TAG MCLAREN AUDIO DAC20 User manual

source
button power
button
status
indicators
mute
button
input
button
power
LED
coaxial
optical mute
input 2
lock
1
32kHz
3
44kHz 48kHz
aes
demp
source aes
231
left
right
serial
number
®is a registered trademark of Pacific Microsonics Inc.
220-240V
~50-60Hz
Fuse: T1A L250V
made in United Kingdom
OUTPUT
2
1
XLR INPUT
aes/ebu 110 ohm bal
eiaj
OPTICAL INPUT
231
spdif 75 ohm
COAXIAL INPUT
spdif 75 ohm
COAXIAL
OUTPUT
fuse
carrier optical input
sockets coaxial input
sockets
analog output
sockets AES/EBU input
socket
digital output
socket
ac supply
socket
DAC 1234567
contents
02 welcome
08 key features
10 getting started
12 input types
14 selecting an input
15 muting
16 HDCD®decoding
17 sampling frequency
18 jitter reduction
19 de-emphasis
20 outputs
21 running in and warming up
22 care and maintenance
24 technical data
28 international standards
Specification shown may vary for different countries
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:05 Page 1

03
Now,this blend of talent and
expertise has been combined
with the award-winning
experience ofAudiolab to create
a company with a technical
advantage and access to
resources second-to-none in the
high end audio industry -
TAG McLarenAudio.
TAG McLarenAudio has been created with
one aim in mind:to produce the best high-
fidelity audio and audio-visual systems
available.Now the first fruits of that
alliance are ready – a unique new range of
audio products.
Throughout the F3 Series development
process,quality,performance and
reliability have been paramount,resulting
in unparalleled performance, operational
excellence and sheer listening pleasure.
celebrating a TAG McLaren victory
All TAG companies perpetually strive
for,and achieve,excellence and high-
performance in every area of their
business.
These qualities are demonstrated in the
fastidious standards that makeTAG Heuer
watches some of the world’s most
admired;in the teamwork that makesTAG
McLaren’s motor racing team one of the
most successful in Formula One;and in the
advanced electronics technology that
makesTAG Electronic Systems the first
choice for many Formula One constructors
and high-performance car makers.
Derek Scotland (on the left) – Technical Director
Peter Stevens – Chief Industrial Designer
Dr. Zucker – Chief Executive
welcome to a new partnership
..in hi-performance, hi-fidelity
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:05 Page 3

We are convinced it will give you many hours o
listening pleasure.
Digital methods of recording music have many advantages,
such as very low noise, high dynamic range and fast
searching but, until now, you may have been disappointed
by the sound quality when you play digital recordings.
AtTAG McLarenAudio,we understand exactly what needs
to be done to get the best sound from a digital recording.
accurate reproduction
Digital recording is quite insensitive to
data losses,such as a scratch on a disc or
a drop out on a tape.However,rebuilding
the recorded music exactly, even from a
perfect digital recording,is a complex task
which is often not appreciated and has only
recently been fully understood.
very high resolution
The digital signal represents the original
music as rapidly changing groups of bits
(i.e.the‘zeros’and‘ones’ understood by
computers). More bits in each group allow
a more accurate representation of the
music information during its processing.
The DAC20 uses 24 bits (eight bits more
than a CD’s original recording),which
results in higher signal resolution and
more precise sound details.
welcome welcome
0504
Thank you for purchasing theTAG McLarenAudio digital to analogue converter DAC20.
digital iltering
By its nature, digital data generates
unwanted,high-frequency noise when it is
converted back to the analogue domain
(which is what our ears can hear). Even
though the noise frequency is way above the
threshold of human hearing,it has unpleasant
effects on the sound due to what audio
engineers call‘intermodulation’.To remove
this noise,the DAC20 uses a digital filter
which is made more effective by
oversampling and noise shaping the data.
This technique reduces the high frequency
noise by using an 8 times digital
oversampling filter.The data from the filter is
further oversampled, using noise shaping, to
produce a 192 times single bit data stream
for conversion back to analogue.
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:05 Page 5

automatic detection o sampling
requency and pre-emphasis
The DAC20 automatically detects the
sampling frequency of the incoming
digital data stream and switches its internal
circuits to match. If the original recording
was made with pre-emphasis,the DAC20
will automatically switch on de-emphasis
to take advantage of it.
high-quality analogue output
With all our effort on the digital side
(and we have only listed a few topics here),
we have not forgotten the analogue music
reproduction,which is as important as the
recovery of the music from the digital
domain.The analogue circuit in the DAC20
is a‘no-compromise’ design using high-
quality,high-stability components to send a
smooth,clean signal to your amplifier for
excellent sound quality.The analogue
output terminals are duplicated for your
convenience.
The DAC20 combines digital precision
with analogue purity.
stable internal clock
The timing of the data is as important as
the data itself.Timing inaccuracy, known
as‘jitter’,is responsible for a wide range
of subtle distortions. In the DAC20,jitter
is reduced to an absolute technical
minimum by a very stable electronic clock
which is synchronised to the incoming
digital data stream to provide accurate
timing.The retimed output is sent to a
digital 75 Ωcoaxial SPDIF output for
digital recording purposes, as well as to
the analogue section of the converter.
HDCD®decoding
HDCD®(High Definition Compatible
Digital) is a proprietary technique
developed by Pacific Microsonics Incor-
porated.Using HDCD®, the recording
engineer can record the music at a higher
resolution and quality than on a standard
CD.A digital to analogue converter with an
HDCD®facility,such as the DAC20,
is necessary to make use of this higher
resolution.The DAC20 recognises
recordings made with HDCD®encoding and
applies the appropriate decoding to make
use of the improved music information.
multiple input ormats
The DAC20 accepts digital data in three
different formats: SPDIF 75 Ωcoaxial
using both phono and BNC connectors;
optical EIAJ usingTOSLINK™connectors
and,for optimum noise rejection,
AES/EBU 110 Ω,balanced,transformer-
coupled using XLR connectors.Input can
be selected from one of the three optical
inputs,one of the three coaxial inputs or
from theAES/EBU input.
06
welcome
07
welcome
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:05 Page 7

HDCD®compatible with automatic switching
24 bit data processing
Single bit digital to analogue converter with 20 bit resolution and
192 times oversampling
Ultra linear, low-noise, low-distortion single-bit conversion
‘Straight Line Technology’ links the digital to analogue
converter to the audio output
Very low noise master clock synchronises with the digital data
input to minimise jitter
Automatic sampling frequency selection
Automatic de-emphasis
Microprocessor control
Automatic and manual muting
Immunity to electromagnetic interference enhanced by double
layer, epoxy glass printed circuit board technology
Linear phase output filters with high-quality, high-stability active
and passive components
Three coaxial SPDIF inputs with phono and BNC sockets
AES/EBU balanced input with XLR socket
Three optical EIAJ inputs
Two low-impedance analogue stereo outputs to allow long
cable runs
Coaxial SPDIF digital output with precisely retimed signal for
high-quality digital recording
Sorbothane®sonic isolation feet, specially designed
by TAG McLaren Audio(1)
08 09
key eatures key eatures
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1. For the very best performance we recommend that our units are placed on
individual shelves and are not stacked one on top of another
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:05 Page 9

Make sure the amplifier’s volume is turned down and the CD
input is selected.
Check that the power button is out so that power is off when
you plug in(4). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on
the back of your DAC20 to an AC supply outlet. For the best
sound quality, we recommend that you do not use multi-plug
adaptors.
Press the power button in. The blue power LED will come on.
Start playing your sound source.
Turn up the volume, sit back and enjoy the music.
power
connection
switch on
11
getting started
1. Throughout this instruction manual (except in titles), bold print indicates the
lettering that you will find on the panels of your DAC20
2. To enable you to get started easily, we suggest you use a phono-phono digital
cable. However, you will get better results with the BNC or the AES/EBU output. If
you want to use the BNC, the AES/EBU or the optical inputs please see page 12
3. If your amplifier does not have an input labelled CD, you can usually connect to
an input labelled AUX or LINE input instead
4. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in, the next will
release it
We know you are keen to get your DAC20 working. This section
will have you listening to your favourite music as quickly as possible.
If you fold out the front cover of this manual you will locate diagrams
which will help you find your way around your DAC20(1).
Make sure that all the components of your audio system are
disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any
connections.
You will need a source of digital signals to feed into your
DAC20, (such as our CD transport CDT20R), a CD player with
a digital output (such as our CD20R), or a DAT player.
Use a good-quality, screened digital cable to connect the coaxial
SPDIF digital output socket of your sound source to the coaxial
SPDIF socket marked COAXIAL INPUT spdif 75 ohm 1 on the
back of your DAC20(2). The cable should have a phono plug for
the DAC20 at one end and the appropriate plug for your digital
signal source at the other end.
Use a good-quality screened, phono-phono audio cable to
connect the phono sockets marked OUTPUT left and right on
the back of your DAC20 to the corresponding CD inputs of
your amplifier(3).
be ore
you start
sound source
connection
ampli ier
connection
10
getting started
231
spdif 75 ohm
COAXIAL INPUT
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 11

XLR connectors are latched so you will hear a click when the plug
is fully inserted. You have to press the button on the socket to
remove the plug.
Suitable 110 Ω, balanced, digital interconnecting cables are
available from your retailer.
Optical inputs are provided to allow you to use your DAC20
with equipment which only has an optical output, such as certain
models of MiniDisc and LaserDisc player. The optical inputs
conform to the EIAJ RC-5720 format for optical cable(2).
Three independent optical inputs are provided. The sockets are
the rectangular TOSLINK™ type.
Suitable interconnecting cables are available from your retailer.
optical input
Your DAC20 has three types of digital input(1) : AES/EBU, coaxial
SPDIF and optical. If you have a choice of outputs from your signal
source, we recommend that you use the coaxial SPDIF via a BNC
connector, followed in preference by the AES/EBU connection,
then the coaxial SPDIF via a phono connector and finally the
optical EIAJ. All the inputs are on the back of your DAC20. Please
ask your retailer for advice on selecting the best input format.
Always use high-quality digital cables for connecting inputs.
The coaxial inputs conform to the SPDIF format and are intended
to be used with 75 Ωcable. Three independent coaxial inputs
are provided.
For your convenience two types of connector are used. COAXIAL
INPUT 1 and 2have phono sockets while INPUT 3 has a BNC
socket.
The AES/EBU format was developed for professional use in
broadcasting and recording studios. It is transformer-coupled
and uses balanced output to allow the use of long cables.
An XLR socket is provided for this input.
coaxial input
aes/ebu input
12 13
input types input types
1. The digital signal carries both stereo channels so only one connection is needed
2. Avoid using the TOSLINK™ optical connection if you can. Limitations inherent
in the optical standard mean that the full capability of your DAC20 will not
be used
231
spdif 75 ohm
COAXIAL INPUT
231
eiaj
OPTICAL INPUT
XLR INPUT
aes/ebu 110 ohm bal
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 13

Your DAC20 has seven digital inputs: Three coaxial, three optical
and one AES/EBU. Using the input and source buttons you can
choose any one of these digital inputs to convert to analogue(1).
The input button allows you to select the AES/EBU input or one
of the other three inputs (either coaxial or optical). The input you
have selected is shown by a series of LEDs on the front panel
marked 1, 2, 3and aes. Pressing the input button steps through
1, 2, 3, aes and back to 1.
The source button allows you to select the coaxial or the optical
inputs. The source you have selected is shown by one of two
LEDs on the front panel marked coaxial and optical. Pressing
the source button switches the input from coaxial to optical
and back(2).
If you are using the aes input, the source button has no effect.
Your DAC20 has a microprocessor-controlled muting system to
prevent switching noises (which could damage your equipment)
from being sent to your amplifier and loudspeakers.
The LED on the front panel labelled mute will light when the
output is muted.
The DAC20 turns off the analogue output for a short time
whenever you change the input using the input or source buttons.
Press the mute button on the front panel to turn off the analogue
output. Press it again to turn the sound back on.
selecting an
input
selecting source
automatic
muting
manual
muting
14 15
selecting an input muting
1. The DAC20 remembers the input and source settings even when power is
disconnected
2. The source setting remembers the input setting so, for example, if you want to change
from coax 1 to opt 3, you first have to change input to 3and then select optical
coaxial
optical
source
mute
input 213aes
aes
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 15

HDCD®(High Definition Compatible Digital)(1) is a proprietary
technique developed by Pacific Microsonics Incorporated and
made available to you by TAG McLaren Audio.
Using HDCD®the recording engineer can record the music at a
higher resolution and quality than on a standard CD. HDCD®-
encoded CDs have genuine 20 bit resolution, as compared with
the 16 bits of ordinary CDs. This gives a greater dynamic range,
a more focused, spatial image and a more natural musical timbre.
A digital to analogue converter with an HDCD®facility, such as the
DAC20, is necessary to make use of this higher resolution(2).
The DAC20 recognises recordings made with HDCD®encoding
and applies the appropriate decoding to make use of the
improved music information.
The LED on the front panel marked HDCD®illuminates when
a recording with HDCD®encoding is being played.
A digital recording consists of a rapidly changing stream of
digital data representing the music. The sampling frequency
is the number of times the data is updated in a second(1).
The DAC20 detects the sampling frequency of the incoming
digital data and automatically switches to the matching
frequency. Three sampling frequencies are in common use for
digital recording: 32, 44.1and 48 kHz(2). The active sampling
frequency is indicated by one of three LEDs on the front panel
marked 32kHz, 44kHz and 48kHz.
automatic
HDCD®decoding
automatic
selection o
sampling
requency
16 17
HDCD®decoding sampling requency
1. The sampling frequency is defined during the recording of your CD, DAT, etc.
and cannot be changed by the listener
2. In this case, 1 kHz represents 1000 samples per second
1. HDCD®is a registered trademark of Pacific Microsonics Incorporated
2. Ordinary CD players can play HDCD®encoded discs but without the enhanced
sound quality
32kHz 44kHz 48kHz
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 17

The incoming digital information may have slight inaccuracies in
the timing. An extremely stable and accurate clock in the DAC20
synchronises with the incoming data and ensures that any timing
errors are minimised, thus reducing ‘jitter’.
The LED on the front panel marked lock shows when the clock is
properly synchronised. This may take a second or so depending
on the type of signal source.
If the timing of the incoming data is very erratic, the clock in
the DAC20 may be unable to synchronise. In that case, the LED
will go out but the music will still be played using timing from
the recording(1).
Some recordings are made using a noise reduction technique
called pre-emphasis.
The DAC20 automatically recognises recordings with pre-
emphasis and applies de-emphasis to take advantage of the
noise reduction(1). The LED on the front panel marked demp (short
for de-emphasis) illuminates when a recording with pre-emphasis
is being played.
automatic
de-emphasis
detection
internal clock
synchronisation
18 19
jitter reduction de-emphasis
1. Pre-emphasis is used in some recordings to improve the potential playback
quality but it is not often used
1. The most likely cause of erratic data is a fault in the signal source equipment or
connecting cable, either of which may need servicing. Please contact your
retailer if you have problems with synchronisation
lock
demp
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 19

OUTPUT 1 and 2are used to connect your DAC20 to an
amplifier, and can also be used for analogue tape recording.
The low-impedance (100 Ω) output is buffered and will drive long
cables or several inputs in parallel if required. OUTPUT 1 and 2
are connected together in parallel.
The digital output is provided in order to allow connection of your
DAC20 to equipment with a digital input, such as a DAT recorder,
thereby allowing recording in the digital domain without any loss of
quality.
The digital output is accessible via a phono socket(1) on the back
panel of the DAC20 marked COAXIAL OUTPUT spdif 75 ohm.
The output conforms to the SPDIF format and is intended to be
used with 75 Ωcable.
The digital output is retimed by the precise internal clock in the
DAC20 (see page 18).
TAG McLaren Audio equipment is designed to give optimum
performance for many years.
Just like a high-quality car, the performance of your DAC20
will improve during the first few hours of operation. The electronic
components will then have reached and settled down to near-
perfect specification.
Every time you switch on your DAC20, the performance will
improve until the components reach their optimum operating
temperature.
running in
warming up
analogue
audio output
output or
digital
recording
20 21
outputs running in and warming up
left
right
OUTPUT
2
1
spdif 75 ohm
COAXIAL
OUTPUT
1. A phono socket, rather than the technically superior BNC connector, was
selected to be compatible with most DAT recorders
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 21

There is a fuse in the power socket on the back of your DAC20.
To change the fuse, unplug the power cable and pull out the fuse
carrier drawer(1).
The fuse carrier contains a spare fuse; this is the first one that you
see when you open the carrier.
There are no other user-serviceable parts inside the DAC20.
In order to maintain the appearance of your DAC20, you can
clean it as follows:
before cleaning, always disconnect your DAC20 from the AC
supply.
any grease or dirt on the case may be removed with a soft,
lint-free cloth moistened slightly with a mild solution of warm
water and detergent or washing-up liquid. Do not use any other
solutions. Do not use any solvents or abrasives.
take great care not to get any liquid inside the case.
If this happens, you should have your DAC20 serviced.
uses
cleaning
22
care and maintenance
1. You cannot open the fuse carrier drawer while the plug is in the socket
care and maintenance
23
The only service you should do to your DAC20 is described on
the left. All other servicing should only be carried out by one of
our authorised service agents.
If service is required, please contact your authorised TAG
McLaren Audio retailer. If your DAC20 is still under guarantee,
please refer to the guarantee card which gives you details on
how to claim against the guarantee.
Please keep the original packaging and use it whenever your
DAC20 is transported.
service
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 23

25
technical data
technical data
24
This section is for those of you who really want to know the ‘insides’
of your DAC20. You will not miss out on any of the functions or
performance of your DAC20 if you choose not to read any further.
digital input
ormat
digital input
connector
Coaxial SPDIF
XLR AES/EBU consumer format
Optical EIAJ RC-5720
Coaxial 1 and 2: phono socket
3: BNC female
XLR XLR female
Optical rectangular TOSLINK™
Coaxial 75 Ω±5%
XLR 110 Ω± 5% (balanced)
Coaxial and XLR greater than 200 mV pp
Optical –27 to –14.5 dBm
Coaxial SPDIF
digital output
ormat
digital output
connector
phono socket
75 Ω±10%
500 mV pp ±10% (75 Ωload)
phono socket
100 Ωnominal
2.0 V rms ± 0.5 dB (full scale output for all sampling
rates - non HDCD®encoded material).
Up to 4.0 V rms for HDCD® encoded material
24 bit 8 times oversampling
Passband ripple ± 0.0001 dB
Stopband attenuation greater than 120 dB
digital output
impedance
digital output level
digital input
impedance
digital input
level
audio output
connector
audio output
impedance
audio output
level
digital ilter
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 25

27
technical data
technical data
26
detection and decoding of HDCD®encoded material is
automatic. HDCD®provides enhanced amplitude
resolution and corrects for sample rate limitations
192 times oversampled pulse density modulated single
bit DAC (oversampling and noise shaping used to
convert 8 times oversampled word data, from digital
filter, to 192 times single bit data)
greater than 100 dB (A-weighted)
2 Hz – 20 kHz
less than 0.003% at 1 kHz
less than ± 0.5 dB at 1 kHz
HDCD®
digital to analogue
conversion
signal to
noise ratio
requency response
(+ 0.2 / -- 0.8 dB)
operating
temperature range
greater than 110 dB at 1 kHz
10 – 35 ˚C
50 – 60 Hz
110 – 120 V or 220 – 240 V
The voltage is marked on the rear of the unit
less than 25 W
445 mm wide
75 mm high
320 mm deep
ac supply
requency
total harmonic
distortion +noise
(0 dB full scale)
channel balance
channel separation
power consumption
dimensions
(including feet,
terminals and controls)
ac supply
voltage
We reserve the right to alter design and specification without notice
Specification may vary for different countries
The rated and typical performance applies when the mains supply voltage is either
230 V AC for 220 - 240 V units or 115 V AC for 110 - 120 V units
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 27

international standards
28
Your DAC20 meets or exceeds all the legal requirements listed below:
directives
sa ety
emc emissions
emc immunity
89/336/EEC EMC Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive (as amended by 93/23/EEC)
IEC65: 1985
IEC65 A2: 1989
IEC65 A3: 1992
EN60065: 1993
EN50081 -1: 1992
EN55022 Class B: 1994
EN60555 -2: 1987
EN61000 -3-2: 1995
EN61000 -3-3: 1995
FCC Part 15 Class B: 1997
EN50082 -1: 1992
IEC801 -2: 1991 ± 8 kV air discharge
IEC801 -3: 1984 3 V/m
IEC801 -4: 1988 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-2: 1995 ± 8 kV air, ± 4 kV contact discharge
EN61000 -4-4: 1995 ± 1 kV AC power, ± 500 V other ports
EN61000 -4-5: 1995 ± 2 kV common mode, ± 1 kV differential mode
EN61000 -4-11: 1994
GRA00046.1-[CA]DAC20 13/03/01 10:06 Page 29