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. Other product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of other companies, and are the property of their owners.
Contents Welcome Introducing Varèse What's in the box Varèse Core, User Interface, Remote Control, and ACTUS cables Varèse Mono DAC (left) Varèse Mono DAC (right) Varèse Clock Where to place the Varèse units Overview About ACTUS cables Core overview User Interface overview Remote Control overview Left Mono DAC overview Right Mono DAC overview...
You can control the Varèse music system in three ways that work seamlessly together and guarantee the best user experience, regardless of how you interact with your music. dCS Mosaic ACTUS Use the application when you want full control over your system directly from your favourite mobile device.
What's in the box If an item is missing from a box, contact your fulfilment centre. We recommend that you keep the original packaging of all units. If you need to order replacement packaging, contact your fulfilment centre. Varèse Core, User Interface, Remote Control, and ACTUS cables Box 1 The box contains the following items:...
Box 3 The box contains the following items: Varèse Remote Control USB-C cable (1 m) Safety and compliance guide Box 4 The box contains the following items: ACTUS cable 1.5 m (standard), other lengths available Varèse Mono DAC (left) Box 1 The box contains the following items: Varèse left Mono DAC Power cable (2 m)
Box 2 The box contains the following items: ACTUS cable 1.5 m (standard), other lengths available Varèse Mono DAC (right) Box 1 The box contains the following items: Varèse right Mono DAC Power cable (2 m) Welcome letter Safety and compliance guide Box 2 The box contains the following items: ACTUS cable...
Varèse Clock Box 1 The box contains the following items: Varèse Clock Power cable (2 m) Welcome letter Safety and compliance guide Box 2 The box contains the following items: ACTUS cable 1.5 m (standard), other lengths available...
Where to place the Varèse units The units in the Varèse range are designed to be mounted on separate shelves of a rack. 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 space around the units to allow for ventilation.
Overview About ACTUS cables Varèse features a bespoke interface, created by dCS to allow for ultimate audio quality and seamless control of the whole system. This interface is called ACTUS - Audio Control and Timing Unified System. ACTUS is a combination of proprietary dCS hardware and software that enable the Varèse units to be connected using a single cable between each unit.
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Item Description Standby If rest mode is activated, toggles between on, rest (short press), or sleep (long button press). If rest mode is not activated, toggles between on, standby (short press), or sleep (long press). Status light Indicates the unit status by changing colour. For more information, see "Status lights"...
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Optional Digital I/O Module - Rear If requested, your Core is fitted with the Digital I/O Module. This module is used to connect other sources, such as CD transports or PCs, and features an S/PDIF output and a word clock output.
The User Interface controls and displays music playback, settings, and user feedback. With the User Interface, you can connect to AirPlay and Google Cast services. This unit also seamlessly works with other Varèse controllers — the dCS Mosaic ACTUS app and Remote Control.
Item Description Antenna Receives signals from the Remote Control. You need to attach the antenna to the rear of the User Interface. Status light Indicates the unit status by changing colour. For more information, see "Status lights" on page 19. ► ACTUS Connects the unit to the Core.
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Item Description Source Selects the next available audio source. Power If rest mode is activated, toggles between on, rest, or sleep. If rest mode is not activated, toggles between on, standby, or sleep. Signal path preset Changes to the next signal path preset. Shortcut button Assignable button Next...
Left Mono DAC overview The Mono DAC converts a digital signal to analogue, allowing you to connect the Varèse system to pre-amps and power amps. Front Item Description Standby If rest mode is activated, toggles between on, rest (short press), or sleep (long button press).
Item Description BAL. LEFT Mono (left) balanced XLR analogue outputs. Connects the unit to an amplifier. UNBAL. LEFT Mono (left) unbalanced RCA analogue outputs. Connects the unit to an amplifier. ACTUS Connects the unit to the Core. Power socket, fuse, and Powers the unit via a standard IEC320 connector, with a power power switch switch and a fuse holder.
Rear Item Description BAL. RIGHT Mono (right) balanced XLR analogue outputs. Connects the unit to an amplifier. UNBAL. RIGHT Mono (right) unbalanced RCA analogue outputs. Connects the unit to an amplifier. ACTUS Connects the unit to the Core. Power socket, fuse, and Powers the unit via a standard IEC320 connector, with a power power switch switch and a fuse holder.
Item Description Standby If rest mode is activated, toggles between on, rest (short press), or sleep (long button press). If rest mode is not activated, toggles between on, standby (short press), or sleep (long press). Status light Indicates the unit status by changing colour. ►...
After you unpack, confirm the contents of all boxes, and position your Varèse products, start connecting and powering the units. With all your Varèse units connected, you can use the dCS Mosaic ACTUS app to finish configuring your audio system.
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Using the supplied ACTUS cables, connect the Clock-specific ACTUS socket at the rear of the Core to the ACTUS socket at the rear of the Clock. 2. Using the supplied ACTUS cables, connect the ACTUS socket at the rear of the Core to the ACTUS socket at the rear of the User Interface.
3. Using the supplied ACTUS cables, connect the ACTUS sockets at the rear of the Core to the ACTUS sockets at the rear of the left and right Mono DACs. Connecting the Mono DACs to amplifiers Use XLR or RCA cables to connect your left and right Mono DAC units to amplifiers. If the Mono DACs are connected directly to power amplifiers, the Varèse system can act as a preamplifier carrying out the system volume control.
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2. If you are using the unbalanced outputs, perform the following steps: • At the rear of the left Mono DAC, connect the RCA cable to one of the UNBAL. LEFT sockets. • At the rear of the right Mono DAC, connect the RCA cable to one of the UNBAL. RIGHT sockets.
The inputs on the amplifier or preamplifier may be labelled CD or AUX. Refer to the user documentation for the amplifier or preamplifier. Connecting the Digital I/O Module Use the correct cables to connect the Digital I/O Module. The following connections are available.
Connecting power and switching on Use the supplied power cable to connect a Varèse unit to the power supply. With all units connected, you can safely switch on all your units. At the rear of a unit, insert the power cable into the power socket, and then connect the power cable plug to a power supply.
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At the rear of your Core, connect an Ethernet cable to the NETWORK socket. 2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to your router.
Remote Control to an authorised service centre. The Remote Control uses a rechargeable battery. When the battery level is low, a warning light appears on the Remote Control. The dCS Mosaic ACTUS app and the User Interface also display a low battery level notification.
Replacing a blown mains fuse There is a fuse within each unit's power inlet. If the fuse blows, you can replace it. • If the fuse blows once, replace the fuse. There was a power surge. • If the fuse blows repeatedly, contact your fulfilment centre to arrange repair. Fuse type 20 x 5 mm, T 1A L / 250 V.
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5. With the writing on the fuse holder the correct way up, push the fuse holder back into the unit until you hear a click.
Specifications These specifications are subject to change without notice. Core specifications Digital inputs • 1x network interface on an Ethernet (RJ45) connector • 1x USB 2.0 client interface on type-A connector Supported file formats • FLAC • AIFF • • ALAC •...
130 mm (H) x 444 mm (W) x 425 mm (D) Product weight 12.3 kg Power requirements 85-130 V / 200-250 V, 50/60 Hz Power consumption: 40 W Mono DAC specifications Converter type dCS proprietary Ring DAC topology ACTUS connections 1x ACTUS Line outputs • 2x 3-pin male XLR connectors • 2x RCA Phono connectors User interface •...
Clock specifications Clock type Grade 1 Master Clock. Clock 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz frequencies Clock accuracy Within 1 ppm in an ambient temperature range of +5°C to +60°C Word clock 1x ACTUS outputs User interface • Standby button • Status indicator • Power rocker switch (rear) Power •...
Help and support If you need help using your Varèse, 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, www.dcsaudio.com...
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dcsaudio.com @dCSonlythemusic info@dcsaudio.com Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Unit 1, Buckingway Business Park, Anderson Road, Swavesey, Cambridge, CB24 4AE, UK...
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