owner's manual contents version V1.07.4 | 01 10/01 02 04 06 07 09 10 12 13 14 15 18 21 controls welcome introduction key features getting started connections switching on and off displayed information remote control input management output management configuring to your needs 23 27 28 29 30 32 41 42 43 44 analog inputs digital inputs TAGtronic Sync Link T 2L display configuration TAGtronic Communication Bus Digital Radio (option) the future running in and warming up care and maintenance technical data 9536H DPA32R DAB kHz/24bi now with 192 t DAC 02 | controls controls | 03 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 power/standby indicator input selection buttons display volume knob remote active indicator power button mode selection buttons mute indicator remote control window fuse carrier TAGtronic Communications Bus Digital Radio input (option) digital input sockets digital output sockets analog tape output socket ac supply socket TAGtronic Sync Link T 2L analog output sockets analog input sockets 04 | welcome welcome | 05 welcome to Dr. Udo Zucker Chief Executive Officer TAG McLaren Audio TAG McLaren Audio exists with one aim in mind: to produce the very best audio and audio-visual equipment in the world. Like many people, I often have my best ideas when relaxing to a piece of music. For years, knowing the technical capabilities of TAG McLaren, I have nurtured the ambition to push music reproduction to the absolute limit; that's why we formed TAG McLaren Audio. At the core of our development team are highly experienced engineers, whose heritage of award-winning hi-fi and worldbeating Formula One electronic control systems is envied by many and equalled by few. DPA32R DAB There are many spin-offs from Formula One engineering into audio: material science, multi-layer printed circuit boards, fast digital signal processing, electronic noise suppression, radio frequency technology and software, to name but a few ­ all prerequisites of an outstanding audio product. TAG McLaren Audio's aim is sonic perfection combined with aesthetic delight and solid build quality ­ a rare combination in hi-fi, but one which TAG McLaren Audio is delivering. Pushing technological boundaries; TAG McLaren's F1 electronics Dr Udo Zucker 06 | introduction · · · · · Six analog input sources, one useable as a dedicated tape monitor Five digital input sources (three coaxial, two optical) Three digital outputs Two pairs of analog outputs Analog tape output Digital Radio (DAB) as a retro fit option 192kHz/24bit digital to analog conversion(1) 96 kHz/20 bit analog to digital conversion(2) Support for 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz and 96 kHz sources Stable multi-frequency internal clocks and twin phase-locked loops to minimise jitter TAGtronic Synchronisation Link T2L synchronises the clocks of CD or DVD players, equipped with this advanced technology, to the DPA32RDAB clock key features | 07 Thank you for purchasing the TAG McLaren Audio · · · DPA32R DAB s Configuring an audio system, capable of superb sound quality and ease of use, is becoming a more and more demanding task, because the number of analog and digital sources is continuously increasing. The DPA32RDAB has been engineered to address this difficulty by combining an analog preamplifier with top quality analog to digital and digital to analog conversion. The DPA32RDAB is one of the very few preamplifiers in the world providing source routing to power amplifiers and tape recorders both for analog and digital signals. But TAG McLaren Audio has taken the DPA32RDAB one step further. The unique (optional) Digital Radio module allows you to expand the DPA32RDAB to the latest radio technology. Never was upgrading to high performance Digital Radio more cost effective. 1. 2. · · · · High-resolution volume control with channel balance tracking maintained to within 0.5 dB over the full control range DPA32R DAB shipped until 1.10.2001 include a 96 kHz/24 bit digital to analog convertor. All DPA32R DAB can be upgraded to 192 kHz/24 bit. Please ask your retailer for details or e-mail helpdesk@tagmclaren.com. Used for digital recording only. 08 | key features `Straight Line Technology' links the analog inputs and digital to analog converter outputs to the audio outputs TAGtronic Communications Bus for reprogramming, data exchange and multi-room expansion Powerful 16-bit C161RI microcontroller for ease of use Round core transformer for minimised magnetic leakage Premium grade audio components for best sound quality Mixed technology construction to optimise the digital and analog circuits - surface mount for digital circuitry, leaded for critical audio circuits Multi-layer printed circuit board for improved signal to noise ratio Internal vibration damping and proprietary sorbothane sonic isolation feet Important for the future: the operating software is stored in fieldprogrammable memory which can be updated by the user at home, using a suitable PC and a TAGtronic Programming Cable High-quality construction for long life getting started | 09 · · We know you are keen to get your DPA32RDAB preamplifier working. This section will have you enjoying your favourite music as quickly as possible, but to obtain the optimum performance you should spend a few minutes studying these instructions. Contained within are a series of easy-to follow steps which will have you up and running in the minimum of time(1). · · · · preparation before you start Make sure that all components of your system are disconnected from the AC supply whenever you change any connections. power connection Check that the power button is out so that the power is off when you plug in(2). Using the cable supplied, connect the socket on the back of your DPA32RDAB to an AC supply outlet. For the best sound quality we recommend you do not use multi-plug adaptors. 1. 2. positioning The DPA32RDAB is designed to run warm during normal operation. Please ensure that there is adequate ventilation above and below the unit. We recommend that you do not place your DPA32RDAB above anything that runs hot, such as a power amplifier. You should also locate the unit so that the front panel is in clear view; this will assist in setting up and make the DPA32RDAB remote more responsive. · · · · Throughout this manual bold print indicates the lettering that you will find on the panels of your DPA32R DAB and the remote control. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it. 10 | connections AvantGarde F3-10-ANA. Make sure that the left and right channel are correctly connected to the appropriate output of your source equipment. digital inputs TAGtronic Sync Link The socket sync is provided for connection to TAG McLaren Audio digital sources equipped with the TAGtronic Synchronisation Link T2L in order to perfectly synchronise the digital signal. The result is reduced timing jitter and hence improved sound quality! For details see page 28. connections connecting of tape recorder The selected input is routed to the sockets labelled ANALOG OUTPUT tape out. You can use this output with an analog recording device, such as a tape deck. | 11 connection of sources analog inputs Your DPA32RDAB has five electrically identical analog inputs, which are named on the rear panel for your convenience as tv, vcr, sat, tuner and aux(1). These names will appear in the display of the DPA32RDAB when you select the relevant input until you rename them (details, see page 24). The DPA32RDAB includes a tape monitor, named tape in, which can be used as a 6th analog input (further details can be found on page 17). All analog inputs feature RCA phono sockets. For best sound we recommend quality the use of high quality analog interconnects, such as our Cable 1. connecting to your power amplifier Your DPA32RDAB has five digital inputs, which are named on the rear panel for your convenience as cd, dvd, dtv, ld and md. These names will appear in the display of the DPA32RDAB when you select the relevant input until you rename them (details, see pages 24 and 27). The inputs cd, dvd, and dtv are using RCA connectors. For best sound quality we recommend the use of a high quality 75 digital interconnect, such as our Cable AvantGarde F3-10-DIG. The md and ld input uses optical Toslink connectors. The DPA32RDAB has two pairs of analog outputs ANALOG OUTPUT left 1/right 1 and left 2/right 2 to connect one or two amplifier (the second amplifier might be used in a second room or for biamplification of suitable loudspeakers). The selected input is also routed to the digital sockets labelled DIGITAL OUTPUT 1/2 and opt. You can use these outputs with your digital recording device such as a CD or Minidisc recorder. Analog inputs can be digitised by the DPA32RDAB to be available on these outputs for digital recording. Details on pages 16 and 17. You need a additional phono preamplifier, such as our PPA20, if you want to connect a turntable. 12 | switching on and off (such as `V1.07.4') and a descriptive name, such as DPA32R(2). The mute LED will illuminate briefly(3). displayed information display during switching on A few seconds after switching on the DPA32RDAB, the front panel display will show (after completing the SELFTEST and after finishing a station scan, if the Digital Radio option is installed) the last selected input and the volume setting, as shown below. The display layout shown will vary if the optional Digital Radio module is installed. | 13 power connection Do not connect your DPA32RDAB to an AC supply outlet until you have made all connections, as described below! front display standby The DPA32RDAB has a standby mode , which can be entered using the standby key on the remote control or by keeping the mute button on the front 3 Seconds! panel pressed for more than three seconds. The blue power LED will dim and the front panel display window will be switched off. Normal operation may be resumed by pressing any front panel button or remote key. Please make sure that the voltage in your country is identical to the voltage stated on the rear panel of the DPA32DAB. Check that the power button is out so that the power is off when you later plug in(1). switching on Please make sure you have made all connections, as explained below, before you switch the DPA32RDAB by pressing the power button in on the front panel. The blue power LED will come on, the front panel display window will light up and a few seconds later show SELFTEST and TAG McLaren, then the software version number 1. 2. 3. status after switching on Has the DPA32RDAB been switched off, then the last used input is re-selected when the DPA32RDAB is switched on again. changing the brightness The display brightness can be changed in 3 steps (low, mid and high) or switched off completely. Press display on the front panel or the remote to scroll through the four options. You can customise the brightness associated with low, mid or high, for details see page 29. If the display is switched off, it can be set to switch on for a short time if the display content changes, for example, if a key or button is pressed. See page 29 on how to customise the length of time the display will temporarily be switched on. The power button is a latching switch. One press will hold it in; the next will release it. The descriptive name can be changed by the user, see page 29. The output is muted when the power is switched on to allow the voltages to stabilise. This protects the internal components on your DPA32R DAB, amplifier and loudspeakers and prevents unpleasant switching noises from upsetting your listening experience. 14 | remote control list of all inputs incl. TAGtronic Sync Link input management analog inputs selection of an analog input An analog source may be selected by pressing one of the five analog input keys on the remote(2). Alternatively, it may be selected from the front panel by pressing the INPUT analog button once or repeatedly until the desired source is shown in the display window(4). The selected analog source signal (except when tape in is selected) is automatically connected to the tape out sockets. | 15 The DPA32RDAB is supplied with the DPA32R remote which uses two AAA 1.5V batteries. Before using the remote for the first time, you will need to insert the batteries supplied. Make sure that the + and markings on the batteries match those in the battery compartment. To open the battery compartment, push the latch towards the centre of the remote, and lift the latch up. To close the battery compartment, slide the battery cover straight back in (towards the side of the remote) and push down until it clicks into place. For optimum performance from the remote control you must point it towards the remote control pick-up window on the front panel of your chosen unit. The Remote is also capable of operating some TAG McLar ...