Musical Fidelity V-LINK192 User Manual

V-LINK

Asynchronous 24bit 192KHz USB to SPDIF Converter

192

Instructions

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the V-LINK
192kHZ USB to SPDIF converter. This unit is host
computer-powered and features galvanic isolation of the
digital outputs for optimum noise free digital signal transfer.
It is designed for all sample frequencies up to and including
192kHz. This enables high sample rate source material to
be reproduced with stunning detail and clarity. We sincerely
hope that it will bring you many years of outstanding
listening pleasure.

Installation Precautions

Your new V-LINK
trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices,
it is necessary to observe a few precautions:
Do not use the V-LINK
exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, must be placed on the unit.
Keep the V-LINK
naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be
placed on the unit.

Power Supply Note:

The V-LINK
automatically draws a small amount of operating power
from the computer USB port it connects to.

is designed and built to provide

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away from heat such as radiators. No

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does not require a power supply; instead it

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near water. The unit must not be

asynchronous 24 bit

This Hi-fi product has been tested to ensure that its
operation is not adversely affected by normal background
levels of Radio Frequency Interference (R.F.I.), and that it
does not itself generate excessive amounts of interference.
However, if a problem persists, please contact your Musical
Fidelity agent.
Never open the case of the V-LINK
invalidate the guarantee.
Place all connecting cables where they are not likely to be
walked on or trapped by items placed on them.
The V-LINK
specifications within the following environmental range:

Temperature 5 to 45 degrees Celsius
Humidity 10 to 90% non condensing

There are no user adjustments inside. Please refer all
service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.

will operate in accordance with its

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yourself, as this will

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Connections

USB input
For Windows, it is necessary to install a driver for this unit before
connecting the input. Insert the disk into the computer to be used and
follow the onscreen guides to setup the driver software. The s oftware
will advise when to connect the device.
Apple OSX or later has the necessary functi onality built-in; and does
not require driver disk.
A good quality USB 2.0 A to B cable is required to connect the unit to
the computer.
Further advanced information not included here i s available on the disk
in the form of a PDF document. To read it, A dobe PDF reader must be
installed on the machine.
Outputs
Connect the V-LINK
digital media system. It is advisable to have any subseque ntly
connected amplifier turned down or off at this point. Coaxial (RCA) or
balanced (XLR) may be used. Files sampled up to and inc luding
192kHz, are supported and the unit has the added advantage of
inherent galvanic isolation between computer and hi-fi equipment. This
helps avoid ground loops.
Power
The unit draws it’s power requirement from the USB host i.e. the
computer to which it is attached. The bl ue LED will light to confirm the
unit is receiving power, and the green LED will be lit once the unit is
correctly detected by the computer. A sample rate LED will light to
indicate when music is playing, and indi cate the current sampling
frequency.
Use
Turn the volume on amplifier to normal lis tening levels, sit back and
enjoy the music. This product has been desi gned so it may be left on
indefinitely.

Please note, no sample rate
sample rate files, e.g. CD-originated music are simply passed through
at their original sample ra te. Other file types such as MP3, WAV, FLAC,
AAC, etc are passed through with the same sample rated as stored on
the computer.

output to the digital input of a DAC or other

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conversion

takes place in this unit, lower

Additional information

This device has been designed to work with Windows XP (SP3),
Windows VISTA, Windows 7, Linux (kernel 2.6.33 or later), and Apple
OS X 10.6.4 onwards.
A guide PDF is included if required on t he CD. To view the PDF you will
need adobe acrobat reader installed. Use expl orer to view the contents
of the CD ROM and view the additional guide by clicki ng on the
Installing_VLink file.
For the other supported (non-Windows) operating systems, the
computer drivers for the USB input of the V-LINK
automatically. To check correct installation foll ow these steps:
PC Windows users
Check the computer has picked up the device and is currently using it
by clicking: (most Windows versions)

- Start

- Settings

- Control panel

- Sounds and Multimedia

- Audio

Check “Musical Fidelity VLINK” appears under PREFERRED AUDIO
DEVICE tab
Mac users
Check the computer has picked up the device and is currently using it
by clicking: (MAC OS X)

- System preferences

- Hardware

- Sound

Check that “Musical Fidelity VLINK 192” is selected under the OUTPUT
tab.
If the computer ’s warning sounds/chimes are to played thro ugh the
DAC, make sure it is selected under the SOUND EFF ECTS tab too.

This device is a high speed serial data processor, and by its nature,
requires a very high volume of USB bandwidth. It will benefit greatly
from being the only device connected on its USB ‘port’. Sharing the
same port with other devices may cause unwanted artefacts such as
dropouts or temporary loss of signal. This especially includes the use of
the DAC on a USB hub/splitter alongside other USB components.

should install

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USB input

Front and back connections

Lock LED (Green)

Power LED (Blue)

Digital Coaxial output RCA

Digital balanced AES/EBU Output XLR

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4,
192kHz incoming sample
rate LEDs

Basic problem-solving with an ampli fier is similar to troubleshooting other el ectrical or electronic equipment.

No power

Problem Probable Cause Remedy

No sound Wrong connections between input

No Output

Dropouts in sound Digital output lead not properly

If none of these actions affect a cure, please con tact the dealer, or an authorised Musical Fidelity service agent. Remember; never o pen the
case of the V-LINK

DISPOSAL

The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears on the back panel of
the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of as normal household
waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the produc t from
other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe manner.
Please contact your local government office or your retailer for available collection
facilities.

DISPOSITION

La poubelle sur roulettes barrées X, qui apparaît en logo sur le pa nneau
arrière du produit, indique que celui-ci ne doit pas être traité comme un déchet
domestique commun. Afin de protéger l'environnement, ce produit électronique devra
être géré séparément et donc recyclé selon les nouvelles normes Européennes Rohs
concernant les déchets d'appareils électroniques. Prière de contacter les services
concernés gouvernementaux ou votre point de vente pour l'élimination et l'enlèvement
de déchets électroniques équipés de composants électroniques.

DISPOSAL

La etiqueta cruzada hacia fuera del compartimiento que aparece en el
panel trasero del producto indica que el producto no se debe reciclarse como basura
normal de la casa. Para prevenir daños posible al ambiente separe por favor el
producto de otras basura para asegurarse de que puede ser reciclada de una manera
ambientalmente segura. Entre en contacto por favor a su oficina gubernamental local
o a su minorista para las instalaciones disponibles de la colección.

RIFIUTI

L'etichetta del cassonetto barrato riportato sul retro dell'appare cchio
indica che il prodotto non deve essere smaltito tramite la procedura norm ale di
smaltimento dei rifiuti domestici. Per evitare eventuali danni all'ambiente, separare
questo prodotto da altri rifiuti domestici in modo che possa venire riciclato in base alle
procedure di rispetto ambientale. Per maggiori dettagli sulle aree di raccolta
disponibili, contattate l'ufficio govenativo locale od il rivenditore del prodotto.

FACHGERECHTE ENTSORGUNG:

Das auf der Geräterückseite angebrachte Label deutet darauf hin, dass
das Produkt nicht mit konventionellem Hauskehricht entsorgt werden darf. Um
Schäden und Verschmutzungen an Umwelt und Mensch zu vermeiden, muss das
Produkt fachgerecht entsorgt und von anderem Abfall getrennt werden. Wenden Sie
sich bei Fragen hierzu an Ihren Fachhändler oder an eine öffentliche
Informationsstelle.

Always check the most obvious possibl e causes first, such as the following examples:

Computer not switched on.
USB plug is not fully inserted into rear

socket or computer
Faulty or disconnected USB socket on

computer

source and the V-LINK

Wrong connections between the V­LINK
component

connected
Faulty digital output lead

Shared USB port with another device
Computer busy with another application
Computer low on resources

, as this will invalidate the guarantee.

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Item disposal information for Europe

output and the following

192

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AFVAL

Het label op de achterzijde van dit apparaat, een afvalbak op wielen met
een kruis doorgehaald, geeft aan dat dit apparaat niet samen met gewoon
huishoudafval mag worden weggegooid. Om mogelijke schade aan onze
leefomgeving te voorkomen dient dit apparaat, gescheiden van gewoon huishoudelijk
afval, te worden afgevoerd zodat het op een milieuvriendelijke manier kan worden
gerecycled. Neem voor beschikbare inzamelplaatsen contact op met uw gemeent elijke
reinigingsdienst of met uw elektronica leverancier.

HÄVITTÄMINEN

Yliruksattua jäteastiaa kuvaava tarra tuotteen takalevyssä kertoo, että
tuotetta ei saa käsitellä normaalina talousjätteenä. Ympäristön suojelemiseksi on tuote
pidettävä erillään muusta jätteestä ja se on kierrätettävä ekologisesti kestävällä
tavalla. Ota yhteyttä laitteen myyjään tai Pirkanmaan Ympäristökeskukseen lähimmän
kierrätyskeskuksen löytämiseksi.

AFSKAFNING

Logoet med en skraldespand med kryds over på bagsiden af apparatet
indikerer at dette produkt ikke må kasseres som normal husholdningsaffald. For at
forebygge mulig skade på miljøet, bedes De separere dette produkt fra andet affald, og
sikre at det bliver genbrugt på en miljørigtig måde. Kontakt venligst de lokale
myndigheder eller din forhandler for oplysning om nærmeste tilgængelige
opsamlingssted for elektronikaffald.

ΔΙΑΔΙΚΑΣΙΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΨΗΣ

ΤΟ ΣΗΜΑ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΔΙΑΓΕΓΡΑΜΜΕΝΟ ΤΡΟΧΗΛΑΤΟ ΚΑΔΟ
ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΩΝ ΣΤΗΝ ΠΙΣΩ ΟΨΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΗΧΑΝΗΜΑΤΟΣ ΔΗΛΩΝΕΙ ΟΤΙ ΤΟ
ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΥΤΟ ΔΕΝ ΠΡΕΠΕΙ ΝΑ ΔΙΑΧΕΙΡΙΣΘΕΙ ΣΑΝ ΣΥΝΗΘΙΣΜΕΝΟ ΟΙΚΙΑΚΟ
ΑΠΟΒΛΗΤΟ. ΠΡΟΣ ΑΠΟΦΥΓΗ ΕΝΔΕΧΟΜΕΝΗΣ ΕΠΙΒΑΡΥΝΣΗΣ ΤΟΥ
ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝΤΟΣ, ΞΕΧΩΡΙΣΤΕ ΤΟ ΠΡΟΙΟΝ ΑΠΟ ΤΑ ΑΛΛΑ ΑΠΟΡΡΙΜΑΤΑ ΩΣΤΕ
ΝΑ ΕΞΑΣΦΑΛΙΣΘΕΙ Η ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΜΕ ΤΟΝ ΠΡΕΠΟΝΤΑ ΤΡΟΠΟ.
ΠΑΡΑΚΑΛΟΥΜΕ ΝΑ ΕΠ
ΑΝΑΚΥΚΛΩΣΗΣ Η ΜΕ ΤΟ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΗΜΑ ΑΓΟΡΑΣ ΓΙΑ ΠΕΡΙΣΣΟΤΕΡΕΣ
ΛΕΠΤΟΜΕΡΕΙΕΣ.

Check USB is plugged in.
Plug in securely

Check with computer manual/manufacturer that US B
socket is enabled/in use.

Check digital/USB input leads are securel y connected.
Green LOCK LED will light when an active USB hos t

(computer) is detected and ready to use.
Check digital output lead connections.

Check following DAC or digital receiving equi pment is
correctly setup and
signals.

Check input lead is fully secured
Change or replace lead. Please use a good quality
straight-through signal-and-ground phono to phono lead

for digital coaxial connections.
Avoid sharing the USB port with other dev ices. At times

an application (program) may intervene, s ometimes
invisibly e.g. a virus scanner. Whe n this happens,
computer resources are temporaril y used up, and
playback may suffer. This is not a fault. Try r unning
fewer applications. See “additional USB i nformation”
section.

can

handle 192kHz 24 bit digital

ΙΚΟΙΝΩΝΗΣΕΤΕ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΤΟΠΙΚΗ ΥΠΗΡΕΣΙΑ

Specifications: Input Up to 24 Bit Up to 192kHz USB stream
Output impedance 50Ω SPDIF stream

Power requirement 5V DC 160mA max

Compatibility Apple Macintosh Apple OS X 10.6.4 and later
IBM PC or compatible Windows: “XP” (Service Pack 3), “Vista”, and “7”
Linux Kernel 2.6.33 or later

Connections Digital input (USB) 1 USB 2.0 type ‘B’
Digital outputs (SPDIF)

Dimensions Length 170mm
Width 95mm 3¾”
Height 40mm

Weight Unit alone 350g 12¼ oz
Unit packed in carton 400g 14 ¼ oz

Accessories Leaflet V-LINK
(supplied)

1 RCA socket (coaxial) galvanically isolated
1 XLR male (balanced) ) galvanically isolated

6⅔”

1⅔”

Instructions 1 off

192

(Drawn from host computer’s
USB socket)

including terminals

including “feet”

Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make
improvements which may result in specification or
feature changes without notice. E&OE.

Units 24-26

Fulton Road

Wembley

HA9 0TF

England

(+)44 208 8900 2866

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/

Manual issue 01