Nakamichi

Ch hu/Ch- ......u
Control Amplifier
Owner's Manual

Nak mlchl is prod ucing Hi-R equi pment for 52 countries of the world.

Man y countries have safety reg ulations, to which Nakamichi has to comply during production.

The add itional mentioning of "A" on your model means that Ihis product has been produced according

to the requirements In the Uni ted States of the Underwri tes Laboratories (UL), as well as other

appl icable state and Federal safety standards.

Withi n the United States, Nakamlchi has authorized Its local di stributors to offer warra nties only on

products which have been produced for th e United States market in accordance with the foregoin g

standards.

Notice to Purchasers of the Model CA-sn :

Reference In th e illustrations and the text Is made to "CA-5 An," but operation and functions are
completely Identical to your model.

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 Congratulations!

A
You have chosen a truly outstanding product. The Nakamlchi CA-5AlI is a control
amplifier deSigned to provide superior performance and utterly pure Signal
RISK OF ELECTRI[
SHOCK. OOHOTDPEH I
transmission , It achieves this aim without relying on a large amount of negative
feedback, The Multi-Regulated Power Supply and Isolated-Ground principle effectively
---CAUTION--­ eliminate crosstalk and interference arising in the power supply. Only strictly selected,
high quality parts are used throughout, such as metal-film resistors and circuit boards
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF with oxygen-free copper traces, Circui t design is Simple and effective. The ultimate
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT result is music reproduction without the slightest trace of coloralion .
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO In order 10 take full advantage of this unit's superior performance, please read this
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE manual in its entirety and retain it for future reference,
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
Thank you ,
SERVICE PERSONNEL Nakamlchi Corporation.

The lightning fl as h with arrowhead

A. symbol, Withi n an equilateral tri angle, is

in tended to alert the user of the presence

of un in sufatea "d angerou s voltage"

Please record the Model Number and Serial

Number in the space provided below and
Model Number and Serial Number are located

on the rear panel of the unit.

wit hin the produ ct's enclosu re , th at m y

retain these numbers. Model Number : CA-
~~~ 5~AIl
e;./CA
~::.:..!..5n
-:::;~_ _ _ __

be of suffic ient magnitude to con stitut e a

Serial Number: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _
risk of elect ric shock to persons.

The excla mation poin t with in an

equ il atera l tri angle IS Int ended to alert
the user 01 the presen ce of Important
operating and ma int nance (serv ic ing)
Instruct ions, in t he literat ure Safety Instructions
accompan ying the appli ance.

The following safety instructions have been polarization means of an appliance is not
WARNING Included in compliance with safety standard
regulations, Please read them carefu ll y,
defeated.
12,Power-Cord Protection -Power- supply
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK
1. Read Instructions - Ali the safety and cords should be routed so that they are not
HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE
operating instructions should be read likely to be walked on or pinched by items
THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR placed upon or against them, paying
before the appliance is operated.
MOISTURE. 2. Retain instructions - The safety and particular attention to cords at plugs,
operating instructions should be retained conveni ence receptacles, and the point
This equipment generates and uses rad io for future reference, where they exit from the appliance.
frequency energy and If not in stall ed and used 3. Heed Warnings - Adhere to all warn ings on 13.Cleaning- The appliance should be cleaned
properly, that is, in st rict accordance with the the appliance and in the operating only as recommended by the manufacturer.
man ufact urer's instruct ions, may cause instructions. 14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the
interference to radiO and television reception . It 4. Follow Instructions -All operating and use appliance should be unplugged from the
has been type tested and found to comply wi th instructions should be followed, outlet when left unused for a long period of
the limits for a Class B computing device in 5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should time.
accordance wit h the specifi cations in Subpart not be used near water -for example, near 15.0bject and Li quid Entry - Care should be
J of Part 15 of FCC Ru les , whi ch are deSign d a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry taken so that objects do not fall and liquids
to provi de reasonable prot ecti on against such tub, in a wei basement, or near a swimming are not spil led into the enclosure through
interference in a residential installation. pool, etc. openings.
However, there is no guarantee tha t 6 . Carts and Stands - The appliance should be 16.0amage Requ iring Service - The appliance
interference wi ll not occur in a particu lar used only with a cart or stand that is should be serviced by qualifi ed service
install ation. If this equipment does cause recommended by the manufacturer. personnel when :
interferen ce to radi o or television recept ion, 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance A The power-suppl y cord or the plug has
whi ch can be determined by turning the should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only been damaged; or,
equ ipment off and on, the user is encouraged as recommended by Ihe manufacturer, B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been
to try to correct the interference by one or S Venti lation - The appliance should be spilled into the appliance; or,
more of the fol lowing measures : situated so that its location or positi on does C. The appliance has been exposed to
- reorien t the receivi ng antenna not interfere with Its proper ven ti lation. For rain; or,
- relocate this equipment wi th respect to the example, the appliance should not be 0 , The appliance does not appear to
rece iver situated on a bed, sofa, rug or similar operate normally or exhibits a marked
move th is equipment awa y from th e recei ver surface that may block the ventilation change in performance; or,
plug thi s equipment into a different ou ti et openings; or placed in a built -In installation, E. The appliance has been dropped, or th e
so that equipment an d receiver are on such as a bookcase or cabinet that may enclosure damaged.
different branch cirCUits . impede the flow of air through the 17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to
If necessary, Ihe user shoul d cons ult the ventilation openings. service the appliance beyond that
dealer or an experienced radloltelevision 9, Heat - The appliance should be situated described In the operating instruction . All
technician for additional suggestions. The user away from heat sources such as radiators, other serviCing should be referred to
may fi nd the following booklet prepared by the heat registers, stoves, or other appliances qualified service personnel.
Federal Commu nications Commission helpful : (including amplifiers) which produce heat.
"How to Identify and Resolve Radio-TV 1 O,Power Sources - The appliance should be
Interference Problems". Caring for the Exterior Panels
connected to a power supply only of the
This booklet is avai lable from the U.S. type described in the operating Instructions Caring for the exterior panels of th e unit
Government Pri ntin g Office, Wash ington, DC or as marked on the appliance. should be limited to wipi ng with a soft.
20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4 11.Grounding or Polarization-precautions
dry cloth . AVOid using solvents or
should be taken so that the grounding or
alcohol-based cleaners.

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 Controls and Features

Power Indicator o Output Level (Volume) Control

Power Switch

r:..J\"SAIl ~u.1t· u. A," I't..... ;:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::j:::::::::::::::::::::::+:::::::::::::::+=::::::::::::~:::::::;;p;;;;_~"::=::'...J

Tuner Input Jacks

Auxiliary Input Jacks

Phono Input Jacks Tape Deck 1 Playback (Input) Jacks

Tape Deck 2 Playback (Input) Jacks
Une Output Jacks 2

UtIL

.. 10<0 .. . . ~ ....

CD Input Jacks Una Output Jacks 1

Ground Terminal -{ Tape Deck 2 Recording (Output) Jacks
\) . .~ C Tape Deck 1 Recording (Output) Jacks AC Power Connector

o Tone Controls C) Tape Monitor Switch o Cartridge load/Gain Selector

Serve to adjust the tonal balance. By turning Tape 1 For playback of a tape deck When a moving-magnet cartridge is used, th is
a knob clockw ise, the respective range is connected to the Tape 1 jacks. switch selects the termination capacitance.
emphasIzed, and by turning it one word the Tape 2 For playback of a tape deck With moving-coil cartridges, th e switch
frequenc ies are attenuated. To actil/ate the connected to the Tape 2 jacks. controls the gain of the head amplifier.
tone control circuits. set the Tone switch to Source To listen to the program source
"On ." chosen with the Input selector.
Copy' ... 2: For lape dubbing from tape
o Terminal for Remote Power On/Off
Bass : From the center clickstop position . Switching
adjustment is possible within the deck 1 to tape deck 2.
range of ± 10 dB (at 20 Hz)
Treble: From the center clickstop position,
Copy 2" 1 : For tape dubbing from tape
deck 2 to tape deck 1.
Connect the opti onal System Power Control
strip (SPC- 1) to this termina l

adjustment is possible wi thin the o Voltage Selector

range of ±10 dB (at 20 kHz) o Input Selector
AC voltage is factory set for the country In
Serves to select one of the program sources
which you purchased your unit. The voltage
8 Tone Switch connected to the CA-SAll : tuner, turntable,
selector permits re-seltlng of mains voltage in
Setting this switch to "On" activates the tone CD player, etc.
case the unit is to be used in a different
control circuits. When the switch is set to country.
"Off," the circuits are bypassed and the signal o Balance Control
Note: Safety regulations in certain countries
Is routed directly 10 the power amplifier Serves to adjust left/right speaker balance.
prohibit Inclusion of a voltage selector.
section, to further enhance sonic purity. This feature, therefore, may be absent
(\) Cartridge Selector trom your unit.
Set this switch to the correct position for the
type of phono cartridge in use.

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 Connections

Turntable Tuner Tape Deck 2

To L, R Inputs
~ To L, R Outputs

_ - - - - _ Power Ampli fier 2

To L, R Inputs
To AC W II
~ To l_, R Outputs Outlet or
To L, R Inputs Opti onal System
To L, R Outputs
Power Control
Strip (SPC-1)

CD Player Tape Deck 1 Power Ampl ifier 1 System Power Control st rip (SPC-1)

Establish connections to other system • Never use a moving -magnet cartridge with cable capaCi tance (approx. 100 pF for ordinary
components as shown in the above example. the selector set to the "Moving Coil" cables) from the recommended capaCitance
Wh ile making connections, be sure to set the position, as this will result in severe loading for your cartridge (usually li sted in the
power switches of all components to Off. distortion and possible damage to this unit spec sheet).
• For easy identification, the upper row of all and to th e loudspeakers. However, as the floating capaCitance can vary
input and output jacks of this unit serves considerably depending on the t ype and len gth
th e left channel and the lower row the right of cable involved (i ncluding tonearm wir ing
chan nel. • Cartridge Loading etc.), a final decision on the optimum position
This unit Incorporates a Cartridge Load/Gain of the Cartridge Load/Gain selector should be
Turntable Connections selector to ensure optimum term ination and made by ear.
gain for best results with a wide range of The Cartridge Load /Gain selector permi ts
Connect the ground lead from the turnta ble to phono cartridges. switching of the moving-coil preampli fier gain
the Ground (GND) termi nal of th is un it. When the Cartridge selector is set to "Moving in three steps, to accommodate cartr idges with
Magnet," a choice of three differen t load different rated outputs. (information regarding
• Cartridge Selector capac itance values is provided (100 pF, the output level is given in the specification
The Cartridge selector switch on the rear 200 pF, or 300 pF) When the Cartridge sheet accompanying the cartridge.)
panel of this unit must be set to the correct selector is set to "Movi ng Coil," the head
position, depending on the type of phono amplifier gain can be switched in three steps Rated output of Load/Gai n selector
pickup used. (24,30, or 36 d B). cartr idge setllng
Moving Magnet: For moving-magnet (MM) When determining the capacitance setting for 1.0 - 0.4 mV 24 dB
type cartri dges (including the so-called MI, 1M moving-magnet ca rtridges, the so-called 0.5 - 0.2 mV 30 dB
and VM types), as well as for high-output floating capacitance added by the connecting 0.3 mV or less 36dB
moving-coil cartridges with a rated output cables between the cartridge and this unit's More than 1.0 mV Set Cartridge selector
to the "MM" position.
voltage of 1.0 mV or more. Phono Inputs must also be taken into
Moving Coil: For moving-coil type cartridges cons ideration . As a rule of thumb, the desired
with a rated output voltage of less than 1.0 mV capacitance can be found by subtracting the

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 • Th e load impedance for the moving-coli Tape Deck Connections Power Supply Connections
input of this unit is factory-set to 100 oh ms.
This value is suitable for the vast majority This uni t provides two sets of recordi ng Confi rm that this unit's Power swi tc h is set to
of MC cartr idges. However, a few cartridge outputs and pl ayback inputs for con nection of "Off". Then insert the supplied power cord into
types wil l perform best with lower two tape recorders. Conne t the output th e AC Power con nector on the rear panel of
impedance settings. For such cases , the term inals of a tape deck to this unit's Tape th is unit and plu g the oth er end into an AC wall
impedance can be changed to SO, 30, 20, Playback jacks (1 or 2), and the input ou tl et.
10, or 3 ohms by adding internal resistors. term inals of a tape deck to th is unit's Tape After all system connections are completed,
(The optimum load impedan ce for a Recording jacks (1 or 2). make sure th at th is uni t's Outpu t Level control
cartridge is usually listed in its is turned to mini mum. Then set th is unit's
specification sheet.) The resistors to be Power Amplifier Connections Power switch to "On" and finally tu rn on the
used for alteri ng the impedance are power amplifier. Leave the Output Level control
supplied with the control amplifier. This unit provides two sets of li ne outputs, so of the CA-SAII at minimum until th e switch-on
When wishing to make this alteration, be that two power amplifiers can be driven muting interval of the power ampli fier is
sure to contact your dealer. Never simul taneousl y, if desired. Since exactly the terminated.
attempt to Install the resistors yourself, same signal is suppli ed at these outputs, either
as opening the unit involves a set can be ch osen when only one power • Use of the System Power Control strip
considerable risk of electric shock. amplifier is used. Never insert an y shorting SPC-1
pl ugs or th e like into the other set of li ne output By connecting the opti onal System Power
Jacks. as th is ca n cause damage to th e unit. Control strip (SPC-1) to the termin al for
Remote Power Onl Off Switching on th e rear
Always turn the Volume control fu ll y down
panel of this unft, AC power to oth er system
before operating the Cartridge selector or
components can be controlled by the Power
the Load/Gain selector, to protect the
switch of the CA-SAIT. For details, please refer
loudspeakers from damage.
to th e instructions supplied with the SPC-1.

Operation

Before operating the unit, make sure that the Ustening to Other Program Sources • If the connected tape deck possesses three
Output Level control is ful ly turned to min imum. (CD Player, Tuner, etc.) heads and monit orin g capability, the quality
For a bri ef period (approx. 4 seconds) after of the act ual recorded Signal can be
power to this unit is switched on . the output of Set the In put selector to "C D", "Tuner" or ch ecked by setting th e Tape Mon itor switch
the CA- SAIT remains muted and no sound will " Aux" as requ ired and set the Tape Monitor of the CA-5All to "Tape 1" (or "Tape 2")
be heard, until all internal circuits to stabilize. switch to "Source." Then operate the CD during recordin g.
After all system connections are completed, player, tuner or other component. Adj ust the
make sure that this unit's Output Level control volume level , balance and tonal ch aracter with
is turned to minimum. Then set this unit's the respective controls of the CA- SA1L
Power switch to "On" and finally turn on the Tape Dubbing
power amplifier. Leave the Output Level control
of the CA-SAIT at minimum until the switch-on Recording and Playback With a Tape When two tape recorders are connected,
muting interval of the power amplifier is Deck dubbing in both directions can be carried out
terminated. easil y.
For playback of a tape. set the Tape Monitor To play back a tape on tape deck 1 and record
Phono Playback switch to "Tape 1" or "Tape 2," as requ ired. it on tape deck 2, set th e Tape Mon itor switch
For recording on a tape deck, select the to "Copy 1 ~ 2" To reverse the process,
Set the Input selector to "Phono" and the Tape desired program source with the Input selector choose the "Copy 2~ 1" posi tion. In these
Monitor switch to "Source." Then operate the and set the Tape Monitor switch of th e CA- 5AII switch positions, the output signal of the
turntable. After the stylus was lowered onto the to "Source." Then set the tape deck to the record ing deck is present at the preampl ifier
record, turn up the Output Level control of this record mode. The signal supplied to the tape output jacks 1 and 2. If the recording deck has
unit to obtain the desired listening volume. If deck is completely unaHected by the volume, three heads. monitoring can therefore be
required, adjust the sound with the Balance tone control and balance settings of the CA-SAIT . carried out, to ch eck the quality of the actual
and Tone controls. • The signal from the program source chosen recorded Signal.
• To protect the loudspeakers from possible by the Input selector is always present at The signal supplied to the tape input terminals
damage, always turn the Output Level both sets of tape recording outputs. of the tape recorder during dubbing is
control fully to minimum before lowering or Recording can therefore also be carried out compl etely unaffected by the volume, tone
lifting the stylus. on two tape decks simultaneously. control and balance settings of the CA-5AlI .

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 Troubleshooting

Condltlon Probable Cause Remedy

No power. 1. AC cord not plugged properl y into AC Power 1. Plug in AC cord firmly.
connector of thi s unit or AC wall oullet.
2. Internal AC line fu se h s blown. 2. Contact an auth orized service station.

No sound. 3. Faulty connections of RCA-type plugs , sh ielded 3. Check connect ions.

cables between components, or speaker cables.
4. Input sel ector or Tape Monitor switch not set 4. Select correct positions.
correctly.
5. Power ampli fi er at fault (protection circu its are 5. Refer to OWrJer's Man ual of Power amplifier.
operating, etc.)

Left /right channels r v rsed, no sound from one 6. Fa ult y connections of RCA-type plugs, shielded 6. Check connections.
channel. cables between components, or speaker cables.
7. Balance control turned fu lly to one side. 7. Adjust Bal nce control.

Hum noi e is heard duri ng record playback. 8. Fau lty or incomplete connections of RCA-type 8. Insert plugs fi rmly.
pl ugs.
9. Faulty or incomplete connection of ground cable. 9. Check ground connecti on.
10. Output cable from turntabl e routed clos to AC 10. Route AC power lines as far as possibl e from
power cord . ou tput cables and cartridge.

Low vol ume levels when using moving-coil 11. Movin g-coi I cartridge wilh ra ted output of less 11. Set Cart ridge selector to "Moving Coil."
cartri dge. than 1.0 mV used at "Moving Magnet" position.
12. Load impeda nce seltin g incorrect. 12. Select proper load Impedance for cartridge in use.

Specifications
Input Sensit ivity /Impedance RI AA Devi ation
Phono MC (36 dB G in) .. .. 45 I'-V/ 100 ohms
Phono MC .. . .. 20 -20,000 Hz ± 0.3 dB
(30 dB G in) .. 85 I'-Vl100 ohms
Phono MM . . . . 20 - 20,000 Hz ± 0.25 dB
(24 dB Gain) . ........ . 165 :LV/l00 0hms
Signal-Io- Noise Ratio (JH F A-WTD)
Phono MM. . .2.5 mV/50 kohms Phono MC (0.5 mV Input, 0.5 V Pre Out, Input Shorted)

Tuner/CO/AuxlTape . . ..... 150 rnV/12 .5 kohms (36 dB Gain) . Better than 81 dB

Input Sensiti vity (New IHF) (30 dB Gain) ... . ..... . Better th an 80 dB

Phono MC (36 dB Gain). ......... 11 31'-V

(24 dB Gain) . . .... Better than 78 dB

(30 dB Gain) ..... 21.3 I'-V

Phono MM (5 mV Input, 0.5 V Pre Out, Input Shorted )
(24 dB Ga in). .. 41 .3 I'- V
................... Better than 88 dB
Phono MM.. ' " ............... 0.63 mV Tuner/CO/ AuxlTape (0.5 V Input, 0.5 V Pre Out, Input Shorted)
Tuner/CO/AuxlTape. .37.5 mV . Better th an 95 dB
Max imum Input Level (1 k Hz, Non - Clippin g Level , New IHF) Stereo Separation (100 Hz/1 kHz/ 10kHz)
Phono MC (36 dB Ga in). .. 4.5 mV
Phono MC (0.5 mV Input, 1 V Pre Out, Inpu t Shorted)

(30 dB Gain). .8.5 mV

(36 dB G in) . .. 93/85/65 dB

(24 dB Gain). ... 16.5 mV

(24 dB Gain) . . .90/84 /64 dB

Phono MM.. . ... 270 mV Phono MM (5 mV Input, 1 V Pre Out, Input Sh orted )

Ou tput Level / Impedance ..... .... 10 0 /84/64 d B

Pre Out . .. .. 2 VI' kohms Tuner/CO/AuxlTape (0.5 V Input, 1 V Pre Out, Input Shortedl

Rec Out . j 50 mV/1 kohms .. ..... 110/95f7 5 dB

Maximum O utput Level Tone Control Characteristics
(20 - 20,000 Hz, 1 % THO, Pre Out, New IHF) Bass.. .. ............... 20 Hz ± 10 dB
.... 7V Treble. .. ...... ... 20 kHz ± 10 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion (2 0 - 20,0 00 Hz) Remote Power On /Off Control Output
Phono MC to Rec Out, 1V
...... . 24 V OC
(36 dB Gainl ............ ... Less th an 0.005%
Powe r Source . . .. ........ .. . .. ..... 1 20, 120/220-24 0, 220 or 240 V AC ;
(24 dB Gain) . . .. ...... Less th an 0.004%
50/60 Hz (According to country of
Phono MM to Rec Out, 1 V .. ..... Less than 0.00 2% sale)
TunerI CO/AuxlTape to Power C()nsumption .... . 23 W max.
Pre Out. 2 V .. .. Less than 0.002% Dimensions . . ... 435(W) x 3 (H) x 287(0) mm
Frequency Response 17- 1!8(W) x 2- 112(H) x 1 1-5/ 16(0)
Tuner/CO/AuxlTape . . 1- 100,000 Hz + 0, - 3 dB inches
1- 20,000 Hz +0, -0.2 dB Approximate Weighl ........ .... . 5.1 kg, 11 Ibs. 4 oz.

• Specifications and design are subject to change for further improvement

without notice.

Nakamichi Corporation, Tokyo Offico Shinjuku Daiichi Seimei Bldg., 2-7-1 Nishishinjuku, Shlnjuku-ku, Tokyo 163 Phone: (03) 342-4461 Telex : 2324721 (NAKAM J)
Nakamichi America Corporation 19701 South Vermont Ave., Torrance, CA 0502 Phone: (213) 538-8150
Nakamichi Canada 276 South West, Mari ne Drive, Vancouver, B.C. V5 X 2R4 Phone: (604) 324-7535
Nakamichi GmbH Stephanlsnstrasse 6,4000 DOssel dorf 1 Phone: (021 1) 359036

0004)90A o 87U905e Ptlf'"',fld 111 Jillun

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