DCS Vivaldi Upsampler User manual

© 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 Upsampler
Digital to Digital Converter
User Manual
Software Release 2.0x
November 2016

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

dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 3 English version
Contents
Using the dCS Vivaldi Upsampler for the first time .............................................................................5
What’s in the box? 5
Positioning the unit 5
Important Safety Instructions 6
Safety Notice 7
Made for iPod®and iPhone®8
Step-by-Step Guide ................................................................................................................................9
Preliminaries 9
STEP 1 – Connecting a PCM input 10
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 10
Connecting to an SDIF-2 PCM Source 10
STEP 2 – Connecting an Output 11
Dual AES 11
Single wire PCM 12
STEP 3 - Setting the Sync Mode 13
Using a Master Clock 13
Using the Vivaldi Clock’s enhanced clocking system 13
A full Vivaldi system 14
STEP 4 – Using the USB1 interface with a computer 15
Compatibility 15
Setting the USB Audio Class 15
Loading the Windows driver for USB Class 2 15
Basic setup with a PC 16
A word about Music Playing Software 17
Selecting the Vivaldi Upsampler as your Audio Output device 17
STEP 5 – UPnP Network Connection 18
Compatibility 18
Basic set-up 18
Playing music with AirPlay 25
Using the Vivaldi Upsampler with Spotify Connect 25
Using the Vivaldi Upsampler with Tidal 25
Using the Vivaldi Upsampler with Roon 25
STEP 6 - Using the Vivaldi 2.0 app as a remote control 26
STEP 7 – Using the USB2 input 28
STEP 8 – Setting the Sync Mode for Computer Audio sources 29
Using the DAC in Universal Master Mode 29
Using the DAC and Upsampler with a Master Clock 30
Advanced options 31
Using the Web Client interface 31
Customising the input configuration 32
Front Panel............................................................................................................................................33
Remote Control Receiver 33
Display 33
Power Button 34
Menu Button 34
Filter Button 34
Input Button 35
Output Button 35
Rear Panel .............................................................................................................................................36
Digital Outputs 36
Digital Inputs 36
Word Clock Input / Output 37
Network Interface 37
USB Interfaces 38
Test interface 38
Mains inlet 38
Label 38

dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 4 English version
The Menu...............................................................................................................................................39
Using the Menu 40
INFORMATION Menu 41
Unit Status 41
Version 41
Contact 41
Update 41
UPSAMPLER SETTINGS Menu 42
Sync Mode 42
Dual AES 42
Clone Mode 43
USB Class 43
DSD Pass-Through 43
DXD Mode 44
EasyPlay 44
RS232 Mode 44
CONFIGURATION Menu 45
Settings Lock 45
Save Configuration 45
Restore Configuration 45
Reset Input Names 45
Factory Reset 45
DISPLAY SETTINGS Menu 46
Brightness 46
Display On/Off 46
GENERATOR Menu 46
Channel Check 46
Phase Check 46
Burn In 46
Specification .........................................................................................................................................47
Maintenance and Support....................................................................................................................49
Service and Maintenance 49
Replacing a Blown Mains Fuse 49
Cleaning the case 49
Limited Warranty 50
If you need more help 51
Software History 52

dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 5 English version
USING THE dCS VIVALDI UPSAMPLER FOR THE FIRST TIME
Congratulations on purchasing your dCS Vivaldi Upsampler.
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-R that you can install yourself using the
Update feature. Please check our web-site occasionally to see if new Vivaldi Upsampler software is
available, or consult your dealer.
What’s in the box?
Check that the box contains the following items:
•dCS Vivaldi Upsampler
•Manual and Menu / Setup Guide
•Power cable
•2 AES cables
•USB-A to USB-B cable
•Ethernet cable
•BNC cable
•3-way RS232 cable
•Spare fuses
•Spotify flyer
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.
A dCS Premium remote control is supplied with the Vivaldi DAC, it is available as an optional extra.
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 Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler 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 Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler 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 Upsampler 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 Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 8 English version
Made for iPod®and iPhone®
“Made for iPod” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an
electronic accessory has been designed to connect
specifically to iPod or iPhone respectively and has been
certified by the developer to meet Apple performance
standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this
device or its compliance with safety and regulatory
standards.
iPad®, iPhone, iPod and iPod touch®are trademarks of
Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The Vivaldi Upsampler is compatible with the iPod and iPhone models illustrated below.
Made for:

dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 9 English version
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This section guides you through setting up the unit for use in various ways.
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, Word Clock or SPDIF BNC interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with BNC plugs.
!
SDIF 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 Network interface, use the Ethernet cable provided with the unit.
•for the USB1 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.
•Connect the power cable to the power inlet on the Upsampler rear panel, and plug the other end
into a convenient power outlet. Set the rocker switch on the rear panel to the I position (on).
!
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 Upsampler. Wait about 30 seconds while the
Upsampler 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.
We will start with a basic setup using a standard PCM source.

dCS Vivaldi Upsampler Plus User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi Upsampler Manual v2_0x Page 10 English version
STEP 1 – Connecting a PCM 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 to a Single AES or SPDIF source
Most digital audio 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 Upsampler’s rear panel using a
suitable cable.
•Press the Input button repeatedly until your chosen input is displayed. This will be either AES,
SPDIF1 (RCA), SPDIF2 (RCA), SPDIF3 (BNC) or Toslink.
The Upsampler will lock to the source and display 16/44.1 > 96 for example, if the source is a CD
player.
Connecting to an SDIF-2 PCM Source
!
SDIF (Sony Digital InterFace) is not the same as SPDIF (Sony/Philips Digital InterFace)
and the two are not compatible.
Please ensure that you connect to the correct BNC socket.
•Connect the CH1 output on your source equipment to the CH1 input on the Upsampler’s 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 Word Clock In1 or In2 connector on the Upsampler’s rear panel.
Ensure the cables are not swapped.
•Press the Upsampler’s Input button repeatedly until SDIF appears on the display.
Set the Settings > Sync Mode menu page to Word Clock 1 or Word Clock 2 as
appropriate.
The Upsampler will lock to the source and display 16/44.1 > 96 for example, if the source is a CD
player.