Connections - Emotiva ERC-4 User Manual

Connections

The ERC-4 may be connected as a stand-alone audiophile CD player, as a digital audio CD
transport, and as a DAC which accepts digital audio from other sources. All outputs on the ERC4,
including both balanced and unbalanced analog audio outputs, and digital audio outputs, remain
active at all times.
Using the ERC-4 as an audiophile CD player
To use the ERC-4 as an audiophile CD player, simply connect either the balanced (XLR) or
unbalanced (RCA) stereo analog audio outputs to a line level analog input on your stereo
preamp or a pre/pro. If your preamp has both types of inputs available, balanced connections are
generally preferred. Both the balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) analog audio outputs on the
ERC-4 remain active at all times.
Note: The analog outputs of the ERC-4 are designed to be connected to the inputs of a preamp
or pre/pro that includes a volume control. DO NOT connect the outputs of the ERC-4 directly to
the inputs of a power amplifier without a volume control; damage to your amplifier or speakers
may result.
Note: On most preamps and pre/pros, all of the line level analog inputs are similar; you can use
an input labelled Aux or Line In if your preamp doesn't have an available CD input.
Using the ERC-4 as a digital audio CD transport
To use the ERC-4 as a digital audio CD transport, simply connect one of the digital audio outputs
to an appropriate digital audio input on your favorite DAC or pre/pro. All of the digital outputs are
active at all times, and all carry the same signal.
Note: Even though the coaxial output uses a standard RCA type audio connector, it carries a
digital signal, so we recommend that you use a cable intended for DIGITAL audio to connect
it to an external DAC or other decoder (pre/pro). A regular analog audio cable may work over
short distances, but performance and sound quality may be compromised.
Using the ERC-4 as a digital to analog converter (DAC)
To use the ERC-4 as a DAC, simply connect your digital audio source to one of the digital inputs
on the ERC-4. The coax S/PDIF and optical S/PDIF inputs are separate, may be individually
selected, and may be connected to different sources at the same time. Both digital audio inputs
support two channel PCM stereo digital audio from 16/44k up to 24/192k. Digital audio from
the selected input will be decoded by the audiophile quality DAC in the ERC-4, and the resulting
analog audio will be delivered via the analog outputs. In addition, the digital input signal will also
be passed through the ERC-4, and delivered unchanged via the digital outputs.
Emotiva ERC-4
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