CH C1.2 User manual

C1.2 Digital to Analog Controller
User Manual

Dear Client,
We are honored that you have chosen the CH C1.2 Digital to Analog
Controller. Our team has put all of our efforts into designing and
manufacturing this top quality versatile and future-proof product
and is proud to present it to you. We hope your C1.2 will bring you
uncountable hours of emotion from your musical collection.
But before starting your musical journey, we kindly ask you to
pay attention to the information contained in this manual. The C1.2,
as you will discover in the following pages, is a Swiss precision
product designed for ultimate performance and exibility. However,
reaching sonic excellence requires your unit to be setup and operated
correctly and this is what this manual is all about. If you have any
questions or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact your
authorized dealer.
We hope you will enjoy your C1.2 D/A Controller for many years.
The Concert has just begun...
Cossy F.
Heeb T.
C1.2 User Manual 2

C1.2 User Manual 3
Table of contents
1 Introduction 4
1.1 Digital input options 4
1.2 Analog and Clock input options 4
1.3 Global audio options 5
1.4 Input-specic options 5
1.5 More user congurable options 5
1.6 Chassis congurations/extension
2 Setting up your C1.2 6
2.1 Safety notice 6
2.2 Unpacking 6
2.3 Package contents 7
2.4 Placing your C1.2 and installing the spikes 7
2.5 Stacking the C1.2 8
3 Connections 10
3.1 ETHERNET-IN HD 11
3.2 CONTROL BOARD 11
3.3 DIGITAL-IN HD 11
3.4 Positioning and number of optional input boards 11
3.4.1 USB-IN 12
3.4.2 ANALOG-IN 12
3.5 SYNC-I/O 12
3.6 ANALOG OUTPUT 12
3.7 Power cord receptacle and voltage selection 12
3.8 External power supply connector 12
3.9 A word about cables… 13
4 Operation 14
4.1 Front panel controls 14
4.1.1 Front panel 14
4.1.2 User control knob 15
4.2 Operating modes 16
4.2.1 Normal mode 16
4.2.2 Shortcuts 17
4.2.3 Menu mode 20
5 Conguration 22
5.1.2 AUDIO SETTINGS 22
5.1.3 INPUT SETTINGS 22
5.1.4 DISPLAY SETTINGS 23
5.1.5 SHORTCUTS 23
5.1.6 NETWORK SETTINGS 23
5.1.7 FACTORY SETTINGS 24
6 Handheld remote control 25
6.1 Remote control operation 25
6.2 Changing the remote control batteries 26
7 Advanced clocking 27
7.1 General clocking considerations 27
7.2 Without SYNC-I/O board 27
7.3 C1.2 DAC/Controller (with SYNC-I/O board) + D1.5 or D1 CD/SACD transport (with SYNC-I/O board) 28
7.4 C1.2 with D1.5/D1 (both with SYNC-I/O board) and T1 Time Reference 29
(or other 10MHz external master clock)
7.5 C1.2 DAC/Controller + Computer (USB audio input) 30
7.6 C1.2 DAC/Controller + Server (Ethernet streaming input) 30
8 Returning to factory defaults 31
9 Firmware update
9.1 Preparing the USB stick 32
9.2 Updating the unit’s rmware 32
9.3 Emergency rmware update procedure 33
10 Troubleshooting 34
11 Specications 36

1 Introduction
CH products are designed and manufactured in Switzerland by CH Precision Sàrl. We use sophisticated digital
processing combined with fully discrete, fully balanced, fully complementary, ultra-short signal path analog
circuitry and extensive software monitoring and control to ensure the highest possible levels of performance,
operational consistency and versatility.
As a result, your C1.2 offers versatility and a number of operational features that are unique and probably
unfamiliar. For that reason it is essential that you fully understand every aspect of the C1.2’s operation and
options if you are to enjoy its maximum possible performance.
As a ‘card-cage’ design, users can specify what inputs they require when ordering the C1.2, and can add
additional digital or analog inputs at a later date as required. Please also note that the C1.2 can be used as
a single chassis unit, a true monaural three-chassis unit and it can be combined with additional X1 power
supplies, the T1 Time Reference 10MHz clock and the D1.5 player/transport, allowing users to upgrade or expand
performance to suit their needs and musical ambitions. The basic instruction for handling and placing units is
identical in all cases. Conguring multi-box systems will be covered in the appropriate section of this manual.
1.1 Digital input options
DIGITAL-IN HD – provides CH Link HD, AES/EBU, S/PDIF (RCA) and TosLink optical input options.
ETHERNET-IN HD – provides an Ethernet connection for replaying high-resolution streamed sources. The
Streaming input accepts services such as Tidal or Qobuz, or locally stored les (PCM audio up to 768kHz/32bit
- twice the DXD rate, and DSD up to 22.5792MHz - also called DSD512), as well as connecting the C1.2 to the
dedicated audio/control network for remote control of all functionality via the CH Control Android App.
To play music from a roon server, select theRoon Readyinput. To play music from a UPnP server, Qobuz or
Tidal, select theSTREAMINGinput.
There is also a USB socket on the ETHERNET-IN HD input board. This is NOT a USB audio input connection
and is dedicated to the C1.2’s rmware update procedure.
USB-IN – allows connection of USB audio sources, with PCM data rates up to 24bit/384kHz (DXD) and DoP-
encoded DSD up to DSD128 (1bit/5.6448MHz).
1.2 Analog input and Clocking options
ANALOG-IN – each ANALOG-IN board (up to two can be tted to the C1.2) provides one pair of balanced XLR
and one pair of RCA inputs for line-level analog sources.
SYNC-IO – provides one input and a pair of outputs (on BNC connectors) for use with an external master clock
(such as the T1 Time Reference) or to synchronize the internal clock in the C1.2 with a second, external unit,
such as the D1.5 player/transport.
C1.2 User Manual 4

C1.2 User Manual 5
1.3 Global audio options
Mute
Absolute phase polarity
Mono mode
Balance / channel gain (up to 6dB of gain on either channel in 0.5dB steps)
Maximum starting volume / global volume limit
1.4 Input-specic options
Input conguration: active, hidden or bypass
Analog Input gain: ±6dB in 0.5dB steps
Input naming
1.5 More user congurable options
Display: color, content and brightness
Dene shortcut functions
Network conguration
Firmware version and update
1.6 Chassis congurations/extension
The C1.2 DAC Controller is fully compatible with both the X1 external power supply and the T1 Time reference
external clock, further upgrading musical performance.
As well as being highly congurable in terms of inputs and operation, the C1.2 can also be expanded into
a multi-box True Monaural DAC Controller. In this form (the C1.2 Mono) becomes a three-chassis unit,
with a common Controller and separate left and right channel DACs. This topology offers increased
performance but also increases upgrade options, introducing the possibility of up to three X1 power supplies,
one dedicated to each of the three C1.2 units.
As with all CH Precision products, any C1.2 can be converted to C1.2 Mono, three-chassis conguration,
for the difference in the retail price of the two units.

C1.2 User Manual 6
2 Setting up your C1.2
This manual will lead you through each step of the installation and set up procedure, in a clear and logical
sequence. Although the operation and options might seem complex, they will quickly become second nature;
However, because of the sheer range of options available it is easy to overlook something unless you
approach set up and conguration in a systematic way. If you take the time to follow the manual, it will
ensure that you become completely familiar with the C1.2’s many options and that your DAC/Controller
delivers the best possible performance.
2.1 Safety notice
Like any piece of sensitive audio electronics, there are certain precautions that you should take in handling and
installing your CH Precision C1.2, in order to protect yourself, your new equipment and your system.
Always handle with care. The C1.2 DAC/Controller is surprisingly heavy, so have someone to help you when
unpacking, re-packing or moving it around.
Install your C1.2 on a strong, stable support capable of holding its weight. It is best to clear/prepare the
supporting surfaces in advance.
Do not install your C1.2 near water. Do not expose the unit to any kind of liquid.
Do not install it under direct sunlight or near any heat source, such as a radiator or other apparatus
generating heat.
Do not install it in a conned space and make sure there is sufcient ventilation and airow around and
beneath the unit.
Do not operate it during periods of high ambient temperature (>40°C) or in extremely high humidity
conditions. Only use options and accessories specied or recommended by CH Precision.
Do not open the units or try to service them yourself. Always refer to a qualied technician for service,
maintenance or upgrades. Failure to do so will void the unit’s warranty
2.2 Unpacking
The C1.2’s carton is large and contains both the component and all of its accessories. You will need an open,
preferably carpeted area in which to unpack it. Please also ensure that the rack or support space on which the
C1.2 will be placed has been cleared and cleaned before you start. At this point it is also worth ensuring that the
connectors on any interconnect cables are cleaned and that the power to your system is turned off. The carton
consists of an inner box and outer sleeve.
Once you open the inner box, remove Quick Start Guide, Topology Diagram the power cord, the blue suction
cup and the top layer of white foam packaging. Inside you will see the component chassis and various
accessories.
With a helper, carefully lift the C1.2 out of the box and place it to one side. Then carefully remove the plastic
bag in which it is sealed.
Remove the small, brown Accessory Pack and place it with the C1.2. Also remove the four composite leveling/
grounding spikes. These are inserted into the lower foam block and, being white, are easy to miss.
We recommend storing the Accessory Pack in a readily accessible place, so don’t put it back in the carton with
the plastic bag when resealing it.

C1.2 User Manual 7
2.3 Package contents
Your C1.2 should arrive in a substantial carton. Once unpacked this carton and packaging materials should be
stored safely in case you ever need to transport your unit. When moving or transporting the C1.2, this should
always be done in the original packaging.
The carton should contain:
The C1.2 DAC/Controller
Four two-part hardened aluminum/polymer spikes
A suction cup (used to remove the four top covers)
An accessory box containing:
–an infrared remote control
–a spike adjustment screwdriver
– a Torx T-10 screwdriver
–four support discs
–four stacking caps
– a USB stick containing the latest CH Precision rmware
In case of damage to the C1.2 chassis or missing components, please contact your authorized dealer
immediately. If your C1.2 unit is still very cold from transport, please let it warm up to room temperature in
order to avoid condensation developing inside it.
2.4 Placing your C1.2 and installing the spikes
Before positioning your C1.2, it is worth taking the time to make a few preliminary decisions.
Decide how many (and which) inputs you will use. Familiarizing yourself with (and making a note of) their
position on the rear panel will be extremely useful when you come to actually make connections and name/
congure those inputs.
Decide whether you will use the CH Precision supplied leveling/grounding spikes.
If you do plan to use the CH spikes, use the blue suction cup to remove the four circular covers in the top plate
of each unit. Gently insert the hardened aluminum composite spikes into each exposed shaft and use the
short red screwdriver to turn them enough to engage the threads at the bottom of each spike. Each internal
thread is coated with a thin layer of grease during assembly to prevent galling between it and the aluminum
spike, but adding a thin coating of grease to each thread before insertion is still a good idea, making
adjustment easier and more precise.
Do not screw the spikes in too far at this point or they will protrude from the feet and potentially damage the
supporting surface. Do not replace the top-caps yet.
Check that the voltage selector switch on the unit is set to the correct local voltage and that the power switch
is off (the 0 side depressed).
Now you are ready to place your C1.2. The chassis is heavy and the feet are tted with rubber rings to protect
the supporting surface, which makes it hard to slide the unit. Having a partner to help lift and place the
chassis will make things considerably easier.

C1.2 User Manual 8
The C1.2 is supplied with a set of four support discs. These have a groove machined in the upper face that
ts over the rubber ring in the underside of each foot. Lift each corner of the chassis in turn and position a
disc beneath each foot. (Using an AirWedge or similar lifting bladder will make this considerably easier.) The
groove that interfaces with the polymer ring will ensure that the footer disc stays in place if you slide the unit.
As well as making the units easier to position, the support discs can also offer a superior interface between
the grounding spikes and the supporting surface. The spikes are designed to drain internally generated
energy away from sensitive circuitry and into a dispersive support structure, but if the supporting surface
is extremely hard or forms an impedance mismatch with the spike tips, the material and footprint of the
support discs can function as a lossy mechanical buffer, easing the passage of mechanical energy out of the
unit. As a rule, the support discs work well with very hard surfaces, but results will vary with system and
supporting surface. Once set up and warmed up, compare the sound of the unit(s) with and without the discs
in place.
Use the red screwdriver to wind down each of the four spikes until you feel that they touch the surface
underneath. You will feel a slight resistance due to the chassis’ weight. Then turn each spike by the same
amount, for instance one more full turn. This should ensure that the load is evenly applied on all four spikes.
It is worth using a spirit level to ensure that the C1.2 is perfectly level. If it is not, adjust the spikes with the
screwdriver. Once this is done, simply check that all four spikes show the same resistance to turning. This
means that the spikes are rigidly coupled to the supporting surface/discs and equally loaded.
Replace the top caps, using the suction cup to ensure that they are screwed tightly into place.
2.5 Stacking the C1.2 (or not)
Also included in the accessory packs is a set of stacking caps. These polymer inserts allow owners to stack
the C1.2 chassis on top of other CH 1 Series components. The spikes and interface caps will ensure mechanical
grounding of the stacked chassis. However, this will inevitably compromise performance to some extent and
should only be done when space is at an absolute premium.
The optimum support for any CH unit is to mechanically ground it to a stable, dispersive structure, either
using the supplied spikes or an after-market solution. But if lack of space absolutely mandates the stacking of
CH components, then using the supplied spikes and stacking caps will provide the best possible solution.
The stacking caps simply screw into the top of the spike wells in the lower unit(s), taking the place of the
cosmetic caps. When a second unit is stood on top of them, its spikes can be wound down into the wells in
the caps, providing a stable, safe and easily managed stacking option that improves mechanical termination
and satises aesthetic and practical considerations.
Like any high-resolution, digital component, your C1.2 can be sensitive to mechanical vibration, so when
stacking units, always aim to position it above those units with moving parts (like the D1.5) or units with large
internal components that are likely to vibrate (power amps and power supplies).
Make sure that you retain the cosmetic top caps and store them safely as you may well require them in the
future if (or rather, when) your system or circumstances change.

C1.2 User Manual 9
C1.2 DAC/
Controller
X1 external
power supply
unit or other
CH unit
cosmetic
caps
stacking
caps
support
discs
Stacking the C1.2

C1.2 User Manual 10
3 Connections
You are now ready to connect your C1.2 to your system. Given the differences between systems and the
modular nature of the C1.2, with its range of input options, your range of source components and system
conguration will almost certainly differ from the example below. However, we have selected a ‘fully-loaded’
C1.2 to show the widest range of connections.
1. 75 Ohm RCA single-ended analog output for right
channel
2. 50 Ohm BNC single-ended analog output for right
channel
3. 75 Ohm RCA single-ended analog output for left
channel
4. 50 Ohm BNC single-ended analog output for left
channel
5. RCA single-ended analog input for left channel
[optional ANALOG_IN board, here tted in Slot 1]
6. XLR balanced analog input for left channel. [optional
ANALOG_IN board, here tted in Slot 1]
7. USB audio input socket [optional USB_IN board, here
tted in Slot 2]
8. USB audio status LED (Orange: playing, Green: ready:
Red: booting: Off: unpowered) [optional USB_IN board]
9. TOSLINK (S/PDIF) digital input [DIGITAL_IN_HD #1
board, here tted in Slot 3]
10. AES-EBU digital input [DIGITAL_IN_HD #1 board,
here tted in Slot 3]
11. Ethernet port for command interface [CONTROL
board] or for audio playback and commands [optional
ETHERNET-IN HD board]
12. BNC clock input. Provides 75Ohm or Hi-Z input.
[optional SNYC_IO board]
13. Analog ground connector 2.Can be connected to
digital ground (Earth) using provided jumper
14. Analog ground connector 1. Ground lift jumper can
be plugged between the 2 Analog ground connectors for
convenient storage
15. External power supply connector for X1 power supply
option
16. Power on/off switch
17. Power cord receptacle
18. Power fuse and voltage selection
19. Earth connector. Internally connected to digital
ground
20. BNC 75 Ohm clock output 2. [optional SYNC_IO
board]
21. BNC 75 Ohm clock output 1. [optional SYNC_IO board].
22. USB port for software upgrades. [CONTROL board or
optional ETHERNET-IN HD board]
23. Coaxial (S/PDIF) digital input [DIGITAL_IN_HD #1
board, here tted in Slot 3]
24. CH Link HD digital input [DIGITAL_IN_HD #1 board,
here tted in Slot 3]
25. XLR balanced analog input for right channel [optional
ANALOG_IN board, here tted in Slot 1]
26. RCA single-ended analog input for right channel
[optional ANALOG_IN board, here tted in Slot 1]
27. XLR balanced analog output for left channel
28. XLR balanced analog output for right channel
Rear panel connections
1 9 1373 52 10 118 12 14 15 164 6
28 272727272727 25 232426 2122 20 19 18 17

C1.2 User Manual 11
3.1 ETHERNET-IN HD
This board connects the C1.2 to the dedicated audio network and allows you to stream music and/or locally
stored les as well as access the CH Control app, which allows you to adjust or set any system parameter from a
compatible Android tablet. It converts the C1.2 into a network renderer capable of playing local audio les from
a UPnP/DLNA server (such as a NAS), music from online streaming services (such as Tidal or Qobuz), as well
as music from a Roon server, all of it through a single physical connection to a local area network. Connection
should be to the dedicated audio system, internet connected Ethernet switch and that switch should be placed
as close to the system as possible. There is an increasing number of audiophile grade Ethernet switches and
cables available and these will make a signicant contribution to the sonic and musical quality of le replay.
Please speak to your dealer about the best hardware solution for your system and situation. For information
regarding format and data rate compatibility, please see the relevant section of the C1.2’s specications (p36).
There is also a USB type A connector on the ETHERNET-IN HD board. This is NOT enabled for USB le replay and
serves only as an access point for Firmware upgrades, using the supplied USB stick. To allow USB audio replay,
you need to specify/t the optional USB-IN card for your C1.2 (please see below).
3.2 CONTROL BOARD
If the C1.2 is not tted with the ETHERNET-IN HD board, then the CONTROL BOARD will be tted instead. This
also carries an Ethernet socket, but in this case it is to allow connection to the CH Control app via the system
control network, which allows remote control of all system parameters via a compatible Android tablet. Each
C1.2 will have either an ETHERNET-IN HD board OR a CONTROL BOARD. It is not possible to mount both. Once
again, CONTROL BOARD includes a USB type A socket to enable Firmware upgrades using the supplied USB
stick. It does NOT facilitate USB le replay.
3.3 DIGITAL-IN HD
Your C1.2 comes factory tted with one DIGITAL-IN HD board. This gives you connections for balanced digital
(AES/EBU on XLR), coaxial digital (S/PDIF on RCA), optical (TosLink) and our proprietary CH-LINK HD high-
resolution digital input. You can connect multiple sources simultaneously and the C1.2 allows you to switch
between them. The CH-LINK HD can be used to accept high-resolution data from a similarly equipped source,
such as native DSD or MQA from SACDs or MQA-CDs played on the D1.5 transport. If you need additional digital
inputs, you can mount another DIGITAL-IN HD board (or even two) in the C1.2’s option slots – please see below.
For information regarding format and data rate compatibility, please see the relevant section of the C1.2’s
specications (p36).
3.4 Positioning and number of optional input boards
The two slots to the left of the factory-tted DIGITAL-IN HD board can be used to install selected, optional
inputs. These options can be chosen from the DIGITAL-IN HD (should you require additional digital inputs), the
USB-IN and ANALOG-IN, in any combination of the three. Alternatively, one or both of the option slots can be
left for later use, in which case they will be covered with a blanking plate.

C1.2 User Manual 12
3.4.1 USB-IN
This optional board can be mounted in either of the two available option slots (Slots 1 and 2) and allows the C1.2
to accept high-resolution les from a USB source. For information regarding format, operating system and data
rate compatibility, please see the relevant section of the C1.2’s specications (p36).
3.4.2 ANALOG-IN
Each ANALOG-IN board accepts and allows you to switch between two line-level analog inputs. Each board
is tted with pair of balanced XLR sockets and one pair of single-ended RCA sockets. You can t up to two
ANALOG-IN boards to your C1.2 (assuming that both the option slots are free), allowing you to connect two
balanced and two single-ended analog sources to your C1.2 Controller.
3.5 SYNC-I/O
The SYNC-I/O board allows for external clock synchronization, either with an external master clock (such as the
T1 Time Reference) or with a second unit with a clock synchronization capability. That might be the D1.5 player/
transport or another digital source component.
The SYNC-I/O board provides a BNC clock input that can be congured as 75 Ohm input impedance
(recommended with the CH Precision T1) or high input impedance through the C1.2’s menu. Supported input
frequencies on this connector are all standard audio Wordclocks (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 192, 352.8, 384, 705.6
and 768 kHz), audio Masterclocks (22.5792 and 24.576 MHz), DSD bitclock (2.8224 MHz) and atomic-clock
multiples (100 kHz and 10 MHz).
The SYNC-I/O board also provides a pair of 75 Ohm clock output connectors. Use these connectors to
synchronize an external device to your C1.2. The use of high-quality, genuine 75ΩBNC cables will also help
maximize performance.
3.6 ANALOG OUTPUT
Your C1.2 is tted with independent left and right channel DACs, each with its own set of analog outputs. Each
channel offers a balanced XLR socket, a single-ended RCA and a 50Ωoutput on BNC.
3.7 Power cord receptacle and voltage selection
Make sure that the voltage selection is set to the correct value with respect to the AC voltage in your location
and that the power switch is in the Off position (0 side of the switch depressed). Connect the IEC plug to the
power cord receptacle and plug the power plug into the AC wall outlet or distribution block.
3.8 External power supply connector
The external power supply connector allows you to connect the X1 optional external power supply. When the X1
is used, it completely replaces the C1.2’s internal power supply, resulting in minimized noise and enhanced audio
quality. Note that only the (small) standby transformer of the C1.2 remains active in this case to ensure the C1.2’s
wake up functionality. The C1.2 therefore still requires a power cord.

C1.2 User Manual 13
3.9 A word about cables…
Although it is now widely accepted that audiophiles cables can make a valuable contribution to system
performance, there is still one aspect of system cabling where many users remain sceptical. There is a widely
held belief that digital cables “only carry ones and noughts” and that therefore they can’t make a difference.
This is not the case. Digital cables actually carry voltage square waves (an analog signal) and are thus not only
prone to distortion but different forms of distortion to the conventional analog cables in your system. They
are particularly susceptible to impedance variation and yet few low-grade digital cables achieve much better
than ±10% tolerance when it comes to their impedance rating, while the number of audiophile connectors that
comply with 75Ωor 110Ωdigital connection standards is vanishingly small.
Our CH-LINK HD is carefully engineered to maximize performance when it comes to digital data transfer. If you
are using the AES/EBU, S/PDIF or TosLink inputs to your C1.2, connecting it via Ethernet or USB cabling, or using
clock cables between units, then we strongly advise that you experiment or consult with your dealer over your
choice of cables. Using high-quality, properly engineered digital cabling with accurately realized impedance
characteristics cannot increase the performance of the C1.2 - but using poor quality digital cabling will denitely
erode performance and undermine your investment.

C1.2 User Manual 14
1. Standby LED
2. User control knob (dual concentric rotatory knob
with push function)
3. IR remote control receiver
4. Display area (high-denition AMOLED display)
Front panel elements
4 Operation
The C1.2 DAC/Controller can be operated from the front panel, from the IR remote control or from CH Control
Android app. Feedback to the user is provided by a high-denition display with customizable colors. Setup
operations are handled from the front panel or the CH Control Android app.
4.1 Front panel controls
4.1.1 Front panel
1 2
43
The standby LED lights up when the unit is in standby. It is normally turned-off during operation and lights
briey whenever it receives a valid IR remote control command. The LED can also be programmed to remain on
during operation. The display is a high-denition 24-bit RGB panel with a very wide viewing angle, high contrast
and high brightness that ensure optimal legibility. The color and brightness of the display can be congured
according to the user’s taste/requirements and different colors can be chosen for PCM, DSD, MQA, MQA Studio
or analog input playback.

C1.2 User Manual 15
4.1.2 User control knob
The user control knob is the main user input device. It is build around a dual concentric rotatory knob with push
function mounted on precision bearings. Both the central and the external part of the knob can be moved to
the left (counter-clockwise) or the right (clockwise) independently, giving four movements: External Rotate Left/
Right [<<E]/[E>>] and Central Rotate Left/Right [<<C]/[C>>]. The central part of the knob also supports a push
functionality. There are two types of push: Normal Push [NP] and Long Push [LP]. For a Normal Push, just press
the central part of the knob and release it immediately. For a Long Push, press and hold the central part of the
knob for two seconds or more.
1. External ring rotate Left [<<E]
2. Central knob rotate Left [<<C]
3. Central knob push. There are two types of push:
Normal Push [NP] and Long Push [LP]
4. External ring rotate Right [E>>]
5. Central knob rotate Right [C>>]
User control knob movements
1
2
3
4
5

C1.2 User Manual 16
4.2 Operating modes
The C1.2 DAC/Controller has two main operating modes: Normal mode and Menu mode. Normal mode is used
to access standard preamplier controls (selection, switching and setting level) whereas Menu mode is used to
congure the unit. The C1.2 also includes Shortcuts for quick access to selected Menu mode items. Shortcuts are
user programmable and most Menu mode items can be selected as Shortcuts.
4.2.1 Normal mode
Normal mode is used for standard preamplier functions. When powered-on, the C1.2 starts in Normal mode.
The display looks as follows:
Normal mode display elements
1. Data type (PCM, DSD, MQA or MQA Studio) and the
incoming audio stream’s original sample rate.
2. Mute indication. If the 7symbol is present, the
output is muted
3. Analog output level. Only displayed when the C1.2
is used as a preamplier. When C1.2 is used as a pure
DAC (selectable through the Factory Settings menu),
output level is set to 0 dB and “DAC” is displayed.
4. Analog audio output signal polarity (phase)
indication. If the Hsymbol is present, polarity is
reversed
5. External power supply indication. When an
external power supply is connected and engaged,
<symbol is displayed and internal power supply is
turned off
6. Clock source indication (internal, audio in, or clock
frequency when an external clock is selected as the
clock source)
7. Lock indication (Jor K). Tells if the unit is locked to
a clock source or not
8. Input source name. Each input source can be
renamed through the C1.2’s menu
3
47
8
1 2
6 5

C1.2 User Manual 17
User Control Knob Action Unit State Unit Action
[NP] Normal Push STANDBY Wake from STANDBY
Any other state Enter Shortcuts mode
[LP] Long Push STANDBY Wake from STANDBY
Any other state Go to STANDBY
[C>>] Center Rotate Right D/A Controller (preamplier) Increase volume (1st by 0.5 dB steps, then faster)
D/A Converter (pure DAC) Select next available input
[<<C] Center Rotate Left D/A Controller (preamplier) Decrease volume (1st by 0.5 dB steps, then faster)
D/A Converter (pure DAC) Select previous available input
[E>>] External Rotate Right Any state Selects next available input
[<<E] External Rotate Left Any state Select previous available input
Displayed elements depend on the installed option boards and user settings. In the example above, the C1.2 is
playing PCM audio coming from its rst AES-EBU input at the rate of 44.1 kHz. The output level is -18.5 dB, but
is currently muted. The C1.2 has locked its 22.5792 MHz (512 x 44.1 kHz) DCXO to the incoming audio stream. The
polarity of the audio signal is inverted, and the C1.2 is powered by an X1 external DC power supply. Displayed
elements for other congurations are similar.
The following table shows the actions of the user control knob in Normal mode.
4.2.2 Shortcuts
The C1.2 DAC/Controller is congured by a set of menus as described in the next sections. To allow quick access
to the most frequently used conguration menu items, the C1.2 offers the concept of Shortcuts. Shortcuts are
fully programmable and the user may choose any conguration parameter as a Shortcut. There are up to 6 user
programmable Shortcuts. To learn how to program individual Shortcuts, please refer to the SHORTCUTS menu
item in the next section.
Shortcuts are accessed from Normal mode by a Normal Push [NP]. Additional Normal Push [NP] skips to the
next Shortcut. The last Shortcut is always dedicated to entering the Menu mode (SETUP). On this last Shortcut,
a Normal Push [NP] will return to Normal Mode and an External Rotate Right [E>>] (or Central Rotate Right
[C>>]) will enter the Menu mode. The individual parameter for a given Shortcut is modied using External Rotate
Left [<<E] (or Central Rotate Left [<<C]) and/or External Rotate Right [E>>] (or Central Rotate Right [C>>]). If
there is no user action for about 10s the unit will revert to Normal mode.

C1.2 User Manual 18
Following table shows the actions of the user control knob for Shortcuts.
User Control Knob Action Unit State Unit Action
[NP] Normal Push Shortcut (except last) Skip to next Shortcut
Last Shortcut (SETUP) or Exit Shortcuts mode
after current Shortcut (Normal mode)
has been modied
[LP] Long Push STANDBY Wake from STANDBY
Any other state Go to STANDBY
[C>>] Center Rotate Right Shortcuts (except last) Modify parameter up (when available)
Last Shortcut (SETUP) Enter Menu mode
[<<C] Center Rotate Left Shortcuts Modify parameter down (when available)
[E>>] External Rotate Right Shortcuts (except last) Modify parameter up (when available)
Last Shortcut (SETUP) Enter Menu mode
[<<E] External Rotate Left Shortcuts Modify parameter down (when available)
PHASE POLARITY Shortcut display elements
1. Shortcut title (Parameter, for other Shortcuts, title
changes accordingly)
2. Arrow indicating External Rotate Right [E>>] if
applies. The item below indicates the next parameter
value (up direction)
3. Next Parameter Value if External Rotate Right
[E>>] is applied (parameter up)
4. Current Parameter Value (for other Shortcuts the
current Value of the Parameter is displayed on this
line)
5. Next parameter value if External Rotate Left [<<E]
is applied (parameter down)
6. Arrow indicating External Rotate Left [<<E] if
applies. The item below indicates the next parameter
value (down direction)Bridge)
2
3
1
4
The PHASE POLARITY Shortcut gives a good illustration of how to navigate a Shortcut screen. Navigating other
Shortcuts is similar.
6
5

C1.2 User Manual 19
SETUP Shortcut display elements
1. Shortcut title. It indicates that Detailed Setup
(Menu mode) can be entered at this stage
2. Current value of the parameter. Default action is to
exit (go back to Normal mode)
3. Arrow indicating External Rotate Right [E>>] (or
Central Rotate Right [C>>])
4. Next parameter value. If External Rotate Right
[E>>] is applied, the unit enters into Menu mode
2
3
4
1
The last Shortcut (SETUP) is always the same and cannot be removed or altered. It allows the Menu mode to
access the detailed setup of the unit.

C1.2 User Manual 20
4.2.3 Menu mode
The Menu mode allows for Conguration and Setup of the C1.2 DAC/Controller through a set of menus. Menu
mode is entered from the last Shortcut item (see above). From Normal mode, enter the Shortcut mode by
applying a Normal Push [NP]. By successive Normal Pushes [NP], step to the last Shortcut item (DETAILED
SETUP) and apply an External Rotate Right [E>>] to enter the Menu mode.
Navigation in Menu mode is based on Central Rotate Left/Right [<<C]/[C>>] to select a given menu item and
External Rotate Left/Right [<<E]/[E>>] to change menu level.
User Control Knob Action Unit Action
[NP] Normal Push Enter next menu level or Validate choice (save setting)
[LP] Long Push Puts the unit into Standby
[C>>] Center Rotate Right Move to next menu item downward
[<<C] Center Rotate Left Move to next menu item upward
[E>>] External Rotate Right Enter next menu level
[<<E] External Rotate Left Return to previous menu level without saving
C1.2 SETUP menu display elements
1. Menu title. When entering a menu item, the title
also shows the parent menu. If the AUDIO SETTINGS
menu is entered, the title line would display C1.2
SETUP >> AUDIO SETTINGS.
2. Shows the accessible parameters when entering
the currently highlighted menu item. In this example,
AUDIO SETTINGS is highlighted and the second
column shows the parameters accessible in the
AUDIO SETTINGS menu.
3. List of items in the current menu. Navigate from
one item to the other using Central Rotate Left/Right
[<<C]/[C>>]. To enter the highlighted menu item, use
External Rotate Right [E>>] (or a Normal Push [NP]).
To go to the previous menu level use External Rotate
Left [<<E]. In this example, External Rotate Left
[<<E] exits the Menu mode and sets the unit back to
Normal mode.
1
23
Following illustration shows the elements of the C1.2 SETUP Menu page, the entry point to the C1.2 menu
structure.