Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix DCD-1520AE SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYER Owner’s Manual You can print more than one page of a PDF onto a single sheet of paper.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Contents Playback Accessories························································································· 4 Inserting the batteries······································································· 5 Operating range of the remote control unit······································ 5 Features······························································································· 6 High quality sound··························
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Settings Setting the Auto Standby mode················································ 51 Turning Auto Standby mode off······················································ 51 Turning Auto Standby mode on······················································ 51 Tips Contents···························································································· 52 Tips······················································································
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Thank you for purchasing this Denon product. To ensure proper operation, please read this owner’s manual carefully before using the product. After reading them, be sure to keep them for future reference. Accessories Check that the following parts are supplied with the product.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Inserting the batteries Appendix Tips Operating range of the remote control unit q Remove the rear lid in the direction of the arrow and remove it. Point the remote control unit at the remote sensor when operating it. MIN MAX SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYER w Load the two batteries properly as indicated by the q and w marks in the battery compartment. Approx. 7 m R03/AAA batteries 30° 30° e Put the rear cover back on.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Features • Advanced S.V.H. Mechanism & Direct Mechanical Ground Construction In the newly developed Advanced S.V.H. Mechanism, each individual part, including the disc tray made of Xylon with 2 metal damper plates, is composed of different metallic materials each designed for their specific purpose. This produces outstanding vibration-damping properties, including damping enhancement and diffusion of the resonance point due to the high mass.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips • Plays USB memory devices (MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV) and iPod®/ iPhone® This unit can playback music stored on an USB memory device or iPod ∕ iPhone. High performance • Equipped with a USB-DAC function to support DSD file playback This unit is equipped with a USB-DAC function that supports DSD signals and 192 kHz/24 bit PCM signals.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Appendix Tips Part names and functions Front panel Q6 PHONES PHONES LEVEL MIN DISC LAYER Q5 PURE DIRECT Q4 Q3 Q2 SOURCE MAX SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYER q w Front panel e r t Display y u Rear panel i 8 o Remote Index Q0 DCD-1520AE Q1
Contents Connections Playback Q6 Settings Tips Appendix t DISC LAYER button Q5 Q4 Q3 Q2 This switches the Super Audio CD layer (vpage 29). y PURE DIRECT button This switches the Pure Direct mode (vpage 28). PHONES PHONES LEVEL MIN DISC LAYER PURE DIRECT u Remote control sensor SOURCE This receives signals from the remote control unit (vpage 5). MAX SUPER AUDIO CD PLAYER DCD-1520AE i Display q w erty u i o Q0 This displays various pieces of information (vpage 10).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Appendix Tips Display Q0 o i u q w e r q Playback mode indicators t y Time display indicators 1 : Lights up during playback. 3 : Lights up during pause. SING REM : Lights up when displaying the remaining time in singletrack playback. TOTAL REM : Lights up when displaying the remaining time in all-track playback. w Repeat mode indicator Lights to match the repeat mode settings.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Rear panel t r e w q q AUDIO OUT connectors r DIGITAL AUDIO IN connectors w AC inlet (AC IN) t DIGITAL AUDIO OUT connectors Used to connect devices equipped with digital audio output connectors (vpage 20, 21). Used to connect devices equipped with analog audio inputs connectors or an external power amplifier (vpage 18). Used to connect an AV receiver or D/A converter equipped with digital audio input connectors (vpage 19).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Remote control unit CD player operation q To operate CD player, press REMOTE MODE CD button to switch the remote control to the CD operation mode. • REMOTE MODE CD button lights for approximately two seconds. q POWER button (X) w e r Turns power to this unit on and off (standby) (vpage 27, 51). w e w Reverse-skip / Forward-skip buttons (8, 9) Skip to previous track or next track (vpage 31, 34, 38, 40).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix y SOURCE button Used to select the playback media mode (vpage 28, 30). u RANDOM button Switches the random playback (vpage 31, 34, 38, 40). i REPEAT button o Switches the repeat playback (vpage 31, 34, 38, 40). o Remote mode select button (CD) This switches the remote control operating mode to CD (vpage 12). Q0 Q0 1/3 button Starts / Pauses playback (vpage 31, 34, 38, 40).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Q4 Number buttons (0 – 9, +10) These enter numbers into the unit (vpage 31, 32). Q5 CLEAR button This clears the program registration (vpage 32). Q6 DIMMER button Adjust the display brightness of this unit (vpage 28). Q7 PROGRAM button This sets program playback (vpage 32). % • The amplifier can be operated with the amplifier operation buttons even when the remote control mode is CD.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Amplifier and Tuner operations The included remote control unit can be used to operate Denon amplifiers and tuners.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Appendix Tips Network audio player operation q To operate network audio player, press REMOTE MODE NET button to switch the remote control to the NETWORK operation mode. • REMOTE MODE NET button lights for approximately two seconds.
R Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips R Appendix Connections 22Cables used for connections Connecting an amplifier (vpage 18) Provide necessary cables according to the devices you want to connect.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Connecting an amplifier Use this connection for audio playback via an amplifier.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Connecting a device equipped with digital audio input connectors Use this connection to output digital audio signals from this unit, and convert the signals for playback using the D/A converter of a connected device. AV receiver / D/A converter OPTICAL IN COAXIAL IN NOTE • Signals on the HD layer of the Super Audio CD cannot be output in digital output.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Connecting a device equipped with digital audio output connectors Use this connection to input digital audio signals to this unit, and convert the signals for playback using the D/A converter of this unit (vpage 42). CD player / Satellite receiver etc.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Connecting a PC or Mac By connecting a computer to the USB port on the rear panel of this unit using a commercially available USB connecting cable, this unit can be used as a D/A converter (vpage 42 “Using as a D/A converter”). Type A USB 2.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Connecting an iPod or USB memory device to the USB port To connect an iPod to this unit, use the USB adapter cable that was supplied with the iPod. For operating instructions see “Playing an iPod” (vpage 36) or “Playing a USB memory device” (vpage 39). USB memory device iPod or % • Denon does not guarantee that all USB memory devices will operate or receive power.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips 22Supported iPod ∕ iPhone models • iPod classic • iPod nano • iPod touch • iPhone Front panel Display Rear panel 23 Remote Index Appendix
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Connecting the timer device By connecting this unit to an amplifier and timer device, you can use timer playback (vpage 50 “Using the timer play function”).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Connecting the power cord After completing all the connections, insert the power plug into the power outlet.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Playback Turning the power on (vpage 27) Playing a USB memory device (vpage 39) Select the playback media mode (vpage 28) Connecting and playing back from a computer (USB-DAC) (vpage 43) Switching the display’s brightness (vpage 28) Connect and playback from a digital device (Coaxial/Optical) (vpage 49) Switching the Pure Direct mode (vpage 28) Setting the top priority playback layer for Super Audio CDs (vpage 29) Using the timer play functio
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Basic operation Turning the power on POWER X 1 Press POWER X to turn on power to the unit. The power indicator lights green. % • You can also press X on the main unit to turn the power on. 22Switching the power to standby 1 Press POWER X.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Select the playback media mode 1 Tips Appendix Switching the display’s brightness The display brightness can be adjusted between four levels. Press SOURCE to select the playback media mode. 1 DISC : S elect to playback a disc. USB : Select to playback an iPod or USB memory device. Press DIMMER. Switching the Pure Direct mode USB-DAC / COAXIAL / OPTICAL : Select to use this unit as a D/A converter.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Setting the top priority playback layer for Super Audio CDs Press SOURCE to select the playback media mode to “DISC”. 2 Check that no disc is loaded. 3 Press MODE and switch to the layer you want to set. % • If the layer is switched while the disc is being loaded, the playback layer switches for that disc, but the top priority playback layer setting itself does not change. STEREO (Default) : Plays back the 2-channel area of the Super Audio CD.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Playing CDs/Super Audio CDs Playing CDs and Super Audio CDs 89 1/3 2 67 MODE INFO 1 Insert a disc (vpage 63). 2 Press SOURCE to select the playback media mode to “DISC” (vpage 28). 3 When playing back a Super Audio CD, press MODE to set the playback layer (vpage 29). 4 Press 1/3. • Press 5 on the unit to open/close the disc tray. The 1 indicator lights on the display. Playback starts.
Contents Operation buttons 1/3 2 8 9 67 0 – 9, +10 RANDOM REPEAT Connections Playback Settings 1 Rear panel Use 0 – 9 and +10 to select the tracks. GExampleH : Press number 4 to select track 4. Track 4 Track 12 : Press numbers +10 and 2 consecutively to select track 12. 22Switching the display During playback, press INFO. Displays text and time information stored on media. • The text information is only displayed for Super Audio CD.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix 22Checking the order of the programmed tracks Playing tracks in a specific order (Program playback) In the stop mode, press 9. The track numbers are displayed in the programmed order each time the button is pressed. Up to 20 tracks can be programmed. 1 In the stop mode, press PROGRAM. 22To clear the last track programmed 2 Use 0 – 9 and +10 to select the tracks you want to program.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Playing DATA CDs • This section explains how to playback MP3 and WMA files that are recorded onto a CD-R or CD-RW. • There are many music distribution sites on the Internet allowing you to download music files in MP3 or WMA (Windows Media® Audio) format. The music (files) downloaded from such sites can be stored on CD-R or CD-RW discs and played on this unit.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Playing files 1 Load a CD-R or CD-RW disc containing music files in the MP3 or WMA formats into the disc tray (vpage 63). 2 Press SOURCE to select the playback media mode to “DISC” (vpage 28). 3 Press MODE to select the folder mode or disc mode. nn About the display Operation buttons 1/3 2 89 67 ui op MODE • When “Folder mode” is selected All the files in the selected folder are played.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips 22Files that can be played back • See “DATA CD” (vpage 59). 22To switch the folder or file during playback • Folder Use ui to select the folder. • File Use o p to select the file. Also use 8, 9 to select the file. • The file numbers are set automatically when the disc is loaded. 22Switching the display During playback, press INFO. • Switching between the file elapsed time, file name and folder name.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Playing an iPod • You can use the USB cable provided with the iPod to connect the iPod with the unit’s USB port and enjoy music stored on the iPod. • For information on the iPod models that can be played back with this unit, see “Connecting an iPod or USB memory device to the USB port” (vpage 22).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Listening to music on an iPod 1 Connect the iPod to the USB port (vpage 22). 2 Operate iPod itself directly while seeing the iPod screen to play back music. The playback media mode automatically switches to USB, and playback starts. “Remote iPod” is displayed on the display of this unit. % • The iPod display modes include “Remote iPod” and “Browse iPod”.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Setting operation mode (Browse iPod mode) In this mode, various lists and screens during playback on the iPod are displayed on the body. This section describes the steps up to playing back tracks on the iPod in“Browse iPod”. 1 Press MODE and display “Browse iPod”.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Playing a USB memory device • Playing back music files stored on a USB memory device. • Only USB memory devices conforming to mass storage class can be played on this unit. • This unit is compatible with USB memory devices in “FAT16” or “FAT32” format. • This unit can play back the following files.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Playing files stored on USB memory device 1 Operation buttons 1/3 2 8 9 67 RANDOM Connect the USB memory device to the USB port (vpage 22). The playback media mode automatically switches to USB, and playback starts. 2 REPEAT Press MODE to select the “Folder mode” or “Memory mode”. nn About the display MODE • When “Folder mode” is selected All the files in the selected folder are played.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips 22Files that can be played back • See “USB memory device” (vpage 59). 22Switching the display During playback, press INFO. • Switching between the file elapsed time, title name, artist name and album name. • While a WAV file is being played back, only the file name is displayed. • The player can display the following characters: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 0123456789 ! ” # $ % & : ; < > ? @ l [ ] _ ` | { } ~ ^ ’ ( ) * + , - .
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Using as a D/A converter Digital audio signals input from an external device or computer into this unit can be converted and output as analog signals using this unit (D/A converter). • DSD is a registered trademark. • Microsoft, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Contents Connections Playback Settings nn Installing the driver software • You can enjoy high-quality audio playback from the D/A converter built in to this unit by inputting PCM signal or DSD signal music files into this unit from a computer via USB connection. • In order to use USB-DAC playback, install the dedicated driver onto your computer to enable your computer and this unit to communicate. • Drivers do not need to be installed for Mac OS.
Contents 4 Connections Playback Settings Install the driver. Appendix Tips r Read the Software Licensing Agreement, and click “I accept the terms in the license agreement”. t Click “Next”. q Select the language to use for the installation. w Click “OK”. q w e The wizard menu is displayed. Click “Next”.
Contents Connections Playback Settings y Click “Install” on the installation start dialog. • The installtion starts. Do not perform any operation on the computer until the installation is completed. Appendix Tips u In the Windows security dialog, select “Always trust software from DandM Holdings Inc.”. i Click “Install”. u i o When the installation is completed, click “Finish”.
Contents 5 Connections Playback Settings 8 With the unit power off, connect the unit and computer using a USB cable (sold separately). • For the connection procedure, refer to the “Connecting a PC or Mac” (vpage 21) section. Tips Appendix Checking the installed driver q Click the “Start” button and click “Control Panel” on the computer. • The control panel setting list is displayed. 6 Press X on this unit.
Contents 9 Connections Playback Settings Checking audio output Appendix Tips w Click the “Advanced” tab. • Select the sampling rate and bit rate to be applied to the D/A converter, and click “Apply”. e Click “Test”. • If the audio is output from the this unit, the setup is completed. Outputs a TEST signal from the computer and checks the audio output from the USB-DAC function. q Select “Speakers” and click “Properties”. • The Speakers Properties window is displayed.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips 22Playback NOTE Install the desired player software on your computer beforehand. Use the rear panel USB port to connect this unit to a computer. For the connection procedure, refer to the “Connecting a PC or Mac” (vpage 21) section. • The dedicated driver must be installed in the computer before this unit is connected to a computer. Operation will not occur correctly if connected to the computer before the dedicated driver has been installed.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Connect and playback from a digital device (Coaxial/Optical) NOTE • Perform operations such as playback and pause on the computer. At this time, you cannot perform operations with buttons on this unit or the remote control. • You can also control the volume and equalizer on the computer. Enjoy playing music at the desired volume. • When this unit is functioning as a D/A converter, sound is not output from the computer’s speakers.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Using the timer play function Using the timer play function 1 Turn on the power of the connected components (vpage 24). 2 Switch the amplifier’s function to input from the connected unit. 3 4 Load a disc or connect an iPod or USB memory device. 5 Turn the timer “On”. Set the audio timer for the desired times. • Refer also to the owner’s manual of the audio timer. • The power of the components connected to the timer turns off.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Settings Setting the Auto Standby mode When Auto Standby mode is set to On, if the unit remains in the stopped state and no operations are performed or if there are no input signals for approximately 30 minutes, the unit automatically switches to standby mode. • The default setting is “On”. Turning Auto Standby mode off 1 Press and hold POWER X for more than 5 seconds to turn the Auto Standby mode off. The power indicator flashes three times.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Tips Contents 22Tips.....................................................................(53) 22Troubleshooting...............................................(54) I want to enjoy analog output audio at higher quality........................(53) Power does not turn on / Power is turned off...................................(54) I want to playback just the specified folder.......................................
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Tips I want to enjoy analog output audio at higher quality. • Set Pure Direct which turns digital output and the display off (vpage 28). I want to playback just the specified folder. • Press MODE to set the playback range to “Folder mode” (vpage 34, 40). I want to display the title, etc. of the file currently playing back on the iPod on this unit’s display. • Press MODE to set Browse mode (vpage 37).
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix Troubleshooting If a problem should arise, first check the following: 1. Are the connections correct? 2. Is the set being operated as described in the owner’s manual? 3. Are the other devices operating properly? If this unit does not operate properly, check the items listed in the table below. Should the problem persist, there may be a malfunction. In this case, disconnect the power immediately and contact your store of purchase.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix 22Display on this unit shows nothing Symptom Cause / Solution Display is off. Page • Press DIMMER, and change the setting to anything other than “Off”. • The display turns off when the Pure Direct mode is on. 28 28 22No sound comes out Symptom Cause / Solution No sound is produced or sound is distorted. Page • Check the connections for all devices. • Insert connection cables all the way in.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix 22Cannot playback CDs Symptom Cause / Solution Page Cannot playback when the play button • The CD is dirty or scratched. Either clean the CD, or insert a different CD. is pressed, or cannot correctly play back a specific part of the disc. 64 58, 65 – Cannot playback CD-R/CD-RW. • CDs cannot be played back unless they have been finalized. Use a finalized disc.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Appendix 22USB memory devices cannot be played back Symptom Cause/Solution Page • This unit may not recognize the USB memory device due to poor connection, etc. Make sure that the connection is made properly by taking actions such as disconnecting and reconnecting the USB memory device. • USB memory devices of a mass storage class are supported. • This unit does not support a connection through a USB hub.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Appendix Tips Appendix Playable media Super Audio CD There are three types of Super Audio CDs: q Single layer discs Single layer Super Audio CD with just an HD layer. w Dual layer discs Super Audio CD with a double HD layer, offering extended playing time and high sound quality. e Hybrid discs Two-layer Super Audio CD with an HD layer and a CD layer. The signals on the CD layer can be played on a regular CD player.
Contents Connections Playback Settings DATA CD Tips NOTE • Be sure to give files the extension “.mp3” or “.wma” Files with any other extensions or files with no extensions cannot be played. • Recordings you have made should only be used for your personal enjoyment, and as per copyright laws may not be used in other ways without permission of the copyright holder. CD-R and CD-RW discs created in the format described below can be played.
Contents Connections Playback Settings 22Playable files Tips % Playable files (Extension) • Only music files that are not copyright-protected can be played on this set. • Contents downloaded from pay sites on the Internet are copyright protected. Also, files encoded in WMA format when ripped from a CD, etc., on a computer may be copyright protected, depending on the computer’s settings.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Playback order of MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files D/A converter 22Supported audio formats When there are multiple folders containing MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV files, the playback order of folders is automatically set when this unit reads the media. The files in each folder are played back in the order in which the files were recorded on the media, from the oldest date and time.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips About Discs and Files Files, such as MP3/WMA/AAC/WAV etc., recorded on CD-R/-RW and USB memory device are divided into large segments (folders) and small segments (files). Files are stored in folders, and folders can be placed for storage in a hierarchy. The unit can recognize up to 8 levels of folders.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Cautions on using media Appendix NOTE • Only load one disc at a time. Loading two or more discs can damage the unit or scratch the discs. • Do not use cracked or warped discs or discs that have been repaired with adhesive, etc. • Do not use discs on which the sticky part of cellophane tape or labels is exposed or on which there are traces of where labels have been removed. Such discs can get caught inside the player and damage it.
Contents Connections Playback Settings How to handle media Display Appendix Cleaning discs • Do not get fingerprints, oil or dirt on discs. • Take special care not to scratch discs when removing them from their cases. • Do not bend or heat discs. • Do not enlarge the hole in the center. • Do not write on the labeled (printed) surface with ball-point pens, pencils, etc., or stick new labels on discs.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Explanation of terms Tips L Linear PCM This is an uncompressed PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) signal. This is the same system used for CD audio but uses 192 kHz, 96 kHz, and 48 kHz sampling frequencies on Blu-ray Disc or DVD and provides higher resolution than CD. A Advanced AL32 Processing Equipped with Advanced AL32 Processing, Denon’s own analog waveform reproduction technology.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips S Sampling frequency Sampling involves taking a reading of a sound wave (analog signal) at regular intervals and expressing the height of the wave at each reading in digitized format (producing a digital signal). The number of readings taken in one second is called the “sampling frequency”. The larger the value, the closer the reproduced sound is to the original.
Contents Connections Playback Settings Tips Specifications 22Audio performance • Analog output Channels: Playable frequency range: Playable frequency response: S/N: Dynamic range: Harmonic distortion: Wow & flutter: Output level: Signal type: Sampling frequency: Usable discs: • Digital output Coaxial: Optical: Emission wavelength: • Digital input signal format Format: Coaxial input: Optical Optical input: Optical wavelength: 22General Power supply: Power consumption: Power consumption in standby mod
Contents Connections Index Settings vv F vv A vv I Bit rate························································ 59, 61, 65 Brightness······························································· 28 vv C Cables used for connections··································· 17 Connection Amplifier······························································· 18 AV receivers························································· 19 CD player····························································
Contents Connections Playback Settings Appendix Tips 6 22Dimensions 145 7 220 54 318 331 44 Unit : mm 140 61 22Weight : 8.
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