5
Rear Panel Connections and Controls
Always disconnect the AC cords to your Zcd and power amplifier(s) before making or
changing any input, output or trigger wire connections.
Inserting or removing an input or
output cable while the Zcd or power amplifiers are turned on can result in a blast of sound that
can damage your loudspeakers. Make sure there is no strain or tension on any cables that
could cause them to pull loose. The Zcd has many different types of audio and control
connections, some of which you may not be familiar with. Please read this section thoroughly
before making any connections.
Audio Output Connections
There are 2 pairs of analog outputs, Variable and Fixed, and 2 digital outputs, coaxial and
optical. The connections you use will depend on your particular system and how you plan to
use the Zcd. Sound quality will vary depending on the type of connection you use. Use the
highest quality connection that your particular playback system supports.
Analog Out Jacks – Variable [Good Quality]
The Analog Out Variable jacks carry the analog audio signal at an output level which can be
controlled by the Zcd’s remote control. Because you can control the level of these outputs, you
can connect them directly to your power amplifier without any preamp. Use the volume up and
down buttons on the Zcd remote to control the sound level. The variable outputs should only be
used if you do not have a preamp or other means of controlling the volume. Using the variable
outputs in conjunction with a preamp will decrease sound quality since there will be two volume
controls in the signal path.
Analog Out Jacks – Fixed [Better Quality]
The Analog Out Fixed jacks carry the analog audio signal at a fixed level that is comparable to
the fixed level analog output on any typical CD player. These are the preferred jacks for
connection to a preamplifier or whole house audio system because the output is not affected by
the volume control buttons on the Zcd remote and is also higher quality than the variable output.
Digital Out Connectors [Best Quality]
The Zcd is equipped with both a Coax (coaxial) and Opt (optical) output connections. These
outputs carry a standard S/PDIF digital signal allowing you to use a separate DAC or a home
theater receiver to convert the digital signal into analog. They are compatible with any unit with
an optical “toslink” input or a “coax” input. If you use the coax output you should use a 75 ohm
interconnect that is specifically made for digital signals; a standard video cable is also
compatible. There is no difference in sound quality between the optical and coaxial outputs.
The volume buttons on the remote do not affect the digital outputs.
