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SCD-XA5400ES SA-CD/CD Player
Technical Background
Version 1.0; Jun 23, 2008
Introduction
In 1985, the engineers of Sony ES surprised the world of high fidelity. The Sony CDP-650ES
was the world's first CD transport with a digital output, enabling unheard-of sound quality and
unprecedented flexibility in audio system configuration.
In 2008, the engineers of Sony ES have done it again.
The SCD-XA5400ES is Sony's first Super Audio CD player to provide an uncompressed digital output
via HDMI for the Super Audio CD's Direct Stream Digital™ signal with H.A.T.S.. This is a HDMI digital
output, compatible not only with Sony's own STR-DA6400ES receiver, but also with latest generation of
outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio companies. In this way, the Sony SCD-XA5400ES
helps deliver Super Audio CD sound with effortless clarity, transparency, impact and presence.
For owners who will connect the player to conventional receivers and amplifiers, Sony has
equipped the SCD-XA5400ES with a six separate SA DAC chips that deliver the precision of 12 DACs.
With either digital or analog outputs, the SCD-XA5400ES establishes a new and altogether higher
standard in music reproduction.
HDMI Digital Output.........................
DSD Decoder LSI...........................
DSD DISC Playback.........................
Audio Technology for Analog Outputs
Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC)..........
Audio Circuit Boards......................
Balanced Out Put Terminals.................
Construction & Design
Discrete Dual Laser Optical Pickup............
Twin R Core Transformers..................
Frame and Beam (FB) Chassis...............
Black Cascade Design.....................
Features and Specifications....................
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HDMI Digital Output
From the initial launch of Super Audio Compact Disc, the 1-bit DSD pulse train was always
converted to analog prior to output. While previous Super Audio CD players did include conventional
coaxial and optical digital outputs, these outputs handled CD signals exclusively. The
SCD-XA5400ES is Sony's first SA-CD player to provide a digital output via HDMI for the 1-bit DSD
signal.
The H.A.T.S. function, which was applied for iLink, was not included in HDMI in the past. So we
have newly developed what we call "H.A.T.S. for HDMI" for our new Super Audio CD players.
HDMI is the abbreviated name for High-Definition Multimedia Interface. It is an interface which
transmits video and audio signals in digital format. With signals remaining in a pure digital state, you ll
be assured of the highest level of quality, enjoying displays with improved color reproduction and
picture detail with supports the resolution of the image up to 1080i. HDMI also offers convenient
plug-and-play capability with a single cable connection, reducing the cable clutter usually found behind
home entertainment centers. HDMI Pass through* does not decrypt and encrypted HDMI signal, digital
video and audio are not obtained. User can get the audio from AV receiver by connect the digital audio
from AV components to the receiver.
SA-CD
D/A
convert
Digital Signal
Speakers
Amplifier
SA-CD Player
A/D
convert
DSP
D/A
convert
LPF
Volume
Analog
Power
Amp
Analog Signal
Typical SA-CD reproduction involves numerous D/A and A/D conversions.
connection can simplify the signal path.
The HDMI digital
This HDMI digital output is compatible with the HDMI digital input on Sony's own
STR-DA6400ES as well as a growing number of outboard D/A converters from other high-end audio
companies. The HDMI interface maintains the signal in the digital domain and can protect the signal
from repeated D/A and A/D conversions. The HDMI interface also enables a single digital cable to
take the place of six analog cables.
Use of a category 2 HDMI cable with this device is recommended.
SCD-XA5400ES White Paper, v 1.0
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A portion of the back panel showing the stereo analog unbalanced outputs (lower center),analog
balanced outputs(lower both ends), optical and coaxial digital outputs for CD (upper right), HDMI
digital output for Super Audio CD (upper center).
<Matrix of Output>
Playback Area/Layer
Out Put
Analog Output
L
Terminal
R
(2ch/Bal.)
L(2ch)
R(2ch)
FL
HDMI Output
FR
Terminal
SL
*1
SR
CENTER
SW
SACD
2ch Area
SACD
Mch Area
CD
Hybrid CD Layer
○
○
○
○
○ *2
○ *2
○ *2
*1：Audio output is done only at HDMI ON (Only the HDMI output terminal is effective) mode
（Both Mch area and 2ch area can be selected.）
*2：Output only for DISC where each channel is included in the Mch area.
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4
2
3
1
Internal layout of the SCD-XA5400ES as seen from the back. Notice the R-Core power transformers
(1), the digital circuit (2), the analog audio circuits (3), and the HDMI output circuit (4), near the center
of the back panel.
The HDMI digital audio interface uses Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), a robust
system that protects the music from piracy.
You can only connect the SCD-XA5400ES HDMI output to a compatible digital audio input, such as that
on the STR-DA6400ES receiver.
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The HDMI output circuit incorporates a dedicated Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI), Sony's
CXD9927R.
The design of the interface is exceptional because communicating six streams of 2.8224 MHz
digital samples raises exceptional challenges. Conveying 1-bit signals at such high data rates and
synchronizing the signals with the other component's master clock would normally expose the signal to
the time-base errors called jitter. These errors translate directly into time-based distortion of the audio
waveform.
The connection from the SCD-XA5400ES to the STR-DA6400ES receiver overcomes this
challenge with the High quality digital Audio Transmission System (HATS). HATS uses
"command-based rate control of isochronous data flow" to solve the problem. The system
incorporates three principal elements.
1. Variable-speed transmission from the player.
2. Buffer memory in the receiver.
3. Command signals from the receiver to the player, controlling transmission speed.
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With Sony HATS, audio data flows from the player to the receiver's buffer memory, according to rate
control commands from the receiver. Reproduction in the receiver achieves the full time base
accuracy of the receiver's quartz crystal master clock.
In this way, HATS makes it unnecessary to synchronize a jitter-prone signal with the receiver
master clock. Instead, the buffer memory outputs a jitter-free signal at the full quartz-crystal accuracy
of the receiver's master clock. You get all the benefits of digital transmission, without exposing the
signal to the potential for jitter-induced distortion.
Control logic writes data from the player to RAM in sequence and reads data to DAC.
CD/SA-CD player and receiver clocks are basically only a few tens of ppm off; but they are not
completely matching, so the reading address and writing address eventually become unaligned. Control
logic monitors that; and if the data in the SD-RAM become more or less than the prescribed setting
value, flow information telling the CD/SA-CD player to slow down or speed up the operation mode is
output.
The CD/SA-CD player that receives the flow information changes its operation mode, making the
data transfer rate faster or slower. With that, memory reverts back to its original state in a few seconds,
and this is repeated.
As a result, we were able to achieve:
a) Drastic improvement on "Sound Purity" and "Sound stage".
b) Better "Focus" and "Airy Volume".
c) Added more "Strength in Bass" which made "Higher Sound reproduction status".
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HDMI connect image
XA5400E
S
DSD with
H.A.T.S.
DS
D
Decimate DSD
to
Linear PCM
SCD-XA5400ES White Paper, v 1.0
DS
D
DS
D
DS
D
L.PC
M
L.PC
M
L.PC
M
L.PC
M
L.PC
M
DA6400E
S
DA5400E
S
DA4400E
S
DA3400E
S
DA2400E
S
DG92
0
DG82
0
DG72
0
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DSD Decoder LSI
The SCD-XA5400ES processes and decodes the 1-bit signal using DSD decoder LSI. As it has
a 1 chip structure to HDMI transmitter/digital servo/DSD decoder/HATS, no connector cables need to
be strung, allowing digital jitter to be suppressed.
This integrated circuit makes intelligent decisions regarding the incoming data to form the 1-bit audio
signal. The LSI first reads the Watermark—a feature protecting Super Audio Compact Discs from
piracy—and then decodes the incoming data. The LSI uses a buffer memory to take data that's output
intermittently from the disc and rearrange it into continuous 1-bit audio streams. The streams are
output according to the master clock signal from the audio circuit board. The LSI also reads sub code
data such as the Table of Contents, track number, track time, and text.
Multi-channel DSD decoding is handled Integrated circuit (LSI).
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DSD Disc Playback
The SCD-XA5400ES has a function to play back discs recorded with DSD discs created on
VAIO which installed Sonic Stage Mastering Studio and Sound Reality.
DSD discs are DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, or DVD+RW disc media compatible with DVD-ROM, on
which files with the dsf extension are saved.
The SCD-XA5400ES achieves playback according to the intended purpose with DSF files as
tracks and folders containing DSF files as albums.
DSF files can be read, so DSD format recorded with pro-grade recording equipment and sound
sources recoded with 1-bit recorders and converted to DSF files can be easily played back.
With DSD discs, it may take an extremely long time to access files if there are a large number of
folders on the disc, many layers of folders, or many files in a folder. In that case, it is recommended to
put DSF files directly in the DSD DISC folder and limit the number of files to 20 or fewer.
<Basic Functions>
Function to play back discs recorded with DSD files.
Files with the dsf extension in the DSD_DISC folder on the DSD disc are DSD files. Files other
than the DSD_DISC folder are ignored even if they have dsf extensions.
The file and folder structure has the /DSD_DISC folder in the ROOT directory, and subfolders and DSD
files under that. According to the specification, it is recommended that DSD files be under the
subfolders; but the spec for this set allows the files to also be directly under the DSD_DISC folder.
Only DSD_DISC folders directly under the ROOT apply.
ROOT
DSD_DISC
DSF FILE
Album1
Album2
♪
Song1_1.dsf
♪
Song1_2.dsf
♪
Song2_1.dsf
♪
Song2_2.dsf
* In this set, the DSD file playlist is not supported.
DSD files are tracks, and folders with the DSD files are albums to achieve playback according to
the intended purpose.
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Users can set the folder and file names.
See Compatible DSD File Formats for naming rules.
The playback order for DSD files in folders is the same as that of DATA CD (MP3) for 08DAV:
ascending order by track name.
<Compatible formats>
○Types of media
Media is DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, or DVD+RW discs compatible with DVD-ROM.
○Extension
dsf
○File system
Compatible with UDF1.02 or UDF1.02 Bridge
○Volume identifier
The volume identifier is the disc name, and shall use UNICODE according to UDF1.02 specification.
Length is 32 bytes.
○Directory structure
/DSD_DISC is created under the ROOT directory, and subdirectories and media files are deployed
under that. There is no discrimination between capital and lower case letters for the name of the
DSD_DISC folder.
○Folder & File names
Use UNICODE according to UDF1.02 specification.
Up to 126 bytes of file name (track name) can be displayed. Folder name (album name) display is
not supported.
○Handling of files other than DSD files
DSD files are the only media files types supported, and files other than DSD files will not be subject
to playback. (Files not included in total number of tracks.)
<Determining disc>
If there is no DSD_DISC folder after the disc is read, the disc will not be playable.
In that case, CANNOT PLAY will be displayed on the FL bar.
If there is a DSD_DISC folder, but no DSD files, the disc will not be playable.
In that case, CANNOT PLAY will be displayed on the FL bar.
If there is a DSD_DISC folder and at least one DSD file in the DSD_DISC folder, the disc will be
handled as a DSD disc.
Folders with no DSD files in the subfolders of a DSD disc will not be subject to playback. (Files
not included in total number of albums.)
*With 08DAV, folders with no MP3 and JPEG files are not included in total number of folders, so this is
of similar specs.
Media files that cannot be played back (files that have dsf extensions, but the content is incorrect) are
skipped. In that case, nothing is displayed on the FL bar. (Same specs as 08DAV.)
<Folder structure>
With DSD discs of the folder structure shown in the following diagram, album numbers are
assigned in order from (1) to (10).
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Also, DSD file track numbers are similar to those of DATA CD (MP3) for 08DAV, and they are assigned
in ascending order by track name of DSD files in folders.
Note that if there are DSD files directly under the DSD_DISC folder, they are recognized as files in the
DSD-DISC folder. The first album will be DSD_DISC; but if there is no DSD file in the DSD_DISC
folder, the first album with a DSD file will be the first album.
Layer 1
Layer 2
Layer 3
Layer 4 (Max: Layer 8)
(1)
ROOT
DSD_DISC
DSF FILE
♪
1-1
(2)
(3)
2-1
(4)
3-1
(5)
1-2
(6)
2-2
(7)
1-3
(8)
1-4
(9)
2-4-1
2-4-2
(10
)
<Max. number of files and folders>
Files: Up to 150 files
Folders: Up to 150 folders
Layers: Up to 8 layers
<DSD file playback method>
As with SA-CD and CDDA, playback is started by pressing the [PLAY] button after the disc is
read, and playback is paused by pressing the [PAUSE] button during playback.
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<Playback control>
AMS
Operate by the [JOG+/-], [NEXT], and [PREV] buttons.
<[NEXT], [JOG +]>
A track will proceed to the next track when the [NEXT] button on the remote controller or [JOG+] on the
set itself is pressed.
1st TRACK
2nd TRACK
3rd TRACK
last TRACK
When the [NEXT] button or [JOG+] is pressed at the last track in an album if there is a next album, the
track will jump to the first track in the next album.
ALBUM 1
1st TRACK
ALBUM 2
last TRACK
1st TRACK
last TRACK
<[PREV], [JOG-]>
A track will return to the beginning of the track currently being played back when the [PREV] button on
the remote controller or [JOG-] on the set itself is pressed. Furthermore, a track will move to the
preceding track when the [PREV] button on the remote controller or [JOG-] on the set itself is again
pressed within one second.
1st TRACK
2nd TRACK
3rd TRACK
last TRACK
When the [PREV] button is pressed at the first track in an album if there is a previous album, the track
will jump to the first track in the previous album. The album cannot be selected.
ALBUM 1
1st TRACK
ALBUM 2
last TRACK
1st TRACK
last TRACK
FF/FR
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<FF>
Whenever [FF] on the remote controller is pressed, the speed switches in the order: FF1, FF2, FF1.
FF1 speed is less than FF2.
Scan Forward
1st TRACK
2nd TRACK
3rd TRACK
last TRACK
Within an album, FF operations spanning tracks continue.
FF spanning albums is not possible.
will resume.
If an album moves the next album during FF, normal playback
ALBUM 1
1st TRACK
ALBUM 2
Scan Forward
Normal Payback
last TRACK
1st TRACK
last TRACK
<FR>
Whenever [FR] on the remote controller is pressed, the speed switches in the order: FR1, FR2, FR1.
FR1 speed is less than FR2.
Within an album, FR operations spanning tracks continue.
Scan Reverse
1st TRACK
2nd TRACK
3rd TRACK
last TRACK
FR spanning albums is not possible. If using FR to the beginning of the album, normal playback will
resume.
Normal Playback
ALBUM 1
ALBUM 2
Scan Reverse
1st TRACK
last TRACK
1st TRACK
last TRACK
<Play Mode>
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CONTINUE MODE is the only PLAY MODE. SHUFFLE MODE is not supported.
<REPEAT Playback>
Repeat of one track and all tracks on the disc are supported. Album repeat is not supported.
<TIME/TEXT Display>
Only TRACK TEXT is supported for the TEXT display of DSD files.
During playback
The number of an album currently being played back, the number of a track currently being played
back, and time elapsed for the track are displayed.
Press the TIME/TEXT button during playback, and the FL bar display switches as follows.
Album number / Track number / Track time elapsed
TRACK TEXT
During a pause
Total number of albums is displayed.
Pressing the TIME/TEXT button during a pause will be invalid, and the caution “Not In Use” will be
displayed on the FL bar.
< SA-CD/CD switching>
DSD files do not have SA-CD or CD layers, so SA-CD/CD switching is not supported.
<2ch/Mch area switching>
There is no differentiation between 2ch area and Mch area on DSD files, so 2ch/Mch area switching is
not supported.
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Audio Technology for Analog Outputs
While the provision of an HDMI digital interface for Super Audio CD signals is a technological
tour de force, compatible equipment is just beginning to become available. Clearly, many owners of
the SCD-XA5400ES will be enjoying Super Audio CD through analog outputs and balanced outputs.
For this reason, Sony has developed sophisticated technology to provide an analog output of
superlative linearity, with extraordinary freedom from noise, interference and jitter-induced distortion.
The result is unsurpassed music reproduction, no matter which outputs you use.
Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC)
Some fortunate owners will use the SCD-XA5400ES connected via HDMI digital interface to the
Sony STR-DA6400ES, in which case the player's internal D/A converters will go unused. However, in
the absence of an amplifier or receiver equipped with a HDMI interface, owners will be using the analog
outputs of the SCD-XA5400ES, in which case the player's on-board D/A converters will exert a pivotal
influence on sound quality.
Multi channel Super Audio CDs present the player with six separate channels—all recorded with
exactly the same superb quality as two-channel Super Audio CD. That's why the SCD-XA5400ES
incorporates six channels of Sony's Super Audio D/A Converter (SA DAC). The circuit delivers
superlative performance for multi-channel SA-CD, two-channel SA-CD and CD reproduction.
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