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Goodwin's High End is the oldest and most experienced Spectral dealer
in the US. We recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of our long
association with Spectral and Spectral has become our #1 selling line
here in the store. When you hear the sonic purity and sheer
naturalness of the current generation of Spectral componentry you will immediately
understand why so many people end up choosing to base their system
around their components.
 SDR-3000 CD
Transport (discontinued)
The SDR-3000 Reference DC Transport is Spectral's first compact disc
transport, completing the Spectral Digital Reference system begun with
the SDR-2000 Digital Processor. The development program for the SDR
components was initiated over ten years ago with the introduction of the
Spectral SDR-1000 Reference Disc System, the industry's first truly
high-end compact disc playback system. The innovative SDR-1000 was years
ahead of its time, pioneering fundamental processing breakthroughs such
as balanced decoding and conjugate correction filters.
More recently, the ambitious SDR-2000 Professional Processor has
stunned the audio industry with its technical advances and resolving
power. Sharing its uncompromising circuit architecture with the historic
HDCD recording system by Pacific Microsonics, the Spectral SDR-2000 is
widely considered to be the finest digital processor available as well
as the acknowledged reference for High Definition Compatible Digital
recordings.
The arrival of the SDR-3000 Reference CD Transport culminates the
SDR program at Spectral and achieves the final integration of our high
resolution digital technology. Supporting the challenge are new
generation component technologies and state-of-the-art test systems to
push forward the envelope of digital audio performance. Like other
Spectral SDR components, no detail or expense has been spared in the
SDR-3000 to achieve the status of a true digital reference.
THE ESSENTIAL FIRST LINK
Our commitment to advancing digital playback technology stems from
our quest to develop ultimate performance audio systems. The component
front-end plays an essential role in the sonic outcome of a fine music
system. Achieving ultimate performance here, where the reconstruction of
the recorded event begins, is a Spectral priority.
The vital role a transport plays cannot be overstated. All
subsequent signal processing and amplification quality will be
determined by the ultimate ability of the transport to recover the
correct data from the disc, and deliver it without errors in timing.
This is a major engineering challenge. Until now, data losses and
introduction of timing errors (jitter) have plagued virtually all
digital playback systems. The Spectral SDR-3000 Reference Transport is a
quantum step forward in precision and quality, virtually eliminating
jitter and resolution losses.
A LOW LOSS SYSTEM
Conserving precious data resolution and eliminating timing errors
must be the overriding priority in CD transport design. Ironically,
there is little potential for achieving this in conventional disc
transports due to fundamental economic choices. Data loss and timing
errors are an inherent result of using mass-market drives and oscillator
systems which are insufficiently precise. Even elaborate implementations
will still exhibit compromises to disc rotational speed and radiate
noise which generates jitter. In large part, these compromises explain
the significant sonic differences evident among various CD transports.
To support the level of precision required in the SDR-3000
Transport, fundamental improvements in each basic transport section were
pursued. To ensure ultimate data integrity, the state-of-the-art CD
drive was sourced and modified to Spectral specifications. To eliminate
time-based distortions, interactive communication between SDR-3000 and
the digital decoder are accomplished by the Spectralink data system.
This high performance interface includes optically isolated clocking
lines to lock the SDR-3000 oscillator to the precision clock of the DAC.
Sophisticated power supplies and instrumentation type enclosure design
provide a precise foundation for transport performance. All the elements
come together in a system which ensures absolute accuracy of signal
recovery in the time domain: the basis for ultimate digital audio
reproduction.
THE SPECTRALINK DIFFERENCE
All digital interfaces on the SDR-3000 have been carefully optimized
to deliver the finest performance the interface standards allow.
For this reason, the SDR-3000 can perform superbly with a
variety of digital processors and interface cables. In addition
to standard format direct digital outputs such as SPDIF coax and
AES/EBU balanced, the SDR-3000 Transport supports Spectralink,
which integrates data and clock communication between transport
and processor. The unique Spectralink data interface cable
(optional) incorporates both high-speed balanced data
transmission and precision clock lines. This nine conductor
system features flexible cable construction with instrumentation
grade connectors and machined pin terminations. Internal
construction combines advanced dielectrics and sophisticated
shielding for exceptional data precision. The Spectralink cable
also incorporates automatic programming to actuate the
specialized Spectralink function in the SDR-3000 and isolate the
other outputs.
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A REFERENCE CD DRIVE
One conspicuous area of compromise among high-end audio CD
transports is the choice of the compact disc drive itself. Most high-end
transports rely on standard CD drives developed for mass-market
automobile and CD ROM applications. Although inexpensive, these drives
were never designed for the performance and durability requirements of
truly high-end audio. Plastic construction and optics are an undeniable
compromise in today's finest compact disc components.
Spectral engineers evaluated many premium drives and found virtually
all to be compromised by the imperatives of mid-fi cost constraints. A
cooperative effort between TEAC and Spectral has resulted in a custom
version of their finest hand built Esoteric drive, made exclusively for
the SDR-3000.
Unlike most available CD drives, the Spectral/Esoteric drive is
developed exclusively for high-end audio applications. Based on the low
production Esoteric P2s drive, the Spectral/Esoteric reflects a marriage
of state-of-the-art mechanical and opto-electrical performance.
Vibration-Free Rigid Disc Clamping (VRDS) allows the convenience of
front disc loading without the attendant performance compromise. (Most
other front loading drives use magnetic disc clamping, and the magnetic
puck seldom centers itself exactly, inducing mechanical vibration). The
VRDS clamping system offers full vibration damping of the sensitive
compact disc while eliminating the inconvenience of additional disc
weights and stabilizers commonly required with top-loading transports.
The VRDS system is a new generation design built to exacting
standards for Spectral. No other drive that we have evaluated offers the
data precision and mechanical quality achieved here. Superiority of the
Spectral/Esoteric drive starts with its full size die-cast zinc/bronze
disc turntable and stabilizer clamp which keeps disc and laser pickup in
their precise relative positions. Servo correction need only deal with
tracking the variable disc rotation speed because of the superb inertial
damping and stability of the turntable which employs a double-layer
construction of machined brass and aluminum. The overhead turntable's
heavy design and high precision clamp greatly reduce undesirable
vibration while its massive bearing and 6 mm spindle ensure excellent
rotational stability and long life.
The superstructure of the drive is cast from non-resonant zinc-alloy
including a massive 1 Kg base unit and vibration resistant bridge
assembly for the precision motor and bearing of the disc turntable. A
floating suspension system with sophisticated resonance damping
completes the state-of-the-art mechanicals.
The disc loading system also sets high standards for precision and
durability. Its non-resonant loader tray rides on twin polished
stainless steel linear bearing rods for positive disc control and long
life. This polished bearing loading mechanism is distinctly superior to
the weak plastic bearings found in conventional CD drives.
BALANCED CHASSIS DESIGN
Massive construction alone does not address the multiple dimensions
of resonance and vibration management required in a digital transport.
The enclosure design of the SDR-3000 is an essential element of
distortion control, and, as a result, signal integrity.
Multiple shield construction compartmentalizes sensitive transport
sections and limits noise coupling. Mechanical and harmonic disturbance
is eliminated through a critical series of laminated sections and
damping elements. Radius corner, welded aluminum chassis design detunes
resonant frequencies which can impact clocking and program signals. The
essential requirements for chassis rigidity and optimum vibration
control are carefully balanced in the SDR-3000.
QUIET POWER
The SDR-3000 has a sophisticated array of four power supplies to
individually support each section of the transport: CD drive and loader,
servo circuitry, display and control system, and the Spectralink
oscillator system. Extensive design detailing ensures that the elaborate
SDR-3000 power supply system isolates the ultra-quiet transport
electronics from the vagaries of all types of line-borne distortion and
noise as well as eliminating all emissions from the transport which
could affect other sensitive system components.
QUALITY IN DEPTH
Engineering refinement in the SDR-3000 Transport extends to the
quality of the user interface as well. The SDR-3000 front panel
is a model of understated elegance and useability, in the
Spectral tradition, with a hand polished satin front panel and
machined acrylic construction. Large alphanumeric displays
monitor the CD drive and playback functions, allowing visual
confirmation of remote operations.
Refinement is also reflected in the convenience and
precision of the 3000R remote control. The 3000R duplicates the
SDR-3000 front panel controls and offers full input keypad and
repeat functions. All metal construction of fully machined
aluminum alloy components and premium powder coat finishing
ensures rugged durability. The instrumentation grade momentary
switching used on the SDR-3000 front panel is also employed on
the 3000R remote for positive actuation and for long life
operation. Two infrared transmitter diodes maximize signal power
for extended operating range.
The SDR-3000 Reference Transport joins that select group of
reference components which most completely define our design
philosophy and represent our finest efforts. The SDR-3000
completes the Spectral Digital Reference system, representing
the coming age of digital audio as the musical medium of choice.
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SPECIFICATIONS
SDR-3000 Digital Transport
Front Panel Controls
•Load Selector
•Play Selector
•Stop Selector
•Pause Selector
•Operate/Standby Selector
•Time Display Function Selector
•Display Brightness Selector
•Scan Backward Selector
•Scan Forward Selector
•Previous Track Selector
•Next Track Selector
Rear Panel
•Digital Output AES/EBU (gold)
•Digital Output SP/DIF (gold)
•Spectralink Digital Interface
•Main Power switch
•AC Line Fuse
•IEC AC Power Connector
SDR-3000R Remote Control
Control Buttons
•Play Selector
•Stop Selector
•Pause Selector
•Scan Forward Selector
•Scan Backward Selector
•Next Track Selector
•Previous Track Selector
•Time Display Function Selector
•Display Brightness Selector
•Repeat Track Function Selector
•Numerical Entry Buttons
Signal Format: 44.1 kHz
Compact Disc Drive: Front load type with VRDS clamping system, diecast
alloy construction.
Disc Loader: Precision type with polished linear bearings
Pickup: Objective lens drive type with 3-beam laser pickup linear drive
servo
Wow and Flutter: Below measurable limit (accuracy of crystal)
Power Supply:
Line Voltage: 100 volts, 120 volts; 240 volts (factory set)
AC Voltage Range: ±10%
Quiescent Consumption: 45 Watts
Operating Temperature: 0° to 50° Celsius range; 32° to 122° Farenheit
AC Main Fuse: 5 x 20mm 1A slo-blo
Dimensions: 5 7/8"H x 19"W x 16 1/3"D; (14.9 cm x 48.2 cm x 41.5 cm)
Weight: 46 lbs. (20.9 KG)
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