User Manual

Introduction

The Model 1703 Demonstration Audio Player plays MP3, FLAC, OGG, and WAV files for high-fidelity audio demonstrations of headphones, speaker docks, and sound bars. It is ideal for use with one or more Audio Authority audio distribution amplifiers. It features a Toslink digital output with variable volume and two analog audio outputs that can be adjusted individually or together. Track selection and volume adjustment are managed via push buttons and/or rotary control knobs. The Model 1795 Visual Volume™ knob (purchased separately) provides visual feedback with its glow ring.

Device Layout Description: The top panel of the Model 1703 unit displays various ports and controls. Key labels include: CUSTOMER INPUT, DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT, ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT 1, ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT 2, 12V POWER INPUT, STATUS LED, CONTROL PORT, MEDIA CARD (SD/HC/XC) slot, PLAY MODE switches (numbered 1-8), VOLUME KNOB 1, VOLUME KNOB 2, NEXT TRACK, and PREVIOUS TRACK buttons. Buttons for volume adjustment are labeled VOL 1+/-, VOL 2+/-.

Connections and Controls

The unit features the following input and output ports:

• CUSTOMER INPUT: Accepts input from devices with a 3.5mm analog output.
• DIGITAL AUDIO OUTPUT: Optical Toslink output for PCM two-channel audio.
• ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT 1 & 2: Two analog audio outputs.
• 12V POWER INPUT: For connecting the power supply.
• STATUS LED: Indicates operational status. Refer to the Audio Authority website for troubleshooting.
• CONTROL PORT: Reserved for Model 1795 Rotary Control; do not connect other controls here.
• MEDIA CARD (SD/HC/XC): Slot for SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards.

Controls include:

• VOLUME KNOBS (Model 1794 Rotary Controls): Rotate to control volume and press to select the next track.
• Push Buttons: Used for volume adjustment and track selection. Available in 4-wire or 2-wire configurations, some with illuminated LED rings.
• Visual Volume™ (Model 1795 Rotary Control): Offers visual feedback via a glow ring that indicates volume changes.

Play Mode Switches (1-8): These DIP switches configure the player's behavior. The functions are:

• Switch 8: SWITCHING MODE
• Switches 6 & 7: DEFAULT VOLUME
• Switch 5: LOUDNESS
• Switch 4: LINK VOLUME
• Switch 3: CONTINUOUS PLAY
• Switches 1 & 2: TIMEOUT SETTINGS

Play Mode switches can be set to ON or OFF. To adjust a switch to the ON position, use a small screwdriver.

Control Types Illustrated: The manual shows examples of an illuminated push-button, a Model 1794 rotary control, and a Model 1795 Visual Volume™ rotary control.

Button and Rotary Control Functions

Volume control can be managed via rotary knobs or up/down push-buttons. Digital Output and Analog Output 1 volumes are synchronized. For individual control of Output 1 and 2, use two Model 1794 rotary controls or two sets of push buttons. A single control can manage all outputs using Model 1795 (Linked Volume).

• Volume Up/Down 1: Adjusts Output 1 volume.
• Volume Up/Down 2: Adjusts Output 2 volume.
• Next Track: Plays the next track on the SD card. If no demo is playing, it starts with the first track.
• Previous Track: Plays the previous track on the SD card. If no demo is playing, it starts with the first track.
• Rotary Control (Model 1794): Push to play next track, turn to adjust volume.
• Rotary Control with Glow Ring (Model 1795): Connects to the Control Port. Push to play next track, turn to adjust volume. Can control Analog Outputs 1 and 2 simultaneously (Linked Volume). In "Attract Mode", the 1795 glow ring pulses until a demo is activated, unless in continuous play mode.

Play Modes Configuration

Configure the player's behavior using the Play Mode Switches (1-8). If a switch position is shown with a dash, it can be set to ON or OFF for that feature.

Timeout Settings

When Switches 1 and/or 2 are ON, the demo ends after a period of inactivity. The timeout interval is the time from the last button press or knob turn until the demo ends and attract mode begins. Switch 3 (Continuous Play) being ON prevents the demo from stopping.

Timeout ON = 1 MINUTE SWITCH SETTINGS:

Timeout ON = 2 MINUTES SWITCH SETTINGS:

Timeout ON = 3 MINUTES SWITCH SETTINGS:

NO TIMEOUT (OFF) SWITCH SETTINGS:

Continuous Play

When Switch 3 is ON, the player continuously plays and repeats all tracks on the SD card at the last set volume. Default Volume and Timeout settings can still apply.

CONTINUOUS PLAY SWITCH SETTINGS:

Volume Reset

When Continuous Play and Timeout are active, the player returns to the chosen volume after a timeout, then continues playing at the default volume.

QUIET -30dB VOLUME RESET SWITCH SETTINGS:

MEDIUM -20dB VOLUME RESET SWITCH SETTINGS:

LOUD -10dB VOLUME RESET SWITCH SETTINGS:

FULL VOLUME 0dB VOLUME RESET SWITCH SETTINGS:

Linked Volume

When Switch 4 is OFF (default), each output has separate volume controls. Turning Switch 4 ON enables Linked Volume, allowing any volume control interface to adjust both analog and digital outputs simultaneously.

LINKED VOLUME SWITCH SETTINGS:

Loudness

Switch 5 enables a DSP preset that boosts bass frequency at 300Hz by +5dB and treble frequency at 7 kHz by +5dB. This enhances audio at low volumes and can be used with other play modes.

LOUDNESS SWITCH SETTINGS:

Fixed Volume

When Switches 6 and 7 are ON, the volume is set to the highest output level, allowing attenuation by an external device like the Model 1715 or 1725A distribution amplifiers.

Switching Mode

Switch 8, when ON, enables demonstration of two products separately. Adjusting Volume 1 or 2 via knobs or buttons selects that specific output.

SWITCHING MODE SWITCH SETTINGS:

Customer Input and Digital Audio Output

The 1703 accepts input from any device with a 3.5mm analog output, such as an MP3 player. It automatically detects the connected device and overrides its internal player.

The digital audio output connects to digital devices accepting PCM two-channel audio via an optical cable, such as the Audio Authority 1725A Soundbar Demonstrator. The digital audio volume follows the settings of Analog Output 1.

SD Card Compatibility and Formatting

The 1703 is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (2GB to 64GB). Format cards in FAT-32 or exFAT. Most SD cards come pre-formatted in FAT-16.

Note: Do not place music files in directories or folders on the SD card.

SD Card Formatting Instructions

For Windows®:

• Insert SD card into PC card slot.
• Navigate to Start -> (My) Computer.
• Right-click the SD card drive letter.
• Select Format from the drop-down menu.
• Choose FAT-32 or exFAT as the File System.
• Check the Quick Format box.
• Click Start.
• Confirm by clicking Yes in the dialog box.

For Macintosh®:

• Insert an SD card into the card slot.
• Launch Disk Utility.
• Select the SD card in the left-hand panel.
• Choose Erase in the top-right panel.
• Select exFAT or MSDOS FAT from the drop-down menu.
• Click the Erase button.

MP3, FLAC, and WAV Audio File Information

To convert audio files, use the following encoders:

• FLAC: https://xiph.org/flac/
• MP3: http://lame.sourceforge.net/
• OGG: https://www.xiph.org/ogg/
• WAV: Microsoft WAV (PCM + IMA ADPCM)

Requirements for audio files:

• Files must be in the root directory of a compatible and properly formatted SD card.
• Maximum file name length is 32 characters.
• File extensions must be .wav, .flac, .ogg, or .mp3.
• MP3 files: Variable or constant bit rate (up to 320 kbps / 48 kHz).
• WAV files: PCM 16 bit, sample rates from 44 to 48 kHz.
• OGG files: Up to 32 bit, 48 kHz, quality 10.
• FLAC files: 16 bit at 44 or 48 kHz, or 24 bit at 44 kHz.

Note: The 1703 does not support multi-channel audio files (e.g., DTS® or Dolby Digital®).

Installation

• Read these instructions and set the Play Mode switches for desired demo behavior (see page 3).
• Attach the player to a flat surface using the provided screws.
• Load audio files onto a compatible and properly formatted SD card. Supported formats include MP3, FLAC, OGG, or WAV with appropriate file extensions.
• If specific play order is required, copy each track to the card individually.
• Connect desired push-buttons for volume adjustment or track selection. Buttons can be four-wire or two-wire and may be illuminated (2-5 volt LED).
• Connect 4-wire rotary controls (Audio Authority part numbers 1794 and 1795) for volume control and next track selection.
• Connect the power supply to AC power and then to the 1703 power port.
• For initial testing, connect audio output to headphones or another audio device to verify functionality and timeout settings.
• Connect audio output(s) to an amplifier, headphone amplifier, or switching system as needed.
• For troubleshooting tips, visit the Audio Authority website: audioauthority.com/product_details/1703.

1703 TIPS