Anthem Audio Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 Owner's Manual

A-Phase Control Switch - This toggle switch allows the user to invert the system phasing easily and safely. When the switch is in the 0° position the SFD-2 will put out a normal or non- inverted signal in relation to the signal being received from the source. When the switch is in the 180° position the SFD-2 will put out an inverted version of the signal as compared to that being received from the source. This feature offers a convenient method of correcting source material which was recorded “out of absolute phase” or to compensate for a component in your system, such as a preamplifier, power amplifier or signal con- nection, which inverts phase. B -Power Indicator LED - This LED will light when the Power Switch (G) is in the OPERATE position and the SFD-2 is receiving power. This LED will flash on and off for approxi- mately 45 seconds after the Power Switch (G) is turned to the OPERATE position. During this time, the two vacuum tubes are warming up and the analogue outputs are muted. Once the warmup period is past, the LED stops blinking and glows steadily, the output stage relays are unmuted and the SFD-2 is ready to play. C -Signal Locking Indicator LED - This LED will light when an operational digital source is selected. NOTE: Depending on the source or transport being used in conjunction with the SFD-2, it may be necessary to have the source unit in the “P L A Y” mode and the SFD-2 receiving the digital transmission before the LED will light. D-D e-Emphasis Indicator LED - This LED will light when a pre-emphasized digital track is being played. The correct de-emphasis equalization is switched in automatically by the SFD-2 circuitry, and no user adjustments are necessary. E - Input Signal Selector Switch - This 3 position toggle switch selects between the three digital inputs located on the back of the SFD-2: AT&T/ST (Glass Fibre) Optical, RCA Coaxial and AES/EBU XLR. A connection to all 3 inputs may be made from 3 separate sources. The Signal Locking Indicator LED (C) will light when the source is activated in conjunction with the input chosen by this switch. F - Sampling Frequency Indicator LEDs - One of these LEDs will light, indicating the frequency of the digital input sig- nal. The sampling frequencies are 32K, 44K and 48K. G -Power Switch - This toggle switch, when switched to the OPERATE position, allows the SFD-2 to receive full power, rendering the SFD-2 operational as indicated by the Power Indicator LED (B). When the switch is in the STANDBY position, the SFD-2 is not receiving full power and is not operational. A C E G B D F

Power Cord into this socket (see Figure 1). The SFD-2 is factory set for the correct operating voltage for the area in which it is sold (see shipping box for voltage setting). If a different operat- ing voltage is required, please contact an authorized Sonic Frontiers dealer, distributor or the factory directly. I - Digital Out - This output jack provides a digital signal for dubbing purposes with a Digital Audio Tape (DAT) or Compact Disc recorder (CD-R). The signal source is selected through the front panel Input Selector Switch (E). J - AT&T/ST (Glass Fibre) Optical Input - This input will accept a digital connection from a digital source’s Glass Fibre Optical digital output (see Figure 3). This connection type is con- sidered best for optimum performance and sound quality; if your source unit has this type of digital output we recommend it’s use. K -RCA Coaxial Cable Input - This input will accept a digital connection from a digital source’s RCA - S/PDIF - Coaxial digi- tal output (see Figure 3). The RCA - S/PDIF - Coaxial cable impedance should be 75 ohms. L - AES/EBU XLR Input - This input will accept a digital signal from a digital source’s AES/EBU XLR digital output (see Figure 3). A 110 ohm balanced cable terminated with XLR plugs should be used for this connection. NOTE: The XLR jack pin connectors for the SFD-2 are config- ured as follows: Pin #1 : Ground Pin #2 : Positive (+) Phase Pin #3 : Negative (–) Phase M-Left and Right Channel Balanced XLR Audio Output Connectors - These are balanced audio outputs and should be used when connecting the SFD-2 to the balanced audio inputs of a line level preamplifier, control amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver, if these units are so equipped (see Figure 4). (Left channel output of the SFD-2 con- nects to the left channel input of control unit and right channel output of the SFD-2 to the right channel input of control unit.) NOTE: The XLR jack pin connectors for the SFD-2 are config- ured as follows: Pin #1 : Ground Pin #2 : Positive (+) Phase Pin #3 : Negative (–) Phase N-Left and Right Channel RCA Single-Ended Audio Output Connectors - If the balanced inputs are not applica- ble for use, the RCA single-ended (unbalanced) audio outputs should be used when connecting the SFD-2 to the RCA single- ended audio inputs of a line level preamplifier, control amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver. (Left channel output of the SFD-2 connects to the left channel input of control unit and right chan- nel output of the SFD-2 to the right channel input of control unit.) N H I J K M Figure 1 - Align socket pins to corresponding holes and push together firmly. L

W A R N I N G D I S C O N N E C T the AC Detachable Power Cord from the SFD-2 b e f o r e removing the chassis cover. Note the larger space between two of the pins and holes for proper alignment of tube and socket. INSERTION OF THE TUBES The SFD-2 comes with two 6922 (6DJ8-type) tubes, individual- ly boxed and bagged along with a cotton glove, screwdriver, and screws for fastening the SFD-2 cover. If desired, replace- ment of these tubes may be done to suit the listener’s prefer- ence. The following tube types will work under the same techni- cal parameters as the 6922 and require no circuitry modifica- tion to function: • 7308/E188CC • 6DJ8/ECC88 • E88CC Please read and follow these instructions carefully for initial tube insertion or tube replacement. 1. Be sure that the AC DETACHABLE POWER CORD IS D I S C O N N E C T E D from the SFD-2 before removing the chassis cover. 2. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the cover of the SFD-2. For convenience, only two of the screws are fastened. 3. When handling the tubes, it is recommended that the cotton gloves provided be worn to prevent skin oils from depositing on the glass surface and possibly causing the tube to become prematurely “gassy”, thereby shortening the tube’s useful oper- ating life. 4. Take a tube and inspect the pins, noting the larger space between two of the pins. This space will align with the same larger space between two of the pin holes on the socket. Insert the tubes into the tube sockets, making sure all pins and pin holes are aligned (see Figure 2). Do not force the tube into the socket. “Rock” the tube gently while pushing slowly until the tube is firmly seated. 5. Replace the cover and fasten it with the screws provided. The SFD-2 is now ready for operation. OPERATION OF THE SFD-2 DIGITAL PROCESSOR Before plugging in the SFD-2, check to see that the unit is config- ured for the correct AC line voltage for country of use. The operat- ing AC line voltage is indicated on the side of the shipping box. If the SFD-2 Digital Processor is set incorrectly for the country in which it is to be operated, contact the dealer or distributor in your area. If the unit is configured properly continue with operation. Connect the Detachable Power Cord to the SFD-2 chassis (see Figure 1) and plug your SFD-2 into the AC power source. Up to three digital sources or cables may be connected to the appropriate input connectors on the rear panel (J, K & L) using an ST (Glass Fibre) cable, an RCA Coaxial cable and an AES/EBU XLR cable (see Figure 3). Connect the left and right channel balanced XLR audio outputs (if the existing amplification system is balanced) or the left and right channel RCA coaxial (single-ended) into the corresponding left and right channel line level audio inputs of the system’s preampli- fier, control amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver (see Figure 4). The SFD-2 Digital Processor is now ready for operation. Power the unit by placing the Power Switch (E) in the OPERATE position. As soon as the SFD-2 is plugged in and switched to OPERATE, Figure 3- The digital source(s) output connections to the SFD-2 digital inputs. Up to three digital sources may be connected to the SFD-2 Digital Processor via AT&T/ST Glass Optical, Coaxial RCA and AES/EBU XLR interconnect.

ly 45 seconds. During this time, the signal outputs are muted while the two 6922 tubes are warming up and stabilizing. As soon as the Power Indicator LED (B) stops flashing and lights green, the SFD-2 is ready to play. Turn on the digital source and the amplification system and select your source via the Input Signal Selector Switch (E). The Signal Locking Indicator LED (C) should light green when the powered digital source is selected. Put the digital source in “PLAY” mode. You are now ready to sit back, listen and enjoy. At this point, if all is operating correctly, one may wish to experi- ment with the phase feature. Move the Phase Control Switch (A) from the 0° to the 180° position (or vice versa) to find the most desirable and pleasurable effect and/or correction to the particu- lar recording. T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G If at any time the SFD-2 Digital Processor fails to work properly, consult this checklist: 1. Check that the AC Detachable Power Cord is plugged into the SFD-2 Detachable Power Cord Socket (H) and is connected to a l i v e source of AC power. For instance, if using a power bar, check that the bar is turned o n. 2. Ensure that the digital source is connected to the appropriate digital input (J,K & L) as selected by the Input Signal Selector Switch (E). 3. DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD from the SFD-2, remove the chassis cover and check that: • A “fast-blo” fuse, with a rating of 1.5 Amp/250 V (.075 Amp/250 V for European and Asian versions), is installed in the cylin- drical tube next to the AC power socket (Figure 5). • The AC power fuse is intact and has not blown. If the fuse has blown the thin metal conductor will have melted and the glass may appear “smoked”. If the fuse has blown, replace with a fuse of the same rating (1.5 Amp/250V fast-blo for 100 to 120 volt countries and 0.75 Amps/250V fast-blo for 200 to 240 volt countries). See Figure 5 for location and removal. NOTE: Under no circumstances should you replace the AC power fuse with one of a higher current rating! Doing so may cause further damage to the SFD-2 and will also void the warranty. In addition, your continued protection from risk of fire or shock would be seriously c o m p r o m i s e d . 4. DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD, remove cover and ensure the 6922 tubes (or equivalent replacements) are plugged firmly into their sockets as described in “INSERTION OF THE TUBES” . 5. Be sure the rest of the system is functioning properly (i.e. digital source, power amplifiers, cables and connections, etc.). 6. Check that both the front panel Power Indicator LED (B) and the Signal Locking Indicator LED (C) are lighted (glowing light green). If at any time the Signal Locking Indicator LED (C) fails to light, check to see that a CD is properly loaded in the transport or CD player and that the unit is in the “P L A Y” mode. If all of the above troubleshooting steps have been followed (including step 2) and the LEDs are not lighted (dark green), contact your dealer or distributor for assistance. Figure 5 - Fuse location, next to AC power socket. W A R N I N G D I S C O N N E C T the AC Detachable Power Cord from the SFD-2 b e f o r e removing the chassis cover. Figure 4- The SFD-2 XLR balanced and RCA single-ended audio output connections to a line level amplification device - right chan- nel to right channel and left channel to left channel. Both the XLR and RCA output connections can be hooked up in unison, although this setup would be system dependent.

Allow at least 6” (15 cm) of clear space above the SFD-2 chassis for proper ventilation, making sure the air vent slots in the chassis cover remain unobstructed. Be sure the SFD-2 is resting on a hard, flat surface. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Ventilation - Although your SFD-2 Digital Processor generates only nominal heat in use, be sure that the ventilation slots in the top cover have at least 6” of unobstructed air space above them. 2. Water and Moisture - This product should not be used near water. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this product to rain or moisture. 3. Heat - This product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appli- ances which produce heat. 4. Power Sources - This product should be connected to an AC power source of the proper rated voltage. The original ship- ping containers will stipulate the AC voltage this unit can oper- ate with correctly. 5. Cleaning - A regular dusting with a soft, non-abrasive cloth will generally keep the finish of the faceplate and chassis look- ing like new. At no time should you allow any liquid to come in contact with the SFD-2 Digital Processor; it may run into the electronic circuitry and cause damage which will not be cov- ered under your warranty. 6. Servicing - Do not open this product. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to an authorized service technician. 7. Non-Use Periods - The power cord of this product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for an extended period of time. 8. Do not remove the SFD-2 chassis cover while the unit is switched to the OPERATE mode or is connected to an AC power source. Cover screws could fall through the ventilation slots and cause electrical damage to the SFD-2. PACKING MATERIALS We recommend that you retain all of the packing material and shipping boxes for your SFD-2 Digital Processor. They are cus- tom designed to prevent shipping damage from occurring. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will accept no responsibility for any dam- age occurring to an SFD-2 Digital Processor that is shipped in packing material other than the original Sonic Frontiers packing m a t e r i a l . DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY Under no circumstances does Sonic Frontiers, Inc. assume lia- bility or responsibility for injury or damages sustained in the use or operation of this equipment or for damages to any other equipment connected to it. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. reserves the right to make design changes or improvements without the obligation to revise prior versions. All specifications are subject to change without notice. LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY Sonic Frontiers, Inc. warrants to the purchaser that each SFD-2 Digital Processor is free of manufacturing defects for a period of five (5) years from the date of purchase. This five (5) year limited non-transferable warranty excludes all vacuum tubes, which we warrant for a period of twelve (12) months. To receive this warranty, the original purchaser must complete and mail to Sonic Frontiers, within thirty (30) days from the date of purchase, the enclosed Warranty Registration Card. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will then validate the warranty to the original pur- chaser. This warranty is subject to the following conditions and l i m i t a t i o n s : 1. Warranty applies only to the original purchaser. 2. This warranty is void and inapplicable if the product has been handled other than in accordance with the instructions in this Owner’s Manual, abused or misused, damaged by acci- dent or neglect or in being transported, or the defect is due to the product being tampered with, modified or repaired by any- one other than Sonic Frontiers, Inc. or an authorized Sonic Frontiers repair depot. 3. Warranty does not cover normal maintenance. 4. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. shall not be responsible in any way for consequential or indirect damages or liabilities resulting from the use and operation of the product covered herein or result- ing from any breach of this warranty or any implied warranty relating to said product. During this period, Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will repair or replace any defective components free of charge. A Return Authoriza- tion Number (RA Number) is required before any product is returned to our factory for any reason. This number must be visi- ble on the exterior of the shipping container(s) for Sonic Frontiers to accept the return. Units shipped to us without a Return Authorization Number or without a visible RA Number on the exterior of the shipping container(s) will be returned to the sender, freight collect. Units to be repaired by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. must be sent ship- ping and insurance prepaid by the original purchaser in the original packing material. A returned product should be accom- panied by a written description of the defect. Repaired units will be returned by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. shipping and insurance prepaid. The sender’s name, address and telephone or fax number must accompany the unit. All other warranties or conditions either written or implied are void. Note: In foreign markets (anywhere outside of Canada and the USA), the warranty is supplied by the authorized International Distributor. Exact terms and conditions may vary.

Input Receiver UltraAnalog AES20 AES/EBU ultra-low jitter Input Receiver Digital Filter NPC 5803 (8-times oversampling) D/A Converters 2 dual UltraAnalog D20400A (balanced configuration) Low Pass Proprietary passive configuration Analog Filter Frequency Response 5 Hz to 20 kHz + 0.5 dB 20 kHz - 0.1 dB Intrinsic Jitter < 40 ps (picoseconds) Jitter Rejection From 1 kHz and above, attenuation rate 6 dB per octave. “A” weighted > 110 dB S/N Ratio Crosstalk > 105 dB @ 1 kHz > 85 dB @ 10 kHz THD < 0.05 % Output Voltage Approx. 3.5 Volts (single-ended) Approx. 7.0 Volts (balanced) Output Stage Fully balanced (for AC and DC parameters), high speed tube buffer Digital Inputs Coaxial (RCA), Optical (AT&T/ST-Type glass fibre), AES/EBU (XLR) Digital Output Coaxial (RCA), 75 ohms Analog Outputs 1 pr. Single-ended RCA 1 pr. Balanced XLR Tube Complement 2 - 6922 (E88CC) Dimensions 19” Wide x 13” Deep x 4” High Weight 12 kg (26.5 lbs) - unpacked Warranty 5 years parts and labor 1 year on the tubes This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompany- ing the appliance.

of listening pleasure with your new SFD-2 Digital Processor. This Owner’s Manual contains important information regarding the operation and care of the SFD-2. Be sure to read this manual carefully and follow these instructions in order to keep it looking, operating and sounding its best. 2790 Brighton Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 5T4 Telephone: (905) 829-3838 Facsimile: (905) 829-3033 Sonic Frontiers can be reached from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T.), or 24 hours a day by facsimile.