with a clean, soft towel.

When cleaning the disc, use only RADIAL strokes (from center to edge). Never use a
circular wiping motion like that used for cleaning ordinary LP records, because in wiping
the disc there is a risk of scratching it. A radial scratch will do the least harm because it
affects only a small portion of each circular data track, which can be fully compensated
by the player's error-correction circuits. But a circular scratch that follows a data track
may damage such a long continuous segment of data that it cannot be corrected.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

Cause

Solution

NO POWER.

• Power Mains cable
unplugged or power not
switched on.

• Check if AC Mains cable
is plugged in and power
switched on.

DISC PLAY DOES NOT
START.

• The disc is loaded upside
down.

• The disc is too dirty.

• Reload the disc with the

label side UP.

• Clean the disc.

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 12

NO SOUND.

• Incorrect audio cable
connections.

• Incorrect
amplifier/receiver
operation.

• Connect the CD player to
the amplifier/ receiver
correctly.

• Make sure that the input
selector on your amplifier
or receiver is set correctly.

SOUND SKIPS.

• The CD player is subject
to vibration or physical
shock from external
sources.

• Disc is dirty.

• Change the installation

location.

• Clean the disc.
A “HUMMING “SOUND CAN

BE HEARD.

• Loose cable connections.

• Check the cable

connections, particularly
the phono connecting
cable.

REMOTE CONTROL NOT
WORKING.

• Batteries flat, or
incorrectly inserted.

• IR transmitter or receiver
windows obstructed.

• Check or replace
batteries.

• Remove obstruction.

1.) In the event of a fuse failure, locate the fuse access hatch under the AC mains plug.
Replace the fuse only with the exact type originally provided with the S-1. Substitution of
a larger fuse will void your warranty.

2.) If only one channel remains inoperative, try reversing the Left and Right cables to your
pre or power amplifier (always turn it off before moving wires). If the same channel stays
out, it indicates trouble could be other than your disc player itself.

3.) Many functions of the S-1 is controlled only by the remote control handset. If the unit
does not respond to commands from the remote control, the batteries may have expired.
To replace the batteries, open the battery access door on the back of the remote control
and replace the two R03 (AAA) batteries. Make sure that the remote control sensor
window on the front of the unit and the remote control emitter lens are kept clean and
dust free.

WARRANTY Contact your authorized ADVANTAGE dealer for

details of our warranty policy.

OBTAINING SERVICE If your ADVANTAGE component must be serviced,

please contact your dealer. Your dealer will then
decide whether the problem can be remedied
locally, or whether to contact ADVANTAGE for
further service information or parts, or to obtain a
Return Authorization.

Important!
Return authorization must be obtained from our
Technical Services Department BEFORE a unit is
shipped for Service. It is extremely important that
information about a problem be explicit and
complete. A specific, comprehensive description of
the problem helps your dealer and the Technical
Services Department locate and repair the difficulty
as quickly as possible.
A copy of the original bill of sale will serve to verify
warranty status. Please include it with the unit when
it is brought in for warranty service.

Warning!

S1 DISC PLAYER

_____________________________________________________________________
____

___________________________________________________________________

_____

Page 13

All returned units must be properly packaged
(preferably in their original packing material), and the
proper return authorization numbers must be marked
on the outer carton for identification. If the

packaging to protect the unit is, in our opinion or
that of our dealer, inadequate to protect the unit, we
reserve the right to repackage it for return shipment
at the owner’s expense. Neither ADVANTAGE nor
your dealer can be responsible for shipping damage
due to improper (that is, non-original) packaging.
Your dealer can order a new set of shipping
materials for you if you need to ship your component
and no longer have the original materials. There will
be a charge for this service. We strongly recommend
saving all packing materials in case you need to ship
your unit some day.

© 2002 Bladelius Design Group