D/A CONVERTERSuperLink

DA SL

Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a DA SL.
Please read through and refer to this Owner's Manual to use your DA SL
safely and adequately.
It is recommended to keep the packaging available for future transportationneeds.

POWER

FILTER

INPUT

SUPERLINK D/A CONVERTER DA SLContents

FeaturesFeatures ........................................................................... 2
Important Safety Instructions ............................................ 3□ CEC SUPERLINK connection the original digitaltransmisson way. The DA SL has been designed as theHandling Precautions ....................................................... 4
Accessories ...................................................................... 5
Specifications ................................................................... 5

ultimate D/A converter to bring out the full performance

Rear Panel Functions and Connections ........................... 6
Front Panel Functions ...................................................... 7
Remote Control unit.......................................................... 8"SUPERLINK" Digital Signal Transmission System ......... 9
Digital Filter....................................................................... 9
Dimmer ........................................................................... 10
Basic Operation .............................................................. 10
Maintenance ................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 11
Service Contact Preparation........................................... 11

of SUPERLINK connection.
□ Two SUPERLINK connections are ready. Four BNC
terminals for TL0 3.0, TL1N, TL2N and TL3N, and
D-SUB-9 for TL2 and TL51 series. All CEC CD
Transports and Players with one of those terminals
are available with the SUPERLINK ultra low jittertransmission system.
□ Digital-to-analog conversion is performed by the ESS
HyperstreamTM DAC chip 32bit ES9028PRO from theflagship SABRE PRO series. Extra wide dynamic
range (NDR) and ultra low total harmonic distortion
plus noise (THD+N) result in reproducing music withunbelievable breath and depth of sound stage.
□ SUPERLINK BNC-BCK terminal can be switched to a
SPDIF (COAXIAL) input. Upsampled Hi-Res signal by
TL2N is also acceptable.

2

Important Safety Instructions
10) Protect this appliance’s power cord from being

CAUTION

walked on or pinched, especially around the plugs,

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!

convenience receptacles, and where it exits from thisCAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR REAR PANEL. IT DOESNOT CONTAIN ANY USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS. REFERSERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to potential electric shock
hazards within the product’s enclosure.
The exclamation point within an equilateraltriangle is intended to notify the user tothe presence of important operating andmaintenance (servicing) instructions in theaccompanying documentation.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this appliance near water.
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install inaccordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install this appliance near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or otherapparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) (For USA, Canada: ) Do not defeat the safety purposeof the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarizedplug has two blades, with one blade wider than theother. A grounding type plug has two blades and athird grounding prong. The wide blade or the thirdprong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet. (For European
Countries: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of thegrounding-type plug. This plug has two poles anda third grounding hole. The third hole is provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit youroutlet, consult an electrician for replacement of theobsolete outlet.

appliance’s casing.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Only use this appliance with a cart, stand, tripod,bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer or sold with theappliance. If using a cart, exercise
caution when moving the cart/
appliance combination to avoid
injury from it tipping over.
13) Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or whenleaving it unused for extended periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when this appliance itself, its
power-supply cord, or plug has been damaged inany way, when liquids have been spilled onto thisappliance, when foreign objects have fallen into thisappliance, when this appliance has been exposed torain or moisture, when this appliance does not operate
normally, or when this appliance has been dropped.
CAUTION:□ Do not expose this appliance to drips or splashes.
□ Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such asvases, on this appliance.
□ Do not install this appliance in a confined space, suchas within a bookcase or similar piece of furniture.
□ Plug the ac power cord into an easily accessible ac
wall outlet, so it can be quickly unplugged in case of
emergency.
□ Do not remove the protective housing with a screwdriver.
□ Use of controls or adjustments or performance ofprocedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
□ If this appliance seems to be malfunctioning, contact
a qualified service station. discontinue use of any
malfuctioning unit.

For CANADAAC power cord connection
Caution:To prevent electric shock, match the blade width of theplug to the slot width. the plug must be fully inserted tothe slot.

3

Handling Precautions
Connecting Other Devices
Unplug the AC power cord from the outlet before
connecting or disconnecting other devices. Exercise
caution when handling the AC power cord. Whendisconnecting the AC cord from a socket, make sure
you pull the plug, and not the cord itself.
Turning Power On/OffYour system components should be turned on/off inthe following order to avoid generating noise from yourspeakers and damaging the speakers themselves orother devices:□ Turning power on: Turn on this appliance before
turning on the amplifier connected to this appliance.
□ Turning power off: Turn off the amplifier first, before
turning off this appliance.
Handle With Care
Avoid exerting excessive force on the cabinet, theswitch, the knob, the terminal and the CD-Turntable on
this appliance.
Installation
Use of an audio rack is recommended to maximize
the sound quality and performance of this appliance.
Installation and use of this appliance in the locations
described below may cause deterioration in soundquality or malfunction:□ Locations exposed to direct sunlight, suchas windowsills, and other exceptionally warm
locations, such as near heating appliances(surrounding temperature higher than 35 °C),or exceptionally cold locations (surrounding
temperature lower than 10 °C), may prevent thisappliance from functioning adequately.
□ Damp locations exceeding 90% humidity may
cause this appliance’s metal parts to rust, causing
this appliance to malfunction.
□ Dusty locations may cause this appliance tomalfunction. The accumulation of dust inside the
CD tray may lower the performance of musicsignal reading. It may also cause contact failure of
the switches, and/or noise.
□ Otherwise, avoid installing this appliance close toother transformers and electrical motors, so as toprevent the pickup of induction hum. Also, avoid
mounting this appliance on surfaces that may beaffected by vibration.

4

Avoid lightning strikes
Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet
when there is a thunderstorm in your vicinity.
Condensation
When this appliance is brought into a warm room
when the exterior temperature is cold, or when theroom temperature rises sharply from using a heater,condensation may form both inside and outside thisappliance, hampering its performance. If this happens,leave this appliance unused in the room for 1 to 2
hours (depending on the amount of condensation), so
as to bring the temperature of this appliance closer tothe room temperature. The condensation should go
away gradually.
Listening etiquette
Make sure your playback sound, ex. due to too
big sound, does not disturb other people and yourneighborhood.

Accessories

Specifications

DA SL should contain the following:
Master clock output

DA SL unit
AC Power Cord

Word clock input

BNC Cable (x 4)
BNC - RCA Converter

D-SUB-9 (9): 16.9344MHz
BNC(MCK): 16.9344MHz
BNC: 44.1kHz (to be regenerated
for SUPERLINK MCK)
D-SUB-9 (2:BCK, 4:LRCK, 6:

Remote Control unit RU-219

Superlink input

Owner's Manual

DATA): 44.1kHz
BNC x 3 (BCK, LRCK, DATA):
44.1kHzSPDIF(COAX) input
DAC chip

BNC x 1(at Superlink BCK
terminal): PCM 24bit / 32 to 192kHz
ESS ES9028PRO x 1

PO
WE
R

Digital filter

FIL
TE
R

Switchable between FLAT and
PULSEBalanced XLR-3 (2pin: hot) x 1:

INP
UT

SU
PE
R LIN

Analog output

K D/A
CO
NV
ER
TE
R DA

SL

4Vrms
Unbalanced RCA x 1: 2Vrms

PR
Y

M

PLA

RA
OG

DIS

EC

DIM

CH

R

1

ME

K

CLE
AR

2

4

3

5

7
+1

6

8

0

9

0

Frequency response

20Hz to 20kHz / ±0dB (at CD

DA
C
OU
TP
UT

DA
C
UT
INP

playback with FLAT filter)

er
rt
ve
on

s

C
A
D

k er’
in
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pe O
Su

/A
D

SL

l
ua
an
M

ER

POW

105dB, 1kHz/0dB

Crosstalk

105dB, 1kHz/0dB

THD

0.003%, 1kHz/0dB

ER

FILT

S/N ratio

T

INPU
SUP
ER

LINK
D/A
CON
VER
TER
DA
SL

Power supply
Power consumption
Dimensions
Weight

AC120V / 230V, 50 / 60Hz specified
on rear panel
10W
Approx. 435 (W) x 335 (D) x 103 (H)mm (incl. terminal)
Approx. 8.2kg
AC power cord, 4 BNC cables,

AccessoriesDA

BNC-RCA adapter, remote control
unit RU-219 and Owner's manual

SL
DA

SL

Color

Silver and Black

OriginJapan

Compatible CD transport and player per connection□ Keep the packaging available for future transportation

BNC x 4TL2XMKII, TL51, TL51Z,

needs.
□ The delivered AC power cord should not be used forany other device than DA SL.

TL0 3.0, TL1N, TL2N, TL3N

D-SUB-9

TL51ZMKII, TL51X, TL51XZ,TL51XR□ Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
□ Illustrations in the Owner’s Manual may deviate fromthe actual unit due to design improvements.

5

Rear Panel Functions and Connections

ANALOG OUTPUT

RIGHT
XLR

SUPERLINK

WORD
CLOCK
INPUT
LEFT

RCA

XLR

BNC
RCA

44.1kHz

MCK

BCK

D-SUB
LRCK

DATA

D/A Conveter

DA SL
CEC
CEC Holdings Co., Ltd.

AC LINE

ᵰᶁᶆ
ᵰᶁᶆ

ᵪᶁᶆ
ᵪᶁᶆ

to a CD transport and playercompatible with Superlink
to an amplifier

to a clock generator

Analog output
XLR(Balanced)
Balanced analog output using standard XLR
terminals (1=GND, 2=Hot, 3=Cold). This should be thepreferred connection since DA SL has been designed
as a fully balanced circuit.
RCA(Unbalanced)
Standard RCA analog output terminals.

WORD CLOCK INPUT 44.1kHz
BNC
44.1kHz word clock input jack with a BNC connector.
Connect to an external clock generator using a BNC(75Ω) cable. When the external word clock is supplied "WCK " is displayed at the front panel window. 44.1kHz
word clock is regenerated to 16.9344MHz for theSUPERLINK master clock.
Note: External word clock does not work at the otherconnection than SUPERLINK.

SUPERLINK connection
BNC (MCK, BCK, LRCK, DATA)
CEC’s proprietary SUPERLINK interconnection via
BNC cables. There are four terminals: DATA, LRCK,

63-pin AC power
cord to a wall outlet

MCK and BCK which should be connected accordingly
via 75Ω coaxial BNC cables supplied with DA SL. You
may connect with CEC TL0 3.0, TL1N, TL2N and TL3N.
When the other BNC cables are used, make sure toselect high quality BNC cables with 75Ω. Sampling
frequency is fixed at 44.1kHz.
D-SUB
CEC’s proprietary SUPERLINK interconnection via
D-Sub-9 cable. Connect a CD transport equipped witha D-Sub-9 pin SUPERLINK output like TL51 series.
Note: Common D-Sub-9pin cable at computer world
cannot be recommended. You may consult with yourdealer for CEC recommended cable.

AC power
AC LINE
Connect the supplied 3-pin AC power cord to the
AC LINE inlet and the wall outlet.Connect the supplied
3-pin AC power cord to the AC LINE inlet and the walloutlet.

Front Panel Functions
㽲

POWER

FILTER

㽳

㽴

INPUT

SUPERLINK D/A CONVERTER DA SLPOWER button
Press to turn the power ON or OFF. When DA SL
is turned on, thedisplay will blink. Aproximately 5
seconds later the display will change to indicate thecurrent function settings and now DA SL is ready forplayback.
FILTER button
Press to select a digital filter type "FLAT" or "PULSE".
The selected filter type will light up at- ① Digital
Filter indicator. The last setting has been memorized
after power off.
Refer to "Digital Filter" on page 11 for details.

is selected and an external word clock 44.1kHzis connected. The word clock is regenerated to
16.9344MHz for SUPERLINK MCK to be supplied to
the CD transport / player.
③ INPUT (SUPERLINK terminal) indicator
A selected SUPERLINK terminal "BNC" or"D-SUB" lights up. Pressing the
INPUT buttonon the front panel or SL (= BNC), SL2 (= D-SUB) or
toggle button on the remote control unit will change
the SUPERLINK terminal.

Remote sensor
The remote sensor, which receives signals fromthe remote control unit, is located at the right side ofthe display window. Aim for the sensor when using
the remote control unit. The remote control may
malfunction if there are any obstacles between the
remote control unit and the remote sensor.
INPUT button
Press to select an input "BNC" or "D-SUB". Pressing
the button will toggle the input and the relative input
name will light up at- ② INPUT indicator.
The selected digital input signal is converted andtransferred to the analog and headphone outputs.
The last input has been memorized after power off.
Display① Digital Filter indicator
A selected digital filter type "PULSE" or "FLAT"
lights up. Pressing the FILTER button on the front
panel or D.FILTER button on the remote control unit
will change the filter.
② WCK (word clock) indicator"WCK" is displayed when a SUPERLINK input

7

Remote Control unit
Buttons function
tobuttons work for DA SL and the others arecompatible with the other CEC products like CD Transport
TL2N, CD Player CD5, D/A Converter DA5 and so on.
Here refers to DA SL function only.

DISPLAY

DIMMER

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

+10

0

PROGRAMthe remote sensor is located.
□ Avoid exposing the remote sensor on the front panel todirect sunlight or other light sources, as such exposure
can cause malfunction.
□ The remote control unit may malfunction when its
batteries are running low. Change the batteries to newones of the same type if this seems to be the case.

Battery Installation

CHECK

CLEAR

DAC OUTPUT

Remove the cover of the battery
compartment. Insert two AAA batteries
into the compartment. Make sure thatthe batteries are inserted with theirpositive ( + ) and negative ( - ) poles
positioned correctly, and put the coverback on.

Battery Replacement Period
DAC INPUT

If the distance at which the remote control unit can beused to operate DA SL seems to be decreasing, replace
both batteries with new ones.

Precaution on handling batteries

DIMMER button
Press to change the display brightness in different 3
levels. Refer to "DIMMER" on page 11 for details.
D.FILTER button
Press to select a digital filter type FLAT or PULSE.
Refer to “Digital Filter” on page 11 for details.
SL button
Press to select the SUPERLINK BNC x 4 terminals.
SL2 button
Press to select the SUPERLINK D-SUB terminal.
toggle button
Press to change the SUPERLINK input BNC or
D-SUB.

Precaution on handling the remote control
unit□ When operating the remote control, point it towards the
remote sensor on the front panel.
□ Make sure nothing is blocking the front panel where

8□ Never use different types of batteries together. Bothrechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries can beused, but the two should not be used together.
□ If you will not be using the remote control unit for an
extended period of time (more than a month), remove
the batteries to prevent leakage.
□ If the batteries leak, use a cloth to wipe away theliquid inside the battery compartment and replace thebatteries with new ones.
□ Do not heat or disassemble batteries, and neverdispose of old batteries by throwing them in a fire.
Dispose of batteries following laws in the local area.

"SUPERLINK" Digital Signal
Digital Filter
Transmission System
Press the FILTER button on the front panel or D.FILTERSUPERLINK is a proprietary digital signal transmission system that transports music signals andsynchronization(clock) signals with separate cables.
The SPDIF(Sony Philips Digital Interface) and AES/
EBU(Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcasting
Union) systems, commonly used in coaxial digital outputs
and optical outputs, transmit both the music and clock
signals through the same cable, and thus are prone tojitter effects caused by the signals interfering with eachother.
SUPERLINK system transmits these signals separately
with multiple cables, requiring no encoding/decoding
process for data transmission. It minimizes deteriorationof the music signal during transmission by using the clock
signals from the D/A converter’s master clock generator toachieve complete synchronization.
Each transmission path delivers/receives the following
signals.
MCK(Master Clock): The CD transport receives themaster clock signal from the D/A converter throughthis line, and functions as a slave to the DA converter,
enabling completely synchronized transportation ofaudio data.
BCK(Bit Clock): Sends bitclock signals, required for
digital data bit identification(e.g. sampling frequency)
or signal readout, from the CD transport to the D/Aconverter.
LRCK(L/R Clock): Sends left/right identification clock
signals from the CD transport to the D/A converter.

button on the remote control unit to select a digital filter
type FLAT or PULSE.
Click noise may happen from speakers
or headphones when changing the digital
filter. It is recommended to change thefilter at low volume level.
Note: When the display is " off " by dimmer settingpressing once the FILTER button will return thedisplay brightness to the default " brighter " andshow the current digital filter type. Press the
button again to change the digital filter type.
FLAT digital Filter is very common in digital audio items.
The frequency response is almost perfect, but such filter
cause " ringing " in the time domain. Some energy of apulse signal is distributed in the time domain, before andafter the pulse centre. Any ringing before the signal does
not exist in nature.
PULSE digital filter avoids the problems in the time
domain and thus has a very good response in the time
domain. The frequency response of the PULSE digital
filter shows a soft roll-off at high frequencies. This resultsin about -2dB at 20kHz with an input sampling frequencyof 44.1kHz. For higher sampling frequencies the roll-off isirrelevant and the " PULSE " filter is the best choice. For
44.1kHz and 48kHz the better result may depend on thewhole system as well as personal preferences.
Differences in ringing of FLAT and PULSE
FLAT

PULSE

DATA: Sends audio data from the CD transport to
the DA converter.
Remark:Whenever changing the SUPERLINK input the masterclock line or source is also changed. This master clockchange will cause the CD transport to re-read the discinformation (TOC) resulting in cancelling every current
functional settings like programmed playback, repeat,
dimmer and so on. Set those functions again after rereading out TOC.

Wavy form of the digital signal passing through the circuit

9Dimmer

Basic Operation

Display brightness can be changed in different threelevels.

to listen to SUPERLINKPower on DA SL. All lights blink and 5 seconds later

Press the DIMMER key on the remote control unit to
dim the display. The display brightness will toggle through" brighter " (default), " off " and " lighter ".
brighter (default)

off

the current settings are displayed.
Press the INPUT button on the front panel, or SL, SL2or toggle button on the remote control unit to selectBNC or D-SUB connected with a CD transport / player.
□ Whenever changing the SUPERLINK input themaster clock line or source is also changed. The CDtransport / player ready to playback will re-read thedisc information (TOC) by changing the input.
Power on the CD transport / player connected with theselected input.

lighter

Power on the amplifier lowered the volume.
Set a CD on the CD transport / player and start the
playback.

During " off " mode:

to try SPDIF (COAXIAL) input

Pressing once a function button on the front panel orremote control unit relating to the input and digital filter
the display will return to " brighter " and show the current
setting. Press the function button successively to change
the setting. 5 seconds later the display brightness will
return to " off " automatically.

BNC-BCK terminal can be also used for SPDIF(coaxial) input.

□ Regardless of any DIMMER setting the brightness will
return to the default whenever the power is turned on
again.

Press and hold the input button on the front panelor the toggle button on the remote control unit for
approx. 3 seconds.
□ Right after pressing the input or toggle button
the current input will change to another with aclick sound, and then approx. 3 seconds later
any input indicator will be turned off with a clicksound. Now the BNC-BCK terminal is in SPDIF(COAXIAL) input mode.

invalidlight off

□ 44.1kHz word clock input is invalid in the SPDIF(COAXIAL) input mode.
□ Whenever changing the SUPERLINK to SPDIF
mode and vice versa, the master clock source isalso changed. The CD transport / player ready to
playback will re-read the disc information (TOC)by changing the mode.

10Basic Operation - continued Connect a 75 ohm COAXIAL cable between the
BNC-BCK terminal of DA SL and the COAXIAL

Troubleshooting
If you suspect a malfunction in this appliance, pleasecheck the following chart before calling your dealer.

output of the CD transport / player.
□ Remove the BNC cable at BNC-BCK terminal forSUPERLINK if there, then connect a COAXIAL
cable for SPDIF.

Malfunction
No powertransport / player and amplifier
Select the input connecting with CD
No sound

MCK

BCK

D-SU
LRCK

transport / player
Start the playback

SUPERLINK

BNC
44.1kHzAC power cord
Correct the connection with CD□ In case of connecting a RCA cable, use the BNCRCA converter plug delivered as accessary inthe box.
WORD
CLOCK
INPUT

Solution
Connect completely both ends of the

Increase the amplifier volume

DATA

Power on again all the system
Hum noiseSound skipping
Interference on
tuner
Unresponsive to□ Any other terminals than BCK-BNC can keep theSUPERLINK connections in the SPDIF mode.
Power on the amplifier lowered the volume.
Set a CD on the CD transport / player and start the
playback.

MaintenanceIf the surface of the DA SL case becomes soiled, wipewith a soft cloth or use diluted neutral cleaning liquid.
Be sure to remove any fluid completely. Do not use
thinner, benzene, alcohol, chemical cloths or bleaching
agents as these may damage the surface of the CD5case. Also avoid using aerosol insecticides near thisappliance.

remote control

Connect the RCA plugs completely
Place the player on stable board
Clean up the discInstall DA SL away or turn off the tuner
Turn on DA SL
Install batteries in the RC unit
Replace with new batteries

DA SL contains a microcomputer that can malfunction
due to the external noise or interference. If this seems
to be the case, turn the unit off and wait for a short while
before turning it back on and trying again.

Service Contact Preparation
In case you need to contact a service center please
prepare the following information.
Model name and serial number:

Purchase date:

DA SL requires no periodic maintenance, and contains
no user-serviceable parts. Contact your dealer or an
authorized CEC service center for an inspection andrepair in case of malfunction.

Dealer name and contact information:

Description of the unit's problem:

11

CEC Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan

2310-C