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DCS Elgar Plus User Manual

Dcs elgar plus stereo digital to analogue converter
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dCS Elgar Plus
Stereo Digital to Analogue Converter

User Manual

Software Release 4.4x
August 2005
© dCS Ltd. 1999 - 2004
Price UK £17.50 / Euro 25.00
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or
introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior
written permission of dCS
1
. Any person who does any unauthorised act in
relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims
for damages.
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.
1
dCS is Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Company registered in England No. 2072115.

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Summary of Contents for DCS Elgar Plus

  • Page 1: User Manual

    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.

  • Page 2: Dcs Ltd August

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 2 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 3: Product Overview

    Elgar Plus will accept digital data at 44.1kS/s from your CD player and interpolate the 16 bits, giving your CD collection a new lease of life. Elgar Plus will also convert 24 bit 96kS/s data from DVD players, revealing the increased depth and spaciousness inherent in the more complex source information.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Typical Applications..................14 Using an Elgar Plus in Master Mode with Verdi Using Elgar Plus and a 1394-Equipped Purcell with Verdi Using Elgar Plus with a Standard Purcell and a CD Player The Software – The Menu ................18 Using the Function Menu...
  • Page 5 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 The Hardware – Controls and Connectors ...........34 Front Panel Key to Front Panel Standby Button Display button (Menu Step) Phase button De-Emphasis button Status Indicator Remote Control Sensor...
  • Page 6 A digital recorder fails to record from the Output The Remote Control fails to control the unit While playing a DVD, a burst of noise is heard, Elgar Plus mutes and changes sample rate CD Update is interrupted or fails...

  • Page 7: About This Manual

    Keywords and Phrases About this Manual If you have not used a Elgar Plus before, please read the section “Using your dCS Elgar Plus for the first time” on page 54. This manual has been arranged with the most commonly used sections placed first: •...

  • Page 8: Step-By-Step Guide

    UIDE This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation. You may find this useful if you have not used the Elgar Plus for a while. Preliminaries The Control Summary sheet details the menu structure and outlines the use of the front panel controls.

  • Page 9: Step 1 - Selecting A Digital Input

    Connect the AES 1 (or AES A) output on your source equipment to the do this: AES 1 input on the Elgar Plus rear panel and the AES 2 (or AES B) output to the input, using two XLR cables. Ensure the cables are not swapped. AES 2...
  • Page 10 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 PCM or DSD mode is automatically detected. The unit will lock to the source, displaying in sequence Locking, (the BASE sample rate) then the default d xxx...

  • Page 11: Step 2 - Connecting The Analogue Outputs

    Turn Elgar Plus rotary control slowly clockwise until the music is at the right do this: level. IMPORTANT! If you connect the Elgar Plus directly to a power amplifier, DO NOT use the Burn-In routine while the power amplifier is switched on with the loudspeakers connected as this may cause loudspeaker damage.

  • Page 12: Step 3 - Setting The Output Level

    If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may need to change the setting. Similarly, if you are Output Level driving a power amplifier directly and Elgar Plus setting for a Volume comfortable listening level is higher than...

  • Page 13: Step 4 - Using Elgar Plus In Master Mode

    If your CD transport (or other source equipment sampling at 44.1kS/s) has a Wordclock input, you can reduce the jitter in your system by using Elgar Plus in Master mode and slaving the source to it. If not, you can miss out this step.

  • Page 14: Using An Elgar Plus In Master Mode With Verdi

    CDs or the do this: Input AES1 1394 interface for playing SACDs. Verdi v1.2x with Elgar Plus v4.2x will automatically select the right input. Use the control to set a comfortable listening level. Open the menu do this: Volume Filter again and choose a different if you wish.

  • Page 15: Using Elgar Plus And A 1394-Equipped Purcell With Verdi

    This setup allows you to play SACDs and CDs through the interface, 1394 upsampling the CDs to DSD with a Purcell. Elgar Plus is in Master Mode. dCS Verdi SACD Transport CAUTION: VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE CLASS 1 LASER RADIATION. WHEN OPEN, LASER PRODUCT DO NOT STARE INTO BEAM.

  • Page 16: Using Elgar Plus With A Standard Purcell And A Cd Player

    Unbalanced Balanced - or - Outputs Outputs To Power Amplifier or Preamplifier Figure 6 - Using Elgar Plus with Purcell and a CD player Connect up as shown above. do this: Purcell setup: Factory Open the menu and run the routine.
  • Page 17 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 17 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 18: The Software - The Menu

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 – T OFTWARE To open the Menu, hold down "Vol / Bal" and press "Display". To page through the Menu, press "Display". To select, display or change an option, press "Vol / Bal".

  • Page 19: Using The Function Menu

    Select • button pages forward through the Menu - the button. Display Step If you have a dCS Remote Control, you can use this to access the menu: • button opens the Menu and doubles as the button. Function Select •...

  • Page 20: Menu Sequence

    Filter – Anti-Imaging Filter Setting Elgar Plus offers a choice of 4 interpolation filters for 5 sample rates (32kS/s, 44.1kS/s, 48kS/s, 88.2kS/s and 96kS/s) and 6 for two (192kS/s and 176.4kS/s). The filters offer differing responses. In each case, Filters 1-4 are symmetrical...

  • Page 21: Ms - Master/Slave Operation

    There are some restrictions on master mode operation. The source (usually a CD transport or player) must run at 44.1kS/s ONLY. Elgar Plus may be used in this mode with an Upsampler, but the Upsampler output must be set to 44.1kS/s, 88.2kS/s, 176.4kS/s or DSD.

  • Page 22: Mute - Mute Fade Time

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 If you are using an Upsampler set for DSD output and your Elgar Plus is fitted with a 1394 interface, select the input. The displays will then be Wait…, 1394 then alternately for about 10 seconds.

  • Page 23: Dual Aes - Dual Aes Mode

    Dual AES – Dual AES Mode The Dual AES interface was developed by dCS to allow 88.2 or 96kS/s data streams to be recorded on equipment designed for 44.1 or 48kS/s operation. It allows a stereo pair of 24/96 data to be recorded on a 4-track digital recorder.

  • Page 24: Swap - Swap Channels

    Disp Disp Disp Disp - Default Display This feature allows you to choose what Elgar Plus displays when music is playing Disp Open the Function Menu and step through until you come to the page. do this:...

  • Page 25: Timeout - Menu Time Out Setting

    Select if you are having locking problems. If you are using Elgar Plus in master mode or with a Master Clock, the PLL should be set to PLL:Fine, otherwise the jitter improvement will be lost. Page 25 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 26: Naud - Non Audio Muting

    NAud NAud - Non Audio Muting Elgar Plus is normally set to mute if the Non-Audio message flag in the incoming data stream is On – identifying the source as a corrupt data stream, CD-ROM or other non-audio format. We have found that some audio CDs actually have the Non-Audio flag set! To listen to such disks, the automatic muting must be TEMPORARILY disabled.

  • Page 27: Ch.check - Channel Check Test

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Ch.Check Ch.Check Ch.Check Ch.Check - Channel Check Test Use this feature to check if the stereo outputs on your system are swapped. It is disabled when in DSD/SACD mode.

  • Page 28: Burn In - Burn-In Signal Generation

    If there is a phasing error, check for wiring errors from the unit output onwards. Phase You cannot correct this error on a dCS DAC using the feature as this inverts both channels.

  • Page 29: Issue - Software Issue State

    Contact Contact Contact Contact - Contact information This displays dCS’ email address and web-site URL. Open the Menu and step through until the display shows Contact. do this: Press the button once and the contact information will scroll across the...

  • Page 30: Cdupdate - Software Update By Cd

    Please follow the latest update instructions supplied with the CD. The following is for guidance only. You will need a standard CD Transport, a CD player or a dCS Verdi to play the CD. A few CD players are not suitable because they upsample to 48kS/s or change some of the data bits in other ways (one example is the ML37).
  • Page 31 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 If there is anything wrong with the dCS CD that has been loaded or it does not match the product, the unit will display Wrong! Wrong CD No Index revert to normal operation.

  • Page 32: Factory - Restoring Factory Defaults

    After a few seconds, the unit will re-boot and return to normal operation set up as follows: • to AES1. The selection is automatic if the unit is connected by Input Input a 1394 cable to another dCS unit with current software. • Filter1 Filters to • Phase Normal •...
  • Page 33 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 33 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 34: The Hardware - Controls And Connectors

    To switch on, press the button. If power is available, the Standby indicator will light and Elgar Plus will run through the power up routine. (Note that the button will not click when turning power on – this is normal.)

  • Page 35: Display Button

    On some disks, these flags are incorrect, resulting in a bumpy frequency response. Elgar Plus can apply de-emphasis for PCM sources with sample rates of 32, 44.1 or 48kS/s - it is not used at higher sample rates.

  • Page 36: Status Indicator

    5 seconds after the last button press, De-Emphasis then the display reverts to its’ default setting. It is most convenient to leave Elgar Plus in mode. If the emphasis flag is do this: Auto wrong, this can be corrected manually using the other 3 settings.

  • Page 37: Mute Button

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Input Button and Input Indicator button controls which digital input is selected, as shown by the Input Input Indicator. Press the button repeatedly until the required input is shown on the...

  • Page 38: Rear Panel

    – there are two levels: (6V rms) and (2V rms). High The difference between the two settings is 9.5dB. For best results, Elgar Plus’ control should be set to no lower than for normal listening levels Volume -20.0...

  • Page 39: Balanced Analogue Outputs

    Ltd August 2005 Balanced Analogue Outputs If your pre or power amplifier has balanced inputs, connect Elgar Plus’ Balanced Analogue Outputs to them. For best results, connection of these outputs to unbalanced inputs is not recommended – use the Unbalanced Analogue Outputs instead.

  • Page 40: Rec Digital Output

    The indicator lights up as appropriate. As mode is SDIF fundamentally different to PCM mode, Elgar Plus will take several seconds to load the necessary software. interface accepts single bit data at 2.822MS/s with a 44.1kS/s Wordclock. interface accepts sample rates from 32 to 96kS/s and requires a SDIF-2 Wordclock.

  • Page 41: Wordclock Digital Output

    Do not connect any other equipment to the SUC connector as this may damage both Elgar Plus and the equipment so connected. Do not operate Elgar Plus with a PC connected. Failure to observe this warning will void the unit’s warranty, and may cause unpleasant effects in your system.

  • Page 42: Remote Control

    ε Figure 10 – The Remote Control Standby Button (α) Puts Elgar Plus in Standby mode – this saves energy but keeps the unit warm and ready for use. Press again to return to normal operation. Function Button (β) (κ) ↑...

  • Page 43: Input Selector Buttons

    Purcell blue LED is lit to return to Elgar Plus mode (or just wait 5 seconds). If the blue LED is on, the Upsampler will respond. If it is off, Elgar Plus will respond. Phase Button (θ)

  • Page 44: Elgar Plus Technical Information

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 ECHNICAL NFORMATION LGAR Converter Type • 5-bit, approximately 3MS/s oversampled, dCS patented Ring DAC topology. Digital Interface Specifications Inputs AES/EBU (AES3) Type Balanced, differential Ω Impedance Sensitivity (unloaded)

  • Page 45: Sample Rates

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 IEEE 1394 Type High speed, multi-channel Data format dCS encrypted DSD Connectors 6-way (2) Table 5 – IEEE 1394 Interface Electrical Characteristics Sample Rates • 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kS/s on single wire interfaces and SDIF-2 / Input, auto selected.

  • Page 46: Volume Control

    The sample clock quality significantly determines the output performance of the converter. The highest quality clocks that are available are crystals, so we use these. Elgar Plus uses two on-board voltage controlled crystal oscillators (VCXO’s) as clock sources - one for the 44.1kS/s related outputs and one for the 48kS/s related outputs.

  • Page 47: Power Requirements

    Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, air ducts, power amplifiers or direct strong sunlight. • If in doubt, the easy test is - Elgar Plus is happy to work anywhere a human Page 47 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 48: General Technical Information

    DSD data onto its 1394 interface. The data is encrypted to conform to the conditions of the DSD licensing arrangements. Either Elgar Plus or Delius will accept DSD data from the 1394 interface and convert it to high quality analogue.
  • Page 49 The DAC has enough information about the system set-up to report connection and setting errors. These are: • Verdi Wordclock Missing • Please Check Source Slaved to Delius / Elgar Plus Wordclock Out • Missing Wordclock between ClkOut and Verdi Clk In • Wrong Fs @ Verdi Clk In Page 49 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc...

  • Page 50: Dcs Ir Remote Control Codes

    Please note that dCS cannot accept responsibility for any difficulties experienced with other manufacturer’s remote control units. Upsampler For Purcell, the category code is 29 (decimal). These Upsampler codes are in use on the Elgar Plus / Delius Remote v2.0 and Transport Remote v2.0. Button Code Purcell...

  • Page 51: Dacs

    DACs For all DACs, the category code is 13 (decimal). These DAC codes up to decimal 27 are in use on the Elgar Plus / Delius Remote v2.0, Transport Remote v2.0 and Elgar Remote v1.0. Elgar Plus v4.20 or later and Delius v2.20 or later will respond to codes over decimal 27.

  • Page 52: Transports

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Transports For Verdi & La Scala, the category code is 20 (decimal). These Transport codes are in use on the Transport Remote v2.0. Button Code Verdi...
  • Page 53 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 53 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 54: Using Your Dcs Purcell For The First Time

    Thank you for purchasing this dCS Elgar Plus. Before attempting to use your Elgar Plus, please read at least the rest of this section and the “Step-by-Step Guide” on page 8. This will enable you to set the unit up quickly with your hi-fi system.

  • Page 55: Mains Voltage Setting

    August 2005 Mains Voltage Setting Before connecting the power cable to your Elgar Plus for the first time, please check that it has been set to the correct operating voltage for your local mains supply. 50Hz or 60Hz operation is not important – the unit can use either. The unit's present voltage setting is shown on the label beneath the mains inlet on the rear panel.

  • Page 56: Mains Supply Voltage

    Having Your Options Changed dCS support modifications, updates and option changes to supplied units. Major changes are normally carried out at dCS as we have extensive test facilities and can verify the changes. Please contact your dealer or dCS for details.
  • Page 57 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 57 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 58: Maintenance And Support

    Obtaining Service If you experience problems with your Elgar Plus, you should check the “Troubleshooting” section on page 64. You may be able to resolve the situation yourself (for example, by changing a menu setting).

  • Page 59: Fitting Or Replacing The Batteries In The Remote Control

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Fitting or Replacing the Batteries in the Remote Control For safety reasons, the Remote Control is supplied with the 3 batteries packed separately. Any replacement batteries must be type AAA, MN2400 or equivalent alkaline leak-proof batteries.

  • Page 60: Dcs Limited Warranty

    Limited Warranty What This Warranty Covers Provided the sale of this dCS product is registered with dCS within 30 days of the original purchase, this warranty covers parts and labour to correct any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.

  • Page 61: Updating Your Purcell

    If the software loaded in your unit is (for example) version 3.45: • A change to version 3.46 indicates a minor update for internal dCS use – to make testing easier, or more thorough, or to cater for some minor hardware change.

  • Page 62: Safety And Electrical Safety

    Ltd August 2005 Safety and Electrical Safety There are no user serviceable parts inside Elgar Plus and so there is no need to remove the covers. If for some reason you do: IMPORTANT! Disconnect the power cable before removing any covers or changing the fuse.
  • Page 63 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Page 63 Manual filename: Elgar Manual v4.4x.doc email: more@dcsltd.co.uk English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk...

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting

    Playing a Non-Audio CD (e.g. CD-I, CD-R, Photo CD, etc.) causes Elgar Plus to remain muted and display Nonaudio. If you are SURE the disk is playable audio, Elgar Plus can be set to ignore this NAud flag. The Non-Audio flag may have been incorrectly set on the CD. See on page 26.

  • Page 65: Troubleshooting Guide

    - turn the control down by Volume 10dB before changing this setting. The output is monophonic • The source is Dual AES but Elgar Plus is set to Single AES (AES1 AES2 indicator lit) – see page 23. • Dual AES –...

  • Page 66: The Unit Fails To Respond To The Controls

    – Standby mode will be cancelled. • While locking to a source or changing some settings (e.g. Filter), the microcontroller inside Elgar Plus is busy and will not respond to new commands for a few seconds. •...

  • Page 67: Erratic Operation When Locked To 96 Or 88.2Ks/S On

    Remote Control. See page 23. Input • If you are driving Elgar Plus direct from an Upsampler always set to output Dual AES, you may find that changing inputs on the Upsampler causes Dual AES Elgar Plus to fall out of mode.

  • Page 68: The Remote Control Fails To Control The Unit

    Remote Control. Once the unit locks, normal operation will be resumed. While playing a DVD, a burst of noise is heard, Elgar Plus mutes and changes sample rate • We have found that some DVDs have been compiled with tracks recorded at different sample rates (e.g.

  • Page 69: Troubleshooting The Ieee 1394 Interface

    SACD Transport (v1.20 or later), a dCS Verdi La Scala Upsampling SACD Transport or a dCS Purcell Upsampler to drive a dCS Elgar Plus DAC (v4.20 or later) or Delius DAC (v2.20 or later) with DSD data over an IEEE 1394 interface.

  • Page 70: The Dac Remains Muted

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 The DAC remains muted • Disp If the DAC is displaying the setting, change the menu page Volume Disp:Fs setting to and check for error messages.

  • Page 71: If You Need More Help

    In the first instance, you should contact your dealer. If they cannot resolve the issue, contact dCS. Our office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, UK time (GMT in Winter or GMT + 1hr in Summer). Contact us by phone...

  • Page 72: Software History

    Distributors, as it is necessary to install a license into the unit after updating to restore normal operation. Version 4.3x differs from 4.2x versions as follows: In PCM mode, Elgar Plus can now lock to an external word clock that is at an exact multiple of the sample rate. For example: •...

  • Page 73: Definitions And Abbreviations

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Definitions and Abbreviations Analogue to Digital Converter, sometimes referred to as an A/D Converter. A standard professional stereo digital audio format AES3 consisting of one serial PCM data line. It uses a balanced cable to extend transmission distance and includes a comprehensive messaging system.

  • Page 74: Table 11 - Cable Colours And Styles

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Key to Cable Identification If you are reading a colour print or a soft copy of this manual, cable types shown in figures can be identified from...

  • Page 75: List Of Tables

    Figure 4 - Using Elgar Plus in Master Mode with Verdi ........14 Figure 5 - Using Elgar Plus in Master Mode with Verdi and Purcell....15 Figure 6 - Using Elgar Plus with Purcell and a CD player........16 Figure 7 –...

  • Page 76: Keywords And Phrases

    Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Keywords and Phrases button, Mute, remote........43 button, Phase..........35 button, Phase, remote........43 1394 input, selecting........9 button, Purcell, remote........43 1394 interface........37, 40, 48 button, Standby..........34 1394 interface, synchronising......48...
  • Page 77 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 definitions............73 fade up time after mute ......... 22 digital interface specifications......44 fails to respond..........66 Disp menu............24 fault indication ..........64 display blanking ........35, 66 Filter button, remote........43 display brightness........35, 43...
  • Page 78 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 input, Wordclock ..........40 Mute menu ............ 22 inputs, AES ............39 muting, automatic.......... 37 inverted phase ..........35 muting, Non-Audio ........37 Issue menu ............29 issue, software..........29 NAud menu ........... 26 no audio output ..........
  • Page 79 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 powering up .............8 SPDIF............39, 73 preamplifier, using .........37 SPDIF input, selecting ........9 pull-in range ...........46 SPDIF inputs ..........39 Purcell button, remote ........43 SPDIF output ..........40 Purcell, controlling with remote .....43...
  • Page 80 Elgar Plus User Manual Manual for Software Issue 4.3x dCS Ltd August 2005 Vx.xx message..........31 VCXO.............46 Verdi Wordclock Missing message from DAC warranty ............60 ..............69 warranty, exclusions ........60 Vol/Bal button, remote ........43 weight............47 Volume..........24, 37, 46 Word Clock ...........

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