EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a specific remote control or front panel button, or rear panel connection jack. EXAMPLE – (bold type) indicates a message in the front panel information display. 1 – (number in a square) indicates a specific front panel control. a – (number in an oval) indicates a button or indicator on the remote. . – (number in a circle) indicates a rear panel connection. 2 TABLE OF CONTENS Introduction Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon HD 970 CD player. The HD 970 is an exceptionally well-engineered product that offers high performance and ease of use. Along with conventional CD audio discs, the HD 970 is also compatible with MP3 data from CDs and most recordable CD formats. We ask that you take a few minutes to read through this Owner’s Manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and functions. This brief investment of time will yield dividends in the form of years of listening pleasure. If you have any questions about this product, its installation or operation, please contact your dealer, as they are your best source of local information. Description and Features Ever since its introduction in 1992, Harman Kardon RLS (Real-time Linear Smoothing) conversion technology has been hailed as an efficient, high performance means of transforming the, at that time 16-bit, digital signal from CD to high quality analog. The short RLS signal path resulted in hitherto unknown clarity and detail, in combination with awesome dynamic resolution of the critical bass frequencies. RLS-II was a natural, yet radical evolution of the original RLS concept. Since then, dramatic progress has been made in Digital Signal Processing, allowing the integration of DSP's in a standalone CD Player and the implementation of a very powerful algorithm in the digital domain: the birth of the RLS-III. Using theoretical roots of the RLS, RLS-III has set new standards for dynamic range and shifted noise to an absolute non-audible frequency range with very high jitter rejection. The result is an astonishing common signal format of 24 bits at a sampling frequency of 384 kHz. This 24 bits/384 kHz signal format allows Harman Kardon engineers to take a minimalist approach to the subsequent analog filtering, without paying any penalty in the form of the aliasing errors and artifacts. Harman Kardon's analog processing legacy has been expressed to its optimal level in the output stage of the HD 970 with High Definition, Wide Bandwidth and Low Feedback circuitry in a pure Class A configuration, using only high grade components. A unique feature of the HD 970 is that it allows other source components to be played back using the high-grade audiophile digital-to-analog convertors inside the CD player. Especially source components using older and less powerful convertors will benefit from this feature. Important Note: The player will only output 2-channel PCM signals. Neither multi-channel Dolby Digital or DTS nor their 2-channel down- mix signals will be output. Asynchronous Digital Processing for Highest Possible Jitter Rejection based on a 32bit DSP Real-time Linear Smoothing III Two Digital Inputs (One Optical and One Coaxial) for Dramatic Sound Quality Improvement of External Devices CD Playback with CD Text Functionality, MP3 Playback with ID3 Tag Information Digital Output for Direct Connection to Outboard Digital-to-Analog Converters Sophisticated Programming Features to Automatically Play Tracks in Preprogrammed or Random Order Full compatibility with CD-R and CD-RW format to play (finalized) recordable and erasable discs without problems. CLASS 1 LASER INTRODUCTION 3 Information Important Safety Information Verify Line Voltage Before Use Your HD 970 has been designed for use with 230-volt AC current. Connection to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and fire hazard, and may damage the unit. If you have any questions about the voltage requirements for your specific model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact your selling dealer before plugging the unit into a wall outlet. Do Not Use Extension Cords We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this product. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets or place heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately by an authorized service depot with cords meeting factory specifications. Handle The AC Power Cord Gently When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet always pull the plug, never pull the cord. If you do not intend to use the unit for any considerable length of time, disconnect the plug from the AC outlet. Do Not Open The Cabinet There are no user-serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If water or any metal object such as a paper clip, wire or a staple accidentally falls inside the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source i...