Cambridge Audio AZUR DacMagic Plus User manual

azur DacMagic
Upsampling digital to analog converter
User’s manual
2
ENGLISH

2
Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3
Important safety instructions ............................................................................................................... 4
Rear panel connections ........................................................................................................................ 8
Front panel controls .............................................................................................................................. 10
Audio output connections..................................................................................................................... 12
Digital audio input connections............................................................................................................ 13
PC-USB connections.............................................................................................................................. 14
Digital audio output connections ......................................................................................................... 16
Operating instructions........................................................................................................................... 17
Filters...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Technical specifications........................................................................................................................ 25
Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Limited warranty.................................................................................................................................... 27
Contents
For further information about Cambridge Audio, our products, news, reviews and support,
please visit www.cambridge-audio.com
This package should contain the following:
1 x Azur DacMagic (assembled), 1 x AC 12V 1.5A power adaptor, 4 x rubber feet, 1 x rubber base, 1 x USB ‘B-A’ type
lead, 1 x user’s manual

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Thank you for purchasing this DacMagic Upsampling Digital to Analog Converter. We are confident
that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it.
The DacMagic features ATFTM (Adaptive Time Filtering), an up-sampling process developed in
conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland to intelligently interpolate incoming audio data
(of between 16-24 bits, 32-96kHz) to 24bit/192kHz through the use of a 32bit Texas Instruments DSP
(Digital Signal Processor). The ATF system applies sophisticated polynomial curve-fitting interpolation
to create the extra data points and incorporates a time domain model which adaptively generates the
new data in the temporal domain, dramatically reducing digital jitter, even that present in the input audio.
As with our high-end CD players, our proprietary Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology
is used, configured as a low-order two pole linear-phase Bessel filter to take advantage of the high
sampling rate achieved. Two very high quality Wolfson WM8740 24bit DAC ICs are used in dual
differential mode. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate
and symmetrical analog filter circuitry can be implemented. These allow both left- and right-channel
circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the DacMagic delivers fantastic sound-staging and stereo-
imaging properties.
Two digital inputs are fitted (both featuring S/P DIF and TOSLINK) and allow a wide range of digital
sources to be connected. In addition, a USB input enables the DacMagic to be connected to a PC
and act as a very high quality DAC/Soundcard, offering genuine HiFi-quality playback from your
desktop, media PC, etc. A digital output is fitted which passes through the selected digital source for
recording purposes (no up-sampling performed).
Your DacMagic can only be as good as the system it is connected to. Please do not compromise on
your amplifier, speakers or cabling. Naturally, we particularly recommend amplification from the
Cambridge Audio range. Your dealer can also supply excellent quality Cambridge Audio interconnects
to ensure your system realises its full potential.
Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we recommend you keep it for future reference.
Matthew Bramble
Cambridge Audio Technical Director
and the DacMagic design team
Introduction

4
For your own safety please read the following important safety instructions carefully before attempting
to connect this unit to the mains power supply. They will also enable you to get the best performance
from and prolong the life of the unit:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use with only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as the power-supply adaptor having been damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Important safety instructions

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WEEE symbol
The crossed-out wheeled bin is the European Union symbol for indicating separate collection
for electrical and electronic equipment. This product contains electrical and electronic
equipment which should be reused, recycled or recovered and should not be disposed of
with unsorted regular waste. Please return the unit or contact the authorised dealer from
whom you purchased this product for more information.
CE mark
This product complies with European Low Voltage (2006/95/EC) and Electromagnetic
Compatibility (89/336/EEC) Directives when used and installed according to this instruction
manual. For continued compliance only Cambridge Audio accessories should be used with this
product and servicing must be referred to qualified service personnel.
C-Tick mark
This product meets the Australian Communications Authority’s Radio communications and
EMC requirements.
Ross Test Stamp
This product meets Russian electronic safety approvals.
WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
The unit must be installed in a manner that makes disconnection of the mains plug from the mains
socket outlet (or appliance connector from the rear of the unit) possible. Where the mains plug is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Only use the
power supply adaptor supplied with this unit.
Please ensure there is ample ventilation (at least 5cm clearance all round).
This unit must not be used near water or exposed to dripping or splashing water or other liquids.
No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on the unit.

6
FCC regulations
NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED
BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE
USER AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures
– Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Ventilation
IMPORTANT – The unit will become warm when in use. Do not stack multiple units on top of each
other. Do not place in an enclosed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet without sufficient
ventilation.
Positioning
Choose the installation location carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to a source of heat.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the unit. Also avoid locations
subject to vibration and excessive dust, cold or moisture. The unit can be used in a moderate climate.

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This unit must be installed on a sturdy, level surface. Do not place in a sealed area such as a bookcase
or in a cabinet. Any space open at the back (such as a dedicated equipment rack) is fine, however.
Do not place the unit on an unstable surface or shelf. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult as well as serious damage to the product. Do not place other equipment on top of the unit.
Due to stray magnetic fields, turntables or CRT TVs should not be located nearby due to possible
interference.
Electronic audio components have a running in period of around a week (if used several hours per day).
This will allow the new components to settle down and the sonic properties will improve over this time.
Power sources
The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power-supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company.
Overloading
Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and
broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard.
Be sure to insert each power cord securely. To prevent hum and noise, do not bundle the interconnect
leads with the power cord or speaker leads.
Cleaning
To clean the unit, wipe its case with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any cleaning fluids containing
alcohol, ammonia or abrasives. Do not spray an aerosol at or near the unit.
Servicing
These units are not user serviceable. Never attempt to repair, disassemble or reconstruct the unit if
there seems to be a problem. A serious electric shock could result if this precautionary measure is
ignored. In the event of a problem or failure, please contact your dealer.

8
Unbalanced Audio Outputs
Single-ended conventional stereo outputs for connection to the line-level phono/RCA inputs of an
amplifier.
Balanced Audio Outputs
The DacMagic also features true balanced (XLR) outputs. This is a higher quality output that can
reject noise and interference with equipment with balanced inputs. These balanced outputs are
ideally suited for connection to the Cambridge Audio 840A or 840E amplifiers. XLR connectors should
be wired as follows:
Pin 1 – Ground; Pin 2 – Hot (in-phase); Pin 3 – Cold (phase-inverted).
Digital Outputs
The digital outputs allow a digital recording device to be connected. These outputs loop or pass-
through unprocessed digital audio from the selected digital input. Two types are available (both the
co-axial and the optical are active concurrently and can be used to connect and run equipment at the
same time):
S/P DIF co-axial – to obtain best results, use a high quality 75 ohm digital RCA interconnect cable (not
one designed for normal audio use).
12V 1500mA
Use supplied
PSU only!
Designed in the UK, Made in China www.cambridge-audio.com
DacMagic Upsampling DAC
Manufactured in an ISO9001 approved facility
Caution
Serial Number Label Removed
Digital Outputs
S/P DIF
Co-axial
Toslink
Optical
S/P DIF
Co-axial
Toslink
Optical
S/P DIF
Co-axial
Toslink
Optical
USB In
Right — Balanced Output — Left
Unbalanced
Output
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1) This device may not cause harmful interference;
2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Left
Right
Digital Input 2Digital Input 1
LR
Incorporating Q5™from:
ANAGRAM
TECHNOLOGIES
1
1
2
2
3
3 4 5 6
7
Rear panel connections

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TOSLINK optical – use a high quality TOSLINK fibre-optic interconnect cable designed specifically for
audio use. To achieve the best results we always recommend using high quality Cambridge Audio
leads, which are guaranteed for life.
Note: These outputs are pass-through only; there is no upsampling or any other modification done to
the LPCM input signal.
Digital Inputs 1 and 2
The DacMagic is fitted with two sets of digital inputs which enable the connection of source
components. Each input has both S/P DIF and TOSLINK types fitted.
Only one of the two types for each input should be connected at any one time. If both the optical and
co-axial outputs have connections made to them (even if only one is attempting to function), neither
will work.
S/P DIF co-axial – to obtain best results, use a high quality 75 ohm digital RCA interconnect cable (not
one designed for normal audio use).
TOSLINK optical – use a high quality TOSLINK fibre-optic interconnect cable designed specifically for
audio use.
Note: This unit only accepts two-channel LPCM digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital 2.0). You cannot
connect a Dolby Digital 5.1 or a DTS signal as they will not be recognised. If you wish to connect a DVD
or similar device, please ensure that the sound output of your player is set to two-channel PCM.
USB In
USB ‘Type B’ input allowing direct connection to a PC via a Type B to Type A USB lead. The DacMagic’s
operation is independent of your PC soundcard – it will operate whether your PC has a soundcard
or not.
AC 12V 1.5A Power Adaptor Socket
Once you have completed all connections, plug the supplied power adaptor into the DacMagic.
Important Note: Use the supplied power supply unit ONLY.
4 5
6
7

10
Power On/Off
Switches the unit between On and Off.
Source
Press to select between USB playback or Digital Inputs 1 and 2. The corresponding LED will light up
to show which source has been selected.
Filter/Phase Select
Momentarily press to select between three different filter modes: linear phase, minimum phase or
steep (see page 18 for details). The corresponding LED will light up to show which filter has been
selected.
Upsampling DAC
On / Off Source Filter / Phase
Lin
Min
48 88.2 9632 44.1
Digital 1
Digital 2
Incoming Sample RatePhase
Steep
DacMagic
1
2
3
1
23
4 5
Front panel controls

Phase
Indicates the output phase selected. Press and hold the Filter/Phase select button for approximately
two seconds to select normal or inverted phase output. When the LED lights up, the phase is inverted
by the DacMagic.
If you suspect that your source material or amplifier, etc., is inverting the phase of the musical signal,
you can use this function to re-invert the audio and regain absolute positive phase.
Incoming Sample Rate
In the presence of an incoming digital stream, the relevant LED will light up to indicate the incoming
digital sampling frequency (between 32kHz and 96kHz LPCM).
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4
5

12
Audio output connections
L
LR
Unbalanced
Input
Balanced
Input
R
Digital Outputs
USB In
Balanced Output
Unbalanced
Output
Digital Inputs
Digital Inputs
L
R
RL
Note: Do not turn on the unit until all connections have been made.
DacMagic
AC adaptor
Amplifier
OR
Use either the unbalanced (RCA/Phono) or balanced (XLR) outputs of the DacMagic. The XLR output
is slightly better in quality as it can reject interference and noise in the cable connection and is the
preferred option if your amplifier features balanced XLR inputs. It is possible to use the RCA phono
connections and the XLR balanced connections at the same time, e.g. for connecting to different
amplifiers or multi-room operations.

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Digital audio input connections
Digital Outputs
Digital Outputs
USB In
Balanced Output
Unbalanced
Output
Digital Inputs
Digital Inputs
L
R
RL
Note: Do not turn on the unit until all connections have been made.
DacMagic
AC adaptor
CD/DVD player
Connect your digital source to Digital Input 1. Either S/P DIF co-axial or TOSLINK optical types can be
used, each being of equal quality.
Important Note: Only connect one co-axial OR optical cable to each digital input. The
unit will not operate if both connections are made (even if only one is active).
OR

14
PC-USB connections
Digital Outputs
USB In
Balanced Output
Unbalanced
Output
Digital InputsDigital Inputs
L
R
RL
Note: Do not turn on the unit until all connections have been made.
AC adaptor
PC
DacMagic
USB ‘B–A’ type lead

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Connect a USB ‘B–A’ type lead (as illustrated at left) from the DacMagic’s USB input to one of the USB
ports on the PC. This is the normal type of USB lead with an oblong plug at one end and a square plug
at the other. Switch on the DacMagic using the front panel On/Off switch and make sure that the
USB input is selected (USB LED lit). The Windows “Found New Hardware” dialogue bubble should
now appear at the bottom right-hand side of the Windows desktop. The description of the DacMagic
will be displayed as “USB audio device”. Installation should be automatic and no driver disc is
required. After a few seconds the message “Your new hardware is installed and ready to use” should
appear to confirm that installation has been successful.
Important Note: The PC’s previous audio output device should now be temporarily disabled and the
DacMagic becomes the default audio playback device for the PC. This can be confirmed in the
Control Panel’s Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices properties window under the Volume tab.
The DacMagic is described as a “C-Media USB Headphone Set” as we use a C-Media USB interface
IC running a headphone (i.e. two-channel) profile.
If you wish to disconnect your DacMagic and return to using your previous soundcard, etc., simply
disconnect it or switch off the power on the front panel.
If the PC fails to disable the DacMagic and automatically re-enable your default soundcard, you can
manually disable the DacMagic in the hardware device manager. To do this, navigate to the Device
Manager (click Start — Control Panel — (Vista: Performance and Maintenance —) System — Hardware
— Device Manager in Windows XP). Scroll down the device manager window and expand the heading
Sound, Video and Game Controllers to display a list of the connected devices. The DacMagic will be
listed as “USB Audio Device”. Click on this description to highlight in blue and then click on the Disable
icon ( ) at the top of the window. A warning message will appear: “Disabling this device will cause
it to stop functioning. Do you really want to disable it?” Click Yes to disable the DacMagic. The previous
audio playback device will now be re-instated by Windows.
Note: As Windows operating systems evolve, the path sequence to the device manager may change.
However, the DacMagic will always appear as a “USB Audio Device” in the Sound, Video and Game
Controllers window.
Note: It is also possible to disable the DacMagic in the device manager by right-clicking on the
highlighted “USB Audio device” and then clicking Disable from the sub-menu window.

16
Digital Inputs
Digital Outputs
USB In
Balanced Output
Unbalanced
Output
Digital InputsDigital Inputs
L
R
RL
Note: Do not turn on the unit until all connections have been made.
Digital recorder
DacMagic
AC adaptor
If it is desired to loop out the currently selected digital audio for recording on a suitable device (MD,
CD-R, etc.), you can connect either an S/P DIF co-axial or TOSLINK optical cable to the digital outputs
as shown, each type being of equal quality. Both output types are active concurrently and both can
be used simultaneously to run equipment.
Note: There is no upsampling performed on the digital output pass-through.
Digital audio output connections
OR

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The DacMagic can be sited in two different positions, as shown in the accompanying diagram. It can be
placed horizontally by fitting the four small individual feet, or vertically by using the large rubber ‘foot’.
Power on the DacMagic using the On/Off button on the front panel. After 4-5 seconds, the unit will
unmute and the current Source and Filter type will be shown by the front panel LEDs. Using
the Source button on the front panel, select the appropriate digital input, i.e. USB , Digital 1 or
Digital 2, that you wish to listen to.
Switch on the external source input, e.g. CD player, DVD player, etc.
The sampling frequency of the Digital Input will be displayed on the front
panel (e.g. for a CD player – 44.1kHz). Momentarily press the Filter/Phase
selector button to cycle between three different filter modes.
Start playback of the source equipment. The DacMagic will output analogue
audio from the Unbalanced/Balanced outputs upsampled to 192kHz 24bit.
A ‘raw’ S/P DIF co-axial and TOSLINK optical digital output is also provided.
These outputs can be used to connect a compatible digital recorder, e.g.
CD-R/MD, etc. The DacMagic is compatible with Digital Stereo LPCM of a
sampling frequency between 32-96kHz.
Note: Being a stereo device, this unit does not decode 5.1 Dolby Digital or
DTS Bitstreams from a DVD player, etc. When receiving a multi-channel digital
input, the analogue audio outputs are muted. However, a 5.1 DD or DTS
Bitstream will pass-through to the digital outputs.
Operating instructions
Horizontal placement Vertical placement
ENGLISH

18
The DacMagic DSP has three different Filter functions: Linear Phase, Minimum Phase and Steep. All
three filters are highly sophisticated audiophile topologies, optimised specifically for audio playback.
In our opinion, these filters offer excellent sound quality but differ subtly in optimisation, hence we’ve
made all three available to you.
Note: For clarity, all diagrams show the theoretical response of the DSP itself, excluding any analog
filtering at the DAC output or the anti-aliasing filter applied during recording and/or mastering of the
digital source.
Linear Phase Filter
Filters
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
-200
-180
-160
-140
-120
-100
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Frequency response
frequency/FS (input sampling rate)
Magnitude (dB)

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The Linear Phase filter is a highly regarded audio filter offering low ripple in both the pass and stop
bands, and what is known as constant group delay. Constant group delay means that audio signals
of all frequencies are always delayed by the same amount when passing through the filter. All audio
is therefore fully time-coherent at the output.
The trade-off with this type of filter is that due to internal feed-forward in the DSP, its impulse response
will exhibit some pre-ringing. In other words, when excited with a theoretical impulse, the output has
both a small amount of pre- and post-spike amplitude ringing (albeit well damped).
ENGLISH
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
0
Impulse response
Time (samples)
Amplitude

20
Minimum Phase Filter
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
20
-200
-180
-160
-140
-120
-100
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Frequency response
frequency/FS (input sampling rate)
Magnitude (dB)