M2TECH Young MKIII User Manual

M2TECH

YOUNG MKIII

HIGHEST RESOLUTION DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER

DIGITAL PREAMPLIFIER

USER MANUAL

REV. PRA – 8/2017

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

Warning!

Changes or modifications not authorized by the manufacturer can invalidate the compliance to CE regulations and cause the unit to be no more suitable to use. The manufacturer refuses every responsibility regarding damages to people or things due to the use of a unit which has been subject to unauthorized modifications or to misuse or to malfunction of a unit which has been subject to unauthorized modifications.

This unit is compliant with the following CE regulations: CEI EN 55022:2009 Class B (Radiated Emissions), CEI EN 55024:1999, CEI EN 55024:A2/2003, CEI EN 55024:IS1/2008 (Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 50Hz Magnetic Field Immunity Test and Electrostatic Discharges – ESD).

For a proper operation of this unit, all connections to other equipment in the system must be done when all equipment are off. Failing to comply with this advice may lead to damage to the Young MkIII.

The label above, printed on the product case, indicates that the product, when no more usable, can’t be treated as generic garbage, but must be disposed of at a collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in compliance with the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment). By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential damages to environment and human health, which could be caused by a wrong treatment of this product as generic garbage. Materials’ recycling helps saving natural resources. For more in-depth information about recycling this product, please contact M2Tech Srl.

WARNING: the information contained in this manual are considered to be reliable and accurate. M2Tech reserves the right to change or modify the information any time, without prior advice. It’s up to the customer to ensure that the manual being consulted is the latest version.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

Dear customer,

Thank you for purchasing YOUNG MKIII. You are the owner of a very high quality digital-toanalog converter with many unique features designed to obtain the best performance in every hi-fi system. YOUNG MKIII implements a specific set of technological and functional solutions, from the asynchronous USB interface with MQA® decoder to passive anti-alias filtering, to offset recovery right on I-to-V converters to the ability of delivering a high output level with the purpose of exalting sonic performances, ease of use and reliability. Moreover, YOUNG MKIII shares many features with preamplifiers, therefore it is recommended to directly drive power amplifiers YOUNG MKIII is provided with a complete set of digital and analogue inputs, to allow for using every kind of source. The Bluetooth® receiver with aptX® decoder makes high-quality music streaming from your smartphone or tablet straightforward. The balanced output and the stock adaptors for single-ended connection allow for driving every kind of amplifier. The ability of setting the maximum output level to two values ensures that the maximum power will be reached even with the most inefficient tube amplifier whenever the YOUNG MKIII is used as a preamplifier. The fully-loaded remote control allows for total control of both YOUNG MKIII and most audio players running on the computer attached to its USB input, as well as other M2Tech Rockstars series products. We’re sure that your expectations will be fulfilled by purchasing YOUNG MKIII: you’ll hear your favourite music as never before, so you can now prepare for a whole new listening experience!

Nadia Marino, CEO

The MQA® logo is a trademark of MQA Limited. © MQA Limited 2016. The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by M2Tech Srl is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Qualcomm aptX® is a product of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.

Please note here your YOUNG MKIII serial number and purchase info for future reference:

S/N: _______________________ Date of Purchase: _________________________ Place of Purchase__________________________

Note: Proof of retail purchase, such as your purchase receipt, will be required in the unlikely event that any warranty service will be required.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Unpacking and Placing the Unit.......................................................................................7

2. Front Panel ......................................................................................................................9

3. Back Panel.....................................................................................................................11

4. Remote Control..............................................................................................................13

5. Connecting and Powering the Unit.................................................................................15

6. Cleaning the Unit ...........................................................................................................17

7. Using the Young MkIII....................................................................................................19

7.1. Volume Setting........................................................................................................19

7.2. Mute Toggle ............................................................................................................19

7.3. Choosing the Signal’s Phase...................................................................................20

7.4. Source Selection .....................................................................................................20

7.5. Menu Navigation .....................................................................................................20

7.6. Balance Setting .......................................................................................................21

7.7. Choosing the Maximum Output Level .....................................................................21

7.8. Setting the Display’s Backlight Intensity ..................................................................22

7.9. Choosing Volume Mode ..........................................................................................22

7.10. Setting the Automatic Switch Off ...........................................................................22

7.11. Using the remote control function keys for quick access to menu items ...............23

7.12. Checking Firmware Revision.................................................................................23

7.13. Connecting a Bluetooth® source............................................................................23

7.14. Power Mode and Standby .....................................................................................23

8. Using a Computer as Digital Source..............................................................................25

8.1. Plug’n’Play Operation with Apple OSX....................................................................25

8.1.1. DSD files playback with Mac.............................................................................28

8.2. Plug’n’Play Operation with Linux .............................................................................28

8.2.1. DSD files playback with Linux...........................................................................30

8.3. Using the Young MkIII with Windows ......................................................................30

8.3.1. Installing the Windows driver ............................................................................31

8.3.2. Windows driver uninstall ...................................................................................38

8.3.3. Windows Driver Panel ......................................................................................43

8.3.4. Using the YOUNG MKIII as Windows predefined audio device ........................49

8.3.5. Configuring the player: FooBar and JRiver Media Center.................................50

9. Controlling the Computer Player by Using the Young MkIII Remote Control .................57

10. Updating Young MkIII Firmware...................................................................................59

11. Specifications...............................................................................................................61

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

1. Unpacking and Placing the Unit

Lay the package on a table and open the external box by removing or cutting the adhesive tape seal. Then extract the internal box and open it by lifting the front wing. The following items are included:

 one YOUNG MKIII;  one wall wart (AC-to-DC adapter);  one USB A-B cable;  two XLR-RCA high quality adaptors;  one remote control;  two AAA type batteries.

Should one or more item be missing, please contact your retail dealer.

Remove the YOUNG MKIII from the box and place it onto a stable base, far from heat sources. Avoid full sunlight on the unit. Allow for ample room around the unit for venting.

The YOUNG MKIII is a high efficiency device; therefore it doesn’t produce relevant heat during its operation. Regardless, it’s recommended to guarantee an adequate air flow around the unit. Moreover, every time it will mainly be operated by remote control, it’s recommended to place it so as the remote control’s infrared signals can easily reach its front panel.

Avoid smoke, moisture, dirt and liquids from reaching the unit. Please note that any signs of abuse will void warranty coverage.

Do not place the unit on thick carpets or inside a box or piece of furniture, not even close to curtains.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

2. Front Panel

Figure 1

1) Power on/power off/mute/menu exit button. Press this button to switch the YOUNG MKIII on when it’s off. When the YOUNG MKIII is on, a short press will toggle mute, unless

the menu is active: in this case a short press will cause the menu to exit discarding any configuration change. A more prolonged press while the YOUNG MKIII is on will cause it to switch off.

2) Standby LED. When the YOUNG MKIII is in standby mode, this LED blinks to indicate to the user that the device can be switched on by the included remote control. This LED is steadily lit during the firmware update procedure.

3) IR receiver. Aim the remote control to this point to send commands to the YOUNG MKIII.

4) Display. Multifunction OLED display. During normal operation, it indicates the listening

level, the selected source, the swampling frequency (not for analog), the format (not for analog) and the status of mute and phase (if set). When the menu is accessed, the display shows the selected menu item and its current value.

5) Encoder. It allows for accessing and navigating the menu, selecting inputs and setting the volume. It can be rotated and pushed. Please refer to Chapter 7 for more details.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

3. Back Panel

Figure 2

6) Outputs. Connect the YOUNG MKIII to your amplifier/preamplifier with balanced inputs using balanced cables terminated with three-pole XLR connectors. Should your amplifier only be provided with single-ended inputs, you may insert the stock high quality adaptors into the YOUNG MKIII outputs and then connect the YOUNG MKIII to the amplifier using coaxial interconnect terminated with RCA plugs. The YOUNG MKIII is provided with Goldplated male XLR sockets.

NOTE: Ground on pin 1, send (hot) on pin 2, return (cold) on pin 3. If your amplifier requires hot on pin 3 and cold on pin 2, the connection will be inverting. In this case the absolute phase can be obtained using the “phase” feature of the YOUNG MKIII (please refer to chapter 7 for more details).

7) Analog input. Connect an analogue source provided with single-ended line level output

Female stereo RCA socket.

8) AES/EBU digital input. Connect a source provided with 110 Ohms pro AES/EBU output. Female three-pole XLR socket.

9) S/PDIF digital inputs. Connect sources provided with 75 Ohms S/PDIF outputs. RCA female connector terminals are provided.

10) Toslink™ optical digital input. Connect a source provided with a Toslink™ digital output. Toslink™ type connector.

11) USB connector. Connect to the USB 2.0 port of a computer using the stock USB cable. Type “B” female USB connector.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

12) Bluetooth® module receiver antenna. Keep this antenna clear from metal shields or

covers.

13) Power mode switch. Enables and disables immediate operation as soon as power is applied.

14) Power supply input. Connect the connector from the stock 15V-1.2A adaptor or from the Van Der Graaf MkII. 5.5/2.1mm jack with positive on tip.

15) Trigger output. Connect to the trigger input of any other device accepting 12VDC. Female 3.5mm jack.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

4. Remote Control

The YOUNG MKIII comes with a fully-loaded remote control which allows for setting all of its controls, as well as for controlling other M2Tech Rockstars series products. Below is a brief description of the relevant keys for the YOUNG MKIII.

Standby key: This allows for putting the YOUNG MKIII in standby mode (prolonged push) and for awakening it.

DIM: Display dimming.

DAC: Instructs the remote to send commands using the DAC system

code.

PHASE: Analogue output phase toggle.

MENU: Configuration menu access.

ESC: Menu exit with changes discarded.

Cursor keys: Allow for menu navigation.

OK: Menu exit with changes stored.

VOL+/VOL-: Volume setting.

MUTE: Mute toggle on/off.

IN+/IN-: Input selection.

F+/F-: Functions setting, to set various parameters including balance.

FUNC: Functions recall.

Player Controls: these buttons are dedicated to the control of an

audio player running on the computer attached to the YOUNG MKIII. The following commands can be sent: Play/pause, stop, next, track,

Figure 3 previous track

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

5. Connecting and Powering the Unit

WARNING: All connections between the YOUNG MKIII and other equipment must be made when all units are turned off and completely powered down or unplugged. Failing to do so may cause damage to the YOUNG MKIII and/or other units.

Please refer to chapter 3, “Back Panel”.

Connect the digital sources (CD/SACD/DVD player, satellite receiver, DAB receiver) and the analogue source to the inputs (Figure 2, 7-11). The Bluetooth® connection will be done after powering the unit.

Connect your computer to the YOUNG MKIII USB input (Figure 2, 11).

If you want to use the YOUNG MKIII as a preamplifier, connect the analog outputs to the inputs of a power amplifier; otherwise connect the outputs to a pair of inputs on an integrated amplifier or preamplifier (Figure 2, 6).

Connect the trigger output (Figure 2, 15) of the YOUNG MKIII to the trigger input of any device accepting 12VDC which you want to power subsequently to the YOUNG MKIII turn-on.

Connect the plug from the stock wall wart or from the Van Der Graaf MkII to the YOUNG MKIII power input (Figure 2, 14).

Connect the wall wart or the Van Der Graaf MkII to a mains outlet. Both will automatically accept any voltage from 90VAC to 265VAC.

Switch the YOUNG MKIII on by pushing the front panel button (Figure 1, 1). If you’re using the Van Der Graaf MkII, and you have set the power mode switch (Figure 2, 13) for immediate operation, then the YOUNG MKIII will switch on when activating the Van Der Graaf MkII.

NOTE: whenever the YOUNG MKIII is used as a preamplifier, it is a good habit to switch the power amplifier on after switching the YOUNG MKIII on, and to switch the power amplifier off before switching the YOUNG MKIII off. This may be accomplished by using the YOUNG MKIII trigger output.

NOTE: it is possible to use a dedicated low noise power supply in place of the wall wart, to increase the sonic performance M2Tech provides a device for this purpose, the Van Der Graaf MkII. Should the user opt for use of a non-M2Tech power supply, M2Tech reserves the right to void the YOUNG MKIII warranty.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

6. Cleaning the Unit

The YOUNG MKIII should be cleaned with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Do not use alcohol or any other types of cleaning fluids as they could damage the unit.

Avoid fluids from dropping or leaking inside the unit. Fluids of any type poured into the unit will void your warranty.

Be careful not to scratch the Plexiglas front screen.

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

YOUNG MKIII DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG CONVERTER AND PREAMPLIFIER

REVISION PRA – AUGUST 2017

M2Tech

www.m2tech.biz

7. Using the Young MkIII

At activation, the YOUNG MKIII spends a little time to ensure that all supplies reach their nominal levels, during which the model name is displayed.

After the activation delay is expired, some general operational information is shown on the YOUNG MKIII display: the selected source, the format (not for analogue input), the volume level and the phase setting. Muting is indicated by the volume level flashing.

7.1. Volume Setting

Volume setting is done by either rotating the encoder knob (item 5, Figure 1), or pushing the VOL+ e VOL- keys on the remote control.

Volume can be set from -96dB (minimum) to 0dB (maximum) in 0.5dB steps.

Depending on the chosen volume display mode, the display will show attenuation in dB or in steps on a scale such that step “0” is equivalent of the minimum level possible.

7.2. Mute Toggle

The YOUNG MKIII is provided with a feature (muting) which allows for immediately lowering of the listening level by 20dB without touching the encoder knob. This feature is useful when it is necessary to listen to another person for a while, or to operate the source to change track, answer the telephone, etc.

Muting is toggled by a short press of the front panel’s left button (item 1, Figure 1). When muting is active, the volume level flashes.

To reset muting the user only needs to push the front panel button once more: the original listening level will be immediately restored and the volume level will stop flashing.

As an alternative it is possible to toggle mute on and off by pushing the “MUTE” key on the remote control.

WARNING: pay attention to the volume setting when the muting is active: if volume is raised too much, once the muting is reset the listening level could be too high so as to damage the speakers or even the listener’s ears. It is always wiser to limit volume when in mute mode and even when turning on and off the YOUNG MKIII.

+ 42 hidden pages

M2TECH Young MKIII User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual