CDR 2 (serv.man21) - Harman Kardon Audio User Guide / Operation Manual. Page 3

INTRODUCTION  3

Thank you for choosing Harman Kardon.
The CDR 2 Dual-Deck CD Player/Recorder is a
unique product, designed not only to play back
your existing library of compact discs, but also to
record compact discs from either analog or digi-
tal programs. You may feed signals (for record-
ing) to the CDR 2 from external sources such as
an A/V receiver, a tuner, a tape deck or a CD
player, or you may simply place a CD in one
deck, and make a copy using a recordable CD in
the other deck.

Designed and engineered by Harman Kardon,
the CDR 2 is the world’s first audio CD recorder
with 4x speed capability. This means that it will
take only 15 minutes to copy a 60-minute disc.

The CDR 2 not only records with the highest
speed and quality available but it is also an
audiophile CD player. Through the use of AKM
digital-to-analog converters (DACs), the CDR 2’s
performance rivals the most sophisticated high-
end players. Should you wish to bypass the inter-
nal DACs and use an external digital processor,
both coax and optical-digital outputs are avail-
able. Thanks to the CDR 2’s dual-tray design, you
may even play back two separate discs at the
same time, for parties or multi-room applica-
tions. To make CD playback more enjoyable, the
CDR 2 also features a wide range of program
and repeat functions.

Since CD recorders are a relatively new technol-
ogy, this may be your first CD-R product.
Although CD recorders resemble play-only CD
machines in many ways, there are some impor-
tant differences between a standard CD and a
CD-R. In addition, making a CD-R recording is
also a different process than what you may be
familiar with for making audio tape or cassette
recordings. For that reason, we encourage you to
read through this manual so that you are fully
acquainted with the way CD recording works.
This small investment in your time will pay major
dividends in the enjoyment that will result from
proper use of the CDR 2.

If you have additional questions about this prod-
uct – its installation or operation – that are not
answered in this manual, please contact your
dealer, who is your best source of local informa-
tion. You may also contact Harman Kardon via e-
mail through our Web site at www.harmankar-
don.com.

■ Dual-Deck CD Player and CD-R/CD-RW

■ 4X Dub Speed for Both CD-R and 

■ Audiophile-Grade AKM Digital-to-

■ Dual-Play Capability

■ Extensive Playback Programming

■ Optical and Coaxial Digital Inputs and

■ Front-Panel Coaxial Digital Input for

■ Sample-Rate Convertor Allows Use of

■ Ergonomic Remote Control

Important Information About CD
Recording
In order to get the most enjoyment from your
new CD-R recorder, please pay special attention
to the following sections of the manual that pro-
vide information about the special features and
capabilities of CD Recorders.

■ The CDR 2 plays all standard CD audio,CD-R

and CD-RW discs but for recording, the CDR
2 uses special CD-R and CD-RW discs
designed only for audio use. CD-R discs
designed for computer use will not work in
the CDR 2. See page 14 for more information
on which types of discs are used with the
CDR 2.

■ The last step in making a CD-R and CD-RW

recording is the finalization process. Unless
this step is properly done, the disc will not
work in other players. See page 22 for infor-
mation on finalizing discs.

■ Once finalized, CD-R discs will play in any CD

player, but CD-RW discs will only play in the
CDR 2 and certain other machines. Check the
specifications of your CD player if you have
questions about compatibility with CD-RW
discs.

■ As with all CD players, except those designed

specifically for portable use, you should never
move a CD player while there is a disc inside
one of the decks. NEVER move the CDR 2
until discs have been removed from both
decks.