Musical Fidelity AMSCD Instruction Manual

Instructions for use

Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity AMSCD player.
The AMSCD is a CD player that is also useable as a top quality DAC for other digital sources. It features separately

selectable SPDIF and optical inputs to allow other sources such as DAB radio, Minidisk, DAT etc. to take advantage
of the top quality up-sampling digital to analogue conversion circuits within. This will free up analogue inputs on the
following amplifier and obtain the absolute best in audio quality from the digital source.

The AMSCD consists of a top quality CD loading mechanism with unsurpassed playability and a top quality quad
differential up-sampling 24 bit balanced digital-to-analogue converter. This moves the digital artefacts to well outside
the audio band, allowing easy removal without detriment to the top end of the audio band. Our well tuned balanced
filtering circuit gives immeasurably small jitter, noise and distortion artefacts allowing astounding imaging, detail and
transparency, to deliver all music types exactly as the artist originally intended.

The AMSCD is designed to be partnered with present and future AMS or Primo series products. This combination
yields one of the best high-fidelity systems available at any price.

Used properly and carefully, it should give many years of outstanding musical reproduction.
Dust regularly with a soft duster or soft brush, but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents - they may

harm the surface finish.
If there are any questions about the audio system, please consult the dealer who is there to help and advise.

CONTENTS

Section Page

Safety Information

General advice

Disposal information

Installation

Facilities and connections

– Laser information and warnings 3
– Mains plug (UK only)

– modification warning
– Installation precautions 5
– EU disposal information 6
– Introduction

– Cleaning
– Installation
– Power connections
– Audio connections
– Digital connections

– Illustrations - main unit front & rear panels 8

4

7

Remote control handset
Operation

Problems?
Specifications
Manual history

– Operation and illustration 9
– Loading and playing compact disks

– Play
– Pause.

– Stop
– SPDIF input
– Optical input
– AES balanced input

– Basic fault finding 12
13
14

10

11

Issue 2 Page 2 of 14

SAFETY INFORMATION

CLASS 1 Laser Product

The AMSCD is a CD player which has been designed and manufactured according to FDA regulations "title
21, CFR, chapter 1, sub-chapter J, based on the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968", and is
classified as a Class 1 laser product. There is no hazardous radiation during normal use because invisible
radiation emitted inside this product is completely confined within the protective housing. However you must
observe the following important warnings:

CAUTION!
THIS CD PLAYER USES INVISIBLE LASER LIGHT. WHEN THE PLAYER OPERATES, LASER LIGHT IS

RADIATED INTERNALLY. DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSINGS.
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE

SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE CAUSING EYE INJURY.
IF THIS PRODUCT DEVELOPS A FAULT, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR AUTHORISED MUSICAL FIDELITY

SERVICE AGENT. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE IT YOUR-SELF AND DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE
THIS PRODUCT IN A FAULTY STATE.

INTERNAL LASER WARNING LABELS

CAUTION - INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN AND
INTERLOCKS DEFEATED. AVOID EXPOSURE TO
BEAM.

CAUTION!
CLASS 1
LASER
PRODUCT

VORSICH! - UNSICHTBARE LASERSTRAHLUNG TRITT AUS,
WENN DECKEL GEÖFFNET UND WENN
SICHERHEITSVERRIEGELUNG ÖBERBRÖCT IST.
NICHT DEM STRAHL AUSSETZEN!
VARNING - OSYNLIG LASERSTRALNING NÄR DENNA DEL
AR ÖPPNAD OCH SPÄRR ÄR URKOPPLAD.
STRALEN AL FARLIG.
ADVARSEL - USYNLIG LASERSTRAKING VED ABNING, NAR
SIKKERHEDSAFBRYDEREER UDE AF FUNCTION
UNDGA

REAR PANEL

THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH DHHS RULES 21 CFR, CHAPTER 1,
SUBCHAPTER J, PART 1040 AT DATE OF MANUFACTURE.

THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES.
OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO 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.

Issue 2 Page 3 of 14

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)

This unit is supplied in the U.K. with mains lead fitted with a moulded 13 amp plug. If, for any reason, it is
necessary to remove the plug, please remove the fuse holder and dispose of the plug safely, out of reach of
children.

It must not be plugged into a mains outlet.

The wires in the mains lead supplied with this appliance are coloured in accordance with the following code:

Green and y

Blue................................................ Neutral

Brown..................................................Live

ellow .............................Earth

WARNING – This appliance MUST be earthed

As the colours of the wires of the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings
identifying the terminals in the plug, proceed as follows:

• The wire which is coloured green-and-yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked
with the letter E or coloured green or green-and-yellow, or by the earth symbol:

• The wi
coloured red.

• The wire which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or
coloured black.

• If connecting to a BS1363 plug, a 13 amp fuse must be used.

re which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or

WARNING:

ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THIS PRODUCT NOT EXPRESSLY
APPROVED BY MUSICAL FIDELITY WHO IS THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE
FOR STANDARDS COMPLIANCE COULD VOID THE USER'S
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

Issue 2 Page 4 of 14

GENERAL ADVICE

Installation, Precautions & User Information

This new AMSCD is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices it
is necessary to observe a few precautions:

• Heed all warnings shown on the back of the product.

• Only connect the AMSCD to a mains outlet having the same voltage as marked at the back of the unit.

• Always ensure that when disconnecting and reconnecting your audio equipment the mains supply is
switched off.

• Position the mains lead and signal interconnects where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by
items placed on them.

• Do not use near water, or place water-filled containers on the AMSCD, for example, a flower vase or potted
plants. If water does spill inside, immediately pull out the mains plug from the wall socket and inform

your dealer, who should then check the unit before further use. Entry of liquid into the AMSCD is
dangerous, and may cause electric shock or fire hazard.

• Do not place the unit near direct heat sources such as radiators, direct sunlight or other equipment.

• Do not remove any covers or try to gain access to the inside. There are no internal adjustments or fuses you
can replace yourself. Refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.

* Note: Unauthorised opening of the equipment will invalidate any warranty claim.

• Dust regularly with a soft cloth or soft brush but be careful when using cleaning or polishing agents - they
may harm the surface finish.

The electronics in modern hi-fi equipment is complex and may, therefore, be adversely affected or damaged by
lightning. For protection of the audio system during electrical storms, remove the mains plugs.

If after-sales service is required, to help the dealer identify the AMSCD please quote the serial number located
on the rear panel of the unit.

Issue 2 Page 5 of 14