North Star Design 192 User manual

north star design
MODEL192
High Performance
D/A Converter
192kHz-24bit
User Manual
Serial #: ___________________
Revision 2 – 1/9/2005

01
2

OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS:
Thank you for purchasing the North Star
Design Model 192. The Model 192 is an
extraordinary value in advanced Digital-
to-Analog Conversion. Featuring a state-
of-the-art DAC chipset, the Model 192
offers reference-level audio performance.
The Model 192 is able to convert inputs
from 16-Bit / 44.1KHz through 24-Bit /
192KHz and can oversample the digital
signal to 192kHz before the analog
conversion. The Model 192 forms an
integral part of the enthusiast’s modern
high-fidelity system.
CAUTION:
1. Be careful handling the mains
cable
Please, pay attention not to
damage or stretch the mains cable.
Otherwise, risk of electric shock or
damage can arise. Keep tightly the mains
plug when pulling it away from the wall
socket, never pull the cable.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Model 192 is based on the latest-
generation Crystal Semiconductors
CS4396 chipset CS8420 input receiver
and Nippon Precision Circuits SM5849AF
upsampler. The CS 8420 accepts up to
96KHz S/PDIF-encoded datastreams
while the I2S input may accept 24-Bit /
192KHz data.
2. Don’t remove the upper cover
To avoid shock hazard, please
don’t remove the upper cover when the
equipment is connected to a mains
socket or to any other equipment. Refer
to the appropriate section of this manual
for the digital input settings.
Five inputs are provided: two S/PDIF via
coax, one AES/EBU via balanced XLR,
one optical TosLink and one I2S via RJ45
connector. Engaging the Model 192 I2S
Direct Mode setting bypasses the input
receiver and allows the Model 192 to
throughput up to 24-Bit / 192KHz.
3. Don’t insert any object into the
equipment
Don’t insert metallic objects into
the equipment and pay attention not to
throw liquids on it. Otherwise, risk of
electric shock or damage can arise.
A single pair of single-ended outputs are
driven by a high-current, Class-A output
stage.
NOTE:
This equipment is not shipped with any
mains or interconnect cable. This items’
quality is a main factor for the
achievement of the best sonic
performance; they must be chosen taking
into account the synergy with the other
parts of the hi-fi system.
3

north star design
Model 192
192kHz-24bit d/a converter
select input lock input frequency upsampling
1 2 3 4 44.1 48 96 192 192
1
2
34
5
67
8
9
10 11 1
2
Digital
Input
Input 1 Input 2 Input 3 Input 4 Right Left
Analog
Output
01
A
C MAI NS
north star design
R
WARNINGS
NO USE R SERVICEABLE PARTS I NSIDE
PLEASE REFER TO QUALIFIED TECHNICIANS
THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED
USE SAME TYPEFUSE
FUSE T315mA @ 220-240V
T400mA @ 110-120V
O
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
1. Input selection pushbutton
Push to switch from Input 1 to Input 2, then to Input 3, Input 4 and back to Input 1.
2. Input 1 selection led
Glows blue when Input 1 is selected.
3. Input 2 selection led
Glows blue when Input 2 is selected.
4. Input 3 selection led
Glows blue when Input 3 is selected.
5. Input 4 selection led
Glows blue when Input 4 is selected. If no digital signal is present on I2S input, the input
switch automatically on input1.
6. Lock Led
It will be off when no signal is fed into any digital input. Feeding a digital signal
through an enabled input will turn this led to blue.
7. 44.1 Led
This led glowing blue while the lock led glows blue means that a 44.1 KHz sampling
rate has been recognized on any enabled input, e.g. when connecting a CD transport.
8. 48 Led
This led glowing blue while the lock led glows blue means that a 48 KHz sampling
rate has been recognized on any enabled input, e.g. when connecting a DAT tape.
4

9. 96 Led
This led glowing blue while the lock led glows blue means that a 96 KHz sampling
rate has been recognized on any enabled input, e.g. when connecting a DVD audio
(96/24) player.
10. 192 Led
This led glowing blue while the lock led glows blue means that a 192 KHz sampling
rate has been recognized on I2S input.
11.Upsampling led
This led glowing blue while the oversampling function is on.
12. Upsampling selection
pushbutton
Push to switch from upsampling to direct function.
13.Coaxial Input (S/PDIF) 1
Use this input to connect the DAC to the digital output of a source (CD transport,
DAT tape, DVD player), using a 75 Ohm digital cable provided with RCA connectors (not
shipped with the equipment).
14. Optical Input (TOSLINK) 1
Use this input to connect the DAC to the digital output of a source (CD transport,
DAT tape, DVD player), using a digital fiber optic cable (not shipped with the equipment).
15.Coaxial Input (S/PDIF) 2
Use this input to connect the DAC to the digital output of a source (CD transport,
DAT tape, DVD player), using a 75 Ohm digital cable provided with RCA connectors (not
shipped with the equipment).
16. Balanced Input (AES/EBU) 3
Use this input to connect the DAC to the digital output of a source (CD transport,
DAT tape, DVD player), using a 110 Ohm digital cable provided with XLR connectors (not
shipped with the equipment).
17. I2S Digital Input 4
Use this input to connect the DAC to the digital I2S output.
18. Analog Output
Use this output to connect the DAC to the input of a preamplifier or integrated
amplifier using interconnect provided with RCA connectors (not shipped with the
equipment).
19. Mains Switch
5

20. Mains Socket
Plug in the mains cable before connecting its other end to the wall socket. Check
the equipment you own is set to the mains voltage used in your country.
21. Mains Fuse Holder
Use same type fuses only.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Input signals: 32kHz to 192kHz, up to 24 bit
Dynamic Range: 120dB
S/N ratio: 117dB
Inputs: 3 S/PDIF (2 RCA coax and 1 Toslink
optical), 1 AES/EBU (XLR balanced)
1 I2S (RJ45)
Output sockets: Gold plated RCA posts
Mains/Power Consumption: 230/115V 50/60Hz 15VA
Chassis size: 43,3 x 17 x 5 cm - 17 x 6.7 x 1.95 in
Weight (with envelope): 5.4 Kg – 11.9 lbs
6