Musical Fidelity A5 CD Player User Manual


 
Issue 3: March 2005
A5 CD Instructions for use Page 7 of
16
INSTALLATION / GENERAL ADVICE
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on the purchase of your new
A5 CD upsampling 24 BIT CD player.
The A5 CD is released in a worldwide limited
edition of 1500 pieces. Technically it is one of
the best CD players ever made, and, in our
opinion, eclipses even its mighty grandfather,
the Nu-Vista 3D.
The A5 CD player has extremely low jitter,
vanishingly low distortion, exemplary linearity
and ultra low noise. Its output stage employs
the super-quality military-specified mu-vista
(6112) tube in a sophisticated circuit configur-
ation similar to the one used in our Tri-Vista
SACD player, but improved.
We reckon that the limited edition A5 CD is
about as good as CD players can get, and
you’ve got one
!
The digital data stream is first up-sampled to
192kHz, 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 dual-differential digital-to-
analog convertor, 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.
This model fully complements our current A5
Integrated amplifier, which enables its full
potential to be realised.
NOTES ON USING COMPACT DISCS
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.
( continued . . .)
After playing, always return the disc to its case
for storage.
CLEANING
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.
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.
AUDIO CONNECTION
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.