Cambridge Audio AZUR DacMagic Plus User manual

8 Cambridge Audio
Your music +our passion
40
versor de digital a anal6gico (DAC) de
muestreo superior
Manual del usuario
78
Convertitore di upsamplingdigitale-analogico
Manuale per l'utente
116

8
Cambridge
Audio
,--------------------------------,
Make
sure
you
register
your
purchase.
Visit:
www.cambridge-audio.com/sts
By
registering,
you'll
be
the
first
to
know
about:
•
Future
product
releases
• Software
upgrades
•
News,
events
and
exclusive
offers
plus
competitions!
This guide is designed to make installing and using this product
as
easy as possible. Information in this document has been carefully
checked for accuracy at the time of printing; however, Cambridge
Audio's policy is one of continuous improvement, therefore design
and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
This document contains proprietary information protected
by
copyright.
All
rights are reserved.
No
part of this manual
may
be
reproduced
by
any mechanical, electronic or other means, in any
form, without prior written permission of the manufacturer.
All
trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their
respective owners.
© Copyright Cambridge Audio
Ltd
2011.
Cambridge Audio and the Cambridge Audio logo are trademarks of
Cambridge Audio.
Other brands mentioned are trademarks oftheir respective owners
and are used for reference purposes
only.
Cambridge Audio's policy ofcontinuous improvement means design
and specification
may
change without notice.
The
Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks
owned
by
Bluetooth
SIG,
Inc.
apt-X®
is a registered trademark of
APT
Ltd.
'-,
r--------------------------'
2
\
,'
v

azur DacMagic Plus
Contents
Introduction ...............................................................................................................................................4
Importantsafety instructions...................................................................................................................6
Limited warranty......................................................................................................................................
12
Rear panel connections.......................................................................................................................... 14
Front panel controls................................................................................................................................17
Audio output connections.......................................................................................................................
19
Digital audio input connections ............................................................................................................. 20
PC-USB connections ............................................................................................................................... 21
Digital audio output connections........................................................................................................... 25
BT100 Bluetooth interface..................................................................................................................... 26
Operating instructions ............................................................................................................................ 30
Filters ....................................................................................................................................................... 31
Technical specifications.......................................................................................................................... 38
Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................................... 39
This package should contain the following:
1 x Azur DacMagic Plus (assembled), 1 x
AC power adaptor, 4 x rubber feet, 1 x rubber base,
1 x USB 'B-A' type lead, 1 x user's manual.
3

8 Cambridge Audio
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Cambridge Audio DacMagic Plus Upsampling Digital to Analogue
Converter. We are confident
that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it. Like all
Cambridge Audio products, the DacMagic Plus adheres
to our three core principles -stunning
performance, ease
of use and incredible value
The DacMagic Plus features
ATF2™ (2nd Adaptive Time Filtering), an up-sampling process developed
in conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland to intelligently interpolate incoming audio
data to 24-biV384kHz through the use of a 32-bit Analog Devices
DSP (Digital Signal Processor).
The
ATF2 system applies sophisticated polynomial curve-fitting interpolation and incorporates a
time domain model which adaptively generates the new data
in the temporal domain, dramatically
reducing digital jitter.
Our latest version
of this algorithm now supports noise shaped data scrambling for enhanced
linearity with 24-bit content.
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 24-bit DAC ICs are used
in dual differential mode. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely
separate and symmetrical analogue filter circuitry can
be implemented. These allow both left- and
right-channel circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the DacMagic Plus 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 Plus 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. Adigital output is fitted which passes through the selected digital source for
recording purposes (no up-sampling performed).
4

azur
DacMagic Plus
Up to 24-bit content is now supported via both the USB Audio and Digital Inputs.
With Windows
PCs the DacMagic Plus can operate driverlessly (i.e. use Windows own built-in driver)
at up to 24-bitj96kHz resolution.
In addition our own Windows driver (downloadable from www.cambridge-audio.comjDacMagicPius-
Support) allows up to
24-bitj192kHz operation and supports both kernel streaming and ASIO.
Mac PCs already support up to 24-bit/192kHz USB transfer natively.
A high quality headphone output allows personal listening and an optional digital preamp mode
allows the DacMagic Plus to be used directly into a power amp or active speakers
if so desired.
Your DacMagic Plus 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 dealercan 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 Plus design team
5

8
Cambridge
Audio
Important safety Instructions
For
your own safety please read the following important safety instructions carefully before
attemptingto 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 nearany heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers)
that
produce heat.
9.
Do
notdefeatthesafety purpose
of
the polarized orgrounding-type plug. Apolarized plug hastwo
blades with one widerthan the other. Agrounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade orthethird prongare provided foryoursafety. Ifthe provided plugdoes 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,
particular~y
at
plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified
by
the manufacturer.
12.
Unplugthis apparatus during lightningstorms or when unused for long periods
of
time.
13. 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.
6

azur DacMagic Plus
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 adaptor from the
mains socket outlet (or appliance connector from the rear
of the unit) possible. Where the mains
adaptor is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
Only
use the mains adaptor supplied with this unit.
Please ensure there is ample ventilation (at least 10cm clearance all round).
Do not put any objects
on top ofthis unit. Do not situate it on a rug or other soft surface and do not obstruct any air inlets
or outlet grilles.
This unit must not
be used near water or exposed to dripping or splashing water or other liquids. No
objects filled with liquid, shall be placed on the unit.
7

8 Cambridge Audio
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
userto the presence of un-insulated 'dangerous voltage' within the product's enclosure that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of
importantoperatingand maintenance instructions in theservice literature relevanttothisappliance.
-WEEEsymbol
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
CE
This product complies with European Low Voltage (2006/95/EC), Electromagnetic
Compatibility (2004/108/EC) and Environmentally-friendly design
of Energy-related
Products (2009/125/EC) 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.
8

azur DacMagic Plus
C-lick mark
This product meets the Australian Communications Authority's Radio communications
and
EMC requirements.
Gost-R mark
This product meets Russian electronic safety approvals.
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.
Fe
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class 8 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 ofthe 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.
9

8 Cambridge Audio
Ventilation
IMPORTANT - The unit will become warm when in use. Do not stack multiple units on top of each
other. oo· not place
in an enclosed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet without sufficient
ventilation.
Ensure
that small objects do not fall through any ventilation grille. If this happens, switch off
immediately, disconnectfrom the mains supply and contact your dealer for advice.
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.
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. Do not place the unit on an unstable surface or shelf. The unit may fall,
causingserious injuryto a child oradultas well as serious damageto the product.
Do not place other
equipment
on top ofthe 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 notsure ofthe type of power-supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company.
To turn the unitoff, switch off at the front panel. If you do not intend to use this unitfor a long period
of time, unplug itfrom the mains socket.
10

azur
DacMagic
Plus
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
sureto inserteach power cord securely.
To
prevent hum and noise, do notbundle 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 attemptto 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.
11

8
Cambridge
Audio
Limited warranty
Cambridge Audio warrants
this
product
to
be free from defects in materials and workmanship
(subject
to
the
terms
set
forth below). Cambridge Audio will repair
or
replace (at Cambridge Audio's
option)
this
product
or
any defective parts in
this
product. Warranty periods may varyfrom country
to
country.
If
in
doubt
consult your dealer and ensure
that
you retain proof
of
purchase.
To
obtain warranty service, please contact
the
Cambridge Audio authorised dealer from which you
purchased
this
product.
If
your dealer is not equipped
to
perform
the
repair
of
your Cambridge
Audio product,
it
can be returned
by
your dealer
to
Cambridge Audio
or
an authorised Cambridge
Audio service agent.
You
will need
to
ship
this
product in either its original packaging or packaging
affordingan equal degree
of
protection.
Proof
of
purchase in
the
form
of
a bill
of
sale
or
receipted invoice, which is evidence
that
this
product
is within
the
warranty period,
must
be presented
to
obtain warranty service.
This Warranty is invalid
if
(a)
the
factory-applied serial
number
has been altered
or
removed from
this
product
or
(b)
this
product was not purchased from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer.
You
may
call Cambridge Audio
or
your local country Cambridge Audio distributor to confirm
that
you have an
unaltered serial number
and/or
you made a purchase from a Cambridge Audio authorised dealer.
This Warranty does not cover cosmetic damage
or
damage due
to
acts
of
God, accident, misuse,
abuse, negligence, commercial use,
or
modification of,
or
to
any
part
of,
the
product. This Warranty
does not cover damage due
to
improper operation, maintenance
or
installation,
or
attempted repair
by
anyone
other
than Cambridge Audio
or
a Cambridge Audio dealer, or authorised service agent
which is authorised
to
do Cambridge Audio warranty work.
Any
unauthorised repairs will void
this
Warranty. This Warranty does not cover products sold
AS
IS
or
WITH
ALL
FAULTS.
REPAIRS
OR
REPLACEMENTS
AS
PROVIDED
UNDER
THIS
WARRANTY
ARE
THE
EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY
OF
THE
CONSUMER.
CAMBRIDGE
AUDIO
SHALL
NOT
BE
LIABLE
FOR
ANY
INCIDENTAL
OR
CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES
FOR
BREACH
OF
ANY
EXPRESS
OR
IMPLIED
WARRANTY
IN
THIS
PRODUCT.
EXCEPT
TO
THE
EXTENT
PROHIBITED
BY
LAW,
THIS
WARRANTY
IS
EXCLUSIVE
AND
IN
LIEU
OF
ALL
OTHER
EXPRESS
AND
IMPLIED
WARRANTIES
WHATSOEVER
INCLUDING,
BUT
NOT
LIMITED
TO,
THE
WARRANTY
OF
MERCHANTABILITY
AND
FITNESS
FOR
A
PRACTICAL
PURPOSE.
12

azur
DacMagic
Plus
Some countries and
US
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages or implied warranties so the above exclusions may not apply to you. This Warranty gives
you
specific legal rights, and
you
may have other statutory rights, which vary from state to state or
country to country.
For
any service, in or out
of
warranty, please contact your dealer.
Plug
fitting
instructions
(UK
only)
The
cord supplied with this appliance is factory-fitted with a
UK
mains plug fitted with a 5-amp fuse
inside. If
it
is necessary to change the fuse,
it
is important
that
a 5-amp fuse is used. If the plug
needs to be changed because
it
is not suitable for your socket, or becomes damaged, it should
be
cut
off
and an appropriate plug fitted following the wiring instructions below. The plug must then be
disposed
of
safely, as insertion into a mains socket is likely
to
cause an electrical hazard. Should
it
be necessary to fit a 3-pin
BS
mains plug to the power cord, the wires should be fitted as shown
in
this diagram.
The
colours
of
the wires
in
the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with
the coloured markings identifyingthe terminals
in
your plug. Connect them as follows:
The
wire which is coloured
BLUE
must
be
connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter 'N' or coloured
BLACK.
The wire which is coloured
BROWN
must
be
connected to the
terminal which is marked with the letter
'L'
or coloured
RED.
The wire which is coloured
GREEN/YELLOW
must be connected to
theterminal which is marked with the letter 'E' orcoloured
GREEN.
GREEN/
E
YELLOW
BLUE
N
CORD
GRIP
If a standard 13-amp
(BS
1363)
plug is used, a 5-amp fuse must
be
fitted
or,
if
any other type
of
plug is used, a 5-amp fuse must
be
fitted, either in the plug or adaptor, or on the distribution board.
13

8 Cambridge Audio
Rear panel connections
(!) 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 Plus also features true balanced (XLR) outputs. This is a higher quality output that
can reject noise and interference when used with equipment with balanced inputs. These balanced
outputs are ideally suited for connection to amplifiers
that feature this connection such as our own
8- series. XLR connectors should be wired as follows:
Pin 1 - Ground; Pin 2 - Hot (in-phase); Pin 3 - Cold (phase-inverted).
Note:
The DacMagic Plus is supplied as default with Digital Preamp mode enabled. In this mode the
output from the Unbalanced and Balanced audio outputs is controlled
by the front panel Volume
control.
If you wish to disable this mode (and have fixed line-level level output from the Unbalanaced and
Balanced Audio outputs) switch the DacMagic Plus off, then push and hold the Volume control in
whilst switchingthe DacMagic Plus on.
The DacMagic Plus confirms the setting
by flashing the source LEOs downwards for Digital Preamp
Mode and upwards for
Fixed Line Level Mode.
14

azur DacMagic Plus
®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).
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 Plus 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
con~cted
at
any one time. If both the optical and co-axial outputs have
connections made to them, 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. Stereo
PCM
or 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.
15

8
Cambridge
Audio
®USB
in
A
USB
B type socket is fitted to the DacMagic Plus to enable the playback
of
audio from a personal
computer running either Microsoft Windows or Apple Mac
OS
X operating systems. Some builds
of
Linux are also suitable.
Note:
Always use a certified cable for
USB
Audio, preferably one
that
displays an official mark.
For
USB
Audio 2.0 the cable should be the 'Hi-Speed USB' certified.
USB
cable connections longerthan
3m
may result in inconsistent audio performance.
®Ground/Lift
switch
When Grounded the Dacmagic Plus is connected to
the
earth connection of the
PC
directly. When
Lifted the ground connection is made via a network designed to break any hum loops
that
may be
caused
by
the source equipment.
We
advise usingthe Grounded setting unless audible hum is experienced.
0
Ext.
device
Allows connectivity of
USB
audio enabled Cambridge Audio accessories, such as
the
BT100
Bluetooth adaptor.
®
DC
12V
1.5A
power adaptor socket
Once
you
have completed all connections, plug the supplied power adaptor into the DacMagic Plus.
Important
Note:
Use
the
supplied
power
supply
unit
ONLY.
16

Front panel controls
8
Cambridge
Audio
0
On
1
Off
Source
+
0
Digital!
0
Digital 2
DacMagic
Pl..us
&#'i
:!
.
Upsamphng
DAC
'-../
@Power
on/off
Switches
the
unit between
on
and off.
®Source
Volume
0
Un
rl1
0
Min 0
0
Steep
azur DacMagic Plus
@
Fih.er
1Phase
®
Phones
©~i~
-
1ncom1ng
Sample
Rate -
0
0 0 0 0 0
44.1
48
88.2
96
192
® 0
Press to select between
USB,
External (Ext.) or Digital Inputs 1 and 2.
The
corresponding·
LED
will
light up to show which source has been selected.
®Digital
volume control
When headphones are connected, the headphone volume can be adjusted using the volume knob.
Note: This is always independent
of
the level ofthe balanced or unbalanced audio outputs.
If
the Dacmagic Plus has been placed in Digital Preamp mode the Volume control also adjusts the
output of
the
Unbalanced and Balanced Audio outputs.
Rotating the volume control counter clockwise beyond minimum volume turns
on
Mute (DacMagic
Plus flashes the source
LED
constantly).
Rotatingthe volume control clockwise until maximum volume is achieved causes the DacMagic Plus
to briefly flash the source
LED.
Further rotations
in
the same direction
in
either case do nothing.
17

8
Cambridge
Audio
@ Filter/Phase select
Momentarily press to select between three different filter modes: linear phase, minimum phase or
steep, see later section for details.
The
corresponding
LED
will light up to show which filter has been
selected.
®Phase
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 Plus.
If
you
suspect
that
your source material oramplifier, etc., is invertingthe phase ofthe 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 samplingfrequency (between 44.1kHz and 192kHz
LPCM).
For 32kHz material, the DacMagic
Plus will still operate but
no
LED
will
be
lit.
0 Headphone connection
Allows for the connection
of
headphones with a
114"
jack
plug connector. Headphones with an
impedance
of
between
32
and
600
ohms are recommended
18

azur
Audio output connections
Note:
Do
not turn
on
the unit until all connections have been made.
DacMagic Plus
Unbalanced
Output
OR----·
Amplifier
Unbalanced
Input
L R
Balanced
Input
DacMagic
Plus
AC
Adaptor
Use
either the unbalanced (RCA/Phono) or balanced
(XLR)
outputs of the DacMagic Plus.
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.
19

8
Cambridge
Audio
Digital audio input connections
Note:
Do
not turn
on
the unit until all connections have been made.
DacMagic Plus
Gn>und/Lift
Ext
.
Device
OiCIUII
Outputs o;gitallnput 1 Oigrtallnput 2 """""
~-P'.~
-
--·,
~
Ri&t>t
-Balanced
Output -
Left
@)
[£®]
@
~
@)
[£®]
t@j]
' 0
~OI!t
6C::~
~
6,.1
= = +
+--OR--+
CD/DVD player
Digital Outputs
Connect your digital source to Digital Input 1 or 2. 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).
20