DCS Scarlatti DAC User manual

dCS Scarlatti DA
C
Stereo Digital to Analogue Converte
r
User Manual
Software Release 1.0x
June 2008
© Data Conversion Systems Ltd. 2007 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 Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
June 2008
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dCS Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
June 2008
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CONTENTS
Contents.................................................................................................................................................3
Using the dCS Scarlatti DAC for the first time ......................................................................................4
What’s in the box? 4
Safety Notice 4
Mains Voltage Setting 4
Power Cables 4
Mains Regenerators 5
Positioning the unit 5
Disposal at end-of-life 5
Step-by-Step Guide...............................................................................................................................6
Preliminaries 6
STEP 1 – Selecting a Digital Input 7
Connecting to an IEEE 1394 DSD Source 7
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 7
Connecting to a Dual AES Source 7
Connecting to an SDIF/DSD Source 7
STEP 2 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs 8
STEP 3 - Setting the Output Level 9
STEP 4 – Choosing a Sync Mode 10
Using the DAC in Master Mode 10
Using a Master Clock 11
Front Panel...........................................................................................................................................12
POWER Button 12
DISPLAY Button 12
SYNC Button 12
FILTER Button 13
INPUT button 13
Display 13
MUTE Button 14
MENU Button 14
Remote Control Receiver 14
Rotary Control 14
Rear Panel............................................................................................................................................15
Analogue Outputs 15
AES Digital Inputs 15
SPDIF Digital Inputs 15
DSD/SDIF Digital Interface 15
Word Clock Input / Output 15
1394 Interface 16
SUC Connector 16
Mains inlet 16
The Menu..............................................................................................................................................17
Using the Menu 18
INFORMATION Menu 19
DAC SETTINGS Menu 20
DISPLAY SETTINGS Menu 21
SIGNAL GENERATOR Menu 21
Specification ........................................................................................................................................22
Maintenance and Support...................................................................................................................23
Service and Maintenance 23
Replacing a Blown Mains Fuse 23
Cleaning the case 23
Limited Warranty 24
If you need more help 25
Software History 25

dCS Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
June 2008
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USING THE dCS Scarlatti DAC FOR THE FIRST TIME
Congratulations on purchasing your dCS Scarlatti DAC.
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 will release updated software on CD that you can install yourself using the CD
Update feature. Please check our web-site occasionally to see if new Scarlatti software is available, or
consult your dealer.
What’s in the box?
Check that the box contains the following items:
•dCS Scarlatti DAC
•Manual and Menu / Setup Guide
•Power cable
•1394 cable
•BNC cable
•2 spare fuses
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 Scarlatti Transport is supplied with a programmed Philips Pronto remote control. If you do not
have a Scarlatti Transport in your system, a programmed Pronto can be ordered direct from dCS as an
optional extra.
Safety Notice
Your dCS Scarlatti 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.
Mains Voltage Setting
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 label
beneath the mains inlet on the rear panel. 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.
Power Cables
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 and inflexible as to place strain on the mains inlet.

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Mains Regenerators
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 Scarlatti DAC by misuse of a mains regenerator or by a
malfunctioning mains regenerator is not covered by the warranty.
Positioning the unit
Units in the Scarlatti range are designed to be mounted on separate shelves of a rack and must NOT
be stacked directly on top of each other. 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.
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
The Menu / Setup Guide sheet details the menu structure and details the two most common set-ups.
For digital interfaces, use with cables designed for digital audio:
•for AES/EBU interfaces use 110Ωscreened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male XLR
connector and one female XLR connector.
•for SDIF, Word Clock or SPDIF BNC interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with BNC plugs.
•for SPDIF RCA interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
•for TOSLINK optical interfaces, use Toslink fibre-optic cables.
•for IEEE 1394 interfaces, use the IEEE 1394 cable provided with the unit.
For analogue outputs, use with screened cables of the correct type:
•for balanced outputs, use screened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male XLR connector and
one female XLR connector.
•for unbalanced outputs, use coax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
Connect the power cable supplied to the power inlet on the DAC rear panel, plug the other end into a
convenient power outlet.
!
Please do not use an excessively heavy or inflexible power cable as this may damage
the power inlet connector.
Press the Power button and wait about 30 seconds while the DAC configures itself. The display will
show in sequence: Scarlatti and No Input.
If the unit is likely to be set in an unfamiliar state, you can reset it as follows:
Press the Menu button, press the →button once, then the Menu button again to display the DAC
Settings menu. Press the ←button a few times to highlight the Factory Reset menu page. Press the
Menu button and wait a few seconds while the unit resets itself.

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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 of the following sections:
Connecting to an IEEE 1394 DSD Source
•Check that your source equipment (probably a dCS SACD Transport or a dCS Upsampler) is
capable of DSD operation over a 1394 link, generates a 44.1kHz word clock and is set up correctly.
•Connect one 1394 output on your source equipment to one 1394 input on the DAC rear panel.
Also connect the word clock output on your source equipment to the Wordclock In connector on
the DAC rear panel.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until 1394 or the source name is displayed (probably dCS STT).
The unit may display Wait ..., No-WClk or Search.., messages if the unit is still settling, then in
sequence (Clk OK), Locking, DSD. If you have more than one source connected to the 1394 bus, it
may be necessary to use the Input button to select the 1394 source you want to listen to.
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source
Most source equipment (such as CD transports, DVD players) is fitted with a single wire digital output,
usually on an RCA phono connector.
•Connect your source equipment to the matching input on the DAC rear panel using a suitable
cable.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until your chosen input is displayed. This will be either AES1,
AES2, RCA1, RCA2, Toslink or BNC.
The DAC will lock to the source, displaying in sequence (44.1k), Locking, 16/44.1 for example, if the
source is a CD player.
Connecting to a Dual AES Source
Check that your source equipment is capable of Dual AES operation.
•Connect the AES1 (or AES A) output on your source equipment to the AES1 input on the DAC 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 both AES1 AND AES2 input indicators are lit.
The DAC will lock to the source, displaying in sequence (96k), Locking, 24/192 for example, if the
source is 24 bit data at 192kS/s.
Connecting to an SDIF/DSD Source
Check that your source equipment is capable of SDIF PCM or DSD operation.
•Connect the CH1 output on your source equipment to the CH1 input on the DAC rear panel and the
CH2 output to the CH2 input, using two BNC cables. Connect the word clock output on your source
equipment to the WClk In connector on the DAC rear panel. Ensure the cables are not swapped.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until SDIF appears on the display.
PCM or DSD mode is automatically detected. The DAC will lock to the source, displaying in (44.1k),
Locking, 16/44.1 for example, if the source is a CD player. DSD is displayed if the source is DSD.
Proceed to Step 2.

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STEP 2 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs
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
DAC rear panel to matching line level inputs on your preamplifier (probably labelled CD or AUX).
•Turn the DAC rotary control clockwise to set the Volume to maximum (- 0.0dB on the display).
Slowly increase the preamplifier volume until the music is at the right level.
Using a power amplifier directly
•Turn the DAC rotary control counter-clockwise to set the Volume to minimum ( -60.0dB on the
display).
•Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the DAC rear panel to matching inputs on your power amplifier. Switch on the power amplifier.
•Turn the DAC rotary control slowly clockwise until the music is at the right level.
Play a disc, you should have audio.
Proceed to Step 3.
ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
LEFT RIGHT RIGHT
LEFT
AES 1 AES 2
RCA 1
RCA 2
SPDIF
DIGITAL INPUTS
TOSLINK CH 1 CH 2
BNC
IN OUT
DSD/SDIF
WCLK
1394
SUC
50/60 Hz, 50W
FUSE
T 500mA L
~
Scarlatti Transport
Scarlatti DAC
LLRR
Balanced - or - Unbalanced
Analogue Outputs
To pre- or power amplifier inputs
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
AES 1 RCA BNC TOSLINK
CH1 CH2 SUC
1394
IN ---- WORDCLOCK --- OUT
SDIF
AES 2
Figure 1 – Basic setup

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STEP 3 - Setting the Output Level
If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may need
to change the Output Level setting.
!
Setting the Output Level to 6V can cause some preamplifiers to overload and distort. For
this reason, we recommend the 2V setting if a preamplifier is used.
Similarly, if you are driving a power amplifier directly and the DAC Volume setting for a comfortable
listening level is higher than –10.0 or lower than –20.0 try changing the Output Level setting.
•Press the Menu button, press the →button once, then the Menu button again to display the DAC
Settings menu. Press the →button a few times to highlight the Analogue Out menu page. Press
the Menu button to change the setting.
If the setting is 2V and the Volume is still set well below –20.0, try some passive attenuators.

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STEP 4 – Choosing a Sync Mode
So far, the system has been set up to lock to the clock generated by the source. If you are using the
1394 or SDIF interfaces, the DAC will lock to a word clock generated by the source. This is the
simplest arrangement, but it does not give the best sonic performance due to clock jitter.
Using the DAC in Master Mode
If your CD transport (or other source equipment sampling at 44.1kS/s) has a word clock input, you can
reduce the jitter in your system by using the DAC in Master mode and slaving the source to it. If not,
you can miss out this section.
ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
LEFT RIGHT RIGHT
LEFT
AES 1 AES 2
RCA 1
RCA 2
SPDIF
DIGITAL INPUTS
TOSLINK CH 1 CH 2
BNC
IN OUT
DSD/SDIF
WCLK
1394
SUC
50/60 Hz, 50W
FUSE
T 500mA L
~
Scarlatti Transport
Scarlatti DAC
LLRR
Balanced - or - Unbalanced
Analogue Outputs
To pre- or power amplifier inputs
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
AES 1 RCA BNC TOSLINK
CH1 CH2 SUC
1394
IN ---- WORDCLOCK --- OUT
SDIF
AES 2
Figure 2 – Using the Scarlatti Transport with the DAC in Master Mode
!
You can use Master Mode ONLY if your source equipment can lock to a 44.1kHz word
clock and the DAC is receiving data at 44.1, 88.2 or 176.4kS/s or DSD. If the system is
not set up correctly and fails to lock, you will hear clicks / noises from the speakers and
the signal may be distorted.
•Connect the DAC’s Word Clock Out connector to the word clock input on the source equipment.
dCS transports slave automatically.
•Press the Sync button to set the DAC to Master mode and allow the system to re-lock.

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Using a Master Clock
The performance can be improved further by adding a Scarlatti Clock to the system as shown below.
REF. IN
WORDCLOCK OUTPUTS
12345678
1394
SUC
50/60 Hz, 30W
FUSE
T 500mA L
~
ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
LEFT RIGHT RIGHT
LEFT
AES 1 AES 2
RCA 1
RCA 2
SPDIF
DIGITAL INPUTS
TOSLINK CH 1 CH 2
BNC
IN OUT
DSD/SDIF
WCLK
1394
SUC
50/60 Hz, 50W
FUSE
T 500mA L
~
Scarlatti Transport
Scarlatti Clock
Scarlatti DAC
LLRR
Balanced - or - Unbalanced
Analogue Outputs
To pre- or power amplifier inputs
DIGITAL
OUTPUTS
AES 1 RCA BNC TOSLINK
CH1 CH2 SUC
1394
IN ---- WORDCLOCK --- OUT
SDIF
AES 2
Figure 3 – Using the Scarlatti Transport , DAC and Clock together
•Connect one of the Clock’s Word Clock Outputs to the Word Clock Inputs of the Transport and
DAC.
•Use the Clock’s Frequency button to set the outputs to 44.1kHz, to suit the CD Transport.
•Use the DAC’s Sync button to set the sync mode to WClk.
The system will re-lock and un-mute.
Please consult the Clock manual for more information on using a Master Clock.
The next step is crucial – sit back and enjoy the music.

dCS Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
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FRONT PANEL
Scarlatti
dCS
MUTE MENU
INPUT
FILTERSYNCDISPLAYPOWER
A B C D E F G H I J
Figure 4 – 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. Note that the unit cannot be turned on from the remote control.
To set the unit to sleep mode, press the POWER button once. The main display will turn off, the LED
over the button will light, and the analogue outputs will mute, but the unit will remain close to running
temperature. Press again to return to normal operation.
To switch off, hold down the POWER button for about 5 seconds until Power Down appears on the
display, then release it.
When the menu is open, press the POWER button to close the menu.
DISPLAY Button
Press the DISPLAY button (B) to turn the main display off and on. When the display is off, the LED
over the button will light to warn you that the unit is running.
SYNC Button
Use the SYNC button (C) to set the sync mode for the digital input that is currently selected. The DAC
remembers the Sync setting separately for each digital input. The options are:
Audio – The DAC extracts the clock from the selected digital input and locks to it.
Use this setting for systems that do not have a Scarlatti Transport. This
arrangement does NOT give the best jitter performance or the best sound quality.
WClk – The DAC locks to an external clock connected to the Word Clock Input.
This is the normal setting if you are using a Scarlatti Transport or have the full
stack. For the very best sound quality, use the this setting with the full stack.
Master – The DAC uses its own stable 44.1kHz clock and outputs the same clock
on the WClk Output, so that the source can lock to the DAC. For correct master
mode operation, the source equipment MUST be locked to the DAC. This is the
recommended setting if you have a Scarlatti Transport, but not a Scarlatti Clock.
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FILTER Button
Use the FILTER button (D) to select your preferred filter. This 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.
In PCM mode, the first 4 filters give different trade-offs between the Nyquist image rejection and the
phase response. Filter 1 has the best rejection of (unwanted) Nyquist images and the sharpest roll-off,
resulting in the poorest transient response of the four. Filters 2, 3 and 4 have progressively more
relaxed image rejection and progressively better transient response. Filter 2 is often preferred for
orchestral music, while Filter 3 and Filter 4 are often used for rock music.
If the source data is Dual AES at 176.4 or 192kS/s, two extra filters are available. Filter 5 has a
Gaussian response and Filter 6 is an asymmetrical type which features almost no pre-ringing.
DSD mode has 4 filters, but these progressively reduce the out-of-band noise level (which is inherent
in the 1-bit nature of DSD). Filter 1 is the usual setting – it gives the widest bandwidth (about 70kHz)
and the highest level of out-of-band noise. If your system sounds harsh, try Filter 2 or Filter 3. These
progressively reduce the out-of-band noise level at the cost of some bandwidth. Filter 4 is primarily
intended for troubleshooting, not listening, as it has an early cut-off, designed to minimise the out-of-
band noise.
The DAC remembers the last filter set for every sample rate.
When the menu is open, the FILTER button changes to the ←button, used to page backwards
through the menu.
INPUT button
Press the INPUT button (E) repeatedly to cycle through the available digital inputs. The sequence is:
AES1, AES2, DUAL AES (this disappears from the list if it is turned off in the Dual AES menu), RCA1,
RCA2, Toslink, BNC, SDIF-2, 1394 (the name of an active source will be displayed, e.g. dCS STT).
When the menu is open, the INPUT button changes to the →button, used to page forwards through
the menu.
Display
In normal use, the display (F) is split into 4 areas:
The top left corner usually shows the
selected input (e.g. RCA1) or 1394 source
name (e.g. dCS SCT). While you are
changing settings, the current setting may be
displayed here briefly.
The top right corner shows the locking status,
the data format. Some examples are No
Input, Locking, (Clk OK), 16/44.1 (the
number of active bits and the sample rate),
24/192 or DSD. Between tracks on a CD, the
number of active bits is zero, so 0/44.1 may
be displayed.
The icons at the bottom left corner are the
Sync mode (slave to Audio is shown) and
the selected Filter (Filter 2 is shown). The
Phase icon appears here if set to inverted.
The “staircase” icon gives a visual indication
of the Volume or Balance setting, with the
setting shown in text as well (-0.0dB is
shown).
Details of the menu displays are shown in the Menu section on page 17.

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MUTE Button
Use the MUTE button (G) to mute the analogue outputs. When the unit is muted (either manually or
when not locked to a source) the LED over the button lights.
MENU Button
Press the MENU button (H) to open the menu, select menu pages and change settings. See the Menu
section on page 17 for information on using the menu features.
Remote Control Receiver
Aim the remote control handset towards the receiver (I) for best sensitivity.
Rotary Control
The Rotary Control (J) usually controls the Volume setting.
When the Balance menu page is open, it adjusts the channel Balance instead.
If the menu is open, the Rotary Control pages forward and backwards through the menu.

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REAR PANEL
ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
LEFT RIGHT RIGHT
LEFT
AES 1 AES 2
RCA 1
RCA 2
SPDIF
DIGITAL INPUTS
TOSLINK CH 1 CH 2
BNC
IN OUT
DSD/SDIF
WCLK
1394
SUC
50/60 Hz, 50W
FUSE
T 500mA L
~
K L M N
O
P R S T U
Q
V W X
Figure 5 – Rear panel
Analogue Outputs
The unit features separately buffered Balanced Outputs (K) on XLR connectors and Unbalanced
Outputs (L) 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.
AES Digital Inputs
The AES1 and AES2 inputs (M) can be used individually at sample rates up to 96kS/s. If the Dual
AES menu page is set to On or Auto, they can be used together as a Dual AES pair at 88.2, 96, 176.4
or 192kS/s. For Dual AES mode to work correctly, the source must actually generate Dual AES data,
not just single AES on 2 connectors!
SPDIF Digital Inputs
The unit features 3 co-ax SPDIF inputs, labelled RCA1, RCA2 (N) and BNC (P), as well as an optical
SPDIF input on a Toslink connector (O). Pull out the dust cover before using the Toslink input. These
inputs will accept sample rates up to 96kS/s, but note that operation of the Toslink input is not
guaranteed above 48kS/s.
DSD/SDIF Digital Interface
The DSD/SDIF interface will accept either SDIF-2 PCM data at sample rates up to 96kS/s, or SDIF-2
DSD data. The unit automatically detects the data format and sets the correct mode. The interface
consists of two data inputs labelled CH1 and CH2 (Q). Operation in SDIF mode requires that a word
clock from the source is connected to the WCLK In connector (R).
Word Clock Input / Output
The WCLK In connector (R) will accept standard word clock from the source equipment or a master
clock at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz. The clock frequency MUST be an exact multiple of the data rate,
otherwise the system will not lock. Use the Sync button to lock the DAC to the external word clock.
Note that the source MUST be locked to the same clock, otherwise the system will not be locked and
periodic clicks will be heard on the outputs.
When the unit is set to Master mode, the DAC uses its internal clock instead of locking to the data or
WCLK Input, and the WCLK Out connector (S) carries a 44.1kHz word clock. This MUST be
connected to the source equipment, so that the system can lock.
Word clock is used for synchronisation only, it does not carry digital data.

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1394 Interface
The IEEE 1394 interface (T) will accept encrypted DSD data from the Scarlatti Transport, as well as
from other dCS transports and upsamplers that are loaded with current software. 1394 interfaces are
great for carrying lots of digital data - but are very poor at transmitting a stable clock, so a separate
Word Clock connection is required. The two 1394 ports are identical – they can be used as data inputs
or as a loop-through. Note that the 1394 bus must not be connected in a loop as this will prevent the
system initialising.
SUC Connector
The SUC connector (U) is an RS232 interface, primarily used to remotely control the unit during
automated testing. Please contact dCS for advice on 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 (V), protected by a fuse (W) and isolated by a 2-
pole power switch (X).

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THE MENU
Press "Step >" to move along the Menu, press "< Step" to move back.
MENU Press "Select" to set a menu option or change options.
Information Version Contact Unit
information CDUpdate
Displays the loaded
software issues and
serial number
Displays dCS
contact details Displays the unit status
Starts software
update from a dCS
CD
DAC Settings Phase De-Emph Dual AES Analogue Out Channel Swap Balance
Changes the output
phase for both
channels
Processes the
Emphasis flags in
the incoming data
Enables Dual AES
operation Sets the analogue output levels Reverse the Left and Right outputs
Allows Balance
adjustment by rotary
control
Display
Settings Bright Contrast Test Display Factory Reset
Sets the display
brightness Adjusts the display contrast. Runs a display test routine Restores standard factory settings
Signal
Generator Channel Check Phase Check Burn In
DAC & Transport
ONLY Outputs tone on L
channel only then R
channel only
Outputs noise on
both channels then
inverts R
Outputs modulated
pink noise to burn-
in your system
Figure 6 – The menu sequence

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Using the Menu
The menu gives the user access to a range of additional features. It also allows new features and
performance enhancements to be added at a later date by software upgrades.
The menu is controlled by four buttons.
Press the MENU button to open the menu or select a setting.
Press the →button to page forward through the menu.
Press the ←button pages backward through the menu.
Press the POWER button to close the menu or just wait 5 seconds.
Alternatively, use the remote control to access the menu.
Use the Menu Guide sheet to help you find the right menu.
Each unit in the range has either three or four top-level menu pages:
The INFORMATION menu gives software issues, serial number, contact details and unit
set-up details.
Each model has a different SETTINGS menu, which allows you to set some features that
are not directly accessible from the front panel.
The DISPLAY SETTINGS menu is used to adjust and test the display.
The SIGNAL GENERATOR menu (on the Transport and DAC only) contains test and
set-up routines.
Use the →button to move the highlight to the menu you want, then press the MENU button to select it.
The next menu level down is displayed. Use the →button to move the highlight to the menu page you
want, then press the MENU button to display the information or change the setting.
Select the exit icon to go back to the previous menu level.

dCS Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
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INFORMATION Menu
The Version page displays the software versions loaded in the unit and the full serial
number. Please have this information ready if you contact your dealer for any reason.
The Contact page displays dCS web-site URL, email address, telephone and fax
numbers. If you have any difficulty, please contact your dealer for help first.
The DAC Information page displays the unit status:
•Input selected to ....
•1394 nodes connected: ....
•Sync to Audio / Clk / Master
•Unlocked / Locked at .... kS/s
•Input is PCM / DSD
•No De-Emphasis / De-Emphasis is ....
•Filter ....
•Phase Normal / Inverted.
•Internal temperature ....°C
Use the rotary control to scroll down the list and press the MENU button to exit.
The CD Update feature allows you to load new software into your system from either a
Scarlatti transport or any STANDARD CD player or transport. Note that some non-Red-
Book CD transports change the digital data and cannot be used to download new
software. Please follow the instructions supplied with the update CD carefully.

dCS Scarlatti DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
June 2008
Flename: Scarlatti DAC Manual v1_0x.doc Page 20 English version
DAC SETTINGS Menu
Changes the Phase of all analogue outputs from normal ( ↑) to phase reversed ( ↓).
Apply De-Emphasis to equalise the frequency response of pre-emphasised data. De-
Emphasis is available for sample rates of 32, 44.1 or 48kS/s only. The settings are:
•Auto – The unit detects the emphasis flag of the digital data and automatically applies
the correct de-emphasis. This is the usual setting. Note that if the emphasis flag in
the data is wrong, you will need to manually select the correct setting.
•Off – No de-emphasis is applied.
•50/15 – Applies the 50/15us de-emphasis curve and ignores the flag. This was
sometimes used on early CDs.
•CCITT – Applies the CCITT J17 de-emphasis curve and ignores the flag. This is used
for DAB radio transmissions.
This setting allows the two AES inputs to be used together to accept PCM data at high
sample rates (88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s) from a Dual AES source. Note that a source
with two AES outputs might not actually produce Dual AES data! The settings are:
•Auto – The unit detects the format flags in the digital data and automatically sets the
AES1 & 2inputs to Single AES or Dual AES mode as required. This is the usual
setting. Note that if the format flag in the data is wrong, you will need to manually
select the correct setting.
•Off – Dual AES mode is disabled.
•On – Dual AES mode can be manually selected using the INPUT button or the
remote control.
Sets the Output Level to 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 about 10dB.
Channel Swap - swaps the channels to correct a connection error. Correct the error and
change back to normal ( ↑↑).
In Balance mode, the operation of the rotary control changes to adjust the Balance.
Each channel can be varied from 0dB to –6dB in 0.1dB steps, then mute (-∞) below
that. Balance adjustment ends after this menu page closes or the MENU button is
pressed. Most owners use the remote control to adjust the balance.
The Factory Reset menu page resets the unit to standard settings. These are:
Volume to –30dB.
Balance to centre.
Input to AES1.
Sync to Audio Input.
De-Emphasis to Auto.
Filter to 1.
Phase to Normal.
Dual AES to Auto.
Output Level to 6V.
Channel swap to Normal.
Display to On.
Brightness to maximum.
Contrast to 60%.