Compact Disc Player

You may use a component CD player, DVD player, DVD Audio player, bookshelf system, or a higher quality Sony Discman® .

The best quality sound will come from a component CD, DVD, or DVD Audio player, or higher-end bookshelf system. Check your equipment to ensure that channel balance is equal between left and right, equalizer settings are flat, and treble and bass are equal. Do not use settings such as Dolby Surround, Mega Bass, Groove, or any others that are intended to modify the quality of sound.

The higher quality Sony Discman players (MSRP of ninety dollars (US) and higher) provide the most flexibility as you can slip them in a Tune Belt® and listen anywhere. They have automatic volume limiter technology, which ensures safe volume levels at all times, and G-Chip technology to prevent skipping.

Note: the headphones that come with these players are not high quality and are not approved for use with The Listening Program. (See below for ABT’s headphone specifications.)

Do not use a computer CD ROM or DVD Drive, X-Box® , Sony PlayStation® , boom box or vehicle CD player. Also, do not attempt to convert your TLP CDs into files to be played on an MP3 player or iPod.

Contact your TLP Provider if you need assistance selecting sound equipment to use for The Listening Program.


Headphones

Use only stereo headphones that have been tested and approved for use with The Listening Program. Our specifications require particular frequency response, driver size, power handling capacity and cable quality. Even if a pair of headphones meets all specifications, they must also pass our subjective evaluation. The headphone must be comfortable, durable, and, most importantly, pass our listening evaluation - the ultimate test. If they don’t have the right type of sound for TLP, they are not approved. If the headphones fall short in quality, you will not realize the benefits that may come from using TLP, nor fully enjoy the listening experience.

Headphones have either a 1/8 or 1/4-inch connection. The 1/8-inch connector is typically used to plug into portable CD players and the 1/4-inch into component systems. On many of the TLP-approved headphones, you will find both size connectors; the 1/8-inch connector is revealed by unscrewing the 1/4-inch connector. If you order your headphones directly from ABT, they will include both connection sizes.

If you would like to have two listeners connected to a CD player at the same time, a TLP-approved Y-adaptor is available. Please note the Y-adaptor has a 1/4-inch connection. If using this with a Sony Discman, which will have a 1/8-inch jack, you will also need a 1/8-inch mini adaptor. Never split more than two headphones off of one CD player.

A 15-foot TLP-approved headphone extension cable is also available if the cord on your headphones is too short for your purposes.

For a complete list of TLP-approved headphones, contact your Provider, who will help you determine the best headphones for your program.


How to Wear Headphones

TLP-approved headphones are marked with a left and right side. All listeners should wear the headphones with the right on right ear, and left on left ear. This is important to maintaining the spatial qualities of the sound.

All TLP-approved headphones have an adjustable head band. Make sure your headphones fit properly; not too tight, not too loose. If you find it difficult to fit a young child for headphones, contact your Provider for suggestions.


Compact Disc Care

Handle your TLP CDs carefully. Never set a CD down on any surface, especially the non-printed side down. This is the side that is read by the laser on the CD player. If a CD collects dust, dirt, fingerprints, or the surface is scratched, it may not play again.

When handling CDs, hold them only by the outer edge or with your finger in the center hole. Store your TLP CDs in the protective sleeves in the TLP Kit, in a CD jewel case, or leave the current CD being used in the CD player. We also recommend that you clean your CDs occasionally using a CD cleaning kit, following all directions carefully.

If one of your CDs becomes scratched, damaged, or lost you may contact your Provider to order a replacement.


Troubleshooting

At the start of each Listening Session, we recommend that you set a comfortable volume level and check to make sure the headphones are plugged all the way into the headphone jack. If they are not plugged in properly, you will only receive one channel, or mono sound, rather than two channels for stereo. Stereo sound is required.

If you hear sound coming through only one side, check your headphone connection.

If you are unable to adjust volume, make sure the headphones are plugged into the headphone jack. Some CD players have a "line out" jack that delivers a constant level of sound that is not adjustable.

If a CD will not play, first check to make sure it is placed in the CD player properly. If it still will not play, place another CD in the same player. If that CD will play, then your CD is either dirty or damaged. Try cleaning it with a CD cleaning kit. If it still will not play, then it is damaged, and you will need to contact your Provider to order a replacement.

If no CD will work in your CD player, the laser eye may be dirty. Use a CD player cleaning kit, and see if that resolves the problem. If not, take your CD player in for repair.


Volume Level

Perception of volume or the strength of sound is very subjective. We each have our own unique perception. What may seem loud to you may be too quiet for another.

We recommend you listen to The Listening Program at a level comfortable for you. Listening should never be uncomfortable or painful. However, you do need a sufficient level of volume in order to perceive the harmonic details in the music and sounds of nature, as well as the many sonic technologies.

Here is a simple check to make sure the volume is not too loud. With the program turned on, ask the listener a question. The listener should be able to hear without the speaker raising his voice.

Classical music and nature sounds have a wide dynamic range in their natural structure. When treated with technologies, such as filtration and audio bursting, these dynamics are intensified. These dynamics are an important sonic element; once you set your volume at the start of a segment you should leave it at that level for the duration of listening.