dCS P8i
Mk2 User Guide
Guide for Software Issue 2.0x
Data Conversion Systems Ltd.
March 2011
Manual filename: dCS P8i User Guide v2_0x.docx
Page 6
English version
www.dcsltd.co.uk
STEP-BY-STEP
GUIDE
This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation.
STEP 1 – Connecting the
P8i
using the Analogue Outputs
If you prefer to use an external DAC, go to step 2.
Most owners will make use of the
P8i
’s internal Ring DAC to drive the power amplifier directly.
The
P8i
has one pair of balanced analogue outputs on XLR connectors (Left and Right) and one pair
of unbalanced analogue outputs on two RCA phono connector (Left and Right).
•
Connect either the balanced or the unbalanced analogue outputs on the
P8i
to the matching inputs
on your preamplifier / power amplifier with suitable audio cables. Both sets of outputs may be used
simultaneously, if required.
•
Connect the power amplifier to your loudspeakers.
STEP 2 – Connecting the
P8i
using the Digital Outputs
If you are using the
P8i
’s internal DAC, go to step 3.
When playing CDs, 16bit / 44.1kS/s digital data will appear on the
AES OUT
and
RCA OUT
connectors, which can be used to drive an external DAC.
•
Connect one of the AES or RCA digital outputs on the
P8i
rear panel to the matching inputs of the
DAC using suitable screened digital cables.
•
Press
the
MENU
button and use the arrow buttons to scroll to the Digital Out page. If this is set to
Off, press the
MENU
button to change to On.
•
Connect the analogue outputs of your DAC to the matching inputs on your preamplifier / power
amplifier.
•
Connect the power amplifier to your loudspeakers.
!
The
P8i
is a Player, not a Transport. The digital outputs are inactive while playing an
SACD or using the digital inputs.
STEP 3 – Connecting to the Digital Inputs
You can use the
P8i
’s internal Ring DAC to convert digital data from an external source to analogue.
The unit will lock to 32, 44.1 or 48kS/s and process word lengths up to 24 bits.
•
Connect the external source (such as a DAB radio or DVD player) to either the
AES IN
or
RCA IN
connector on the
P8i
back panel, using suitable screened digital cables. You can use both digital
inputs if you wish.
•
Connect the analogue outputs of your DAC to the matching inputs on your preamplifier / power
amplifier.
•
Connect the power amplifier to your loudspeakers.