m Newly developed high-rigidity, high-precision CD drive m MDS++
type D/A converter m Jitter-free high-performance digital demodulator
m Direct Balanced Filter with separate analog low-pass filtering forbalanced and unbalanced signal paths m Two sets of digital inputs
m Two sets of transport outputs m Fully digital control of CD mechanism

Dedicated high-end CD player for ultimate musical fidelity — New
high-rigidity, high-precision drive mechanism optimized for
CD reproduction. Processor section features MDS ++ type D/Aconverter with four parallel DACs. Independent construction oftransport section and digital processor. One set each of coaxial
and optical connectors for digital input and transport output.

The Compact Disc format with its 20-year history offers an unsurpassed wealth ofMDS++ D/A convertermusical treasures. Audiophiles the world over therefore covet the Accuphase lineup of
high-end dedicated CD players. As the latest entry in this category, the DP-500 features
a CD drive mechanism for the first time developed in house, of course with our famous
dedication to quality and attention to detail. Combine this with the latest digital signal
processing technology, and the result is a breathtaking CD player that will make you
rediscover the joys of music.
The CD mechanism in the DP-500 was developed with a simple yet demanding aim:
extract the information encoded on the CD one-hundred percent. Using all of its
accumulated know-how and expertise, Accuphase has created an extremely rigid andultra precise transport mechanism that attains new levels of performance.
The processor section employs four strictly selected high-performance delta-sigma
devices operating in parallel, forming a further refined MDS++ D/A
conversion system. The analog filter, which has a significant influence onsound quality, is a so-called “Direct Balanced Filter” that provides totally
separate analog low-pass filtering (5-pole Butterworth) for the balanced
and unbalanced signal paths. This brings out the full musical potential of

Coaxial input
indication

the CD. The outstanding sound and high performance of the D/A converter
section can be accessed also by external equipment. A set of optical andcoaxial digital inputs accepts digital signals from other components, for
Optical input
indication

processing with the highest musical accuracy.

DIGITAL SECTION
Focus Coil&Tracking CoilOpticalHeadRF Signal
Processor

Spindle MotorSpindle
ServoController

Sled Motor

Focus & Tracking
Servo Controller

EFM Decoder& ErrorCorrector

MDS (Multiple Delta Sigma) is a revolutionary design which employs
several delta sigma type converters in a parallel configuration. In thecombined output of these multiple converters, conversion errors cancel
each other out, resulting in a drastic improvement in all relevant aspectsof converter performancesuch as accuracy, S/Nratio, dynamic range, linearity, and THD. In theDP-500, four delta sigma
type PCM1796 converters (made by Texas Instruments) are driven inparallel. Compared to asingle converter, this results in an overall performance improvement by afactor of 2 (= √4).
As shown in the diagram,
the MDS++ features an Analog output
LINEARITY
enhancedcurrent-tovoltage (I/V) converter
for processing the D/Aconverter output current.
A combination of current summing and voltage summing is used,
resulting in even betterstability and top-notchDigital input
performance. The music
Linearity (digital input vs. analog output)
emerges from a totallysilent background, withbreathtaking detail resolution and accurate spatial information.

ClockGenerator

SignalDisc Clamp& Tray Motor

Master Control
Computer

Display
Driver

KeyMatrix

Infrared Receiver

Conversion error

Digitalinput

Note the ratio between signal
and conversion error. In theMDS output, the error is verysmall in relation to the signal.

(Signal)
Display

From Remote Commander

CoaxialTransmitter

Coaxial

OpticalTransmitter

OpticalDigital Audio
Interface Decoder

Pulse AmpCoaxialDigital
Inputs
OpticalReceiver(Conversionerror)

TransportOutputsDigital Audio
Interface Encoder

Optical

MDS output
MDS type D/A converter principle(Normal phaseoutput)

ANALOG SECTIONMDS++
D/A Conversion
System5-PoleLow-Pass Filter

I (current) /V (voltage) converter

Unbalanced

Left
AnalogOutputs

5-PoleLow-Pass Filter(Reverse phaseoutput)

Balanced

DAC output

5-PoleLow-Pass Filter

MDS++
D/A Conversion
System5-PoleLow-Pass Filter

Subtraction

Unbalanced

RightAnalog
Outputs

5-PoleLow-Pass Filter
Balanced
5-PoleLow-Pass Filter

Current summing

Voltage summing

Block diagram of MDS ++ converter in DP-500
Block diagram of DP-500

Transport section features newly developed high-rigidity, high-precision CD drive
In order to extract the minute bits of information from the rapidly
spinning disc and decode these accurately into a digital signal ofhigh purity, vibrations emanating from the rotating medium as well as
external mechanical vibrations must be minimized. At the same time,
the prevention of resonances is also highly important.
In the DP-500, the CD drive base is mounted firmly to a strong metalframe, forming a highly rigid chassis construction. Conversely, thetraverse mechanism, an integrated structure consisting of the opticalassembly including laser pickup and rotating parts, is designed
for extremely light weight and isolated by a floating suspension

arrangement from the mechanism base. Specially selected material
is used for viscous damping, supporting the traverse mechanism atfour points.
A large, sturdy bridge-type cover is joined to the mechanism basefor reinforcement. The entire CD drive assembly is directly mounted
to the bottom chassis, which in turn features four large cast ironinsulator feet with superior damping characteristics. The result is aunit with a low center of gravity and excellent protection against allkinds of adverse influences from vibrations. Perfectly stable and quiet
operation produces a signal of utmost accuracy.

BridgeSturdy chassis absorbs external vibrations

High-rigidity, high-precision dedicatedCD drive

Highly rigid and precise construction
Traverse mechanism with floating design and viscousdamping
Integrated design with large bridge joined to mechanismbase
Low center of gravity and efficient vibration control

Traverse mechanism
Disc tray

High-quality CD tray made of extruded aluminum, plusquiet and smooth disc loading mechanism“High Carbon” cast iron insulator feet with superior
damping characteristics further enhance sound quality
Mechanism base

CD transport section features and functions

Viscous dampers

Fully digital control of CD mechanism
Laser pickup with integrated RF amplifier for drasticallyreduced noise interference
Balanced drive circuitry for actuator control
eliminates interaction with othercircuits
Power-on play featureallows automatic
playback

Supplied remote commander RC-100
Provides access to direct play,
input source selection, levelcontrol, repeat play, program play and otherfunctions.

Direct Balanced Filter with separate balanced/unbalanced circuitry
The output of any D/A converter contains so-called aliasing noise in the very highfrequency range. During CD playback, an analog filter designed to remove that noise is
therefore always required.
The filter circuitry in the DP-500 uses 5-pole Butterworth analog filters with extremely
flat frequency response in the passband. In order to prevent unwanted interaction,completely separate filters are provided for the balanced and unbalanced signal paths.
A direct connection from the balancing circuit at the output of the D/A converter to thefilter circuitry and symmetrical +/– configuration ensures that the +/– output impedanceis also identical. This provides ideal transmission conditions for the high-quality MDS++

Connection example for DG-38
The transport output of the DP-500 can be connected (via coaxialor optical fiber cable) to the digital input of the DG-38, for processing of the CD transport signal in the digital domain.

DIGITAL IN

DIGITAL OUT
DIGITAL INPUTS TRANSPORT OUTPUTS

Coaxial digital cableoutput.

DigitalInput

MDS++
D/A Conversion
System5-PoleButterworth
LPF

Unbalanced

Independent processor section with coaxial and optical fiber
inputs supports signal formats up to a sampling frequency of96 kHz/24 bits

AnalogOutputs

5-PoleButterworth
LPF

CD transport section with coaxial and optical fiber outputs
allows digital recording of CD signal
Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs

Balanced

5-PoleButterworth
LPF

Digital level control allows adjustment down to –60 dB

GUARANTEED SPECIFICATIONS[Guaranteed specifications are measured according to the JEITA standard CP-2402A.][Measurement disc: JEITA CP-2403A]

Front panel

CD TransportFormat:

Standard CD format
Quantization:
Sampling frequency:
Error correction principle:
Number of channels:
Revolution speed:
Scan velocity:

Data read principle

Non-contact optical pickup

Laser

GaAlAs (double hetero-junction visible-spectrum
semiconductor laser diode)Transport output level
COAXIAL (IEC 60958):
OPTICAL (JEITA CP-1212):

0.5 Vp-p, 75 ohms
Light output –21 to –15 dBm
Wavelength 660 nm

Digital Processor

Rear panel

Input format (IEC 60958/AES-3 compliant)
Quantization:
Sampling frequency:
Digital input levelCOAXIAL (IEC 60958):
OPTICAL (JEITA CP-1212):+

Play track indicator
Total track/index indicatorTime indicator
Output level indicator
Play button
CD transport/processor selector button
Power switch
Disc tray
Disc tray open/close button
Pause button

16 bits
44.1 kHzCIRC
2
500–200 rpm (CLV)
1.2–1.4 m/s, constant

Track search buttons
Stop button
Digital input connectors (coaxial, optical)
Transport output connectors (coaxial, optical)
Balanced output connectors (analog)
a Groundb Inverted (–)
c Non-inverted (+)
AC power connector+
Unbalanced output connectors (analog)

0.5 Vp-p, 75 ohms
Light output –27 to –15 dBm

Frequency response

4 to 20,000 Hz ±0.3 dB

D/A converter

24 bits, MDS++ type

Total harmonic distortion(20–20,000 Hz, 24-bit input) Max. 0.001%

Signal-to-noise ratio

114 dB or better

Dynamic range

110 dB or better

Channel separation

110 dB or better

Output voltage and impedance
BALANCED:
2.5 V into 50 ohms, balanced XLR type
UNBALANCED: 2.5 V into 50 ohms, RCA-type phono jacks
Output level control

0 to –60 dB in 1-dB steps (digital type)

GeneralPower requirements

AC120 V/230 V, 50/60 Hz(Voltage as indicated on rear panel)Power consumption

20 W

Max. dimensions

Width465 mm (18-5/16”)

Height150 mm (5-7/8”)

Depth

393 mm (15–1/2”)

Mass

Remarks+ This product is available in versions for 120/230 V AC. Make sure that the voltage shown on therear panel matches the AC line voltage in your area.
+ The shape of the AC inlet and plug of the supplied power cord depends on the voltage rating
and destination country.

16–24 bits, linear
32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz,96 kHz16.6 kg (36.6 lbs) net
22.0 kg (48.5 lbs) in shipping cartion

Supplied Remote Commander RC-100
Remote control principle:
Infrared pulse
Power supply:
Two IEC R03 (size AAA) batteries
Max. dimensions:
56 mm × 175 mm × 26 mm
Weight:155 g (including batteries)

Supplied accessories:
AC power cord
Audio cable with plugs (1 meter)
Remote Commander RC-100

m Specifications and design subject to change without notice for improvements.

http://www.accuphase.com

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