DCS LINA User Manual

DCS LINA User Manual

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LINA Network DAC
User Guide
DCS321671 - Rev1.0

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  • Page 1 LINA Network DAC User Guide DCS321671 - Rev1.0...
  • Page 2 Your guide to LINA This User Guide is designed to help you experience the full potential of your dCS LINA Network DAC. Inside, you’ll find advice on how to set up, install, use and care for your system. We ask that you read it carefully before getting started.
  • Page 3 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. dCS is Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Company registered in England No. 2072115. This product incorporates the following dCS proprietary technology: Ring DAC™...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Contents Safety Getting started What's in the box Where to place the LINA Network DAC Recommended cables and connectors Overview Front Rear Setting up Connecting the power supply Switching the unit on and off Connecting the LINA range Connecting audio source equipment...
  • Page 5 Setting the USB audio class Enabling and disabling the buffer Changing the line output level Turning off the display Changing the display brightness Resetting to factory conditions Testing for swapped channels Conditioning the unit Viewing information about the unit Updating the software Maintenance Replacing a blown mains fuse Cleaning the unit...
  • Page 6: Safety

    • Do not install the unit near heat sources. • Use only the attachments and accessories specified by dCS. CAUTION To prevent the risk of electric shock and ensure the best audio performance, connect the unit to mains earth (ground) using the correct power cable.
  • Page 7 NOTICE Damage caused to the unit by misuse of a mains regenerator or by a malfunctioning mains regenerator is not covered by the warranty. • We do not recommend the use of mains regenerators. • If you want to use a mains regenerator with variable voltage and frequency, set the voltage to match your local voltage.
  • Page 8: Getting Started

    You can stack units vertically or place them next to each other. • Ensure you can easily connect LINA Network DAC to other units of your system. • If units are stacked vertically, place the bottom unit on a firm, vibration-free base.
  • Page 9 NOTICE Heavy or inflexible power cables may damage the power socket on the unit. Some “audiophile” cables have unusual grounding or screening arrangements, or they don't have the correct characteristic impedance. If you have difficulty using such cables but the problem disappears when you use standard cables, contact your cable manufacturer.
  • Page 10: Overview

    Overview Front Item Description Display Displays menus and information about the current input, for example, track name and artist. Touch Tap to select the option shown in the display above the button. • On the home screen, tap to use the assigned shortcut. button •...
  • Page 11 Display QOBUZ Track Title 05:12 Artist Name Description Input source Status icons For more information, see "Status icons" on the next page. ► Data rate (word length and sample rate for PCM, or DSD or DSDx2) Track title* Play/Pause icon and track elapsed time* Artist name* Menu, settings and shortcuts.
  • Page 12: Rear

    Status icons Status icons are shown in the top-right of the home screen. Icon Description Filter setting when receiving PCM data Filter setting when receiving DSD data Clocking sync mode: Master Clocking sync mode: Audio Clocking sync mode: Word Clock (Auto, 1 or 2) Phase is normal Phase is inverted Rear...
  • Page 13 NETWORK RJ45 network input. Connects the unit to the local network or the Internet. POWER LINK RJ45 input. Connects the unit to other LINA units to enable Power Link. ► For more information, see "Using Power Link" on page 25. WORDCLOCK IN 1 Word clock input 1.
  • Page 14 Class 2, which accepts data at up to 384 kS/s, or DSD/64 or DSD/128 in DoP format. A dCS USB Class 2 driver needs to be installed on computers running Windows™ versions before Windows™  10 Creator's Update. No additional driver needs to be installed on Apple desktops and notebooks running macOS 10.6.3 or above.
  • Page 15 Network socket The NETWORK socket is an RJ45 connection that allows you to stream music from the local network or the Internet. The unit streams music files at up to 24 bits / 384 kS/s, or DSD/64, or DSD/128. The network interface runs in asynchronous mode and is galvanically isolated. NOTICE The metal contacts of the NETWORK socket can be damaged by accidentally inserting the wrong connector.
  • Page 16: Setting Up

    Setting up Connecting the power supply Use the supplied power cable to connect your LINA Network DAC to the power supply. At the rear of the unit, insert the power cable into the power socket. 2. Connect the plug to a power supply.
  • Page 17: Connecting The Lina Range

    To prevent screen burn-in of the display, switch the unit off or put it in sleep mode when not in use. Connecting the LINA range To connect the LINA Network DAC, LINA Master Clock and LINA Headphone Amplifier together: Position the LINA range. 2. Connect the LINA Network DAC to the LINA Headphone Amplifier.
  • Page 18 2. Connecting the LINA Network DAC to the LINA Headphone Amplifier You can connect the LINA Network DAC to the LINA Headphone Amplifier using the balanced XLR sockets. Using two balanced XLR cables, connect the BAL. LEFT and BAL. RIGHT outputs on the LINA Network DAC to the BAL. LEFT and BAL. RIGHT inputs on the LINA Headphone...
  • Page 19: Connecting Audio Source Equipment

    3. Connecting the LINA Master Clock to the LINA Network DAC You can lock the network and USB inputs on the LINA Network DAC to the LINA Master Clock. Switch on the LINA Network DAC and the LINA Master Clock.
  • Page 20 If you lock an AES or SPDIF input on the LINA Network DAC to the LINA Master Clock, the source equipment will not be locked to the Clock, resulting in periodic clicks, dropouts or distortion. To use the LINA Network DAC in this way, use source equipment that has a word clock input and a Master Clock with extra outputs.
  • Page 21: Connecting Integrated Amplifiers And Preamplifiers

    5. While music is playing, slowly increase the amplifier volume to the desired level. Connecting to your network If you connect your LINA Network DAC to a network, you can stream content from local sources, such as a music server on your network, or from Internet services.
  • Page 22: Connecting A Computer

    5. To stream from internet services, your router must be connected to the internet. Connecting a computer You can connect a computer to the USB 1 socket on your LINA Network DAC. For best results, we recommend using a premium music streaming program instead of software included with the operating system.
  • Page 23: Clocking

    Clock jitter is variation in the digital audio clock frequency, which can cause a loss of fine detail when listening to music. The unit can run in different clocking sync modes, which can reduce jitter. To minimise jitter, connect the unit to the LINA Master Clock or a compatible Master Clock.
  • Page 24 Master Clock to the word clock input on the source equipment. 5. Set the clocking sync mode on the unit to Word Clock 1-2 Auto. For more information, see "Setting the clocking sync mode" on page 35. ► The LINA Network DAC selects the appropriate clock input and locks to it.
  • Page 25: Using Power Link

    Using Power Link Power Link allows you to switch LINA units on and off at the same time, or put the LINA Network DAC and LINA Master Clock in and out of sleep mode at the same time. To enable Power Link, use two RJ45 cables to connect the POWER LINK sockets on each unit.
  • Page 26: Dcs Mosaic

    Mosaic dCS Mosaic is a bespoke collection of hardware and software modules that allow you to access your digital music. With dCS Mosaic, you can stream content from the following: • Local streaming sources, such as a music server on your network or using Apple AirPlay •...
  • Page 27: Using The Lina Network Dac

    Use Apple AirPlay to wirelessly stream music from Apple devices. For more information, see www.apple.com/airplay. Connect your Apple device to the same Wi-Fi network as your LINA Network DAC. 2. Swipe down from the top-right of the screen on your Apple device to access the Control Center.
  • Page 28: Playing Music With Spotify Connect

    Playing music with Spotify Connect You can use your phone, tablet or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Connect the device that runs the Spotify app to the same Wi-Fi network as your LINA Network DAC. 2. Open the Spotify app and play a song.
  • Page 29: Using Roon

    Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited © 2016. Using Roon The LINA Network DAC is Roon Ready. If you have a Roon account, install Roon Core on your NAS drive or on a networked computer. You can then use Roon remote to control playback on your unit.
  • Page 30 At the rear of the unit, connect the USB storage device to the USB 2 socket. 2. Open the Mosaic Control app and access the USB storage device. 3. Choose a song to play on the LINA Network DAC. ► For more information, see "dCS Mosaic" on page 26.
  • Page 31: Settings

    You can change settings in the menu on the unit, or using the Mosaic Control app. ► For more information, see "dCS Mosaic" on page 26. To change settings for the unit using the Mosaic Control app, select from the left of the screen on your mobile device.
  • Page 32: Menu Overview

    Menu overview The table below shows the menus and settings available on the unit. Source NETWORK AES 1 AES 2 DUAL AES SPDIF 1 SPDIF 2 SPDIF 3 USB 1 Processing Crossfeed Crossfeed Expanse 1 Expanse 2 Filter Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter MQA DSD Filter DSD F1 DSD F2 DSD F3...
  • Page 33: Changing The Shortcut Buttons

    Expanse Expanse is the new patent-pending crossfeed processing algorithm developed by dCS. It applies different processing filters to give two different responses: E1 and E2. With Expanse, there is a unique headphone listening experience for all listeners that stays true to the original recording.
  • Page 34: Changing The Pcm Filter

    Changing the PCM filter You can use the filter settings to change how music sounds when listening to PCM data. Filters are a personal choice. A different filter setting is stored for each sample rate. 2. Tap to select Processing. 3.
  • Page 35: Changing The Upsampling Mode

    Changing the upsampling mode You can select between two processing options when receiving PCM data. The best upsampling mode is a personal choice. 2. Tap to select Processing. 3. Tap 4. Tap to select Upsampling. 5. Tap to change the upsampling mode. DSD.
  • Page 36: Enabling And Disabling Dual Aes

    Master. The unit uses its internal clock to control data delivery from the network, computer or flash drive. For network and USB inputs only. This is the normal mode for these inputs when a Master Clock is not available. Audio. The unit locks to the data stream from the source equipment. Recommended for sources that do not have a suitable Word Clock input.
  • Page 37: Enabling And Disabling The Buffer

    2. Tap to select Device Settings. 3. Tap 4. Tap to select USB Class. 5. Tap to set the USB audio class. After you select a different audio class, wait for 10 seconds while the USB software reloads. Installing the Windows™ driver for USB Class 2 If the USB audio class of the USB1 socket is set to Class 2, a driver needs to be installed on Windows™...
  • Page 38: Changing The Line Output Level

    Changing the line output level The line output setting sets the maximum output level to suit your integrated amplifier or preamplifier. 2. Tap to select Device Settings. 3. Tap 4. Tap to select Line Output. 5. Tap to change between 2V or 6V. Turning off the display When the display setting is set to off and you close the menu, the display turns off after a few seconds.
  • Page 39: Testing For Swapped Channels

    NOTICE Conditioning the unit at high volumes can damage amplifiers and loudspeakers. Before conditioning the unit, reduce the volume to a low level. dCS is not liable for any damage to equipment due to incorrect use of the conditioning feature.
  • Page 40: Viewing Information About The Unit

    IP address Version. Displays the control board version and Mosaic processor version. Updating the software You can update the software on the LINA Network DAC using the Mosaic Control app. On your mobile device, open the Mosaic Control app. 2. Select ...
  • Page 41: Maintenance

    Maintenance dCS audio products do not need regular maintenance. The only user-serviceable part of the unit is the mains fuse. If the unit is damaged, contact your fulfilment centre. Replacing a blown mains fuse There is a fuse within the unit's power inlet. If the fuse blows, you can replace it.
  • Page 42: Cleaning The Unit

    5. Push the fuse holder back into the unit with the writing the correct way up, until you hear a click. Cleaning the unit If the case of the unit gets dusty or dirty, you can clean it with a lint-free cloth. •...
  • Page 43: Specifications

    Specifications Converter type dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology. Sample rates Compatible PCM rates are 24 bits at 44.1 kS/s, 48 kS/s, 88.2 kS/s, 96 kS/s, 176.4 kS/s, 192 kS/s, 352.8 kS/s or 384 kS/s. Compatible DSD rates are DSD/64 and DSD/128. Digital inputs UPnP Network interface on an RJ45 connector streams music files from a NAS or local computer using MinimServer over an ethernet network.
  • Page 44 Clocking 2x word clock input on 2x BNC connector: • Accept standard word clocks at 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz. • The data rate can be the same as the clock rate or an exact multiple (0.25x, 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x) of the clock rate. •...
  • Page 45: Support

    Support If you need help using your LINA Network DAC, contact your fulfilment centre for assistance, quoting the serial number of your unit. Manufactured by: Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Unit 1, Buckingway Business Park, Anderson Road, Swavesey, Cambridgeshire, CB24 4AE,...
  • Page 46: Limited Warranty

    Product Registration form within 30 days of the sale and return it to dCS. On receipt of the registration, dCS will add your contact details to our customer database. dCS will use this information for warranty purposes only, we will not contact you directly for reasons relating to sales and marketing.
  • Page 47: Obtaining Service

    Your contact will advise you fully on actions that need to be taken. When returning a unit, the original packaging should be used to avoid transit damage. Replacement packaging sets may be purchased from dCS. Operating conditions •...
  • Page 48: Compliance

    Compliance Product label The product label on the bottom of the unit provides information about the unit, including the serial number. It also displays safety, compliance and regulatory markings. Marking Description Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the product's enclosure, which may be sufficient in magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to the user.
  • Page 49: Fcc Compliance Statement

    (That is, make certain the equipment and the television or radio are on circuits controlled by different circuit breakers or fuses.) (USA only) If necessary, consult dCS Americas LLC or an experienced radio / television technician for additional suggestions.
  • Page 50: Korea Class B Compliance Statement

    6 Plus • iPhone 6 LINA Network DAC supports iOS 7 or later for setup using Wireless Accessory Configuration. Works with Apple Airplay Use of the Works with Apple Airplay badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

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