DCS Debussy DAC User manual

dCS Debussy DAC
Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter
with asynchronous USB Interface
User Manual
Software Release 2.2x
August 2013
© Data Conversion Systems Ltd. 2010-2013 Price UK £8.00 / Euro 12.00
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system,
or transmitted in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise)
without the prior written permission of dCS1. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this
publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, and whilst it is checked for accuracy, no
liabilities can be accepted for errors.
1dCS is Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Company registered in England No. 2072115.

dCS Debussy DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.2x
August 2013
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dCS Debussy DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.2x
August 2013
Debussy DAC Manual v2_2x.docx Page 3 English version
Contents
Using the dCS Debussy DAC for the first time........................................................................................4
What’s in the box? 4
Positioning the unit 4
Safety Notice 5
Step-by-Step Guide...............................................................................................................................6
Preliminaries 6
Fitting the Remote Control handset batteries 7
STEP 1 – Selecting a Digital Input 8
Connecting the USB interface 8
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 9
Connecting to a Dual AES Source 10
STEP 2 – Setting up the USB source 11
A word about Music Playing Software 11
Selecting the Debussy DAC as your Audio Output device 12
STEP 3 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs 13
Using a preamplifier 13
Using a power amplifier directly 13
STEP 4 – Using a System Clock 14
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................15
POWER Button 15
VOL+/- Buttons 15
MUTE Button 15
FILTER Button 15
PHASE Button 15
INPUT button 16
Word Clock Indicator 16
Remote Control Receiver 16
Input Indicators 17
Sample Rate Indicators 17
Factory Reset 17
Rear Panel............................................................................................................................................18
Analogue Outputs 18
Output Level Switch 18
AES Digital Inputs 18
SPDIF Digital Inputs 18
Word Clock Input 18
USB Interface 19
Label 19
TEST Connector 19
Mains inlet 19
Remote Control....................................................................................................................................20
Specification ........................................................................................................................................21
Maintenance and Support...................................................................................................................22
Service and Maintenance 22
Replacing a Blown Mains Fuse 22
Cleaning the case 22
Limited Warranty 23
Software 24
Which Software Issue is loaded? 24
Updating the Software 25
Software History 25
If you need more help 26

dCS Debussy DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.2x
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USING THE dCS Debussy DAC FOR THE FIRST TIME
Congratulations on purchasing your dCS Debussy DAC. This version of the Debussy DAC features
24/192 USB capability and can play DSD files when transmitted in DoP format.
Before using your unit, please read this section and the Step by Step Guide. This will enable you to
set the unit up quickly and safely with your hi-fi system.
From time to time, dCS may release updated software you can install yourself from a PC. Please
check our web-site occasionally to see if new Debussy DAC software is available, or consult your
dealer.
What’s in the box?
Check that the box contains the following items:
•dCS Debussy DAC
•User Manual
•dCS USB Audio Class 2 driver disc for Windows
•Power cable
•USB cable
•2 spare fuses
•dCS Premium Remote Control with 2x AAA batteries
Notify your dealer as soon as possible if anything is missing or damaged. We suggest that you retain
the original packaging for possible future use. If this is not possible, replacement packaging can be
ordered from dCS or our distributors. Details can be found on our web site at www.dcsltd.co.uk.
The cables supplied are commercial-grade parts, as we realise our customers will want to make their
own choices.
Positioning the unit
The Debussy DAC may be stacked with other products, but the system is likely to give better sonic
results when units are mounted on separate shelves of a rack. Place each unit on a firm, vibration-free
base, allowing convenient connection to the other parts of your system. To prevent overheating, we
recommend that you leave some free space around the unit to allow for ventilation.
The mounting points are M4 size, maximum screw depth is 8mm.

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Safety Notice
Your dCS Debussy DAC contains no user serviceable parts. DO NOT attempt to open the
case as there are potentially dangerous voltages present inside. In the event of the unit
developing a fault, please contact your dealer in the first instance.
To maintain protection from electric shock, the unit MUST be connected to mains earth
(ground) via the power cable. Also, unearthed systems do not give the best sonic
performance.
This product is lead-free to comply with the RoHS directive.
Before connecting the power cable to the unit for the first time, please check that it has been set to the
correct operating voltage for your mains supply. The unit’s voltage setting is shown on the serial
number label. If this does not match your local supply voltage, DO NOT attempt to use the unit.
Contact your dealer to have the unit reset. Using the unit with the wrong mains setting for your local
supply may result in serious damage to the unit and will invalidate the warranty. Do not attempt to
reset the voltage yourself.
We do not recommend the use of mains regenerators. However, if you do wish to use a mains
regenerator with variable voltage and frequency, we recommend that you set the voltage to match
your local voltage and the frequency to either 50Hz or 60Hz ONLY.
!
Damage caused to your Debussy DAC by misuse of a mains regenerator or by a
malfunctioning mains regenerator is not covered by the warranty.
Disposal at end-of-life - the symbol indicates that this product should not be treated as
normal household waste. It should be recycled, so please take it to an approved
collection facility.

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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation.
Preliminaries
For digital interfaces, use with cables designed for digital audio:
•for AES/EBU interfaces use 110Ωscreened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male 3-way XLR
connector and one female 3-way XLR connector.
•for SPDIF BNC and Word Clock interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with BNC plugs.
•for SPDIF RCA interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
•for the USB interface, use a standard screened USB cable fitted with one type ‘A’ connector and
one type ‘B’ connector. The internal screen must be connected at both ends.
For analogue outputs, use with screened cables of the correct type:
•for balanced outputs, use screened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male 3-way XLR connector
and one female 3-way XLR connector.
•for unbalanced outputs, use coax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
Connect the power cable supplied to the power inlet on the Debussy DAC rear panel, plug the other
end into a convenient power outlet.
!
If you wish to use a power cable other than the one supplied, please ensure that it is a
good fit to the mains inlet, and is not so heavy or inflexible as to place strain on the mains
inlet.
Set the rear panel power switch to the Iposition, press the POWER button briefly and wait about 30
seconds while the unit configures itself. The Power indicator and one or two of the input indicators will
illuminate, some of the other indicators may also illuminate.

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Fitting the Remote Control handset batteries
Use a small coin to
release the screw
securing the back
plate.
Lift the screw a
little and slide the
back plate off.
Fit 2 AA size batteries by pressing
the flat end (-) against the spring
and pressing the battery into the
slot, so that the + end makes
contact with the stud.
Slide the back
plate into place and
tighten the screw.
!
Failure to fit the batteries correctly can damage your Remote Control. Such damage is
not covered by the warranty.
Please dispose of used batteries properly at a waste disposal site, not in the household
waste.

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STEP 1 – Selecting a Digital Input
Switch on the source equipment. If appropriate, load a disk / tape and set the machine in PLAY mode
to ensure it is generating a digital audio data stream. Choose one or more of the following sections:
Connecting the USB interface
There are two USB Audio classes, one of which must be set during system set-up. The DAC is
shipped set to USB Audio Class 2.
Audio Class 1: The interface operates without special drivers at up to 96kS/s.
To select Class 1, switch off completely (not just Sleep), wait 10 seconds, then hold down the
Input and Vol- buttons and switch on. Keep the 2 buttons pressed until all the front panel LEDs
flash continually. Release the buttons and wait for the LEDs to stop flashing. The unit is now in
Class 1 mode.
Audio Class 2: The interface operates at up to 192kS/s.
For Mac OSX™, version 10.6 or later is required.
For Windows 7™, Windows Vista™ (SP2) or Windows XP™ (SP3), the driver files on the disc
supplied must be installed onto the computer before use (see page 11).
At the time of writing, we have not tested the driver with Windows 8™, but we are told it works
well if the driver is installed in Windows 7 Compatibility Mode.
To select Class 2, switch off completely (not just Sleep), wait 10 seconds, then hold down the
Input and Vol+ buttons and switch on. Keep the 2 buttons pressed until all the front panel LEDs
flash continually. Release the buttons and wait for the LEDs to stop flashing. The unit is now in
Class 2 mode.
The USB interface can be connected to Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows XP, Mac OSX (10.5.4
or later) PCs or a sound server, running software to generate PCM data. The interface has been
checked briefly with a Linux PC.
Figure 1 – Connecting the USB interface.
•Connect one of the computer’s USB ports to the USB port on the DAC’s rear panel.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until the USB input indicator is lit. If the source is transmitting
PCM data, the DAC will lock to the source and the appropriate sample rate indicator will illuminate.
The DAC’s USB interface operates in asynchronous mode. This allows the clock inside the DAC to
control the delivery of data from the computer, avoiding the use of the computer’s inaccurate and
jittery clock.
Proceed to Step 2.
Analogue outputs
to amplifier
USB

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Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source
Most source equipment (such as a CD transport or DVD player) is fitted with a single wire digital
output, usually on an RCA phono connector.
Figure 2 – Connecting an SPDIF interface.
•Connect your source equipment to the matching input on the DAC’s rear panel using a suitable
cable.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until the AES1, AES2, SPDIF1 or SPDIF2 indicator illuminates
as required.
If the source is active, the DAC will lock to the source and the appropriate sample rate indicator will
illuminate.
Proceed to Step 3.
Analogue outputs
to amplifier
Pa
g
anin
i
Transport

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Connecting to a Dual AES Source
!
For Dual AES mode to work correctly, the source must actually generate Dual AES data,
not just single AES on 2 connectors (which gives a mono output)!
Figure 3 – Connecting the Dual AES interface.
•Connect the AES1 (or AES A) output on your source equipment to the AES1 input on the DAC’s
rear panel and the AES2 (or AES B) output to the AES2 input, using two XLR cables. Ensure the
cables are not swapped.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until the AES 1 and AES 2 input indicators illuminate. If the
source is active, the DAC will lock to the source and the appropriate sample rate indicator will
illuminate.
Proceed to Step 3.
Analogue outputs
to amplifier
Paganini Upsampler
Paganini Transport

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STEP 2 – Setting up the USB source
If you do not want to use a USB source, go to STEP 3.
This section gives basic advice for setting up the computer.
For more detailed advice and more advanced options, please visit www.dcsltd.co.uk/page/support and
download the current version of the “dCS Guide to Computer Audio”.
To load the Windows drivers for USB Class 2:
•If ASIO4ALL is loaded on your computer, please uninstall it - otherwise the dCS driver will not work
correctly.
•Make sure the DAC is set to USB Class 2 - otherwise the driver installation will fail.
•Power up the DAC and the computer.
•Load the dCS USB Audio Class 2 driver disc for Windows into the computer’s CD drive.
•If the installation does not start automatically, select “Run setup.exe”.
•Follow the on-screen prompts.
•When prompted, connect the DAC to the computer’s USB port.
•Wait until installation is complete, then remove the driver disc and re-start the computer.
!
If you connect a Debussy DAC set for USB Audio Class 2 to a Windows computer
without first loading the drivers, the interface will not work and the computer will display
the warning message: Device cannot start.
A word about Music Playing Software
There are countless programs that can play music on WindowsTM and Apple Mac OSXTM PCs.
Unfortunately, not all of them present the data completely unprocessed to the USB ports. For
example, Windows Media Player re-samples all data to 24 bits, albeit at the original sample rate, while
iTunes rate converts data as necessary to the output sample rate set in the OSX Audio set-up panel.
With such a proliferation of playing software, and with updates being issued daily, it is impossible for
dCS to be fully up-to-date with the behaviour and performance of all programs. If you have questions
or problems, we would urge you to take them up with your software vendor. What we will say is that
different programs operate very differently and it is well worth finding out exactly how your particular
program processes the audio.
One particular problem concerns iTunes when running on Windows systems. The default output word
length is 16 bits and must be changed to 24 bits for correct operation. To do this, click on Start >
Control Panel > Quicktime. Click on the Audio tab of the Quicktime panel and select 24 bit in the
Size field of the Sound Out section.

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Selecting the Debussy DAC as your Audio Output device
Whichever program you are using to play your music, your computer may not automatically select
your Debussy DAC as the preferred playback device. You can correct this as follows :
Windows XPTM - Once you have connected the Debussy DAC and switched it on, go to Start >
Control Panel > Sounds and Audio devices. Click on the Audio tab and select dCS Debussy from
the drop down list in the Sound Playback - Default Device list. For best results, set the Sample Rate
to be the same as that of the file.
Windows VistaTM / Windows 7TM - Once you have connected the Debussy DAC and switched it on,
go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound and click on the Playback tab of the
panel that appears. Select dCS Debussy from the list of available devices. For best results, click on
Properties > Advanced and set the Default Format to 24 bits at the same sample rate as the file.
Mac OSXTM - Once you have connected the Debussy DAC and switched it on, open Finder, click on
the Go tab and select Utilities. In the Utilities panel, select Audio MIDI Setup and click on the Audio
Devices tab in the Audio MIDI setup panel. Select dCS Debussy from the drop down list in System
Output. You can also set dCS Debussy as the default output from the same panel. For best results,
set the Sample Rate to be the same as that of the file.
!
Some streaming programs give better results with a different set-up. Please refer to the
“dCS Guide to Computer Audio” for more specific information.
What is DoP?
DoP is the abbreviation for “DSD over PCM”. The basic idea was devised by dCS in 2011 as a
convenient way to transmit DSD from a computer to a 24/192 USB DAC. It involves packing the DSD
data into the lower 16 bits of a 24/176.4 data stream, using the top 8 bits as a marker to warn the DAC
that the data must be treated as DSD rather than PCM. All that is required then is a streaming
program that can perform the packaging and a modification to the DAC software to ensure it is
decoded correctly.
If a DoP data stream is decoded as PCM by a non-DoP compatible DAC, the result is a low level of
noise with the music in the background – this is not a threat to amplifiers or speakers.
dCS offered the idea as an open standard to invite participation by software companies and other
equipment manufacturers. We were very pleased by the response - DoP is now an accepted standard.
As a result, DoP is supported by a growing number of streaming programs, including the latest
versions of:
•Pure Music Player, Audirvana (for Mac OSX) and
•JRiver Media Center, Foobar (for Windows).
It is a common mistake is to assume that DoP involves converting DSD data to PCM – this is not true.
DoP maintains the data as DSD but re-packages it for convenience in a 24/176.4 data stream. After
decoding, the original DSD data is retrieved bit-perfect – nothing is lost or changed. dCS have been
using similar DSD re-packaging schemes in our professional products since 1998 for the same reason
– convenience.
Go to STEP 3.

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STEP 3 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs
!
The output level relays can flip over in transit, resulting in one or both channels having a
lower or higher level than expected. This can be corrected by changing the O/P Level
switch setting then changing back.
The balanced and unbalanced outputs are separately buffered, you can connect both to different
amplifiers at the same time if required. Choose one of the following two sections:
Using a preamplifier
•Set the preamplifier volume control to minimum.
•Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the DAC’s rear panel to matching line level inputs on your preamplifier (probably labelled CD or
AUX).
•Hold down the DAC’s Vol+ button for 10 seconds to set the Volume to maximum. This is indicated
by all 7 Sample Rate LEDs illuminating for 5 seconds (see Figure 4).
•While playing some music, increase the preamplifier volume until the music is at the desired level.
•If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may
need to change the setting of the O/P Level switch on the back panel.
!
Setting the O/P Level to 6V can cause some preamplifiers to overload and distort. For this
reason, we recommend the 2V setting if a preamplifier is used.
Using a power amplifier directly
•Hold down the DAC’s Vol- button for 10 seconds to set the Volume to minimum. This is indicated
by all 7 Sample Rate LEDs turning off for a few seconds (see Figure 4).
•Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the DAC’s rear panel to matching inputs on your power amplifier. Switch on the power amplifier.
•While playing some music, hold down the DAC’s Vol+ button until the music is at the desired level.
You will see the Sample Rate indicators illuminate from the bottom as the volume increases.
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
Minimum
Volume
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
Volume set between
-10 and -20dB
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
Maximum
Volume (0dB)
-60dB
-50dB
-40dB
-30dB
-20dB
-10dB
0dB
Figure 4 – The Sample Rate LEDs operating as the Volume indicator
•Setting the Output Level switch on the back panel to 6V usually gives best results, but this
depends on the rest of your system and the size of your room. If the setting is 2V and the volume is
still set below -20dB with most music, ask your dealer about trying some passive attenuators.
Proceed to Step 4.

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STEP 4 – Using a System Clock
So far, when using the PCM inputs, the system has been set up to lock to the clock generated by the
source. This is the simplest arrangement, but it does not give the best sonic performance due to clock
jitter.
If the source equipment can be locked to word clock or the USB interface is selected, the performance
can be improved further by adding a Paganini Clock to the system as shown in the example below.
Figure 5 – Using the Paganini Transport, Clock and Debussy DAC together
•Connect two of the Clock’s W/Clk Outputs to the W/Clk Inputs of the Transport and DAC.
•Use the Clock’s Frequency button to set the outputs to 44.1kHz, to suit the CD Transport.
The system will re-lock and un-mute.
Please consult the Clock manual for more information on using a System Clock.
The next step is crucial – sit back and enjoy the music.
Analogue outputs
to amplifier
Paganini Transport
Paganini Clock

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FRONT PANEL
Figure 6 – Front panel
POWER Button
To switch on, ensure the rear panel switch is set to Iand press the POWER button (A) on the front
panel once. The LED to the left of the POWER button will illuminate. Note that the unit cannot be
turned on by remote control.
To set the unit to sleep mode, press the POWER button once. The LED to the left of the button will
dim, the other LEDs will turn off and the analogue outputs will mute, but the unit will remain close to
running temperature. Press the button again to return to normal operation.
To switch off completely, hold down the POWER button for at least 3 seconds then release it.
VOL+/- Buttons
The digital volume control covers a range from -60dB0 to 0dB0 in 0.5dB steps. Press or hold down the
Vol+ button (B) to increase the volume, press or hold down the Vol- button (C) to reduce the volume.
The Ring DAC™ circuit has linearity to spare but for best results, set up your system to use a volume
setting between -20dB and 0dB for normal listening. While the volume is being adjusted, the Sample
Rate LEDs (K) indicate the approximate volume setting in 10dB steps.
MUTE Button
Use the MUTE button (D) to mute the analogue outputs. When the unit is muted (either manually or
when not locked to a source) the LED to the left of the button illuminates.
FILTER Button
Use the FILTER button (E) to select your preferred anti-image filter. The two filters have very similar
amplitude responses but different phase responses.
If the indicator to the left of the button is off, the filter applied is a classic sharp filter, with linear phase
and pre-ringing. Press the button to change to the alternative filter, which has non-linear phase and no
pre-ringing. The indicator illuminates when the alternative filter is selected.
Filter choice is a personal preference and is best done by ear. The choice of filter may depend on the
type of music you are listening to. The DAC remembers the last filter selection for every sample rate.
PHASE Button
If the indicator to the left of the PHASE button (F) is off, all analogue outputs will be in absolute phase
with the digital data. Press the button to reverse the phase of all outputs - the indicator illuminates to
warn of this. This feature is useful for correcting the playback of tracks that have been recorded in
reverse phase.

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INPUT button
Press the INPUT button (G) repeatedly to cycle through the available digital inputs, the selected input
will be shown by the input indicators (J). The sequence is:
USB,AES 1, AES 2, AES1 +AES 2 (Dual AES), SPDIF 1, SPDIF 2, USB,etc...
Word Clock Indicator
The W/Clock indicator (H) will be off unless activity is detected at the W/Clock In connector.
If a word clock signal is detected and it is at a frequency compatible with the audio data sample rate,
the DAC will lock to word clock and the indicator will illuminate. The table below shows compatible
combinations.
Word Clock Frequency Data Sample Rate
44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kHz 44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kS/s or DSD
32, 48, 96 or 192kHz 32, 48, 96 or 192kS/s
If activity is detected but the signal is not recognisable or is at the wrong frequency, the unit will lock to
the data stream instead and the W/Clock indicator will flash to warn of this.
Remote Control Receiver
The unit accepts IR commands in RC5 format, either from a dCS remote or a programmable remote
which has been loaded with the correct command codes. Aim the remote control handset towards the
receiver (I) for best sensitivity.
If you wish to program your own remote, the command codes are as follows.
!
Use these command codes only if you agree to be bound by this DISCLAIMER
dCS cannot accept responsibility for problems of any kind that may arise from the use of
these remote control codes, cannot offer technical support in its use to installers or
customers and cannot undertake to add extra features. If you need assistance, please
consult an experienced A/V installer.
All codes are in decimal. For the DAC functions, the category code is 13.
Function Code Function Code Function Code
Volume + 16 Select AES 1 3 Next input 27
Volume - 17 Select AES 2 4 Previous input 28
Toggle Filter 14 Select Dual AES 32 Wake 42
Toggle Phase 9 Select SPDIF 1 1 Sleep 41
Toggle Mute 13 Select SPDIF 2 6 Power off 43
Select USB 2
The Debussy DAC features a USB HID interface, which allows control of some Media Player functions.
These commands depend on the behaviour of the streaming software, which is beyond our control. At
the time of writing, most streaming software does not handle the Fast forward or Fast reverse
commands well.

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!
At present, the USB HID interface is not supported by the USB Class 2 Windows driver.
For the Media Player functions, the category code is 20.
Function Code
Play / Pause 53
Previous track 33
Next track 32
Fast forward 52
Fast reverse 50
Input Indicators
In normal use, one of these indicators (J) illuminates to indicate the selected input. For Dual AES, both
AES 1 and AES 2 indicators illuminate. If the DAC is not receiving data through the selected input, the
indicator will flash.
Sample Rate Indicators
The column of sample rate indicators (K) remain off when the unit is not locked. When the unit locks to
incoming digital data, the indicator for the detected sample rate will illuminate. When receiving DSD
data, the 176.4 and 192 indicators illuminate.
When the volume is adjusted, the function of these indicators changes to show the volume setting in
10dB steps, see the table below. 5 seconds after the last volume adjustment, they display the sample
rate once more.
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
-60dB
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
-50.5 ~
-59.5dB
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
-40.5 ~
-50dB
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
-30.5 ~
-40dB -20.5 ~ -30dB -10.5 ~ -20dB -0.5 ~ -10dB
32
44.1
48
88.2
96
176.4
192
0dB
-60dB
-50dB
-40dB
-30dB
-20dB
-10dB
0dB
Figure 7 – The Volume indicator ranges
Factory Reset
To reset the unit to factory defaults, hold down the Vol+ and Vol- buttons together at power-on until
ALL the LEDs start flashing, then release both buttons. This will reset the unit as follows:
Volume -30dB Phase Normal
Mute Not muted Input USB
Filter Sharp filter

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REAR PANEL
Figure 8 - Rear Panel
Analogue Outputs
The unit features separately buffered Balanced Outputs (N) on XLR connectors and Unbalanced
Outputs (O) on RCA connectors. The Balanced Outputs should be connected to true balanced
inputs only. If your preamplifier / power amplifier has unbalanced inputs (even if the inputs are on XLR
connectors), please use the Unbalanced Outputs instead.
Output Level Switch
The O/P Level switch (P) sets all outputs to either 2V rms or 6V rms at full scale. When you set up
your system, choose the Output Level setting that gives a comfortable listening level with the Volume
set between –10dB and –20dB. The difference between the two settings is 9.5dB.
AES Digital Inputs
The AES1 and AES2 inputs (Q) can be used individually at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s or
with DSD in DoP format.
If both inputs are connected to a Dual AES source and AES 1 + AES 2 is selected, they can be used
together as a Dual AES pair at 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s or DSD data in DoP format.
!
For Dual AES mode to work correctly, the source must actually generate Dual AES data,
not just single AES on 2 connectors (which gives a mono output)!
Dual AES is available from dCS Upsamplers, some dCS Transports and some sound
cards.
SPDIF Digital Inputs
The unit features 2 co-ax SPDIF inputs (R) on RCA phono (SPDIF 1) and BNC connectors (SPDIF 2).
Each input will accept data at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 176.4 or 192kS/s or DSD in DoP format.
Word Clock Input
The W/Clock In connector (S) will accept standard word clock from the source equipment or a master
clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kHz.
!
The clock frequency MUST be an exact multiple of the data rate (see page 16),
otherwise the system will not lock to word clock and the indicator will flash.
The source MUST be locked to the same clock unless the USB interface is selected,
otherwise the system will not be synchronised and periodic clicks will be heard on the
outputs.
Word clock is used for synchronisation only, it does not carry digital data.

dCS Debussy DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.2x
August 2013
Debussy DAC Manual v2_2x.docx Page 19 English version
USB Interface
The USB interface on a ‘B’ type connector (T) will accept PCM data at up to 24 bits / 192kS/s from a
Windows™ PC, Apple Mac™ or sound server equipped with a USB interface. This interface operates
in asynchronous mode, which makes the Debussy DAC immune to clock jitter from the computer /
sound server. The DAC either uses its own internal clock or locks to the system clock connected to the
W/Clock input. Feedback through the USB cable to the computer controls the rate of data delivery.
!
We have tested this interface with several common formats running on Windows 7,
Windows Vista (SP2), Windows XP (SP3) and Apple Mac OSX 10.5, 10.6 & 10.7 with
various PCM streaming programs but we cannot accept responsibility for correct
operation with all source devices, operating systems or software.
!
The USB interface is designed to work with a computer or sound server. Nothing useful
will happen if you connect the interface directly to an MP3 player or a flash stick.
!
Please see page 8for details on setting up the interface to Class 1 (up to 96kS/s without
special drivers) or Class 2 (up to 192kS/s, no drivers are required for OSX 10.6 or later,
drivers are required for Windows).
Set to USB Class 2, this version will also decode DSD data packaged in DoP format.
Label
The label (U) states the unit’s serial number and the nominal voltage to which the unit is set. It is
important to quote the serial number if you need assistance.
TEST Connector
The TEST connector (V) is an RS232 interface, primarily used to remotely control the unit during
automated testing. Please contact dCS for information about using this interface with a household
automation system. Note that we recommend using infra-red remote control instead.
Mains inlet
Power is connected via a standard IEC320 connector (W), protected by a fuse (X) and isolated by a 2-
pole power switch (Y).

dCS Debussy DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.2x
August 2013
Debussy DAC Manual v2_2x.docx Page 20 English version
REMOTE CONTROL
Hold down the Sleep button for 2 seconds to set the DAC to sleep
mode. Press the Sleep button again to return to normal operation.
In Sleep mode, press the OFF button to turn the DAC off.
The Filter button changes the filter setting when locked to a source.
The AES button selects the AES1 input.
The Input + and Input – buttons cycle through the digital inputs.
The Vol+ and Vol– buttons adjust the Volume.
The Mute button turns the Analogue Outputs off and on.
(The other buttons on this handset are for use with other models.)
When the DAC is completely off (not just in sleep mode), press the front panel Power button to turn it
on. You cannot use the Remote Control for this.
The OFF button will only operate if the system is in sleep mode.