This document serves as the owner's manual for the YAMAHA CDC-901/501 Natural Sound Compact Disc Player, providing comprehensive instructions for its operation, features, and maintenance.
The YAMAHA CDC-901/501 is a 5-disc carousel auto-changer compact disc player designed to offer a versatile and high-quality audio experience. Its primary function is to play compact discs, with advanced capabilities for disc management and playback customization.
Function Description:
The core function of this device is to play compact discs. It supports both single-disc and multi-disc playback, allowing users to load up to five discs at a time. The "1DISC" mode plays a designated disc, while the "5DISC" mode plays all discs in the tray sequentially.
A key feature is the PLAYXCHANGE capability, which allows users to open the disc tray and change discs without interrupting the playback of the currently playing disc. This enhances convenience for continuous music enjoyment.
The player offers various playback modes to suit different listening preferences:
- Random-Sequence Play: This mode plays tracks in a random order, mixing up tracks from all discs or any desired disc in the tray. Up to 99 tracks can be programmed in a random sequence.
- Program Play: Users can create a custom playlist by selecting their favorite tracks from one or more discs in any desired order. The player can program up to 40 tracks at a time, including pause modes which count as one track.
- Repeat Play: This function allows for repeated playback of a single track (SINGLE REPEAT (REP S)), an entire disc, or all discs in the tray (FULL REPEAT (REP F)). This feature is also available during programmed play and random-sequence play.
- Index Search: For discs that include index numbers, playback can be started from any desired index point, facilitating easier navigation within tracks, especially for classical symphonies or other multi-part recordings.
For recording purposes, the CDC-901/501 offers CD Synchronized Recording with compatible YAMAHA tape decks. This feature automates the recording process, synchronizing CD playback with tape deck recording for precise transfers.
The CDC-901 model includes additional advanced recording features:
- Automatic Programming for Recording to Tape: This convenient feature helps users program tracks to fit onto a tape with minimal unrecorded space. It can automatically program tracks for both side A and side B of a tape, considering the tape's total recording time.
- Manual Tape Programming: Users can manually select and program desired tracks from one or more discs onto tape in a specific order.
- Automatic Peak Level Searching Capability: This function automatically searches for the part on a disc where the source level peaks and then plays that part repeatedly. This is particularly useful for adjusting the recording level on a tape deck to prevent distortion.
- Optical Digital Output: The CDC-901 is equipped with an optical digital output terminal, allowing for direct digital connection to compatible digital audio tape decks (DAT) or amplifiers for high-quality digital recording or playback.
The device also features Disc Scanning Capability, which is useful for searching for a desired disc or checking the contents of discs on the tray. When activated, the unit plays an early part of each disc in turn for 8 seconds, allowing users to quickly identify content.
Usage Features:
The player's operation is designed for user-friendliness, primarily through its remote control transmitter, though corresponding buttons are available on the front panel.
- Disc Loading: Discs are loaded label side up into the disc tray. The tray can be opened and closed using the OPEN/CLOSE button.
- Disc Selection: In multi-disc modes, users can select a desired disc using the DISC SKIP buttons or dedicated DISC-select buttons on the front panel.
- Track Selection: Specific tracks can be selected directly using numeric buttons on the remote control or by skipping tracks using the SKIP buttons.
- Manual Search: The player allows for rapid advancement or reversal of play (manual search), enabling users to quickly locate specific positions within a track. Sound can be heard, albeit slightly garbled, during this process.
- Time Displays: The display can show various time information, including elapsed time of the current track, remaining time of the current track, total disc play time, and total remaining time on the disc.
- Display Brightness: The brightness of the display can be adjusted using the DIMMER button.
- Output Level Control (CDC-901 only): The CDC-901 allows adjustment of the sound signal output level to an amplifier or the headphone level using the OUTPUT LEVEL buttons. This is particularly useful for optimizing audio levels for recording or personal listening.
- Headphone Listening (CDC-901 only): Headphones can be connected to the PHONES jack, with volume adjustable via the OUTPUT LEVEL buttons.
Maintenance Features:
Proper handling and care are crucial for the longevity and optimal performance of the CD player and compact discs.
- Installation: The unit should be installed in a cool, dry, clean place, away from heat sources, excessive vibration, dust, moisture, or hum-inducing components. It should not be operated upside-down or placed where ventilation is obstructed.
- Cleaning: The unit should be cleaned with a clean, dry cloth. Chemical solvents should be avoided as they may damage the finish.
- Power Management: The power cord should be disconnected from the AC outlet during electrical storms or when the unit will be left unused for a long period. When moving the unit, all discs should be removed from the tray, and the tray should be closed and locked by switching off the power after the display confirms the internal mechanism is locked.
- Compact Disc Handling:
- Only compact discs bearing the "disc" mark should be loaded. 3-inch (8-cm) compact discs can be played by placing them in the inner recessed area of the disc tray.
- Discs should be handled with care, avoiding scratches on the surface.
- To remove a disc from its case, press down at the center and lift the disc carefully by the outer edges.
- Discs should be kept clean by wiping straight outward from the center with a clean, dry cloth. Circular motions should be avoided.
- Chemical cleaners, record sprays, anti-static sprays, or any other chemical-based liquids should not be used on discs, as they can cause irreparable damage.
- Discs should not be exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or high humidity for extended periods, as this can cause warping or damage.
- Remote Control Transmitter:
- The remote control uses AA, R6, UM-3 batteries. Ensure correct polarity when inserting.
- Batteries should be removed if the remote control will not be used for an extended period.
- In case of battery leakage, dispose of batteries immediately, clean the compartment thoroughly, and avoid contact with leaked material.
- Ensure no large obstacles block the line of sight between the remote control and the main unit.
- Avoid strong lighting (especially inverter-type fluorescent lamps) directly illuminating the remote control sensor, as this can interfere with its operation. Reposition the main unit if necessary.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common operating errors, offering probable causes and suggested remedies before seeking professional service. This includes issues like power failure, disc tray problems, playback errors, sound quality issues, and remote control malfunction.
The YAMAHA CDC-901/501 is designed to provide a reliable and enjoyable compact disc listening experience with its multi-disc capabilities, versatile playback modes, and thoughtful recording features (especially on the CDC-901).