Audio Note CD3.1x Owner's Information

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note™ CD3.1x.

The CD3.1x was specifically designed and engineered for the best sonic performance rather
than technical specifications. Although the CD3.1x is a digital component (there is no
avoiding this unfortunately!), it will bring a new level of musicality to your CD’s and is
fatigue free during extended listening periods. In order to obtain the best possible
performance and longevity from your CD, please read over this manual. The CD3.1x
contains high quality components eg Black Gates, Tant. resistors, etc. in critical places that
improve sound quality.

Technology: The CD3.1x uses the revolutionary and currently exclusive Audio Note™ digital
technology dubbed the 1xoversampling™ direct from disc™ circuit topology. The ultimate
version of this technology is found in the extremely expensive DAC5 Signature, and we have
taken great to ensure that as much of the inherent advantages of the topology have been
retained in the sound of the CD3.1x. The technology dispenses with all the correction
measures inherent in all other D-A converters and presents the digital signal directly to the
converter after reformatting. This allow you to hear what is actually recorded on each disc,
rather than, as has been the case up to now, some technically and cosmetically altered
version, as a result the reproduction is more reminiscent of a master tape in quality.
Not surprisingly for an Audio Note™ product, the CD uses valve technology, implemented
using traditional Audio Note™ techniques, of simple signal paths incorporating no correction
or feedback operating the valves at their most linear operating points for best sound and
longevity.

UNPACKING & INSTALLATION.

Please take care when unpacking the CD. We recommend that you store the packing
materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date.
Next, select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that adequate ventilation is provided
(the valves do generate some amount of heat). In the interest of safe, reliable operation,
situate the CD away from dampness or direct sunshine. Worthwhile sonic improvements
may be obtained by locating the unit on a suitably designed audio component support
system.

CONNECTIONS - Analogue

Two sets of analogue outputs are provided for connection to your amplifier. Be sure the
amplifier is turned off before making the connection. Each socket is colour coded, with
white indicating the left channel and red indicating the right channel. Connect these outputs
to your amplifier. The CD player analogue output may be connected to any line input (e.g.
CD, Aux, Tuner or DVD).

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CONNECTIONS - Digital

The single digital output is normally disused, however, this connector will be necessary
should you wish to connect a separate Digital to Analogue converter or digital recording
equipment to your system.

CONNECTIONS – Mains

The DAC has an IEC mains inlet socket, use the supplied mains cable to connect the unit to
the local mains supply. The fuse is situated in the inlet socket as well.

OPERATING THE CD3.1x.

The following operation and basic control refers to the enclosed diagram of the front panel.
Once all the connections are complete, turn on the CD player by pressing the POWER button
(No. 1) on the left of the front panel. The display (No. 6) will light up.

• LOADING & UNLOADING A DISC

Press the OPEN/CLOSE button (No. 2) the tray then opens put in or remove a disc from the
tray.
Be sure to load a disc with the tray fully opened. The label side of a disc should be facing
upwards and make sure the disc is correctly seated in the tray.
Press the OPEN/CLOSE button (No.2) again the tray will now close.
Once closed the number of tracks and total playing time will appear on the display after a
few seconds, providing there is a disc in the tray.

• PLAY A CD

Press the PLAY/PAUSE button (No.3) to start playback of the CD.
To temporarily pause playback – Press the PLAY/PAUSE button (No 3).
To resume playback – Press the PLAY/PAUSE button (No.3).

• GOING TO THE NEXT OR PREVIOUS TRACK

Next Track.
Press the SKIP >>| button (No.7) during playback and the next track will be played. To skip
more than one track press this button repeatedly until the desired track is reached.
Previous Track.
Press the SKIP |<< button (No.7) during playback and the beginning of the current track
will be played. To replay earlier tracks press this button repeatedly until the desired track is
reached.

• RANDOM PLAYBACK

Press the Random button (No.5) and ‘Random’ will appear on the display. After a few
seconds a track will be automatically selected at random and played back. The CD player
will continue to select and play back tracks in a random order until all the tracks on the CD
are played.
To cancel the Random playback press the Random button again and ‘Random’ will disappear
from the display and normal playback will resume.
Pressing the Stop button at any time will cancel the Random mode and stop playback.

• TO STOP PLAYING A CD