This product incorporates the following dCS proprietary technology:
Part No: DCS311659 V01
dCS Bartók
Upsampling Network DAC
User Manual
Software Release 1.0x
February 2019
Ring DAC™
© Data Conversion Systems Ltd. 2019
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
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.
1
F
F. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this
dCS Bartók DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
February 2019
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February 2019
Contents
Using the dCS Bartók DAC for the first time ....................................................................................... 5
What’s in the box? 5
Positioning the unit 5
Important Safety Instructions 6
Condensation 6
Safety Notice 7
FCC Compliance Statement 8
Made for iPhone® and iPad® 9
Step-by-Step Guide 10
Preliminaries 10
STEP 1 – Connecting the analogue outputs 11
Using a preamplifier 11
Using a power amplifier directly 11
Using the Balanced Line Outputs 11
STEP 2 – UPnP Network Connection 12
Basic set-up 12
Playing music with AirPlay 18
Using the Bartók DAC with Spotify Connect 18
Using the Bartók DAC with Tidal 18
Using the Bartók DAC with Roon 18
Playing MQA files 19
STEP 3 – Using the DAC’s PCM Inputs 20
Connecting to a Dual AES Source 20
Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 21
STEP 4 – Using the USB1 interface with a computer 22
Compatibility 22
Setting the USB Audio Class 22
Loading the Windows driver for USB Class 2 22
Basic setup with a PC 23
A word about Music Playing Software 23
Selecting the Bartók DAC as your Audio Output device 24
STEP 5 – Using the USB2 input 25
STEP 6 – Clocking 26
Using the Rossini Clock 26
Using the Bartók DAC in Master Mode with a Transport 27
Using the Bartók DAC with a Transport and Clock 28
Further suggestions 29
Renaming the digital inputs 29
Renaming your Bartók DAC 30
Power Link 30
Front Panel ............................................................................................................................................ 31
Display – Network Renderer 31
Display – DAC Mode 32
Remote Control Receiver 32
Control Modes 33
Power Button 33
Menu Button 33
Filter Button 33
Input button 34
Mute Button 34
Rotary Control 34
Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Line Outputs 35
AES Digital Inputs 35
SPDIF Digital Inputs 35
USB Interfaces 36
Word Clock Inputs and Output 36
Network Interface 37
RS232 interface 37
Mains inlet 37
Label 37
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The Menu ............................................................................................................................................... 38
Using the Menu 39
INFORMATION Menu 40
Unit Status 40
Version 40
Contact 40
Update 40
AUDIO SETTINGS Menu 41
Phase 41
Filter 41
DSD Filter 41
Ch Swap 41
Balance 41
UNIT SETTINGS Menu 42
Sync Mode 42
Line Level 42
Dual AES 43
USB Class 43
Buffer 43
Upsampling 43
RS232 Mode 43
CONFIGURATION Menu 44
Settings Lock 44
Save Configuration 44
Restore Configuration 44
Reset Input Names 44
Factory Reset 44
DISPLAY SETTINGS Menu 45
Brightness 45
Display On/Off 45
Logo On/Off 45
GENERATOR Menu 45
Channel Check 45
Phase Check 45
Burn In 45
Specification ......................................................................................................................................... 46
Maintenance and Support .................................................................................................................... 48
Service and Maintenance 48
Replacing a Blown Mains Fuse 48
Cleaning the case 48
Limited Warranty 49
If you need more help 50
Software History 50
Software update 51
Index ...................................................................................................................................................... 52
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USING THE dCS BARTÓK DAC FOR THE FIRST TIME
Congratulations on purchasing your dCS Bartók DAC.
There is another version of this product that features a headphone output.
Before using your unit, please read this section and the Step by Step Guide. This will enable you to
set the unit up quickly and safely with your hi-fi system.
From time to time, dCS will release updated software that you can install yourself using the Bartòk
App. Please check our web-site occasionally to see if new Bartòk software is available, or consult your
dealer.
What’s in the box?
Check that the box contains the following items:
• dCS Bartók DAC
• Manual and Menu Guide
• Power cable
• Spotify™ flyer
Notify your dealer as soon as possible if anything is missing or damaged. We suggest that you retain
the original packaging for possible future use. If this is not possible, replacement packaging can be
ordered from dCS or our distributors. Details can be found on our web site at www.dcsltd.co.uk
H.
The Bartók DAC is intended to be controlled by the Bartók App over an ethernet network.
A dCS Universal IR remote control is available as an optional extra.
Positioning the unit
For best sound quality, dCS products are designed to be mounted on separate shelves of a rack,
although they may be stacked directly on top of each other if this is absolutely necessary. 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 free space around the unit to allow for
ventilation.
You can use the feet to level the unit. With all feet screwed fully home, the unit will sit
level on a flat surface. If you need to do any levelling, you can unscrew any of the feet up
to 3 complete turns, to give up to 3mm (1/8”) of height adjustment.
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Important Safety Instructions
The following statements are required to comply with U.S. safety standard UL60065.
• Read these instructions.
• Keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does
not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments / accessories specified by the manufacturer.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is 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.
Condensation
If the DAC is cold and is moved into a warm room, condensation will form inside the unit. This
interferes with normal operation. Remove the DAC from its packaging and let it stand for 1-2 hours, to
allow it to reach room temperature and the condensation to evaporate.
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Safety Notice
In the event of the unit developing a fault, please contact your dealer in the first instance.
If you decide to remove safety covers for any reason, disconnect the power cable first. Note that
removing covers voids the warranty.
To maintain protection from electric shock, the unit MUST be connected to mains earth (ground) via
the power cable. Also, unearthed systems do not give the best sonic performance.
Protect the product from dripping or splashing liquids. Liquid-filled objects such as vases must not be
placed on the product.
This product is not suitable for operation at altitudes above 2000m.
This product is lead-free and complies with the RoHS directive.
Before connecting the power cable to the unit for the first time, please check that it has been set to the
correct operating voltage for your mains supply. The unit’s voltage setting is shown on the serial
number label. If this does not match your local supply voltage, DO NOT attempt to use the unit.
Contact your dealer to have the unit reset. Using the unit with the wrong mains setting for your local
supply may result in serious damage to the unit and will invalidate the warranty. Do not attempt to
reset the voltage yourself.
We do not recommend the use of mains regenerators. However, if you do wish to use a mains
regenerator with variable voltage and frequency, we recommend that you set the voltage to match
your local voltage and the frequency to either 50Hz or 60Hz ONLY.
Damage caused to your Bartók DAC by misuse of a mains regenerator or by a
!
malfunctioning mains regenerator is not covered by the warranty.
Disposal at end-of-life - the symbol indicates that this product should not be treated as
normal household waste. It should be recycled, so please take it to an approved collection
facility.
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FCC Compliance Statement
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.
You can determine whether this equipment is causing interference by turning it off. If the interference
stops, it was probably caused by the equipment or a peripheral device.
If your equipment does cause interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Turn the television or radio antenna until the interference stops.
• Move the equipment to one side or the other of the television or radio.
• Move the equipment farther way from the television or radio.
• Plug the equipment into an outlet that is on a different circuit from the television or radio. (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 or an experienced radio / television technician for
additional suggestions.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by dCS Americas Inc. could void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
This product has demonstrated electromagnetic interference compliance under conditions that
included the use of compliant peripheral devices and shielded cables between system components. In
order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables (including Ethernet network
cables) must be used with this equipment. Operation with non-approved equipment or unshielded
cables is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
Responsible party (contact for FCC matters only):
dCS Americas Inc.
Attn: FCC liaison
310A River Road
Waltham, MA 02453
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Made for iPhone® and iPad®
“Made for iPad” and “Made for iPhone” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to
connect specifically to iPad or iPhone respectively and has been certified by the developer to meet
Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its
compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
Bartòk DAC has been certified with the following products:
• iPhone X
• iPhone 8 Plus
• iPhone 8
• iPhone 7 Plus
• iPhone 7
• iPhone SE
• iPhone 6s Plus
• iPhone 6s
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 6
• iPhone 5s
• iPhone 5
• iPad Pro (10.5 inch)
• iPad Pro (12.9 inch) 2
• iPad Pro (12.9 inch) 1
• iPad mini 4
• iPad mini 3
nd
Generation
st
Generation
Bartòk Supports iOS 7 or later for setup using Wireless Accessory Configuration.
Works with Apple AirPlay
Use of the Works with Apple 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
AirPlay works with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, or Mac and PC with iTunes.
Apple, AirPlay, Mac, iTunes, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries. tvOS is a trademark of Apple Inc. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a
license from Aiphone K.K.
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Step-by-Step Guide
This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation.
Preliminaries
The Menu Guide sheet details the menu structure and describes the two most common set-ups.
For digital interfaces, use with cables designed for digital audio:
• for AES/EBU interfaces use 110Ω screened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male XLR
connector and one female XLR connector.
• for Word Clock or SPDIF BNC interfaces, use 75Ω coax cables fitted with BNC plugs.
Word Clock interfaces require a simple DC-coupled connection. The interfaces may
malfunction or not work at all if capacitor coupled cables or cables with built-in networks
are used.
• for SPDIF RCA interfaces, use 75Ω coax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
• for TOSLINK optical interfaces, use Toslink fibre-optic cables.
• for the Network interface, use an RJ45 Ethernet cable, such as that provided with the unit.
• for the USB1 interface, use a standard screened USB 2.0 cable fitted with one type ‘A’ connector
and one type ‘B’ connector. The internal screen must be connected at both ends.
For analogue outputs, use with screened cables of the correct type:
• for balanced outputs, use screened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male XLR connector and
one female XLR connector.
• for unbalanced outputs, use coax cables fitted with RCA Phono plugs.
Some “audiophile” cables have unusual grounding or screening arrangements, or do not
have the correct characteristic impedance. If you have difficulty using such cables but
the problems disappear when ordinary cables are substituted, please ask the cable
manufacturer or your dealer for support.
Connect the power cable supplied to the power inlet on the DAC’s rear panel, plug the other end into a
convenient power outlet.
Please do not use an excessively heavy or inflexible power cable as this may damage
!
Set the rocker switch near the mains inlet to the I position, press the Power button.
the power inlet connector.
The cables supplied with the unit are “commercial grade”, because most owners will
have their own “audiophile grade” cables or will prefer to make their own cable choices.
Wait about 10 seconds while the DAC configures itself. If the unit is likely to be set in an unfamiliar
state, you can run the Factory Reset routine by pressing the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►,
►, Menu, ◄, ◄, Menu. Wait a few seconds while the unit resets itself.
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STEP 1 – Connecting the analogue outputs
Choose one of the following three sections:
Using a preamplifier
• Set the preamplifier volume control to a low level.
• Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the rear panel to matching line level inputs on your preamplifier (probably labelled CD or AUX).
• Turn the DAC’s rotary control clockwise to set the Volume to maximum (- 0.0dB on the display).
• Once music is playing, slowly increase the preamplifier volume until the music is at the right level.
• If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may
need to change the Line Level setting. (Press the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►, Menu,
►, ►, Menu.)
Setting the Line Level to 6V can cause some preamplifiers to distort. For this reason, we
recommend the 2V setting if a preamplifier is used.
Using a power amplifier directly
• Set the DAC’s Volume to around -40.0dB as shown on the display.
• Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
• Once music is playing, turn the DAC’s rotary control slowly clockwise until the music is at the right
• If the Volume setting for a comfortable listening level is higher than –10.0 or lower than –30.0, try
the DAC’s rear panel to matching inputs on your power amplifier. Switch on the power amplifier.
level.
changing the Line Level setting. (Press the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►, Menu, ►,
►, Menu.)
Using the Balanced Line Outputs
The most common fault reported when using our balanced outputs is hiss, unstable
levels and a thin sound on both channels. This is caused by connecting the DAC’s
!
Balanced or unbalanced
line outputs to
pre- or power amplifier
balanced output stage to an unbalanced input on an XLR connector with pin 3 left
unconnected. This does not work correctly with a balanced and floating output stage –
you must connect pin 3 to pin 1 (ground) to complete the signal path.
Another possible cause of this fault (probably on one channel only) is a broken cable.
The Bartók DAC has independent balanced and unbalanced line output stages, you can
connect them to different amplifiers if you wish.
Figure 1 – Line output connections for the Bartók DAC
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STEP 2 – UPnP Network Connection
UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is a set of protocols designed to allow consumer devices to interact
over a network. The Bartók DAC complies with the UPnP AV protocol, enabling it to communicate with
other non-dCS devices, provided they also comply with this protocol.
A network streaming system is made up of three standard UPnP components: UPnP Control Point,
UPnP Media Renderer and UPnP Media Server. A system may consist of one or more of each of
these components. In such a system, all of the media (songs, tracks, videos etc) is stored on the
server. This storage device can be a NAS or a Computer. The control point (e.g. a tablet or smart
phone) requests the address of a particular item of media from the server (e.g. a NAS drive). It then
passes this address to the renderer (e.g. a Bartók DAC) to play. The renderer directly retrieves the
item from the specified address on the server, decodes and plays the media as it arrives over the
network from the server.
Enabling network streaming of audio using a Bartók DAC relies on the presence of standard network
infrastructure in your system. A description of the network will not be discussed in this manual but at a
minimum the following components are required for system setup: Router, Computer, Bartók DAC,
NAS, Wireless access point (WAP), Wireless control point.
Please note that Ethernet cables are required to connect the devices and the NAS must have UPnP
media server software (e.g. Twonky, Asset, MinimServer) installed. If the UPnP control point is having
problems seeing the UPnP media server or the UPnP media renderer, you might need to disable
IGMP snooping in the router or enable UPnP discovery mode in the router or the NAS drive.
The dCS Bartók App is a control point application that will allow users to view / select available
renderers, view / select available media servers and browse / select / playback music via the Bartók
DAC. The dCS Bartók App is currently available for iOS.
Basic set-up
• Connect the system as shown below.
Router
NAS
Line outputs
Figure 2 – Using a Bartók DAC with a NAS
• For iPad or iPhone/iPod, download the dCS Bartók app from the App Store and install it.
• Connect the DAC’s Network interface to the Ethernet network.
• Connect the control device (e.g. iPhone) to the network.
• Launch the dCS Bartók App.
• The system will search for Bartók DACs. Tap Configure to change the Bartók’s settings, get
information about the unit or use the test features. Tap Preferences to optimise the unit for your
use. You can add Spotify or Tidal to your Favourites on the Preferences page.
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• Tap the picture of the DAC to go to the
Home page.
Tap UPnP to select a NAS on the same
network. (Alternatively, tap USB to select a
flash drive connected to the USB2 port.)
• Tap on a server to select it.
• Select the browsing method (Artist, Album,
etc.).
The icon in the lower left corner indicates
the selected input (Network in this case).
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• Navigate down to the track list.
Choose either All Tracks to play the whole
album or Selected Tracks and then tap on
the tracks you want to play.
• Tap one of the action buttons:
Cancel the Queue and play now.
Add to the start of the Queue.
Add to the Queue after the current track.
Add to the end of the Queue.
Add to a Playlist.
The DAC’s Network input is automatically selected when the track starts playing.
Tap the back icon if you want to return to the previous page.
Tap the Home icon if you want to return to the Home page.
Tap the Network icon at the bottom of the screen to see the track that is currently playing.
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• Current track:
Shuffle tracks.
Repeat track.
Change phase.
Adjust volume.
• Set the volume slider as required, then tap
the white x to close the volume panel.
Tap here to go to the Play Queue page.
Tap Home and then Playlists to go to the Playlists page.
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To delete a Playlist, swipe it to the left and tap
Delete.
Tap on a list or the Play Queue to open it.
Select a track and tap the Play icon to start playing it.
Tap here to save the Play Queue as a new Playlist, type a name and tap OK.
Tap this icon to start editing the open Play Queue or a Playlist.
To change the track order, drag tracks to the new position.
To delete tracks from a list, select them and then tap this icon.
When you have finished editing the list, tap the highlighted Edit icon again to de-select it.
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