DCS Vivaldi DAC User manual

This product incorporates the following dCS proprietary technology:
Ring DAC™
© Data Conversion Systems Ltd. 2012-2016 Price UK £10.00
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 Vivaldi DAC
Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter
User Manual
Software Release 2.0x
November 2016

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 2 English version

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 3 English version
Contents
Using the dCS Vivaldi DAC for the first time.......................................................................................5
What’s in the box? 5
Positioning the unit 5
Important Safety Instructions 6
Safety Notice 7
Step-by-Step Guide ................................................................................................................................8
Preliminaries 8
Fitting the Remote Control handset batteries 9
STEP 1 – Connecting a PCM Input 10
Connecting to a Dual AES Source 10
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 11
Connecting to an SDIF/DSD Source 11
STEP 2 – Setting up the USB source 12
Compatibility 12
Connecting the USB interface 12
Loading the Windows driver for USB Class 2 12
Basic setup with a PC 13
A word about Music Playing Software 13
Selecting the Vivaldi DAC as your Audio Output device 14
STEP 3 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs 15
STEP 4 - Setting the Output Level 15
STEP 5 – Choosing a Sync Mode 16
Using the DAC’s AES & SPDIF inputs in Master Mode 16
Using a Master Clock in a CD/SACD system 17
A full Vivaldi system 18
Advanced options 20
Customising the input configuration 20
Front Panel............................................................................................................................................21
Remote Control Receiver 21
Display 21
Power Button 22
Menu Button 22
Filter Button 22
Input button 23
Mute Button 23
Rotary Control 23
Rear Panel .............................................................................................................................................24
Analogue Outputs 24
AES Digital Inputs 24
SPDIF Digital Inputs 25
SDIF-2 Digital Interface 25
USB Interface 25
Word Clock Inputs and Output 26
Test interface 26
Mains inlet 26
Label 26
Remote Control.....................................................................................................................................27
The Menu...............................................................................................................................................28
Using the Menu 29
INFORMATION Menu 30
Unit Status 30
Version 30
Contact 30
Update 30

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 4 English version
SETTINGS Menu 31
Mapper 31
Sync Mode 31
Output Level 32
Dual AES1+2 32
Dual AES3+4 32
Phase 32
Channel Swap 32
Balance 32
USB Class 33
Buffer 33
EasyPlay 33
RS232 Mode 33
CONFIGURATION Menu 34
Settings Lock 34
Save Configuration 34
Restore Configuration 34
Reset Input Names 34
Factory Reset 34
DISPLAY SETTINGS Menu 35
Brightness 35
Display On/Off 35
GENERATOR Menu 35
Channel Check 35
Phase Check 35
Burn In 35
Specification .........................................................................................................................................36
Maintenance and Support....................................................................................................................38
Service and Maintenance 38
Replacing a Blown Mains Fuse 38
Cleaning the case 38
Limited Warranty 39
If you need more help 40
Software History 41
Index ......................................................................................................................................................42

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 5 English version
USING THE dCS VIVALDI DAC FOR THE FIRST TIME
Congratulations on purchasing your dCS Vivaldi 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
Update feature. Please check our web-site occasionally to see if new Vivaldi DAC software is
available, or consult your dealer.
What’s in the box?
Check that the box contains the following items:
•dCS Vivaldi DAC
•Manual and Menu / Setup Guide
•Power cable
•2 AES/EBU cables
•BNC cable
•USB cable
•2 spare fuses
•dCS Premium Remote Control Handset 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.
Positioning the unit
For best sound quality, the units in the Vivaldi range are designed to be mounted on separate shelves
of a rack, although they may be stacked directly on top of each other if this is absolutely necessary.
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 unit is supplied with 4 feet fitted. If you prefer a 3-feet layout, unscrew the two back feet, remove
the two black cores using a 2.5mm A/F Allen key, fit one of the cores in the middle position and
replace the foot. Take care not to cross-thread the foot!
With all feet screwed fully home, the unit will sit level on a flat surface. If you need to do
any levelling, you can unscrew any of the feet up to 3 complete turns, to give up to 3mm
(1/8”) of height adjustment.

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 6 English version
Important Safety Instructions
The following statements are required to comply with U.S. safety standard UL60065.
•Read these instructions.
•Keep these instructions.
•Heed all warnings.
•Follow all instructions.
•Do not use this apparatus near water.
•Clean only with dry cloth.
•Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
•Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
•Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
•Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
•Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
•Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 7 English version
Safety Notice
In the event of the unit developing a fault, please contact your dealer in the first instance.
If you decide to remove safety covers for any reason, disconnect the power cable first. Note that
removing covers voids the warranty.
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.
Protect the product from dripping or splashing liquids. Liquid-filled objects such as vases must not be
placed on the product.
This product is not suitable for operation at altitudes above 2000m.
This product is lead-free and complies 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 Vivaldi 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.

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 8 English version
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation.
Preliminaries
The Menu Guide sheet details the menu structure.
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-2, Word Clock or SPDIF BNC interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with BNC plugs.
!
SDIF-2 and Word Clock interfaces require a simple DC-coupled connection. The
interfaces may malfunction or not work at all if capacitor coupled cables or cables with
built-in networks are used.
•for SPDIF RCA interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
•for TOSLINK optical interfaces, use Toslink fibre-optic cables.
•for the USB interface, use a standard USB2.0 cable fitted with one type A 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 XLR connector and
one female XLR connector.
•for unbalanced outputs, use coax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
Connect the power cable 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.
The cables supplied with the unit are “commercial grade”, because most owners will
have their own “audiophile grade” cables or will prefer to make their own cable choices.
Press the Power button – the unit will display Vivaldi DAC. Wait about 30 seconds while the DAC
configures itself.
If the unit is likely to be set in an unfamiliar state, you can run the Factory Reset routine by pressing
the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►, Menu, ◄, ◄, Menu.
Wait a few seconds while the unit resets itself.

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 9 English version
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.
If the remote control does not appear to work after fitting the batteries, make sure that the batteries are
fitted the correct way, as shown above. If in doubt, please ask your dealer for advice.
!
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.

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 10 English version
STEP 1 – Connecting a PCM Input
If you want to use the USB input only, go to Step 2.
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 to a Dual AES Source
•Check that your source equipment (probably a dCS SACD Transport or a dCS Upsampler) is
capable of Dual AES operation and is set up correctly.
•Connect the AES1 output on your source equipment to the AES1 input on the DAC rear panel and
the AES2 output to the AES2 input, using two XLR cables. Ensure the cables are not swapped.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until AES1+2 is displayed.
Figure 1 – Using the Vivaldi Transport with the DAC
The DAC will lock to the source, displaying 24/352.8 for example, if the source is generating 24 bit
data at 352.8kS/s.
The Vivaldi DAC has a second Dual AES input on AES3 and AES4. You can connect a second Dual
AES source to these inputs and use the Input button to select AES3+4.
The most common set-up is to connect a Vivaldi Transport to AES1+2 and a Vivaldi Upsampler to
AES3+4.
Analogue
Outputs
to
A
m
p
lifier