Specifications

Audio Technologies
Digital to Analog Converters
Converting digitally stored information (such as that
found on a Compact Disc or DVD) back into an analog
signal is the job of the D/A converter.
The D/A converter reads each 16-bit word from the
disc and assigns it an analog voltage. A conventional
D/A converter repeats this task 44,100 times a second.
The accuracy of the D/A converter in terms of voltage
and timing are a key component to determining the
sound quality capabilities and noise output of the
source unit.
1-Bit Digital to Analog Converters
A 1-Bit D/A converter works by comparing one bit of
information to the one previous to it. If the new bit is
higher than the previous one, it increases the output
voltage. If the new bit is lower than the previous, then
it decreases the output voltage. A filter on the output
of the D/A converter smooths out the signal and the
result is a reproduction of the original audio waveform.
24-Bit Digital to Analog Converters
Clarion source units featur-
ing our 24-Bit D/A converter
bring new realism and detail
to your music. 24-Bit con-
verters offer several benefits as compared to a conven-
tional 1-Bit D/A converter. Primarily, a 24-Bit D/A
converter significantly increases dynamic range
capability, reduces quantization error and removes
jitter. The result is music that sounds more realistic,
especially in the high frequency range. Cymbals
become clearer and more detailed. Ambience and
room effects become more accurate. The entire
listening experience takes a step forward in fidelity and
authenticity.
This effect can be clearly heard on even the most
basic of audio systems. Comparing one source to
another, even when using four factory speakers will
reveal a very significant improvement in performance.
Low Impedance Preamp Output
All Clarion preamp outputs feature low output imped-
ance drive circuitry. Output impedance is most
commonly looked at in terms of resistance measure-
ment, in the case of Clarion’s preamp outputs, this
specification is ~330 Ohms.
This has several effects in terms of sound quality as
compared to products that have high output impedances
(1,000+ Ohms). More of the audio signal voltage is
passed to the load device. The preamp is capable of
driving lower impedance loads in the event RCA Y-cables
be used. The audio signal is less susceptible to
frequency response degradation caused by reactances in
the RCA cables or the input stage of the amplifier or
processor.
Many processors and amplifiers use DC blocking capaci-
tors on their inputs. When a high-impedance source unit
is connected to these loads, the bass and treble perfor-
mance can suffer. Low impedance outputs result in
flatter frequency response and more output from your
amplifiers.
CD Operation Safeguards
Clarion’s CD operational safeguards allow the CD
mechanism to detect disc size, prior disc-in-drive detec-
tion, foreign object detection, and allow for auto reload.
Clarion’s CD mechanism uses photo sensors and LEDs
to identify 3” or 5” compact discs. Clarion’s CD mecha-
nisms uses a tapered roller to precisely center the CD
onto the drive spindle.
A tapered loading-roller precisely centers the CD onto
the drive spindle. Since the roller mechanism is tapered,
only the edges of the CD are touched, thereby eliminat-
ing the possibility of scratches.
These operational safeguards allow safer CD disc
handling, preventing jams from accidental loading of two
CDs, and help to reduce service problems by detecting
foreign objects in the drive mechanism.
Zero-Bit Detector Mute
Clarion CD Players feature a zero-bit detection mute
circuit. This circuit turns off (mutes) both the line-level
and speaker-level outputs when it does not see a digital
signal for 750 milliseconds. Since a digital signal
consists of “one” and “zero” bits, the zero bit detector will
turn off the analog audio input signal to the preamp
section when it sees a series of zero bits. The purpose
of this circuit is to eliminate tracking noise or background
noise that is typically associated with the decoding of the
digital signal to its final analog form.
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