Cambridge Audio azur DacMagic User Manual

azur DacMagic

Upsampling digital to analog converter

User’s manual

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Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 3

Important safety instructions ............................................................................................................... 4

Rear panel connections ........................................................................................................................ 8

Front panel controls .............................................................................................................................. 10

Audio output connections..................................................................................................................... 12

Digital audio input connections............................................................................................................ 13

PC-USB connections.............................................................................................................................. 14

Digital audio output connections ......................................................................................................... 16

Operating instructions........................................................................................................................... 17

Filters...................................................................................................................................................... 18

Technical specifications........................................................................................................................ 25

Troubleshooting..................................................................................................................................... 26

Limited warranty.................................................................................................................................... 27

Contents

For further information about Cambridge Audio, our products, news, reviews and support,
please visit www.cambridge-audio.com

This package should contain the following:
1 x Azur DacMagic (assembled), 1 x AC 12V 1.5A power adaptor, 4 x rubber feet, 1 x rubber base, 1 x USB ‘B-A’ type

lead, 1 x user’s manual

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Thank you for purchasing this DacMagic Upsampling Digital to Analog Converter. We are confident
that you will enjoy many years of listening pleasure from it.

The DacMagic features ATFTM(Adaptive Time Filtering), an up-sampling process developed in
conjunction with Anagram Technologies of Switzerland to intelligently interpolate incoming audio data
(of between 16-24 bits, 32-96kHz) to 24bit/192kHz through the use of a 32bit Texas Instruments DSP
(Digital Signal Processor). The ATF system applies sophisticated polynomial curve-fitting interpolation
to create the extra data points and incorporates a time domain model which adaptively generates the
new data in the temporal domain, dramatically reducing digital jitter, even that present in the input audio.

As with our high-end CD players, our proprietary Dual Differential Virtual Earth Balanced filter topology
is used, configured as a low-order two pole linear-phase Bessel filter to take advantage of the high
sampling rate achieved. Two very high quality Wolfson WM8740 24bit DAC ICs are used in dual
differential mode. Since each channel has its own DAC to process information, completely separate
and symmetrical analog filter circuitry can be implemented. These allow both left- and right-channel
circuitry to operate identically, ensuring the DacMagic delivers fantastic sound-staging and stereo­imaging properties.

Two digital inputs are fitted (both featuring S/P DIF and TOSLINK) and allow a wide range of digital
sources to be connected. In addition, a USB input enables the DacMagic to be connected to a PC
and act as a very high quality DAC/Soundcard, offering genuine HiFi-quality playback from your
desktop, media PC, etc. A digital output is fitted which passes through the selected digital source for
recording purposes (no up-sampling performed).

Your DacMagic can only be as good as the system it is connected to. Please do not compromise on
your amplifier, speakers or cabling. Naturally, we particularly recommend amplification from the
Cambridge Audio range. Your dealer can also supply excellent quality Cambridge Audio interconnects
to ensure your system realises its full potential.

Thank you for taking the time to read this manual; we recommend you keep it for future reference.

Matthew Bramble
Cambridge Audio Technical Director
and the DacMagic design team

Introduction

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For your own safety please read the following important safety instructions carefully before attempting
to connect this unit to the mains power supply. They will also enable you to get the best performance
from and prolong the life of the unit:

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use with only the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as the power-supply adaptor having been damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Important safety instructions

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WEEE symbol

The crossed-out wheeled bin is the European Union symbol for indicating separate collection
for electrical and electronic equipment. This product contains electrical and electronic
equipment which should be reused, recycled or recovered and should not be disposed of
with unsorted regular waste. Please return the unit or contact the authorised dealer from

whom you purchased this product for more information.

CE mark

This product complies with European Low Voltage (2006/95/EC) and Electromagnetic

Compatibility (89/336/EEC) Directives when used and installed according to this instruction
manual. For continued compliance only Cambridge Audio accessories should be used with this
product and servicing must be referred to qualified service personnel.

C-Tick mark

This product meets the Australian Communications Authority’s Radio communications and

EMC requirements.

Ross Test Stamp

This product meets Russian electronic safety approvals.

WARNING – To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

The unit must be installed in a manner that makes disconnection of the mains plug from the mains
socket outlet (or appliance connector from the rear of the unit) possible. Where the mains plug is
used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable. Only use the
power supply adaptor supplied with this unit.

Please ensure there is ample ventilation (at least 5cm clearance all round).

This unit must not be used near water or exposed to dripping or splashing water or other liquids.
No objects filled with liquid, such as vases, shall be placed on the unit.

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FCC regulations

NOTE: THE MANUFACTURER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY RADIO OR TV INTERFERENCE CAUSED
BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS TO THIS EQUIPMENT. SUCH MODIFICATIONS COULD VOID THE
USER AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide

reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures

– Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.

– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected

– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Ventilation

IMPORTANT – The unit will become warm when in use. Do not stack multiple units on top of each

other. Do not place in an enclosed area such as a bookcase or in a cabinet without sufficient
ventilation.

Positioning

Choose the installation location carefully. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or close to a source of heat.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the unit. Also avoid locations
subject to vibration and excessive dust, cold or moisture. The unit can be used in a moderate climate.

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This unit must be installed on a sturdy, level surface. Do not place in a sealed area such as a bookcase
or in a cabinet. Any space open at the back (such as a dedicated equipment rack) is fine, however.
Do not place the unit on an unstable surface or shelf. The unit may fall, causing serious injury to a child
or adult as well as serious damage to the product. Do not place other equipment on top of the unit.

Due to stray magnetic fields, turntables or CRT TVs should not be located nearby due to possible
interference.

Electronic audio components have a running in period of around a week (if used several hours per day).
This will allow the new components to settle down and the sonic properties will improve over this time.

Power sources

The unit should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you
are not sure of the type of power-supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power
company.

Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
Overloaded AC outlets, extension cords, frayed power cords, damaged or cracked wire insulation and
broken plugs are dangerous. They may result in a shock or fire hazard.

Be sure to insert each power cord securely. To prevent hum and noise, do not bundle the interconnect
leads with the power cord or speaker leads.

Cleaning

To clean the unit, wipe its case with a dry, lint-free cloth. Do not use any cleaning fluids containing
alcohol, ammonia or abrasives. Do not spray an aerosol at or near the unit.

Servicing

These units are not user serviceable. Never attempt to repair, disassemble or reconstruct the unit if
there seems to be a problem. A serious electric shock could result if this precautionary measure is
ignored. In the event of a problem or failure, please contact your dealer.

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Unbalanced Audio Outputs

Single-ended conventional stereo outputs for connection to the line-level phono/RCA inputs of an
amplifier.

Balanced Audio Outputs

The DacMagic also features true balanced (XLR) outputs. This is a higher quality output that can
reject noise and interference with equipment with balanced inputs. These balanced outputs are
ideally suited for connection to the Cambridge Audio 840A or 840E amplifiers. XLR connectors should
be wired as follows:

Pin 1 – Ground; Pin 2 – Hot (in-phase); Pin 3 – Cold (phase-inverted).

Digital Outputs

The digital outputs allow a digital recording device to be connected. These outputs loop or pass­through unprocessed digital audio from the selected digital input. Two types are available (both the
co-axial and the optical are active concurrently and can be used to connect and run equipment at the
same time):

S/P DIF co-axial – to obtain best results, use a high quality 75 ohm digital RCA interconnect cable (not
one designed for normal audio use).

1

1

2

2

3

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Rear panel connections

DacMagic Upsampling DAC

www.cambridge-audio.com

Digital Outputs

S/P DIF
Co-axial

Toslink

S/P DIF

Optical

Co-axial

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Designed in the UK, Made in China

LR

Left

Right

Unbalanced

Output

Right — Balanced Output — Left

Manufactured in an ISO9001 approved facility

Caution

Serial Number Label Removed

Digital Input 2Digital Input 1

Toslink

S/P DIF

Optical

Co-axial

1) This device may not cause harmful interference;

Toslink
Optical

USB In

Incorporating Q5™ from:

TECHNOLOGIES

12V 1500mA

Use supplied

PSU only!

ANAGRAM

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TOSLINK optical – use a high quality TOSLINK fibre-optic interconnect cable designed specifically for

audio use. To achieve the best results we always recommend using high quality Cambridge Audio
leads, which are guaranteed for life.

Note: These outputs are pass-through only; there is no upsampling or any other modification done to
the LPCM input signal.

Digital Inputs 1 and 2

The DacMagic is fitted with two sets of digital inputs which enable the connection of source
components. Each input has both S/P DIF and TOSLINK types fitted.

Only one of the two types for each input should be connected at any one time. If both the optical and
co-axial outputs have connections made to them (even if only one is attempting to function), neither
will work.

S/P DIF co-axial – to obtain best results, use a high quality 75 ohm digital RCA interconnect cable (not
one designed for normal audio use).

TOSLINK optical – use a high quality TOSLINK fibre-optic interconnect cable designed specifically for
audio use.

Note: This unit only accepts two-channel LPCM digital audio (e.g. Dolby Digital 2.0). You cannot
connect a Dolby Digital 5.1 or a DTS signal as they will not be recognised. If you wish to connect a DVD
or similar device, please ensure that the sound output of your player is set to two-channel PCM.

USB In

USB ‘Type B’ input allowing direct connection to a PC via a Type B to Type A USB lead. The DacMagic’s
operation is independent of your PC soundcard – it will operate whether your PC has a soundcard
or not.

AC 12V 1.5A Power Adaptor Socket

Once you have completed all connections, plug the supplied power adaptor into the DacMagic.

Important Note: Use the supplied power supply unit ONLY.

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