4-249-411-11(1)

Super Audio CD Player
Operating Instructions Mode demploi

SCD-XA9000ES

2003 Sony Corporation

WARNING

To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
To prevent fire, do not cover the ventilation of the apparatus with news papers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. And dont place lighted candles on the apparatus. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus. This appliance is classified as a CLASS 1 LASER product. This marking is located on the rear exterior.
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Welcome!

Thank you for purchasing the Sony Super Audio CD Player. Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly and retain it for future reference.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modification not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

About This Manual

The instructions in this manual is for SCDXA9000ES.

Owners Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the rear of the unit. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to them whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product. Model No. SCD-XA9000ES Serial No. _________________________

Conventions

Instructions in this manual describe the controls on the player. You can also use the controls on the remote if they have the same or similar names as those on the player. The following icons are used in this manual:
For the customers in the United States
The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard.
Indicates that you can do the task using the remote. Indicates hints and tips for making the task easier.
For the customers in Canada
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the products 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 accompanying the appliance.
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT. Dont throw away the battery with general house waste, dispose of it correctly as chemical waste.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Features

About the Super Audio CD
Super Audio CD is a new high-quality audio disc standard where music is recorded in the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format (conventional CDs are recorded in the PCM format). The DSD format, using a sampling frequency 64 times higher than that of a conventional CD, and with 1-bit quantization, achieves both a wide frequency range and a wide dynamic range across the audible frequency range, and so provides music reproduction extremely faithful to the original sound. The Super Audio CD has two types; a 2 channel stereo disc and a Multi-channel disc which holds up to 6 independent channels. The multi-channel characteristic of the Super Audio CD features a speaker allocation system basically similar to the 5.1 channel output of current AV systems.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Getting Started 4
Before You Start the Hooking Up 4 Hooking Up the Audio Components 5
Location and Functions of Parts 10
Front Panel Parts Descriptions 10 Rear Panel Parts Descriptions Remote Parts Descriptions 13 12

Playing Discs 14

Compatible Disc Types Playing a Disc 16 Using the Display 17 Locating a Specific Track 20 14

Features of the player

This player is designed to play back 2-channel and multichannel Super Audio CDs, and conventional CDs, and provides the following features: Mounted with a Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pickup, capable of reading a Super Audio CD or conventional CD depending on the exclusive wavelength. Quicker track access performance enabled by an advanced servo mechanism. A Multi-Channel Management function that allows you to adjust the multi-channel playback environment according to the allocation and size of your speakers. A Super Audio D/A Converter and Direct Digital Sync System, which allows higher-quality sound reproduction. An i.LINK digital transmission system that provides higher quality sound and lets you make connections with just 1 i.LINK cord instead of 6 pin cords. This player complies with DTLA copy protection technology (Revision 1.2).
Locating a Particular Point in a Track 20 Playing Tracks Repeatedly 21 Playing Tracks in Random Order (Shuffle Play) 22 Creating Your Own Program (Program Play) Listening to a CD Using a Filter (Digital Filter Function) 24 Setting the DIGITAL OUT on/off 24 Listening to a Multi-channel Super Audio CD (Multi-channel management function) 25 23
Additional Information 29
Precautions 29 Notes on Discs 30 Troubleshooting 31 Display Messages 32 Specifications 32 Index 34

Others

A Super Audio CD can mark up to 255 track/index numbers. This feature applies to SCD-XA9000ES. The supplied remote is capable of controlling both the SCD-XA9000ES and a conventional Sony CD player.

Getting Started

This chapter provides information on the supplied accessories and how to connect various audio components to the Super Audio CD player. Be sure to read this chapter thoroughly before you actually connect anything to the player.
Before You Start Hooking Up
Checking the supplied accessories
This player comes with the following items: Audio connecting cord phono jack 2 (Red and White) y phono jack 2 (Red and White) (3) phono jack 1 (Black) y phono jack 1 (Black) (2) i.LINK connecting cord (1) Remote commander RM-SX700 (1) Size AA (R6) batteries (2) AC power cord (1) Plug adapter (1)
Inserting batteries into the remote
Insert two size AA (R6) batteries into the battery compartment with the + and correctly oriented to the markings. When using the remote, point it at the remote sensor on the player.

FRONT or SURR connection

Audio connecting cords (Red and White) (supplied) White (L) Red (R) White (L) Red (R)

CENTER

5.1CH OUT

SURROUND SUB WOOFER

COAXIAL OUT

OPTICAL AUDIO OUT

AC IN i.LINK S200

DIGITAL(CD)

2CH OUT

ANALOG

To FRONT IN jacks (L/R)
To SURROUND or REAR IN jacks (L/R)

To CENTER IN jack

To SUB WOOFER IN jack
Multi-channel amplifier, AV amplifier, etc.
Connecting via ANALOG 2CH OUT jacks
Use an audio connecting cords for this connection. Connect the ANALOG 2CH OUT L/R jacks to the CD (SACD) input jacks of your amplifier. Be sure to match the color-coded pin to the appropriate jacks: white (left) to white and red (right) to red. Audio connecting cords (Red and White) (supplied) White (L) Red (R) White (L) Red (R)

About the ANALOG 2CH OUT

When you play a conventional CD or a 2CH Super Audio CD, the stereo signal is sent to the FRONT, SURROUND, and CENTER/ SUB WOOFER D/A Converters, and each signal is combined after D/A conversion, then combined signal is output from the 2CH OUT jacks. Since each digital signal is converted to analog signal by three converters, this system offers a three-fold improvement in signal quality and a root three-fold noise ratio, the result is an improved signal to noise ratio. Therefore, a high quality signal is output from the ANALOG 2CH OUT jacks. During playback of a Multi-channel Super Audio CD, the signal conversion described above is not applied, and the same signal is output from the ANALOG 5.1CH FRONT L/R jacks and ANALOG 2CH OUT jacks. (The downmixed signal of the Multichannel signal is not played back.)
During playback of a Multi-channel Super Audio CD, the same signal is output from the ANALOG 5.1CH FRONT L/R jacks and ANALOG 2CH OUT jacks. (The downmixed signal of the Multichannel signal is not played back.)
To CD (SACD) IN jacks (L/R)

Stereo amplifier, etc.

Connecting via i.LINK S200 AUDIO OUT jack
Connect SCD-XA9000ES to STR-DA9000ES/TADA9000ES with the supplied i.LINK connecting cord.
i.LINK connecting cord (supplied)

Establishing a LINC

Before an audio signal can be transmitted between i.LINK components, a LINC (Logical INterface Connection) must first be established between the receiving component (of the audio signal) and the sending component. Establishing a LINC means establishing a logical path for the transmission of digital audio signals between the two components. Each logical path has an ID number. Since the component that sends an audio signal must output the signal to a path, and the component that receives the signal must input it from the same path, the path must be mutually known by both components. During the establishment of a LINC, the following communication occurs between the two i.LINK components.

Use an optical digital cable for this connection. When connecting the optical digital cable to the DIGITAL (CD) OUT OPTICAL connector, take the cap off the connectors and push the cable plugs in until they click into place. Be careful not to bend or twist the optical cable. Optical digital cable (not supplied)
Only the audio signals of conventional CDs can be output from the DIGITAL (CD) OUT connectors. Those of the Super Audio CD cannot be output through DIGITAL (CD) OUT.
When the i.LINK indicator lights up
No signal is output from DIGITAL (CD) OUT OPTICAL connector.
Connecting via DIGITAL (CD) OUT COAXIAL connector
Use a coaxial digital cable to connect the audio components equipped with coaxial digital input connectors. Coaxial digital cable (not supplied)

Copyright

i.LINK components complying with copyright protection incorporate digital data copy protection technology. One such technology is the DTLA (The Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator) recognized by the Copy Protection Technical Working Group. It may not be possible to make digital copies of copy restricted digital data (video/audio/data) using i.LINK signals between components that comply with the DTLA copy protection technology. In addition, it may not be possible to transfer digital data (video/audio/data) via i.LINK between i.LINK components which comply with DTLA copy protection and i.LINK components which do not.
i.LINK is a designation referring to IEEE 1394-1995 and IEEE 1394a-2000. i.LINK and the i.LINK logo are trademarks of Sony Corporation.
No signal is output from DIGITAL (CD) OUT COAXIAL connector.
Connecting the AC power cord
Connect the supplied AC power cord to the AC IN terminal on the player and to the mains.

About the AC power cord

The supplied AC power cord has a 3-pronged grounded plug. If you are using 3-pronged grounded mains, the plug can be inserted directly into the mains. However, if the socket is a 2pronged grounded mains, use the supplied plug adapter or a commercially available plug adapter.

Note on the output jacks

This player is equipped with a Tri-Powered D/A Converter System and a Multi Channel Management function. The usable output settings differ depending on the mode you select as follows. For details, refer to the Operating Instructions.
Source 3-pronged grounded mains
Multi 2CH Channel OUT Management jacks

*1 a*2 a*2 a a*3

5.1CH PHONES DIGITAL OUT jack (CD) OUT jacks jacks
a a a a a*2 a*2 a a*3 a*4
Super Audio CD Direct (2 channel) 2ch + SW *1
2-pronged polarized mains When the width of the mains are a different size Use the supplied plug adapter.
3 to 2-prong polarized plug adapter
Super Audio CD (Multi-channel)
*1 Not available for CDs or Super Audio CDs. *2 Output through the Tri-Powered D/A Converter. *3 The same signal that is output from the ANALOG 5.1CH OUT FRONT L/R jacks is output. *4 Only when D. OUTPUT is set to ON (page 24).

N pole

Tri-Powered D/A Converter System works only for 2 channel signals from 2 CH OUT jacks.
When the width of the mains are the same size
Use a commercially available plug adapter. In this case, you can check the polarity of the mains with a commercially available spark-testing screwdriver. It is the pronged ground that does not light the neon grow lamp even if you insert the spark-testing screwdriver into the mains. Insert the blades so that the N pole can be inserted to the ground on the plug.
No signal is output from all the other jacks (ANALOG 2CH OUT jacks, ANALOG 5.1CH OUT jacks, PHONES jack, DIGITAL (CD) OUT jacks). The Multi Channel Management function does not work.
If noise (hum) is produced
Noise may be caused by an electric potential difference on the ground circuit.* In this case, use the supplied plug adapter and be careful not to connect the ground lead to anything. * Although the ground of the domestic mains is normally a safety ground, a few electrical potential differences may be produced, depending on the mains. Therefore, use of the supplied 3-pronged mains lead may lessen the quality of the audio signal or may produce humming noise.
z When you want to listen to the sound through headphones when the i.LINK indicator lights up
Connect the headphones to the PHONES jack on the amplifier, not on this player.
Location and Functions of Parts
This chapter tells you about the location and functions of the various buttons and controls on the front and rear panels and the supplied remote. Further details are provided on the pages indicated in parentheses. It also tells you about the information that appears in the display window.
Front Panel Parts Descriptions
1 POWER switch (16) Press to turn on the player. 2 TIME/TEXT button (17) Each time you press the button, the playing time of the track, the total remaining time on the disc, or TEXT information appears in the display. 3 SACD/CD button (16) Each time you press the button while playing back a hybrid disc, the layer to be played back switches between the HD (Super Audio CD) layer and the CD layer. 4 i.LINK button (16) Each time you press the button, the signal output switches between the i.LINK jack and the analog jacks. i.LINK indicator (16) Lights up when the i.LINK function is used. 5 Disc tray (16) Press A OPEN/CLOSE to open/close the disc tray.

PLAY MODE

CONTINUE SHUFFLE PROGRAM DISPLAY/ MODE
qs SACD/CD button (16) Each time you press the button, SACD or CD appears in the display. Select the type of CD you want to play. qd MULTI/2CH button (16) Press to select the playback area when the 2 channel + Multi-channel Super Audio CD (page 15) is loaded. qf ENTER button (27) Press to decide the selection. qg CLEAR button (23) Press to delete a programed track number. qh LEVEL ADJ button (27) Press to adjust the output level balance for the Multichannel management function (page 25). qj CHECK button (23) Press to check the programed order.

TIME/TEXT MULTI/2CH

>10

REPEAT

CLEAR LEVEL ADJ

Playing Discs

This chapter explains the various ways to play discs.

Compatible Disc Types

You can play the following discs with this player. Depending on the type of disc to be played, select the appropriate indicator by pressing SACD/CD or MULTI/ 2CH (page 16).
Classification by the layer configuration
Super Audio CD (single layer disc) This disc consists of a single HD (high density) layer. When you play this disc, the player is set to the Super Audio CD playback mode automatically.
HD (Super Audio CD) layer
Super Audio CD (dual layer disc) This disc consists of dual HD layers and is capable of extended play over long periods. When you play this disc, the player is set to the Super Audio CD playback mode automatically. Also, as the dual layer disc consists of dual HD layers on one side only, it is not necessary to turn the disc over.
HD (Super Audio CD) layer HD (Super Audio CD) layer
Conventional CD This disc is the standard format. When you play this disc, the player is set to the Conventional CD playback mode automatically.

CD layer

Super Audio CD + CD (Hybrid disc) This disc consists of an HD layer and a CD layer. Press SACD/CD to select the layer you want to listen to. Also, as the dual layers are on one side, it is not necessary to turn the disc over. You can play the CD layer using a conventional CD player.

During stop or play mode, you can locate any track to be played.
Locating a Particular Point in a Track
You can locate a particular point in a track during play or play pause.

Number buttons

H./>

m/M INDEX.AMS> >/.

./>

To locate

The next or succeeding tracks

You need to

Turn. AMS > clockwise until you find the track. When using the remote, press > repeatedly until you find the track. Turn. AMS > counterclockwise until you find the track. When using the remote, press. repeatedly until you find the track.
Locating a point while monitoring the sound (Search) Z
Press and hold m/M during play. You will hear intermittent playback as the disc goes forward or reverses. When you reach the desired point, release the button.
The current or preceding tracks
Locating a point by observing the time indication (High-Speed Search) Z
Press and hold m/M during play pause. You will not hear the playback sound.
A specific track directly Turn. AMS > until you find the track number you want. When using the remote, press. or > repeatedly until you find the track.
z When Over!! appears in the display
The disc has reached its end. Press. or m to go back.
Locating a track directly by entering the track number Z
Press the number button(s) to enter the track number.
Tracks that are only a few seconds long may be too short for monitoring. In this case, the player may not search correctly.
z To enter a track number over 11 Z
Locating a point using the index function (Index Search) Z
Press INDEX. or INDEX> repeatedly in play or pause mode.
Press >10. Enter the corresponding digits. To enter 0, press 10/0 instead.

Examples:

To play track number 30, press >10, then 3 and 10/0. To play track number 100, press >10 twice, then 1, and 10/0 twice.

z What is an INDEX?

Some Super Audio CD or CD are provided with an index marking system which divides tracks or discs into smaller segments. This is especially useful when you want to locate a certain point within a long track (in classical music for example). The index search function works only when you use a commercially available indexed discs (usually indicated on the label).
The default display reappears if you press >10 twice when the number of total tracks is less than 100.

Playing Tracks Repeatedly Z
Locating a point by setting the start time (Time Search)
You can play an entire disc or portions thereof repeatedly. This function can be used with Shuffle Play to repeat all the tracks in random order (page 22), or with Program Play to repeat all the tracks in a program (page 23). You can also repeat a specific track or portion within a track.
Press./> (or turn. AMS >) to select the desired track in stop mode. Press and hold m/M to set the time to start play while looking at the display. You can set the time from the beginning of the desired a track when you press M at first, and set the time from the end of the desired track backwards when you press m at first.

REPEAT AyB H x

Press H. Play will start at the time search.
If you turn off the player or disconnect the mains lead, the player will store the last setting of repeat play (Repeat All or Repeat 1) and recall it the next time you turn on the player. However, the setting of the Repeat A-B Play will be cancelled if you turn off the player or disconnect the mains lead.
Repeating all the tracks on the disc (Repeat All Play)
Press REPEAT once, then press H. Repeat appears in the display and Repeat All Play starts. The repeat play changes depending on the play mode you select. When the play mode is
Normal play (page 16) Shuffle Play (page 22) Program Play (page 23)

The player repeats

All the tracks in sequence All the tracks in random order All the tracks in the program in sequence
To cancel Repeat All Play Press REPEAT repeatedly until REPEAT goes off.
Playing Tracks in Random Order (Shuffle Play) Z
When you select Shuffle Play, the player plays all the tracks on the disc in random order.
Repeating the current track (Repeat 1 Play)
While the track you want to repeat is being played, press REPEAT repeatedly until REPEAT 1 appears in the display. Repeat 1 Play starts. To cancel Repeat 1 Play Press REPEAT repeatedly until REPEAT 1 goes off.

CONTINUE

SHUFFLE
Repeating a specific portion within a track (Repeat A-B Play)
You can specify one portion within a track to be played repeatedly. Note that the portion that you specify must be within the boundaries of a single track.
While the player is playing, press AyB at the starting point (point A) of the portion to be played repeatedly. REPEAT appears and A flashes in the display. Continue playing the track (or press M) to locate the ending point (point B), then press AyB. REPEAT A-B appears and Repeat A-B Play starts.
To cancel Repeat A-B Play Press REPEAT.
Press SHUFFLE in stop mode. Press H. Shuffle Play starts. ; appears while the player is shuffling the tracks. The player will stop after playing all the tracks once.

Press PROGRAM in stop mode. Program appears in the display. Press the number buttons to enter the track number. If you entered the wrong track number Press CLEAR to erase the track number and reenter the correct track number using the number buttons. To select a track number over 11 Press >10 (page 20).

Erase all tracks

Repeat step 2 to enter other tracks. Each time you enter a track number, the total program time appears in the display. Press H. Program Play starts.
z The program remains even after Program Play ends
Press H to play from the beginning of the program again. The program remains even if you stop play.
If you turn off the player, disconnect the mains lead, press A OPEN/CLOSE, or change the playback area (2 channel/ mulch channel) or layer (CD/HD) of the Super Audio CD (page 15), the program will be erased.
Listening to a CD Using a Filter (Digital Filter Function)
This player is equipped with a digital filter that eliminates noise generated during sampling. By selecting type of filters, you can adjust the sound quality. You can select STANDARD or OPTION. (The default setting is STANDARD.)
When the i.LINK indicator is lit
This function is not available. MENU.AMS>
Setting the DIGITAL OUT on/ off
You can set the digital out mode to on (the digital signals can be output) or off (the digital signals cannot be output). When you use the DIGITAL (CD) OUT COAXIAL or DIGITAL (CD) OUT OPTICAL connecter, set the digital mode to on (D.OUT ON). (The default setting is D.OUT ON.)
Press MENU. Turn. AMS > until D. FILTER appears in the display. Press. AMS >. Turn. AMS > until desired filter name (STANDARD or OPTION) appears in the display. Press. AMS >. When you select OPTION, FILTER appears in the display.
Press MENU. Turn. AMS > until D. OUTPUT appears in the display. Press. AMS >. Turn. AMS > until desired digital mode (D.OUT ON or D.OUT OFF) appears in the display. Press. AMS >.
Characteristics of each digital filter

STANDARD

When you play a Super Audio CD, this function does not work and no signal is output from the DIGITAL (CD) OUT connectors.
Provides a wide frequency range and spatial feeling.

OPTION

Provides smooth and powerful sound with clear image position.
Digital filters are effective only when you play a conventional CD. You cannot select the digital filter when you play a Super Audio CD. According to the disc or connected equipment, there may be no noticeable effect after switching the filter.
Listening to a Multichannel Super Audio CD
(Multi-channel management function)
This player is equipped with a Multi-channel management function that sets the playback mode of the Super Audio CD by the DSD-DSP (built into the player) according to the layout or size of your speaker.

This function is not available.
Selecting 2 channel playback mode
Press MENU. Turn. AMS > until 2CH SPK MODE appears in the display. Press. AMS >. The playback mode appears in the display. Playback mode

2CH Direct

Example of the speaker layout

Front speakers L R

Front speakers

Sub woofer

Each signal outputs directly from front speakers. No signal outputs from the Sub woofer.

2CH + SW

Center speaker Sub woofer R
Turn. AMS > until desired mode appears in the display. Press. AMS >.
You cannot operate this function when the player is in the CD or Multi-channel playback mode. Operate this function when the player is in the 2 channel Super Audio CD playback mode, the disc tray is opened, or no discs are in the player.

Surround speakers

To set the Multi-channel management: 1 Select the appropriate preset playback mode (2 channel playback or Multi-channel playback). 2 Adjust the output level balance of each speaker (only when you select the Multi-channel playback mode).
This features only work when you play a Super Audio CD. You may not be able to adjust the output level balance depending on the speaker layout mode that you selected. MENU.AMS>
Selecting Multi-channel playback mode
Press MENU. Turn. AMS > until MCH SPK MODE appears in the display. Press. AMS >. The playback mode appears in the display. Playback mode
MCH Direct 5 Large + SW 5 Large 5 Small + SW FRT Large +SW FRT Large No CNTR + SW No CNTR
Front Center Surround Sub speakers speaker speakers woofer
Each signal outputs directly from each speaker. Large Large Small Large Large Large Large Large Large Small Small Small Large Large Small Small Small Large Large a a a a

ENTER LEVEL ADJ

Listening to the Multi-channel Super Audio CD
About Large or Small speaker A Large speaker is a speaker that can reproduce bass frequencies plentifully. If you select Small for the surround speakers, the bass frequencies will come from the front speakers and/or sub woofer. For normal use, select MCH Direct or set all the speakers to Large (ex. 5 Large + SW, 5 Large, etc.). If the sound is noisy or the Multi-channel playback is not effective while playing a Multi-channel Super Audio CD, change the settings of the speakers concerned to Small.
Adjusting the output level balance of each speaker
You can adjust following items with the Multi-channel management function:

CNTR BALANCE

The relative output level balance between the front speakers (FRONT L/R) and the center speaker (CENTER)

SURR BALANCE

Turn. AMS > until desired mode appears in the display. Press. AMS >. To return to the normal display, press MENU.
The relative output level balance between the front speakers (FRONT L/R) and the surround speakers (SURR L/R)

On placement

Place the player in a location with adequate ventilation to prevent heat build-up in the player. Do not place the player on a soft surface such as a rug that might block the ventilation holes on the bottom. Do not place the player in a location near heat sources, or in a place subject to direct sunlight, excessive dust or mechanical shock.

On operation

If the player is brought directly from a cold to a warm location, or is placed in a very damp room, moisture may condense on the lenses inside the player. Should this occur, the player may not operate properly. In this case, remove the disc and leave the player turned on for about an hour until the moisture evaporates. During power on, some noise may be heard while the disc is being loaded into the Super Audio CD player. This is not a malfunction.

On adjusting the volume

Do not turn up the volume too much while listening to a portion with very low level inputs or no audio signals. If you do, the speakers may be damaged when a peak level portion is played.

Notes on Discs

On handling discs
To keep the disc clean, handle the disc by its edge. Do not touch the surface. Do not stick paper or tape on the disc.

On inserting a disc

You may hear a transmission or a mechanical sound from the player. This indicates that the player is automatically adjusting its internal mechanisms according to the inserted disc. You may also hear the mechanical sound from the player when you insert a warped disc.

On cleaning

Clean the cabinet, panel, and controls with a soft cloth slightly moistened with a mild detergent solution. Do not use any type of abrasive pad, scouring powder, or solvent such as alcohol or benzine. Use only round-shaped discs. If you use a special shaped disc (e.g., star-shaped, heart-shaped, or square-shaped, etc.), the player may be damaged. Do not use a disc with a seal attached on such as on a used disc or rental disc.

On transportation

Be sure to remove the disc on the tray. Be sure to close the disc tray.

Display Messages

The following table explains the various messages that appear in the display. Message

TOC ERROR BUS FULL

Specifications
When a super audio CD is played
Playing frequency range 2 Hz to 100 kHz Frequency response 2 Hz to 50 kHz (3 dB) 108 dB or more
Error code(s) Cause and/or remedy
C78:15 An incompatible disc is inserted. The signal bus within the i.LINK configuration is full and no more signals can be output from the player. Cancel the LINC between the component and this player.

Dynamic range

Total harmonic distortion rate 0.0012 % or less Wow and flutter Value of measurable limit (0.001 % W. PEAK) or less

When a CD is played

Frequency response Dynamic range 2 Hz to 20 kHz 100 dB or more
Total harmonic distortion rate 0.0017 % or less Wow and flutter Value of measurable limit (0.001 % W. PEAK) or less
Output connector Jack type Output level
ANALOG OUT Phono jacks 2 Vrms (at 50 kilohms)

Load impedance

Over 10 kilohms Light emitting wave length: 660 nm 75 ohms
18 dBm DIGITAL (CD) Square optical OUT output OPTICAL* connector 0.5 Vp-p DIGITAL (CD) Coaxial output OUT connector COAXIAL* PHONES Stereo 10 mW phone jack

32 ohms

*Output only the audio signals of the CD

i.LINK section

Pin Transmission speed 4 pins S200 (Maximum data transmission speed 200 Mbps) A/M transmission protocol
Transmission protocol Format (output)
Super Audio CD* (DSD PLAIN) 2 channel linear PCM (IEC 60958-3) Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz * Conforms to the copy protection technology of DTLA (Revision 1.2).

General

Laser Semiconductor laser (SACD: = 650 nm) (CD: = 780 nm) Emission duration: continuous
Laser radiant power: 5.47 uW at 650 nm *These output is the value measured at a distance of about 200mm from the objective lens surface on the optical pick-up. Power requirements Power consumption Dimensions (w/h/d) 120 V AC, 60 Hz 32 W 380 mm (1/in.) incl. projecting parts 16 kg (35 lbs 5 oz.)

Mass (approx.)

Supplied accessories
See page 4. Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Accessories 4 Amplifier (not supplied) 5 AMS (Automatic Music Sensor) 20 ANALOG OUT 2CH 6 5.1CH 5 Area 15
Multi-channel management function 25 Multi-channel Super Audio CD 15

Output level balance 26

Pause play 16 Place a disc 16 Playback mode 2 channel 25 Multi-channel 25 Playing a disc 16 by entering the track number 20 Multi-channel Super Audio CD 25 repeatedly 21 track in random order 22 Plug adapter 9 Program Play Checking the contents of the program 23 Changing the contents of the program 23 how to create your own program 23

Batteries 4

Cable Coaxial digital 8 Optical digital 8 Cord Audio connecting 5 i.LINK connecting 7

D, E, F, G

DIGITAL (CD) OUT 8 Digital filter 24 Displaying information 17
Hooking Up Audio Components 5 Power 7
Remote commander (remote) 13 Repeat A-B Play 22 All Play Play 22

I, J, K

i.LINK 7, 16
Layer 14 Locating a specific track 20 a particular point 20 by entering the track number 20 by observing the time indication (High-speed Search) 20 using the index function (Index Search) 20 while monitoring the sound (Search) 20 Search High-speed search 20 Index search 20 Time Search 21 Shuffle Play 22 Speaker distance 28 Super Audio CD 14

T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z

TEXT 18 TOC 15

SCD-XA9000ES SA-CD/CD Player Technical Background
Version 3.1; May 30, 2003

Introduction

In 1985, the engineers of Sony ES surprised the world of high fidelity. The Sony CDP-650ES was the world's first CD transport with a digital output, enabling unheard-of sound quality and unprecedented flexibility in audio system configuration. In 2003, the engineers of Sony ES have done it again. The SCD-XA9000ES is Sony's first Super Audio CD player to provide an uncompressed digital output for the Super Audio CD's Direct Stream Digital signal. This is an i.LINK digital output, compatible not only with Sony's own STR-DA9000ES receiver, but also with latest generation of outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio companies. In this way, the Sony SCD-XA9000ES helps deliver Super Audio CD sound with effortless clarity, transparency, impact and presence. For owners who will connect the player to conventional receivers and amplifiers, Sony has equipped the SCD-XA9000ES with a Tri Power Digital-to-Analog Converter using eighteen separate SA DAC chips that deliver the unprecedented precision of 36 DACs. With either digital or analog outputs, the SCD-XA9000ES establishes a new and altogether higher standard in music reproduction. i.LINK Digital Output.. DSD Decoder LSI.. Audio Technology for Analog Outputs Multi-Channel DSP.. Speaker Time Alignment. Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC).. Tri Power DAC. Audio Circuit Boards.. Construction & Design Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pickup. Twin R Core Transformers. Frame and Beam (FB) Chassis.. Silver Cascade Design. Features and Specifications.. Page 3 Page 7 Page 8 Page 10 Page 11 Page 16 Page 18 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1

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i.LINK Digital Output
From the initial launch of Super Audio Compact Disc, the 1-bit DSD pulse train was always converted to analog prior to output. While previous Super Audio CD players did include conventional coaxial and optical digital outputs, these outputs handled CD signals exclusively. The SCD-XA9000ES is Sony's first SA-CD player to provide a digital output for the 1-bit DSD signal. SA-CD Player Amplifier Speakers

D/A convert

A/D convert

Volume

Analog Power Amp

Digital Signal

Analog Signal
Typical SA-CD reproduction involves numerous D/A and A/D conversions. The i.LINK digital connection can simplify the signal path.
This i.LINK digital output is compatible with the i.LINK digital input on Sony's own STR-DA9000ES as well as a growing number of outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio companies. The i.LINK interface maintains the signal in the digital domain and can protect the signal from repeated D/A and A/D conversions. The i.LINK interface also enables a single digital cable to take the place of six analog cables.
A portion of the back panel showing the multi-channel analog outputs (upper left), stereo analog outputs (lower left), optical and coaxial digital outputs for CD (center right) and i.LINK digital output for Super Audio CD (upper right). SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 3
Internal layout of the SCD-XA9000ES as seen from the back. Notice the R-Core power transformers (1), the digital circuit (2), the analog audio circuits (3), and the i.LINK output circuit (4), near the center of the back panel.
The i.LINK digital audio interface uses Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), a robust system that protects the music from piracy. The application of the i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface for Super Audio Compact Disc is clearly different fromand not compatible withprevious i.LINK interface applications for DV camcorders, PC peripherals and professional digital video systems. You can only connect the SCD-XA9000ES i.LINK output to a compatible digital audio input, such as that on the STR-DA9000ES receiver.

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The i.LINK output circuit incorporates a dedicated Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI), Sony's CXD3210.
The design of the interface is exceptional because communicating six streams of 2.8224 MHz digital samples raises exceptional challenges. Conveying 1-bit signals at such high data rates and synchronizing the signals with the other component's master clock would normally expose the signal to the time-base errors called jitter. These errors translate directly into time-based distortion of the audio waveform. The connection from the SCD-XA9000ES to the STR-DA9000ES receiver overcomes this challenge with the High quality digital Audio Transmission System (HATS). HATS uses "command-based rate control of isochronous data flow" to solve the problem. The system incorporates three principal elements. 1. Variable-speed transmission from the player. 2. Buffer memory in the receiver. 3. Command signals from the receiver to the player, controlling transmission speed. The receiver continually monitors the amount of audio data in its buffer memory. When the buffer memory reaches its lower limit, the receiver commands the player to increase data transmission speed. When the buffer memory reaches its upper limit, the receiver commands the player to decrease transmission speed. And when the buffer memory is between the upper and lower limits, the receiver commands the player to transmit at normal speed.

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SCD-XA9000ES

STR-DA9000ES

With Sony HATS, audio data flows from the player to the receiver's buffer memory, according to rate control commands from the receiver. Reproduction in the receiver achieves the full time base accuracy of the receiver's quartz crystal master clock.
In this way, HATS makes it unnecessary to synchronize a jitter-prone signal with the receiver master clock. Instead, the buffer memory outputs a jitter-free signal at the full quartz-crystal accuracy of the receiver's master clock. You get all the benefits of digital transmission, without exposing the signal to the potential for jitter-induced distortion.

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DSD Decoder LSI
The SCD-XA9000ES processes and decodes the 1-bit signal using Sony's CXD2752R DSD decoder LSI. This integrated circuit makes intelligent decisions regarding the incoming data to form the 1-bit audio signal. The LSI first reads the Watermarka feature protecting Super Audio Compact Discs from piracyand then decodes the incoming data. The LSI uses a buffer memory to take data that's output intermittently from the disc and rearrange it into continuous 1-bit audio streams. The streams are output according to the master clock signal from the audio circuit board. The LSI also reads sub code data such as the Table of Contents, track number, track time, and text.

Multi-channel DSD decoding is handled by a Sony Large-Scale Integrated circuit (LSI), the CXD2752R.

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Audio Technology for Analog Outputs
While the provision of an i.LINK digital interface for Super Audio CD signals is a technological tour de force, compatible equipment is just beginning to become available. Clearly, many owners of the SCD-XA9000ES will be enjoying Super Audio CD through analog outputs. For this reason, Sony has developed sophisticated technology to provide an analog output of superlative linearity, with extraordinary freedom from noise, interference and jitter-induced distortion. The result is unsurpassed music reproduction, no matter which outputs you use.

Multi Channel DSP

Home theater speaker configurations vary considerably. Some enthusiasts have built upon audiophile-grade stereo systems. These systems may have large, full-range Left and Right speakers that produce bass so deep that any subwoofer would be extraneous. In this case, the Left and Right speakers may well be considerably larger than the Center and Surround speakers. Other systems may have five matching satellite speakers, plus a subwoofer. Some systems may have no Center channel speaker. The SCD-XA9000ES has a Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Large Scale Integrated Circuit (LSI) to achieve optimal multi-channel reproduction with all these speaker configurations. The DSP processes the Direct Stream Digital signal in its 1-bit form, using technology similar to the professional editing systems currently used in the studio to produce Super Audio CDs. The DSP accomplishes three functions when using the analog outputs: 1. Bass redirection. You can optimize the SCD-XA9000ES output to work with your specific speaker configuration. 2. Channel balance. The Sony ES player can also accommodate differences in speaker efficiency, adjusting the balance between front/surround, front/center and front/subwoofer speakers. 3. Test tone. The SCD-XA9000ES is equipped with a test tone oscillator to confirm connection status and channel balance adjustments. It's easy to access these functions through the front panel menu key. And you can make critical channel-balance adjustments from your actual listening position, using the supplied remote control. If you have an ideal speaker layout, you can use the Direct Mode, which completely bypasses the DSP circuit. Other options include 2-Channel Direct and 2-Channel Direct + Subwoofer, ideal for stereo SA-CD playback.

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Engaging Multi-Channel Management selects among seven different speaker configurations, each with adjustable channel balance.

Speaker playback mode

Playback mode FRONT CENTER SURROUND SUB WOOFER
Direct (level fixed) #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 level adjustable level adjustable level adjustable level adjustable level adjustable level adjustable level adjustable

full range

full range full range small full range full range full range full range
full range full range small small small -
full range full range small small small full range full range

yes yes yes yes -

Sony's multi-channel management gives you seven different bass redirection modes, plus channel balance for fine tuning.

Multi channel management

MENU key Multi CH

PLAYBACK MODE

BALANCE ADJUSTMENT

Direct

# # # # # # # 7 front /surrnd front /center front /sub w f remote controllable

Two channel management

MENU key 2 CH

+ sub w f

Simple menu keys access the different bass redirection modes. And you can fine-tune channel balance by remote control, so you can make critical adjustments from your actual listening position.

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Speaker Time Alignment
When Super Audio CD titles are mastered, the engineers create the soundstage for an idealized home speaker configuration. In stereo, that configuration is simple: two identical speakers set an equal distance from the listener. With multi-channel sound, the ideal is slightly more complex. Multi-channel Super Audio CD is designed to conform to an international standard, called ITU-R. This envisions that the listener sits in the exact center of a circle of five identical speakers, with each speaker occupying a specified position in the circle. (For the Low Frequency Effects or LFE channel, the subwoofer can be flexibly placed outside the circle.) The ITU-R circle makes a great reference for studio engineers. But few home environments can accommodate exactly this setup. Even if you did have five identical speakers all the way around, the rectangular shape of most rooms would make it difficult to place all five speakers at an equal distance from the listening position.

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Mastering for Super Audio CD multi-channel sound assumes that speakers will be placed according to the international ITU-R standard (left). Unfortunately, most practical listening rooms don't match this standard exactly. Speaker Time Alignment applies a delay to selected speakers to "move" them into proper position (right). In this example, time delay pushes back the apparent position of the SL and SR speakers to match the L, C and R speakers.

To resolve the problem, Sony enables you to apply a carefully timed delay to each individual speaker. Sony provides this delay in 150-microsecond increments. Because most people can't make the mental leap from microseconds to speaker distance, Sony calibrates the delay as distance, in 5-cm
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 10
(2-inch) increments. Each 150 microseconds of delay "moves" a speaker back 5 cm (2 inches). In this way, Speaker Time Alignment adjusts the "virtual position" of each speaker, enabling you to synchronize the arrival time of sound for all five speakers. You can even change the perceived distance of the subwoofer in relation to the other speakers. With Speaker Time Alignment, you'll experience multi-channel sound as it was meant to be heard. You'll get the effect of perfect speaker placement, even if your actual placement is far less than perfect! Incidentally, this adjustment is not duplicated on most A/V receivers. Some receivers can adjust for speaker distance on the multi-channel signals that are decoded in the receiver itself. But most receivers offer no such adjustment for the 5.1-channel analog inputs typically used to reproduce multi-channel Super Audio CD. When using the analog outputs of the SCD-XA9000ES, Multi-Channel Management and Speaker Time Alignment overcome this limitation, providing optimized sound for a wide range of speaker configurations and room configurations.
Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC)
Some fortunate owners will use the SCD-XA9000ES connected via i.LINK digital interface to the Sony STR-DA9000ES, in which case the player's internal D/A converters will go unused. However, in the absence of an amplifier or receiver equipped with an i.LINK interface, owners will be using the analog outputs of the SCD-XA9000ES, in which case the player's on-board D/A converters will exert a pivotal influence on sound quality. Multi channel Super Audio CDs present the player with six separate channelsall recorded with exactly the same superb quality as two-channel Super Audio CD. That's why the SCD-XA9000ES incorporates six channels of Sony's Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC). The circuit delivers superlative performance for multi-channel SA-CD, two-channel SA-CD and CD reproduction.
CD 16 bit/1 fs 24 bit/8 fs 8x Oversampling digital filter Noise shaper 1 bit/64 fs
SACD 1 bit/64 fs DSD filter 1 bit/64 fs
Multi level D/A converter
Sony's Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC) does an equally superb job on Compact Disc signals (top) and SA-CD signals (bottom).

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The converter consists of a single integrated circuit that contains four significant circuits: 1. 8x oversampling digital filter for CD. Ensures accurate phase linearity and low noise. 2. Noise shaper for CD to further suppress audible noise. The noise shaper also puts out a 1-bit signal at 64 times the CD sampling frequency (1-bit/64 fs). Sixty-four times 44.1 kHz equals 2.8224 MHz, the same sampling frequency as Super Audio CD. In this way, the SA DAC presents both CD and SA-CD signals to the final converter stage in the identical 1-bit/64 fs form. 3. DSD filter for SA-CD, a digital filter that removes unwanted super high frequency noise by computing raw 1-bit digital data. By reducing noise in the digital domain, the DSD filter reduces the burden on analog filters and contributes to the uniformity among channels. 4. Multi-level DAC for both SA-CD and CD is a breakthrough design that combines the best attributes of 1-bit converters and multi-bit converters for sound that is exceptionally transparent, against a background that is phenomenally free from noise. Sony's multi-level digital-to-analog conversion is a significant step forward in audio technology. To appreciate the advance, it's important to understand three types of digital-to-analog converters: multi-bit, 1-bit and multi-level.

Multi level D/A conversion Multi level D/A conversion

MSB 32,768

Multi-bit D/A conversion in a typical early CD player employed 16 switches, corresponding to the 16 bits of the CD sample. Each switch produced a different level of current, according to the significance of the bit.
In the 1980s, the overwhelming majority of CD players used multi-bit Digital-to-Analog converters (DACs). Also called "ladder type" or "resistor ladder" converters, these designs typically used one resistor switch for each digital bit in the sample. The value of the resistor controlled the amount of
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 12
current that flowed when the switch was On. Each switch produced current proportionate to the value of the corresponding bit. For example, the current for the Least Significant Bit (LSB) was 1, the next bit was 2, the next 4, the next 16 and so on up to the 16th or Most Significant Bit (MSB), which had a value of 32,768. While these converters could offer superb dynamic range, they were susceptible to a distortion called nonlinearity. For any given output level, the combination of switches set On and Off would always be the same. In this way, if a switch's current source had an error, that error would always be reflected in the output level and the linearity would always be spoiled in exactly the same way. This problem of errors and nonlinearity was especially important in the MSB, because the MSB is so big in comparison to the other bits (for example, 32,768 times the current of the LSB). So even slight errors in the MSB could overwhelm the value of the smaller bits, distorting the musical signal at the zero cross, where the binary digits flip from 1111111111111111 to 0000000000000000. These errors are generally masked by the music, when it is loud. But when the music is soft, this problem of "low-level nonlinearity" can impart a grit or hardness to the music that university researchers found to be audible. For this reason, technologists developed 1-bit D/A converters that bypassed the problem completely. Significant among these 1-bit designs was Sony's own High Density Linear Converter circuit, which made its debut on the landmark CDP-X77ES in 1990 and has since been followed by Sony's Current Pulse 1-bit converter. Like other 1-bit converters, these Sony designs overcame the problem of zero-cross distortion, achieving superb low-level linearity for excellent sound, even during quiet passages and the reverberant tails at the end of musical notes.

1 bit D/A conversion (Current pulse) 1 bit D/A conversion (Current pulse)

On/off

value 1 0
on variable off on off on off

1 /64fs

1 /64fs time
PWM (PULSE WIDTH MUDULATION)
The principle of 1-bit D/A conversion. In order to reproduce Super Audio CD, Pulse Width Modulation must operate at a higher frequency than the SA-CD sampling frequency of 64 fs (equal to 2.8224 MHz).
These 1-bit converters performed beautifully and dominated CD player design throughout the 1990s. However, in order to avoid the influence of jitter,
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 13
to maintain linearity in the time axis, 1-bit converters need to be driven by a highly precise clock. And Super Audio Compact Disc makes this demand for precise timing even more stringent. Super Audio CD uses an extremely high sampling rate of 2,822,400 samples per second2.8224 MHz. Many 1-bit converters employ Pulse Width Modulation, in which the converter modulates the output by creating longer or shorter pulses. Unfortunately, this requires a D/A converter clock frequency substantially higher than 2.8224 MHz. Because it's extremely difficult to maintain clock precision at such high frequencies, the signal is exposed to time-axis errorsjitterwhich pass directly into the analog audio waveform, causing subtle distortion. Such distortion was not acceptable for the design program of the ES Series SA-CD players. That's why Sony ES engineers endowed the SA DAC with Sony's multi-level D/A conversion. Unlike the multi-bit conversion used at the dawn of the digital age, multi-level conversion exhibits superb low-level linearity. And unlike the 1-bit conversion, multi-level conversion is remarkably free from jitter and jitter-induced distortion. You get the best of both worlds. The multi-level D/A system has multiple switches controlling multiple current sourcesin effect a number of 1-bit digital-to-analog converters operating in parallel. The analog output is created by summing all the current sources. Unlike 1-bit DACs, output is expressed not by the pulse width but the number of the current sources. This reduces the clock frequency, reducing the influence of clock jitter and reducing the radiation of noise into nearby circuits.
N= 64 (for spec 1) = 8 (for spec 2&3)
The SA DAC uses multi-level D/A conversion, illustrated here. Like multi-bit conversion, the multi-level system uses many switches operating in parallel. Unlike multi-bit designs, the value of all switches is identicala binary 1.

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Output 64
/ 64 fs 1 / 64 fs time 1 / 64 fs
The output of the multi level D/A converter varies from 0 to 64, depending on the number of switches set to On for each sample.
Multi-Bit D/A conversion Multi-Bit D/A conversion

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SCD-XA777ES : 6 DAC system (multi channel playback)

DSD (L)

L+ LL+ LR+ RR+ RC+ CC+ CSW+ SW SW+ SWSL+ SL SL+ SLSR+ SR SR+ SR-
L ch R ch C ch SW ch SL ch SR ch

DSD (R)

DSD (C)

DSD (SW)

DSD (SL)

DSD (SR)

The Sony SCD-XA777ES has six SA DAC chips with a total of 12 DACs. In multi-channel operation, each channel's output is created by summing two DACs.
The SCD-XA777ES used six SA DAC chips for 12 DACs total. When playing back multi-channel SA-CDs, each channel is created by two DACs, for a theoretical 3 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
SCD-XA777ES : Tri power DAC system (2 channel playback)
L+ LL+ LR+ RR+ RL+ LL+ LR+ RR+ RL+ LL+ LR+ RR+ R-
L ch R ch L ch R ch L ch R ch L ch R ch
In two-channel playback, the SCD-XA777ES uses all its processing power, to deliver the performance of six DACs per channel.
But when reproducing two-channel SA-CDs, Sony introduced a way to take advantage of the full processing power of the SCD-XA777ES. The Tri
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 17
Power DAC system uses six DACs per channel, for a theoretical 4.8 dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio.
SCD-XA9000ES Tri Power DAC system (multi-channel playback)
L+ L L+ R + R L+ L L+ R + R L+ L L+ R + R -

L R L R L R L R

SADAC SADAC SADAC SADAC SADAC SADAC
L + L R + R L + L R + R L + L R + R

C SW C SW C SW C SW

SL SR SL SR SL SR SL SR
The SCD-XA9000ES incorporates an incredible 18 SA DACs, which means it delivers the precision of the Tri Power DAC system at all times, even during multi-channel playback.
For 2003, the SCD-XA9000ES elevates the bar with Sony's most powerful conversion yet. Eighteen separate SA DAC chips deliver the precision of 36 DACs. So the SCD-XA9000ES can bring home the exalted precision of Tri Power DAC operation, even during multi-channel SA-CD playback. You get minimum noise, for maximum musical enjoyment.

Audio Circuit Boards

The SA DACs and other parts that are crucial to the sound quality of the SCD-XA9000ES are contained on the audio circuit boards. For this reason, Sony engineers took extra care in every aspect of these circuit boards, from the choice of materials, to the circuit topology to the selection of individual component parts.
The multi-channel audio outputs are mounted on the three vertical audio circuit boards, while the two-channel outputs are mounted on the horizontal circuit board. SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 18

The boards themselves are environmentally-friendly halogen-free glass epoxy material. Careful design of board topology simplifies the signal path. And Sony has made extensive use of surface-mount parts and leadless resistors, which cut signal travel to the bare minimum. In this way, the sound is protected from radiated interference and the uniformity of all six output channels is improved. The power supply can become a path for noise to leak from the digital system board to the audio boards. For this reason, Sony took the extra step of building a dedicated power supply just for audio. This minimizes even subtle noise and interference.

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Construction & Design
Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pick Up
The SCD-XA9000ES can play back SA-CD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs. There is substantial difference in the laser wavelength of SA-CD (650 nm) and CD (780 nm). Sony accommodates that difference with the discrete dual laser optical pickup. This system has two independent lasers working through a common lens. One laser handles CD, CD-R and CD-RW while the other achieves uncompromised reproduction of SA-CD. The system requires a beam splitter, a special objective lens that can handle both wavelengths and dual focus. This results in substantially lower mass than systems with completely separate optical blocks. Lower mass reduces servo currents, for a corresponding reduction in noise radiated into the sensitive preamplifier stage. Lower mass also means faster track access, for greater operating convenience CD
Objective Lens Collimator
Dichroic Beam Splitter 2 Waves Beam Splitter Plate
SA-CD laser diode = 650 nm CD laser diode = 780 nm

Grating

Photo Detector

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Twin R Core Transformers
The video and control circuits can introduce noise to the power supply voltage, which can trigger audio distortions. To protect the audio circuitry, the player uses two separate power transformers: one for the servo and digital system and another just for audio. In addition, power supply regulation on the audio circuit board itself helps establish stable operation for the audio D/A converters. Power transformer cores and windings can vibrate and degrade the sound, radiating 60 Hz hum into nearby audio circuits. That's why Sony chose an R-Core design. The R stands for round. Not only is the core round, it has a cylindrical cross section, enabling the transformer windings to be wrapped without the voids or gaps that permit vibration. This results in far less radiation, far less hum. These two transformers are mounted on a copper plate, which is quite effective in reducing vibration. The audio power supply circuit also incorporates discrete components, including electrolytic capacitors, carefully selected for their sound quality.

The two power transformers have round cores with cylindrical cross sections. This enables far more consistent transformer windingsfor far less radiated hum.

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Frame and Beam (FB) chassis
Vibration is the enemy of CD and Super Audio CD players for two powerful reasons. First, vibration in the disc or optical pickup triggers unwanted operation in the tracking servos. This can radiate spurious noise throughout the chassis. And this radiation occurs in exactly the wrong placenear the sensitive, low-level optical pickup preamplifier. To make matters worse, vibration can also cause subtle distortions in the audio circuitry. Vibration can have tiny "microphonic" effects on capacitor values and point-to-point wiring. While these distortions are not always apparent to the casual listener, Sony's design program required performance without compromise. For all these reasons, the SCD-XA9000ES incorporates Sony's anti-resonant Frame and Beam (FB) chassis. In the SCD-XA9000ES, Sony's Frame and Beam (FB) chassis uses a thick, high-strength frame which gains additional rigidity from two broad metal girders or beams that cross the chassis from front to back. For even greater rigidity, the juncture where the beams meet the chassis front is reinforced by triangle braces. To further suppress resonant modes, Sony engineers selected metal members of different shapes and sizes to cancel unwanted vibration.
Front view (left) and side view (right) of Sony's Frame and Beam (FB) chassis. It's supremely strong to suppress resonance.
The two beams have the added function of supporting the player's mechanical drive unit. Unfortunately, the two beams never have exactly the same length. This means that the mechanical block can exert slightly different tension on the beams, potentially exciting different vibration modes and generating unwanted chassis resonance. To combat this resonance, Sony engineers decoupled the beams from the rear panel. The beams connect to a rigid metal frame, which is connected to the rear panel. This design restricts the potential for whole-chassis vibration.

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Audio circuit board Mechanism R-core transformer (copper plate) Triangle reinforcement Drive unit

Rear panel

Double layer Bottom plate

Main (digital) board

Front chassis Front panel
Schematic view of the chassis design, showing the chassis beams (light blue), mechanical drive unit (violet) and audio circuit boards (orange).

Silver Cascade Design

In addition to its remarkable technology, the SCD-XA9000ES inaugurates a new faceplate design exclusive to the Sony ES Series. The "cascade" design sets all the primary front panel controls at an angle, so that you can operate the front panel without uncomfortable bending and stooping to identify each control. The silver colored faceplate is made of brushed aluminum and fits in beautifully with conventional audio components. But the design really comes into its own when the SCD-XA9000ES is combined with other silver cascade components, such as the STR-DA9000ES.
The STR-DA9000ES shows how the Silver Cascade design extends to receivers. The design is also featured on the STR-DA5000ES and DA3000ES.

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SCD-XA9000ES Features and Specifications
Sony's first Super Audio CD player with i.LINK (IEEE 1394) interface digital output for the DSD signal Super Audio CD multi-channel and two-channel playback Compact Disc, CD-R, CD-RW playback DSD decoder LSI Multi-channel management with bass redirection Speaker time alignment Tri Power conversion with 36 Super Audio Digital-to-Analog Converters (SA DACs), six per channel Discrete dual laser optical pickup Twin R-Core power transformers, one for system and digital the other for audio Frame and Beam (FB) chassis with aluminum front panel Off center insulator feet Super Audio CD Performance
Playback frequency response Frequency response Harmonic distortion Dynamic range (in the audible range) Wow & Flutter
2--100,000 Hz 2--50,000 Hz, -3 dB less than 0.0012% more than 108 dB Below measurement limit (0.001% Weighted Peak) 2--20,000 Hz (EIAJ) less than 0.0017% (EIAJ) more than 100 dB Below measurement limit (0.001% Weighted Peak)

CD Performance

Playback frequency response Harmonic distortion Dynamic range Wow & Flutter

System

Output level CD Digital Optical CD Digital Coaxial Analog Unbalanced Headphone Power Requirements Power consumption Dimensions (WxHxD) Weight Accessories -18 dB 0.5 V p-p 2 V rms 10 mW, 32 ohms 120 V, 50/60 Hz 32 w 17 x 5 x 15-1/4" (430 x 127 x 387 mm) 35 lbs., 10 oz. (16.2 kg) Remote control i.LINK cable Stereo cable AC power cord AA batteries x2

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Sony Electronics Inc. 1 Sony Drive, Park Ridge NJ 07656 http://www.sony.com
2003 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony, Direct Stream Digital, High Density Linear Converter and i.LINK are trademarks of Sony.
SCD-XA9000ES White Paper, v 3.1 Page 25