dCS Purcell Digital to Digital Converter User Manual Software Release 2.2x September 2004 © 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 dCS1. 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. dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 2 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 PRODUCT OVERVIEW Developed from our highly successful and acclaimed dCS 972 professional DDC, the dCS Purcell is the first high precision Digital to Digital Converter (DDC) designed specifically for audiophile use. It is used to increase the sample rate and/or wordlength of the output from domestic linear PCM digital audio sources, such as CD and DVD players, up to a maximum sample rate of 192kS/s and a maximum wordlength of 24 bits. This is achieved using extremely powerful and accurate digital interpolation filters, which introduce negligible levels of distortion. When decoded by an appropriate DAC, the upsampled signal from the Purcell shows improved dynamics, more dimensional stereo imaging in terms of both width and depth, more accurate bass, better resolution of fine detail and a more relaxed and natural presentation. In this context an "appropriate DAC", means one that can accept sample rates of up to 96kS/s and input word lengths of at least 20 bits and preferably 24 bits. The greatest improvement will be achieved when using the dCS Elgar Plus 24/192-DSD DAC. The Elgar Plus, because of its proprietary dCS Ring DAC technology, has the finest linearity of any consumer DAC currently available and is able to accept input sample rates up to 192kS/s. The most common use for the Purcell is to upsample the 16 bit 44.1kS/s digital output from a CD transport or player to either 24 bit 96kS/s, 24 bit 192kS/s or DSD. We have carried out listening tests with the dCS Elgar Plus 24/192-DSD DAC using CDs manufactured from 24/96 digital masters and have found that upsampling reveals information that is present in the master source, but which is not audible when the CD is played back normally. Upsampling cannot increase the amount of information in a signal and the exact mechanism behind the perceived sonic improvements is currently not entirely clear. We are continuing our research into this subject. Units fitted with the IEEE 1394 interface can upsample the source data to DSD format (a single bit data stream, sampled at 2.822MS/s), for conversion to extra wide-band audio by a dCS Elgar Plus or Delius DAC. Purcell uses the same digital processing engine running the same DSP code as the dCS 972 / 974 and they are sonically identical. The extensive use of programmable logic makes the Purcell extremely flexible and easy to upgrade. Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 3 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 HENRY PURCELL (1659-1695) The dCS Purcell is named after the 17th century English composer, organist, bass and countertenor, Henry Purcell. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the baroque period and some even regard him as the most gifted English musician and composer of all time. During his short 35 years, he composed in every musical genre of the period. Born in London, he was a child prodigy and began writing music at the age of eight. He started his career as a boy chorister at the Chapel Royal. In 1673 he became an unpaid apprentice to John Hingeston, Keeper of the Royal Instrument where he acquired considerable experience in tuning the organ at Westminster Abbey. He was able to provide himself with an income during his apprenticeship by copying books of organ parts. In 1677, Purcell was appointed composer-in-ordinary for Charles II's string ensemble and then two years later, took over from his mentor John Blow as principal organist for Westminster Abbey. This post entitled him to a salary and also provided a house. At the age of 21 he wrote his first Welcome Song for Charles II, and also his first music for the theatre. Purcell was exceptionally skilled in the way that he set a libretto to music, particularly in fitting phrases of varying and uneven length. A good example is Dido's final lament, When I am Laid in Earth. Also about this time he began to produce a wide range of music for the church. It is no understatement to say that for sheer beauty and intensity of emotion, his sacred music has few peers. In 1682 he succeeded Edward Lowe as organist of the Chapel Royal, a position which also entailed him being a singer in the choir. The following year he wrote one of his best known sacred pieces, an Ode for St. Cecelia's Day. After the death of John Hingeston in 1688, Purcell was appointed organ maker and Keeper of the Royal Instruments. His greatest achievement was the opera Dido and Aeneus, which was written in 1689 for performance "by Young Gentlewomen" at Josia Priest's boardingschool at Chelsea in London. It is the earliest English opera still to be regularly performed. His later works for the theatre, Dioclesian, King Arthur, The Fairy Queen, The Indian Queen and The Tempest, whilst containing excellent music, sadly do not lend themselves to performance apart from the plays for which they were written. Not much is known about his final years although he undoubtedly remained active as a composer. The last Royal occasion he provided music for was Queen Mary's funeral in 1694. He died the following year and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Although Purcell's genius spanned every musical genre of the period, he is best remembered for his Opera Dido and Aeneus and his choral music, particularly his Te Deum, Jubilate and Sound the Trumpet, all of which are still regularly performed. Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 4 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 Some of Purcell's music may be found on the following recordings. · · · · · · · · · Complete Anthems and Services Vol. 1 - Hyperion CDA66585 Choir Of New College, Oxford Complete Anthems and Services Vol. 2 - Hyperion CDA66609 Choir Of New College, Oxford Dido and Aeneas (opera) - Chandos Chaconne CHAN0521 Andrew Parrott/Taverner Players & Taverner Choir 15 Fantasias - EMI CDM7630662 London Baroque 7 Sonatas a 3 & Pavans - Chandos CHAN8591 Purcell Quartet 5 Sonatas a 3, 2 Sonatas a 4, Pavans & Fantasias - Chandos CHAN8663 Purcell Quartet 8 Sonatas a 4 & Voluntaries - Chandos CHAN8763 Purcell Quartet 12 Sonatas a 3 - Harmonia Mundi HMC901439 London Baroque 10 Sonatas a 4 - Harmonia Mundi HMC901438 London Baroque Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 5 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 CONTENTS Product Overview ..............................................................................................3 Henry Purcell (1659-1695).................................................................................4 Contents .............................................................................................................6 About this Manual What does the coloured text mean? About Sample Rates x 9 9 9 Step-by-Step Guide .........................................................................................10 Preliminaries Step 1 ­ Selecting a Digital Input Connecting to a Single AES or SPDIF source 10 11 11 Step 2 - Setting the Output Sample Rate Sample Rate Conversion Bit-for Bit Operation Setting the Output mode x x x 11 11 11 11 Step 3 ­ Connecting the Digital Outputs Connecting a Single AES or SPDIF Output Connecting the Dual AES Outputs x Connecting the 1394 Interface x 12 12 13 14 Step 4 ­ Reducing the Output Wordlength Other Settings Using a 1394-Equipped Purcell with Verdi and Elgar Plus Using a Standard Purcell with Verdi and Elgar Plus Upsampling to Dual AES, DAC in Slave Mode Using the Function Menu Opening the Menu Types of Menu Page Closing the Menu Menu Sequence Filter - Interpolation Filter Setting Transmit ­ Activating the 1394 Outputs 1394 ID ­ 1394 Source Identification Out Word ­ Output Wordlength N.Shape ­ Noise Shaping Dither WClk - Wordclock Out Mode - Output Mode Setting the Output Mode x 15 15 16 17 18 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25 25 Typical Applications........................................................................................16 The Software ­ The Menu ...............................................................................20 Cloning ­ Bit-for-Bit Mode In Word ­ Displaying the Input Wordlength Disp - Default Display Bright x - Display Brightness De-Emph - Emphasis Processing TimeOut ­ Menu Time Out Setting Ch.Check - Channel Check Test Ph.Check - Phase Check Test Burn In - Burn-In Signal Generation Test - Display Test Issue ­ Software Issue State Temp ­ Unit Internal Temperature Serial ­ Unit Serial Number Contact - Contact information CDUpdate ­ Software Update By CD Factory ­ Restoring Factory Defaults 26 26 26 27 27 27 28 28 29 29 30 30 30 30 31 33 Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 6 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 The Hardware ­ Controls and Connectors ...................................................34 Front Panel Key to Front Panel Power Button Input Button Output Button Status Indicator Remote Control Sensor Main Display Input / Mode Indicator Function Button x (Step Back) (Step) x x x x (Select) 34 34 34 34 35 35 35 35 36 36 Rear Panel Key to Rear Panel AES/EBU Digital Input SPDIF Digital Inputs SPDIF Optical Input Wordclock Digital Input / Output AES/EBU Digital Outputs SPDIF Digital Output 1394 Interface Power Link SUC Power switch IEC Power Inlet Mains Fuse Additional Information Remote Control Purcell button and LED Standby button Function button Input Selector buttons Filter button Display button Up / Down ( / ) buttons Digital Interface Specifications Sample Rates Frequency Response ­ DDC mode Spurious Free Dynamic Range ­ DDC mode Sample Rate Combinations and Filter Options Clocking Synchronising to source x 37 37 37 37 38 38 38 38 39 39 39 39 39 39 40 41 41 42 42 42 42 42 42 44 45 45 46 47 47 47 Purcell Technical Information .........................................................................44 Power requirements Size and Weight Operating Conditions Noise Shaping Dither Message Handling AES outputs SPDIF outputs Wordlength Reduction What does it look like? x 48 48 48 49 50 51 51 51 52 54 General Technical Information.......................................................................52 IEEE 1394 Overview Synchronising IEEE 1394 interfaces Automatic Input Selection dCS IR Remote Control Codes Upsampler DACs Transports What's in the Box? Safety Notice Mains Voltage Setting 56 56 56 58 58 59 60 62 62 63 Using your dCS Purcell for the first time ........................................................62 Manual filename: Purcell Manual v2.2x.doc English version Page 7 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk dCS Purcell User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Issue 2.2x September 2004 Positioning the Unit IEEE 1394 Interface IR Remote Control Mains Supply Voltage Having Your Options Changed Service & Maintenance Obtaining Service Mains Fuse Replacing a Blown Fuse x 63 64 64 64 64 66 66 66 66 Options .............................................................................................................64 Maintenance and Support...............................................................................66 Fitting or Replacing the Batteries in the Remote Control Opening the battery compartment and removing batteries Fitting new batteries and closing the case Updating your Purcell Software Updates Hardware Updates x x 67 67 67 68 68 68 Safety and Electrical Safety Cleaning the Case Fault Indication Power interruption Power up test errors Troubleshooting Guide The unit fails to power up The DAC suddenly mutes, Purcell repeats its' power-up sequence The unit fails ...