Audia Flight FL CD THREE S

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Summary

Safety and Installation

Safety Instructions

Essential safety precautions for operating the FL CD THREE S player and DAC.

Transport and Unpacking

Guidelines for safely handling, unpacking, and packaging the device.

Location and Connections

Optimal placement advice and detailed guide to input/output connections.

Operation and Control

Playing a CD

Step-by-step instructions for loading, playing, and controlling CD playback.

Remote Control Functions

Comprehensive overview of all buttons and their functions on the remote control.

System Configuration

SET Menu Overview

Accessing and navigating the player's setup menu using the remote control.

Digital Input Settings

Configuring digital inputs, filters, volume, and other advanced settings.

Maintenance and Specifications

Listening Tips and Care

Recommendations for optimal listening and routine cleaning of the device.

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical data, performance metrics, and dimensions of the player.

The Audia Flight FL CD THREE S Player is a high-fidelity audio component designed to deliver exceptional sound quality from both compact discs and various digital audio sources. This device integrates a CD player with a sophisticated Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), aiming to provide a superior listening experience within its price range. The design emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, careful craftsmanship, and the use of high-quality components, reflecting the brand's commitment to advanced digital-to-analog conversion principles.

Function Description

The primary function of the FL CD THREE S is to serve as a CD player and a DAC. As a CD player, it reads and plays audio compact discs, displaying track information and elapsed time on its front panel. The integrated DAC allows the unit to process digital audio signals from external sources, converting them into analog signals for playback through a stereo amplifier. This dual functionality makes it a versatile hub for a modern audio system.

The device features both symmetrical (XLR) and asymmetrical (RCA) analog outputs, enabling connection to a wide range of preamplifiers or integrated amplifiers. The use of high-quality interconnect cables is recommended to preserve signal integrity. Additionally, a S/PDIF coaxial digital output is provided, allowing the unit to function as a digital transport for an external DAC if desired, outputting a 16-bit/44.1kHz signal.

For its DAC capabilities, the FL CD THREE S can be equipped with an optional rear panel offering five digital inputs: two optical (Toslink), one AES/EBU (XLR), one S/PDIF coaxial (RCA), and one asynchronous USB. This array of inputs ensures compatibility with various digital audio sources, from computers to network streamers. The unit automatically detects and displays the input name, digital signal type (PCM, DSD, etc.), and sampling frequency.

A "Trigger" output (3.5 mm jack) is included on the rear panel, facilitating synchronized power control with other compatible devices from different manufacturers. This allows the FL CD THREE S to be turned on or placed in standby simultaneously with other components in the audio system.

Usage Features

The FL CD THREE S is designed for user-friendly operation, with controls available on both the front panel and a supplied remote control.

Front Panel Controls:

The front panel includes buttons for basic CD playback functions:

ON/StandBy: Toggles the unit between operational and standby modes. An amber LED indicates standby, while a blue LED signifies active operation.
Open/Close: Opens and closes the CD tray.
Play: Initiates CD playback.
Stop: Halts CD playback.
Pause: Temporarily pauses CD playback.
Previous/Next Track: Navigates between tracks on a CD.
Input Selector: Cycles through the available digital inputs when in DAC mode.

Remote Control Functions:

The remote control replicates all front panel functions and adds several advanced features:

ST-BY (= ON): Toggles power on/off.
Direct Track Access Keypad (0-9): Allows direct selection of any track on a CD during playback.
BACK/FORW (Fast Backward/Forward): Enables fast scanning through a CD, with position indicated by elapsed time or track number.
IN (= INPUT) and +/- keys: Selects digital inputs. The '+' button increases the input number, and '-' decreases it.
SET and +/- keys: Navigates and adjusts settings within the SET menu.
DIM (Dimmer) and +/- keys: Adjusts the display brightness across three levels (0 being off, 2 being maximum).
PH (Phase Inversion): Reverses the phase of the audio signal. A second press restores the original phase.
+/- keys (Volume Control): If activated in the SET menu, these keys allow direct adjustment of the digital output level from 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum).
A/S, TIME, PROG, SHUF, SCAN: These buttons are listed but noted as "some of them will be effective in a next update," suggesting future functionality.

SET Menu Configurations:

The SET menu, accessible only via the remote control, allows for detailed customization of the player and DAC.

SET NAME INPUT: Renames the five digital inputs (DIGIT 1 to DIGIT 5) with up to 8 characters. The CD player mode name ("CD PLAYER") cannot be changed.
SET VOLUME ACTIV: Activates or deactivates the digital output level setting, enabling or disabling the remote's volume control.
SET PCM FILTER: Selects one of six PCM digital filters (FILTER 1 to FILTER 6), each with slightly different roll-off frequencies and slopes that subtly affect the sound. This setting applies to all PCM digital signals, including those from the CD player.
SET DSD FILTER: Chooses between two analog DSD filters (LOW or HIGH) for the USB input (DIGIT 5). LOW has a roll-off at 39 kHz with a soft slope, while HIGH has a roll-off at 76 kHz with a sharp slope.
SET DSD DIRECT: For the USB input (DIGIT 5) only, this setting allows bypassing the filter for DSD streams (DIRECT YES) or passing them through a noise-reducing filter (DIRECT NO).
SET SRC BYPASS: Configures the Sampling Rate Conversion (SRC) mode. If not bypassed, the FL CD THREE S can upsample incoming digital signals to 32 bits/784 kHz PCM. This setting can be applied individually to each of the five digital inputs.
SET DITHER ACTIV: Activates or deactivates dithering, a random digital noise added to the signal to reduce the unpleasantness of quantization errors. This can improve the sound of very weak signals and can be applied to each of the five digital inputs and the CD PLAYER mode.
SET LOAD DEFAULT: Resets all SET menu configurations to their original factory settings.
SOFTWARE CD/DAC: Displays the software version of the CD player and, upon pressing SET, the software version of the DAC.

Initial Setup and Operation:

Upon powering on, the unit defaults to CD Player mode. To select a digital input, the unit must be in stop CD Player mode, then the INPUT button on the front panel or the IN button on the remote is used, followed by the +/- buttons to select the desired input number.

To play a CD, the OPEN button is pressed, the CD is placed label-side up on the tray, and OPEN is pressed again to close it. The display will show the total time and number of tracks. Playback begins by pressing the PLAY button. During playback, the display shows the elapsed time of the current track and its number.

Maintenance Features

Location and Ventilation:

The device should be placed on a stable surface that can support its weight. It dissipates heat, so a minimum of 10 cm of clear space around the player is recommended for natural ventilation. It should be kept away from heat sources, vibrations, and direct sunlight. To avoid interference with the remote control, it should not be located near electroluminescent light sources. For convenient disc loading and display viewing, it should be placed at a suitable height. Short cable lengths are preferable for connections to the preamplifier or integrated amplifier; balanced XLR cables are recommended for longer runs to minimize noise.

Transport and Unpacking:

The original packaging should be retained for potential future transport. When repacking, it is crucial to ensure all internal components are properly reseated. Audia Flight is not responsible for incidents or damage due to poor packaging.

Care and Cleaning:

Dust Removal: Use a feather duster for general dust removal on the casing.
Surface Cleaning: Do not use alcohol or similar solvents on brushed surfaces. A lightly wetted microfiber cloth can be used to remove stains.
Laser Lens: Never attempt to clean the laser lens.
Connectors: Dirt and grease on connectors can degrade sound quality. It is recommended to clean all audio contacts, including speaker terminals, with isopropyl alcohol.

Listening Tips:

While the player undergoes initial testing and burn-in at the factory, an additional 200 hours of operation with a CD or signal present are recommended for optimal performance. For long periods of disuse, it is advisable to completely power off the unit using the main switch on the rear panel.