XX
UPSAMPLING 24 BIT COMPACT DISC PLAYER
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
Thank you for purchasing the Musical Fidelity A3.5 24 bit CD Player.
Used properly and carefully, it should give many years of outstanding musical
reproduction.
This model uses the latest 24 Bit DAC technology and jitter reduction techniques to
achieve both an excellent technical specification and unparalleled sound quality.
Aesthetically, the A3.5 CD is a perfect match for the A3.5 Integrated Amplifier.
Together these components form one of the finest hi-fi systems available.
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 you have any questions about your audio system,
please consult your dealer who is there to help and advise.
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A3.5 CD
Instructions for use
Page 1 of 16
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT! (U.K. only)
This unit is supplied in the U.K. with a mains lead fitted with a moulded 13 amp plug. If, for any
reason, you need to cut off 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 yellow..............Earth
Blue................................Neutral
Brown.................................Live
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 your 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 wire which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter
L or 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.
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.
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SAFETY INFORMATION
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
This CD player 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.
WARNING AND INFORMATION LABELS : (Fitted internally to CD player mechanism)
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.
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USER INFORMATION
LASER INFORMATION:
Optical pick-up :
Manufacturer : Sharp
Pick-up type : GH6C005B
Wavelength : 780nm
RADIO - FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE (RFI)
This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and operated in
accordance with the instructions, may cause interference to radio communications.
However, it is designed to radiate minimal levels of RFI, and accordingly been testing to North
American standards (FCC regulations - limits for a class B digital device persuant to part 15 of the
rules). These requirements are intended to provide reasonable protection against excessive
interference in a residential installation.
Conversely, the product has also been checked to ensure that its own operation is not adversely
affected by normal background levels of RFI received externally.
However, if interference is experienced, for instance to radio or TV broadcasts, the user is
recommended to try one or more of the following measures:
• Identify the source of interference by turning off power to the CD player or other equipment
individually, and checking whether the problem disappears.
• Re-orientate or relocate the receiving aerial.
• Move the CD player away from the receiver.
• Connect the CD player to a mains outlet on a different circuit from the receiver.
• Consult a dealer or experienced TV/radio technician for help.
If a problem persists, please contact Musical Fidelity's service department.
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GENERAL ADVICE
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS and USER INFORMATION
Your new A3.5 CD 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 A3.5 CD 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 CD player, 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 CD player 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 your audio system during electrical storms, remove the
mains plugs and disconnect any aerial lead.
If after-sales service is required, to help your dealer identify the A3.5 CD player please quote the
serial number located on the rear panel of the unit.
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INTRODUCTION / INSTALLATION
INTRODUCTION
CLEANING
Congratulations on the purchase of your new
A3.5 CD upsampling 24 BIT CD player.
Before cleaning the CD player, always turn off
power at the mains switch and remove the
mains plug from the wall outlet. Clean the
housing and the remote control unit using a
moist cloth. We do not advise the use of
solvents, white spirit or thinners, as they could
damage the surface finish of the unit.
The A3.5 CD uses the latest technology for the
reproduction of your CD collection.
The digital data stream is first up-sampled at
96kHz, which moves noise, jitter and distortion
artefacts well above the audio band. It is then
passed through a new, low noise, low distortion
24-bit digital-to-analog convertor operating at
96kHz, which allows simpler filtering of the
analog output. This in turn gives an improved
audio response without the need for sharp
filters that degrade sound quality. The result is
a CD player which gives a smoother response
than previously possible with none of the
“hardness” of other players.
INSTALLATION
Position the CD player on a stable, horizontal
surface where there is no risk of it being
knocked, or subjected to vibration such as from
loudspeakers.
Protect your CD player from humidity - if the
unit is moved from a cold place to a warm
room, moisture can form on the pickup lens
inside the player, preventing the laser beam
from reading the disc. If this happens, remove
the CD, close the disc drawer, and leave the
unit switched on for an hour or so to allow
sufficient time for the moisture to evaporate.
This model fully complements the A3.5
Integrated amplifier, which enables its full
potential to be realised.
NOTES ON USING COMPACT DISCS
AUDIO CONNECTION
Always hold discs by the edges and make sure
they remain clean - do not touch the surface.
Keep discs away from direct sunlight and heat
sources, such as radiators. Clean discs with a
cloth before playing them, but do not use
solvents such as benzene, thinners, or antistatic
spray intended for analog records. After
playing, always return the disc to its case for
storage.
The CD player should be connected to an
amplifier input by audio cables with
RCA/phono type plugs. These link the left and
right AUDIO OUTPUT sockets on the rear
panel of the CD player to the CD or auxiliary
input sockets on the amplifier.
Do not use any sockets on the amplifier
intended for “vinyl” phono cartridge input, as
the sensitive circuit will overload, producing a
severely distorted sound.
Alternatively, you can use the TRANSPORT
DIGITAL OUTPUTS (coaxial or optical) for
connection to an external digital-to-analog
converter or digital amplifier.
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FACILITIES AND CONNECTIONS
2
6
1
3
4
5
7
8
FRONT PANEL
1. POWER mains on/off switch
2. CD transport loading drawer
3. OPEN/CLOSE to open and close the
CD drawer
5. STOP to end CD playback
6. CD player display
(incorporates infra-red remote control receiver)
7. PREVIOUS track selector
4. PLAY/PAUSE to start CD playback,
pause, or resume playback
8. NEXT track selector
REAR PANEL
IEC type mains inlet
DIGITAL OUTPUT
– coaxial
DIGITAL OUTPUT
AUDIO OUTPUTS
– optical
left and right
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REMOTE CONTROL
Remote control buttons shown below enable CD player functions to be operated from a convenient
distance. Remaining buttons on this universal handset are for use with other, specific, Musical
Fidelity products, and have no effect on the A3.5 CD player.
Except for separate PAUSE and PLAY (see page 10), equivalent buttons on the remote control
have the same functions as those on the front panel of the unit. Many other functions are only
available by remote control.
As the handset uses an invisible infra-red light beam, the front edge must be pointed directly
towards the receiver window at the front of the player, without visual obstruction between them.
If the range of the remote control greatly decreases, replace the batteries with new ones.
Do not mix old and new batteries - two are required, size AAA, LR03 or SUM-4. Do not dispose of
used batteries in a fire.
(CD function buttons only)
TIME display change - page 11
Direct track access buttons
1
2
3
4
5
6
PROGRAM check - page 14
Scan INTROduction - page 13
REPEAT track or disc - page 12
SEARCH buttons to scan forwards
or backwards
STOP to end CD playback
7
(press either end, but not the centre)
PAUSE to interrupt playback
PLAY to start or resume playback
TRACK back / forwards buttons
A - B repeat - page 12
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
SHUFFLE play - page 12
PROGRAM set - page 13
Program CLEAR button - page 13
DISPLAY brightness - page 14
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BASIC OPERATION
LOADING AND PLAYING COMPACT
DISCS
PAUSE
Pressing the PLAY/PAUSE button on the
front panel whilst a disc is playing pauses
playback of the disc. PAUSE appears in the
display window instead of PLAY. The disc
will continue spinning, but the track does not
advance and the A3.5 CD's output is muted.
To load a disc, press the OPEN/CLOSE button
to open the transport drawer.
When the drawer is fully extended, insert the
disc with the label facing upwards and then press
either the OPEN/CLOSE or PLAY/PAUSE
button to close the transport drawer again.
Pressing PLAY/PAUSE again resumes
If OPEN/CLOSE has been pressed, the disc
drawer closes and the CD player scans the
contents of the disc. After a short delay, the
display window then shows the total number of
tracks available on the CD, and total playing
time.
playback from the same place.
PAUSE (Remote control)
On the remote control, PLAY and PAUSE
buttons have separate functions at each end of
the same button. Pressing PLAY will only
control disc play, and pressing PAUSE will
not resume play. Note that if the disc is
already playing, pressing the PLAY button
reverts play to the beginning of the current
track.
In the following example there are 7 tracks,
lasting a total of 41 minutes 2 seconds :
If mains power to the A3.5 CD player is
switched on with a disc already loaded, it will
automatically search for the disc.
STOP
The display then indicates STOP, and shows the
number of tracks available on the CD and total
playing time, as in the above example.
Playback can be stopped at any time by
pressing the STOP button once. On the
remote control, press either end of the button,
not the middle part.
DISC PLAY
Pressing the STOP button a second time
opens the transport drawer.
If PLAY/PAUSE is pressed, the CD player will
begin playing from track 1, confirmed by the
word PLAY appearing on the left of the display,
with 1 in the centre and elapsed time on the
right.
If a disc is loaded but not playing, pressing
STOP once will also eject the drawer.
When all tracks on the CD have been played, the
display shows STOP and total number of tracks
on the disc.
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BASIC OPERATION
Pressing the forward-search button ( >> ) fast
winds forwards whilst the search backwards
button ( << ) fast winds backwards.
As the unit searches through a track, the track
time display (far right digits) will be seen to
advance rapidly in the required direction. For
both directions the unit will return to normal
playback when the button is released.
TRACK SELECTION
To change track, the track skip buttons
PREVIOUS and NEXT on the front panel can
be pressed to jump forwards or backwards one
track in either direction.
Corresponding TRACK buttons on the remote
control are marked |<< and >>| .
If the unit has stopped playing, a specific track
can be accessed directly by pressing either
PREVIOUS or NEXT to obtain the required
track number, then pressing PLAY/PAUSE.
DISPLAYING PLAYBACK TIME
There are three playback time display modes
accessed progressively by pushing the TIME
button on the remote control. The original
mode (e.g. after switch on) shown below
indicates the elapsed time for the currently
playing track (track 1 playing, 0 minutes 34
seconds in this example) :
TRACK SELECTION (Remote control)
Simply press the PLAY button to start a CD
playing from the first track.
Alternatively, a specific track can be selected
directly by pressing one of the ten track number
buttons grouped in the centre-section of the
remote control. The chosen track then plays
after a short delay. To play a track number
with two digits, press the second digit button
on the remote control within this delay period.
Pushing the TIME button once changes the
display to show the remaining time for the
complete disc with a minus sign to denote
reverse counting (track 2 playing, 31 minutes
40 seconds in this example) :
If a track number is chosen which is not
available on the disc, for example pressing
button number 9 if the CD has only 7 tracks,
the words INVALID TRACK are briefly
displayed.
Pushing the TIME button a second time
cancels all time indication :
SEARCH
The SEARCH buttons on the remote control
can be used to fast-forward or fast-rewind
during playback in a similar way to a video or
tape cassette player. This permits location of
particular passages at high speed with the audio
playback of the CD still active.
A third press of the TIME button will now
bring the display back to the original (elapsed
track time) mode.
(continued) . . .
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SPECIAL FEATURES
REPEAT PLAYBACK
SHUFFLE PLAYBACK
The REPEAT button on the remote control
allows the repeated playback of either one track
or all tracks on the disc.
The SHUFFLE feature allows tracks on the
discs to be played in random sequence rather
than the normal consecutive order.
Tracks are also played in a different order each
time the disc is restarted, or another disc
loaded.
By pressing the REPEAT button once, only
the current track is repeated, and the display
shows “repeat track”.
This function is obtained by pressing
SHUFFLE on the remote control with the unit
either stopped or playing. The word “shuffle
disc” in the display indicates that the function
has been activated.
If the REPEAT button is pressed a second
time, “repeat disc” is displayed instead.
The entire disc can then be repeated.
Pressing REPEAT a third time cancels repeat
mode.
If the A3.5 CD is already playing, play will
continue in random order until all tracks on the
disc have been played.
A-B REPEAT PLAYBACK
Shuffle play is cancelled by pressing the
SHUFFLE button a second time. The unit
resumes normal play function, continuing to
the end of the disc in normal order starting
from wherever it was left by the previous
random selection.
“A-B repeat” provides the option of playing
just a certain section of the disc over and over
again.
Find the beginning of the required section
either by listening, or using the display time as
a guide.
From stop mode, pressing PLAY/PAUSE also
begins shuffle play.
When the desired starting point is reached,
press button A / B on the remote control.
If REPEAT is then pressed whilst in shuffle
mode, a repeat shuffle function is obtained :
The display will show “repeat a -”.
When the disc has reached the end of the
required section, press the A / B button again,
“repeat a - b” will now appear in the display,
and the unit continuously plays the selected
part of the disc.
Pressing >>| selects the next track in random
order.
To cancel A-B repeat mode, press A / B on the
remote control.
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SPECIAL FEATURES
That track number will now appear in the
SCAN INTRODUCTION
display :
The scan-introduction function allows play
back of just the start of each track on the disc,
for instance to locate a preferred track by ear.
Press INTRO on the remote control, and if the
player has stopped, the display will show :
Press PROGRAM again on the remote control
- the next program step is selected, (prog 2)
and the track number reverts to zero ready for a
new entry :
The first ten seconds (approximately) of each
track on the CD can then be played in sequence
by pressing either PLAY/PAUSE on the front
panel, or PLAY on the remote control.
Continue entering track numbers in the same
way up to a maximum of 25. If more than 25
tracks are attempted accidentally, the memory
will not accept any extra ones, and the display
reverts to “prog 1”.
Press INTRO again to cancel introduction
search mode. If INTRO mode is cancelled
while the A3.5 CD is still playing, the
remainder of the entire disc will be played.
Remember that when entering a single-digit
track number, there is a delay of about two
seconds before the display accepts the entry -
this is to allow time for a second button to be
pressed when a double-digit number is
required.
PROGRAMMED PLAY
The built-in program memory allows you to
store up to 25 track numbers and then play
them back in the held order. Each track is
stored as a “step” in the program.
If an incorrect entry is made, say track 9 when
there are only 7 tracks available on the disc,
“INVALID TRACK” is briefly shown, and
the entry automatically cancelled.
With the CD loaded and the player stopped,
first press PROGRAM on the remote control.
The following is then displayed :
If at any time you wish to add a track to the list,
press the CLEAR button to obtain the next step
number. Alternatively, to delete a previous
entry, press CLEAR a second time to remove
the last entry. Repeated pressing of CLEAR
will then erase each step in reverse order.
On the remote control, press the numeric button
of the track number corresponding to the first
track you wish to store (number 3 for example).
When the last track number has been selected,
press PROGRAM a final time, then the PLAY
button to start the program sequence.
(continued . . .)
(continued . . .)
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SPECIAL FEATURES
If you wish to check the selection before
playing back your program, the CHECK
button can be pressed to step through each
program entry in turn.
DISPLAY
A3.5 CD display brightness can be controlled
in three levels by pressing the DISPLAY
button on the remote control.
If during this check sequence the PLAY button
is pressed, the remaining part of your
programmed selection will play to the end of
the sequence.
The original setting is maximum brightness,
but by pressing the DISPLAY button once,
brightness is reduced, and a further press turns
the display off.
Otherwise, to play all the programmed tracks
from the beginning of the sequence, press
PLAY/PAUSE, or PLAY on the remote
control.
However, when the display is off, pressing any
button returns the brightness to normal
(maximum).
The >>| button may be pressed to jump to the
next track in the programmed sequence, or
|<< button to obtain the previous track in the
sequence.
When all programmed tracks have been played,
the CD player stops. The same track selection
can then be played again by pressing the
PLAY/PAUSE button on the front panel, or
PLAY on the remote control.
To repeat a programmed sequence continually,
press REPEAT whilst playing the program.
To cancel this mode, press PROGRAM.
Note:
The program contents will be cleared if you
switch off the power, or open the disc drawer
and load another disc. If, however, the same
disc is loaded again with the power still
switched on, the program sequence is retained
in the memory.
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PROBLEMS ?
Basic problem-solving with a CD player is similar to troubleshooting other electrical or electronic
equipment. Always check the most obvious possible causes first, such as the following examples:
Problem
Probable Cause
Remedy
No power when POWER
button is pressed
Power plug is not inserted
Plug in securely fully into rear
socket
No playback when disc is
Disc is loaded with label side
Re-load with label side up
loaded, “NO DISC” displayed down
No audio output, or too low
level output
Connection to rest of stereo
system is incorrect
Check connections
Sound is severely distorted,
and volume control needs to be connected to phono input
turned down very low
CD player audio lead is
Re-connect lead to auxiliary
sockets or other “line level”
amplifier input
sockets of the amplifier
Mistracking (sound jumping)
Player is receiving vibration or
shock
Change position of player
away from loudspeakers
Disc is dirty
Clean disc surface
Insert plug securely
Hum
Audio connector plug is not
fully pushed in
Connector cable is faulty
Check that the cable outer
shield (screen) connection has
not become damaged or
detached inside the plug
Interference noise heard from
radio tuner
Player is positioned too near the Keep a reasonable distance
tuner
between player and tuner, or
switch off player power
Remote control does not work Player’s POWER switch is set
Set switch to on
to off
One or more batteries fitted the
wrong way round
Insert batteries correctly
Batteries are flat
Change batteries – do not mix
old and new ones
Remote control is not pointed
directly towards the front panel
of the player
Ensure there is no obstruction
between the remote control and
player front
Remote control range has
greatly reduced
Batteries are running out
Change batteries – do not mix
old and new ones
Remember - the most vulnerable part of a CD playing system is the disc itself. The most likely
cause of a disc not playing is that the disc itself is faulty, scratched or simply dirty. Never open the
case of the A3.5 CD yourself, as this will invalidate the guarantee. If none of the above actions
effect a cure, please contact your dealer or Musical Fidelity service agent.
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A3.5 CD
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A3.5 CD
Upsampling 24 Bit
SPECIFICATIONS
Compact Disc Player
DAC architecture
24 bit Delta-Sigma (Bitstream)
Dual differential
8x oversampling
Disc mechanism
Philips
Upsampling
96kHz
Frequency response
Signal / noise ratio
Total harmonic distortion
Total correlated jitter
Channel separation
Linearity
10Hz to 20kHz +0 / -0.2dB
> 115dB “A” weighted
< 0.006% 10Hz to 20kHz
< 170 pS
> 100dB 20Hz to 20kHz
< 0.2dB down to -90dB
2.14VRMS at 1kHz nominal
1 pair RCA connectors
50 Ohms
Audio output at digital 0dB level
Analog output
Analog output impedance
Digital outputs
1 optical (Toslink),
1 S/PDIF (RCA connector)
Power requirements
100 / 115 / 230V AC 50 / 60Hz (factory preset)
15 Watts
Dimensions (approximate)
440mm, 17.3 inches wide
100mm, 3.9 inches high including feet
395mm, 15.6 inches deep including terminals
Weight
10.8 kg, 22.8 lbs unit only, un-boxed
15.5 kg, 34.2 lbs in shipping carton
Standard accessories
IEC mains lead (10 Amp type),
Remote control handset (A3.5 type, universal),
2 batteries size LR03 or AAA, manganese alkaline type
Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements which
may result in specification or feature changes without notice.
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Instructions for use
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