M2TECH Young MKIII User manual

M2TECH
YOUNG MKIII
HIGHEST RESOLUTION DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER
PREAMPLIFIER
USER MANUAL
REV. 1.0 – 9/2017

YOUNG MKIII
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER
REVISION 1.0 – SEPTEMBER 2017
Copyright © 2017, M2Tech Srl
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YOUNG MKIII
DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER
REVISION 1.0 – SEPTEMBER 2017
Copyright © 2017, M2Tech Srl
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Warning!
Changes or modifications not authorized by the manufacturer can invalidate the
compliance to CE regulations and cause the unit to be no more suitable to use. The
manufacturer refuses every responsibility regarding damages to people or things
due to the use of a unit which has been subject to unauthorized modifications or to
misuse or to malfunction of a unit which has been subject to unauthorized
modifications.
This unit is compliant with the following CE regulations: CEI EN 55022:2009 Class B (Radiated Emissions),
CEI EN 55024:1999, CEI EN 55024:A2/2003, CEI EN 55024:IS1/2008 (Radio Frequency Electromagnetic
Fields, 50Hz Magnetic Field Immunity Test and Electrostatic Discharges – ESD).
For a proper operation of this unit, all connections to other equipment in the system must be done
when all equipment are off. Failing to comply with this advice may lead to damage to the Young MkIII.
The label above, printed on the product case, indicates that the product, when no more usable, can’t be
treated as generic garbage, but must be disposed of at a collection point for recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment, in compliance with the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic
Equipment).
By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential damages to environment
and human health, which could be caused by a wrong treatment of this product as generic garbage.
Materials’ recycling helps saving natural resources. For more in-depth information about recycling this
product, please contact M2Tech Srl.
WARNING: the information contained in this manual are considered to be reliable and accurate.
M2Tech reserves the right to change or modify the information any time, without prior advice. It’s up
to the customer to ensure that the manual being consulted is the latest version.

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DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER
REVISION 1.0 – SEPTEMBER 2017
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Dear customer,
Thank you for purchasing YOUNG MKIII. You are the owner of a very high quality digital-to-
analog converter with many unique features designed to obtain the best performance in
every hi-fi system.
YOUNG MKIII implements a specific set of technological and functional solutions, from the
asynchronous USB interface with MQA®decoder to passive anti-alias filtering, to offset
recovery right on I-to-V converters to the ability of delivering a high output level with the
purpose of exalting sonic performances, ease of use and reliability. Moreover, YOUNG MKIII
shares many features with preamplifiers, therefore it is recommended to directly drive
power amplifiers
YOUNG MKIII is provided with a complete set of digital and analogue inputs, to allow for
using every kind of source. The Bluetooth®receiver with aptX®decoder makes high-quality
music streaming from your smartphone or tablet straightforward.
The balanced output and the stock adaptors for single-ended connection allow for driving
every kind of amplifier. The ability of setting the maximum output level to two values
ensures that the maximum power will be reached even with the most inefficient tube
amplifier whenever the YOUNG MKIII is used as a preamplifier.
The fully-loaded remote control allows for total control of both YOUNG MKIII and most audio
players running on the computer attached to its USB input, as well as other M2Tech
Rockstars series products.
We’re sure that your expectations will be fulfilled by purchasing YOUNG MKIII: you’ll hear
your favourite music as never before, so you can now prepare for a whole new listening
experience!
Nadia Marino, CEO
The MQA®logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2016.
The Bluetooth®word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth
SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by M2Tech Srl is under license. Other trademarks
and trade names are those of their respective owners.
Qualcomm aptX®is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.
Please note here your YOUNG MKIII serial number and purchase info for future reference:
S/N: _______________________ Date of Purchase: _________________________
Place of Purchase__________________________
Note: Proof of retail purchase, such as your purchase receipt, will be required in the unlikely event
that any warranty service will be required.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Unpacking and Placing the Unit.......................................................................................7
2. Front Panel ......................................................................................................................9
3. Back Panel.....................................................................................................................11
4. Remote Control..............................................................................................................13
5. Connecting and Powering the Unit.................................................................................15
6. Cleaning the Unit ...........................................................................................................17
7. Using the Young MkIII....................................................................................................19
7.1. Volume Setting........................................................................................................19
7.2. Mute Toggle ............................................................................................................19
7.3. Choosing the Signal’s Phase...................................................................................20
7.4. Source Selection .....................................................................................................20
7.5. Menu Navigation .....................................................................................................20
7.5.1. BALANCE: Balance Setting..............................................................................21
7.5.2. DISPLAY BACKLIGHT: Setting the Display Backlight ......................................21
7.5.3. PCM FILTER: Choosing the PCM Filter ...........................................................22
7.5.4. DSD FILTER: Choosing the DSD Filter ............................................................22
7.5.5. OUTPUT LEVEL: Choosing the Maximum Output Level ..................................23
7.5.6. VOLUME STEPS: Choosing Volume Steps......................................................23
7.5.7. VOLUME MODE: Choosing Volume Mode.......................................................24
7.5.8. POWER ON VOLUME: Choosing the Volume Set at Power-on .......................24
7.5.9. AUTO OFF: Setting the Automatic Switch-off...................................................25
7.5.10. STANDBY LED: Setting the Front Panel LED behaviour................................25
7.5.11. AUTO ON: Setting the YOUNG MKIII Behaviour when power is applied .......25
7.5.12. REMOTE ON/OFF: Setting the YOUNG MKIII to Accept/Ignore the IR Remote
ON/OFF command .....................................................................................................26
7.5.13. BLUETOOTH®: Enabling/Disabling the Bluetooth®Receiver..........................26
7.5.14. BT®PAIRING: Enabling Bluetooth®Pairing....................................................27
7.5.15. BT®INFO: Accessing Bluetooth®Interface Information..................................27
7.5.16. FIRMWARE REVISION: Accessing Firmware Revision Information ..............28
7.5.17. DEFAULT SETTINGS: Restoring Factory Settings ........................................28
7.6. Connecting a Bluetooth®source..............................................................................28
7.7. Power Mode and Standby.......................................................................................29
8. Using a Computer as Digital Source..............................................................................31
8.1. Plug’n’Play Operation with Apple OSx ....................................................................31
8.1.1. DSD files playback with OSx ............................................................................31
8.2. Plug’n’Play Operation with Linux.............................................................................31
8.2.1. DSD files playback with Linux...........................................................................32
8.3. Using the Young MkIII with Windows ......................................................................32
9. Controlling the Computer Player by Using the Young MkIII Remote Control .................33
10. Updating Young MkIII Firmware...................................................................................35
11. Controlling the Young MkIII by the Bluetooth®Interface ..............................................37
12. Specifications...............................................................................................................39

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1. Unpacking and Placing the Unit
Lay the package on a table and open the external box by removing or cutting the adhesive
tape seal. Then extract the internal box and open it by lifting the front wing. The following
items are included:
one YOUNG MKIII;
one wall wart (AC-to-DC adapter);
one USB A-B cable;
two XLR-RCA high quality adaptors;
one remote control;
two AAA type batteries.
Should one or more item be missing, please contact your retail dealer.
Remove the YOUNG MKIII from the box and place it onto a stable base, far from heat
sources. Avoid full sunlight on the unit. Allow for ample room around the unit for venting.
The YOUNG MKIII is a high efficiency device; therefore it doesn’t produce relevant heat
during its operation. Regardless, it’s recommended to guarantee an adequate air flow
around the unit. Moreover, every time it will mainly be operated by remote control, it’s
recommended to place it so as the remote control’s infrared signals can easily reach its
front panel.
Avoid smoke, moisture, dirt and liquids from reaching the unit. Please note that any signs
of abuse will void warranty coverage.
Do not place the unit on thick carpets or inside a box or piece of furniture, not even close
to curtains.

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2. Front Panel
Figure 1
1) Power on/power off/mute/menu exit button. Press this button to switch the YOUNG
MKIII on when it’s off. When the YOUNG MKIII is on, a short press will toggle mute, unless
the menu is active: in this case a short press will cause the menu to exit discarding any
configuration change. A more prolonged press while the YOUNG MKIII is on will cause it to
switch off.
2) Standby LED. When the YOUNG MKIII is in standby mode, this LED blinks to indicate to
the user that the device can be switched on by the included remote control. This LED is
steadily lit during the firmware update procedure.
3) IR receiver. Aim the remote control to this point to send commands to the YOUNG MKIII.
4) Display. Multifunction OLED display. During normal operation, it indicates the listening
level, the selected source, the sampling frequency (not for analog), the format (not for
analog) and the status of mute and phase (if set). When the menu is accessed, the display
shows the selected menu item and its current value.
5) Encoder. It allows for accessing and navigating the menu, selecting inputs and setting
the volume. It can be rotated and pushed. Please refer to Chapter 7 for more details.

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3. Back Panel
Figure 2
6) Outputs. Connect the YOUNG MKIII to your amplifier/preamplifier with balanced inputs
using balanced cables terminated with three-pole XLR connectors. Should your amplifier
only be provided with single-ended inputs, you may insert the stock high quality adaptors
into the YOUNG MKIII outputs and then connect the YOUNG MKIII to the amplifier using
coaxial interconnect terminated with RCA plugs. The YOUNG MKIII is provided with Gold-
plated male XLR sockets.
NOTE: Ground on pin 1, send (hot) on pin 2, return (cold) on pin 3. If your amplifier
requires hot on pin 3 and cold on pin 2, the connection will be inverting. In this case
the absolute phase can be obtained using the “phase” feature of the YOUNG MKIII
(please refer to chapter 7 for more details).
7) Analog input. Connect an analogue source provided with single-ended line level output
Female stereo RCA socket.
8) AES/EBU digital input. Connect a source provided with 110 Ohms pro AES/EBU
output. Female three-pole XLR socket.
9) S/PDIF digital inputs. Connect sources provided with 75 Ohms S/PDIF outputs. RCA
female connector terminals are provided.
10) Toslink™ optical digital input. Connect a source provided with a Toslink™ digital
output. Toslink™ type connector.
11) USB connector. Connect to the USB 2.0 port of a computer using the stock USB
cable. Type “B” female USB connector.

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12) Bluetooth®module receiver antenna. Keep this antenna clear from metal shields or
covers.
13) Power mode switch. Enables and disables immediate operation as soon as power is
applied.
14) Power supply input. Connect the connector from the stock 15V-1.2A adaptor or from
the Van Der Graaf MkII. 5.5/2.1mm jack with positive on tip.
15) Trigger output. Connect to the trigger input of any other device accepting 12VDC.
Female 3.5mm jack.

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4. Remote Control
The YOUNG MKIII comes with a fully-loaded remote control which
allows for setting all of its controls, as well as for controlling other
M2Tech Rockstars series products.
Please note when a command is sent to the YOUNG MKIII the
“DAC” key blinks in green. If any of the other key “AMP”,
“PHONO” or “PLAYER” blinks instead, the YOUNG MKIII will not
receive the command. In this case, press the “DAC” key to select
the right commands codes for the YOUNG MKIII.
Below is a brief description of the relevant keys for the YOUNG
MKIII.
Standby key: This allows for putting the YOUNG MKIII in standby
mode (prolonged push) and for awakening it.
DIM: Display dimming.
DAC: Instructs the remote to send commands using the DAC
system code.
PHASE: Analogue output phase toggle.
MENU: Configuration menu access.
ESC: Menu exit with changes discarded.
Cursor keys: Allow for menu navigation.
OK: Menu exit with changes stored.
VOL+/VOL-: Volume setting.
MUTE: Mute toggle on/off.
IN+/IN-: Input selection.
Player Controls: these buttons are dedicated to the control of an
audio player running on the computer attached to the YOUNG
MKIII. The following commands can be sent: Play/pause, stop,
next, track, previous track
Figure 3

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5. Connecting and Powering the Unit
WARNING: All connections between the YOUNG MKIII and other equipment must be
made when all units are turned off and completely powered down or unplugged.
Failing to do so may cause damage to the YOUNG MKIII and/or other units.
Please refer to chapter 3, “Back Panel”.
Connect the digital sources (CD/SACD/DVD player, satellite receiver, DAB receiver) and
the analogue source to the inputs (Figure 2, 7-11). The Bluetooth®connection will be done
after powering the unit.
Connect your computer to the YOUNG MKIII USB input (Figure 2, 11).
If you want to use the YOUNG MKIII as a preamplifier, connect the analog outputs to the
inputs of a power amplifier; otherwise connect the outputs to a pair of inputs on an
integrated amplifier or preamplifier (Figure 2, 6).
Connect the trigger output (Figure 2, 15) of the YOUNG MKIII to the trigger input of any
device accepting 12VDC which you want to power subsequently to the YOUNG MKIII turn-on.
Connect the plug from the stock wall wart or from the Van Der Graaf MkII to the YOUNG
MKIII power input (Figure 2, 14).
Connect the wall wart or the Van Der Graaf MkII to a mains outlet. Both will automatically
accept any voltage from 90VAC to 265VAC.
Switch the YOUNG MKIII on by pushing the front panel button (Figure 1, 1). If you’re using
the Van Der Graaf MkII, and you have set the power mode switch (Figure 2, 13) for
immediate operation, then the YOUNG MKIII will switch on when activating the Van Der
Graaf MkII. Please see paragraph 7.5.11 for details.
NOTE: whenever the YOUNG MKIII is used as a preamplifier, it is a good habit to
switch the power amplifier on after switching the YOUNG MKIII on, and to switch the
power amplifier off before switching the YOUNG MKIII off. This may be accomplished
by using the YOUNG MKIII trigger output.
NOTE: it is possible to use a dedicated low noise power supply in place of the wall
wart, to increase the sonic performance M2Tech provides a device for this purpose,
the Van Der Graaf MkII. Should the user opt for use of a non-M2Tech power supply,
M2Tech reserves the right to void the YOUNG MKIII warranty.

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6. Cleaning the Unit
The YOUNG MKIII should be cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not use alcohol or
any other types of cleaning fluids as they could damage the unit.
Avoid fluids from dropping or leaking inside the unit. Fluids of any type poured into the unit
will void your warranty.
Be careful not to scratch the Plexiglas front screen.

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7. Using the Young MkIII
At activation, the YOUNG MKIII spends a little time to ensure that all supplies reach their
nominal levels, during which the model name is displayed.
M2TECH
YOUNG MKIII
After the activation delay is expired, some general operational information is shown on the
YOUNG MKIII display: the selected source, the format (not for analogue input), the volume
level and the phase setting. Muting is indicated by the volume level flashing.
USB PCM -10.0dB
384.0K
USB PCM -12.5dB
44.1K PH
7.1. Volume Setting
Volume setting is done by either rotating the encoder knob (item 5, Figure 1), or pushing
the VOL+ e VOL- keys on the remote control.
Volume can be set from -70dB (minimum) to 0dB (maximum) in 0.5dB steps.
Depending on the chosen volume display mode, the display will show attenuation in dB or
in steps on a scale such that step “0” is equivalent of the minimum level possible.
7.2. Mute Toggle
The YOUNG MKIII is provided with a feature (muting) which allows for immediately lowering
of the listening level by 20dB without touching the encoder knob. This feature is useful
when it is necessary to listen to another person for a while, or to operate the source to
change track, answer the telephone, etc.
Muting is toggled by a short press of the front panel’s left button (item 1, Figure 1). When
muting is active, the volume level flashes.
To reset muting the user only needs to push the front panel button once more: the original
listening level will be immediately restored and the volume level will stop flashing.
As an alternative it is possible to toggle mute on and off by pushing the “MUTE” key on the
remote control.
WARNING: pay attention to the volume setting when the muting is active: if volume
is raised too much, once the muting is reset the listening level could be too high so

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as to damage the speakers or even the listener’s ears. It is always wiser to limit
volume when in mute mode and even when turning on and off the YOUNG MKIII.
7.3. Choosing the Signal’s Phase
The YOUNG MkIII allows user to choose the phase of the outgoing analog signal. This
feature is useful in various ways. For example, it’s known that some recordings were made
with inverted phase. Absolute phase can therefore be restored applying a second phase
inversion into the DAC. Moreover, balanced connections come in two different standards,
depending on whether a certain piece of equipment was designed in Japan on in a
western Country: When connecting a Japanese gear to an American or European one, a
phase inversion is obtained. In this case, too, a second phase inversion restores absolute
phase.
To invert or restore the phase, just press the “PHASE” key on the remote control. When
the phase is inverted, the indication “PH” appears on the display.
7.4. Source Selection
The YOUNG MkIII is provided with various inputs, therefore it is possible to connect different
sources and select which one to listen to.
To select a source, press the encoder shortly. The name of the current source will start
flashing on the display. Rotate the encoder until the desired source is displayed. Then,
press the encoder again to confirm: the new source will be selected.
Should the user change his/her mind and keep the current source, it is sufficient to push
the button to the left of the front panel (item 1 Fig. 1) or avoid doing anything else: After a
few seconds the YOUNG MkIII will automatically return in its “idle” status without changing
the source setting.
7.5. Menu Navigation
The YOUNG MkIII allows for configuring various parameters, some of which (the ones less
frequently changed) are grouped in a menu which can be navigated by both the front
panel’s controls and the dedicated keys on the remote control.
To access the menu, keep the encoder pressed for at least two seconds or push the
“MENU” key on the remote control.
It is possible to scroll the various menu items with successive short pushes of the encoder
or with the “arrow up” and “arrow down” keys on the remote control.