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A.B.C.
User Manual
Safety Instructions
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of dangerous voltage inside the product that may constitute a risk of electric shock. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, AND/OR DAMAGE TO THE UNIT DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL Read Instructions: Read all the safety and operating instructions before operating this Retain Instructions: Retain safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed Warnings: Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions. Follow Instructions: Follow all operating and use instructions. Cleaning: Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Clean the outside of the product only. Attachments: Do not use attachments that are not recommended by the product manufacturer; they may be hazardous. Water and Moisture: Do not use this product near water. Accessories: Do not place this product on an unstable cart or stand. The product may fall, causing bodily injury and damage to the product. A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart to overturn. Ventilation: Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided. Power Sources: Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated on the label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. This product is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug. This plug will only fit into a grounding power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug. Power Cord Protection: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them. Lightning: Unplug the unit from the wall outlet for added protection during a lightning storm and when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges. Overloading: Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords. This can result in a fire or electric shock. Inserting Objects into Unit: Never push objects of any kind into this product through any openings; they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in fire or electric shock. Servicing: Do not attempt to repair or service this product yourself. Opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage and other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Stahl~Tek A.B.C. Page 2
Damage Requiring Service: Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a) If the power-supply cord or plug is damaged. b) If liquid has been spilled into the product. c) If the product has been exposed to rain or water. d) If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. e) If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way. f) If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. Replacement Parts: When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, and other hazards. Safety Check: Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to per- form safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition. Wall or Ceiling Mounting: Mount the product to a wall or ceiling only as recommended. Heat: The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, and other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Compliance Information
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; This device may not cause harmful interference, and This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION
Caution
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover (or back). No user-servicable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Warning
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Marking by the CE symbol (shown left) indicates compliance of this device with the standards of the European Community.
The lighning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous volage within the products enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equlateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the rpesence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
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Introduction
Your Expectations of Sound Quality...
hen approaching digital audio, approach it as you would a connoisseur of fine wine. At Stahl~Tek, we approach the A.B.C. in a similar way: as a finely grown and cared-for vintage. Our expectations are high, as yours should be. The A.B.C. streams bit perfect audio data up to 24-bit @ 192kHz, providing a signal clear, and true to its source. The A.B.C. will output true, 24-bit audio files and supports a variety of sample rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz. Digital processes may represent a sound exactly. Just as a professional taster might select the exact vintage after careful inspection, so the computer will read, and re-read a disc as many times as it needs to, to ensure it has the exact sound. This process is more accurate than a CD player may achieve: the player will read through only once. It does not have the benefit, as the taster does, to go back and resample. The A.B.C. is finely designed to fit effortlessly within your digital system. Your digital system will function together as parts of an instrument. Your A.B.C. is built to match to your system, becoming a bridge between your computer and your DAC.
Contents
Safety Instructions..............................................................................................................................................2 Compliance Information............................................................................................................................3 Additional Safety Information...................................................................................................................3 Caution. ........................................................................................................................................3 Warning. .......................................................................................................................................3 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................................4 Keep for Your Records...............................................................................................................................4 If You Want to Contact Us.........................................................................................................................4 Unpacking the Unit.............................................................................................................................................6 Directions.....................................................................................................................................................6 Contents.......................................................................................................................................................6 Setting Up Your Digital Music Collection . ......................................................................................................7 What are the Goals of a Digital Music Collection?.............................................................................. 7 How do I Rip Archival Quality?........................................................................................................... 7 What File Format Should I Use?.................................................................................................. 7 Is My Ripping Software Up to the Job?....................................................................................... 8 Do I have a secure place to store the files when I am done? ....................................................... 8 Do I have enough space to store the files? . ................................................................................. 9 Getting to Know Your A.B.C.. ..........................................................................................................................10 Putting It Together............................................................................................................................................ 11 Set Up Your Storage........................................................................................................................... 11 Set Up Your A.B.C.. ........................................................................................................................... 12 Connect Your A.B.C........................................................................................................................... 14 Connecting the A.B.C. to the DAC. ........................................................................................... 14 Option: Using Passthrough Mode. ............................................................................................. 14 Set Up Your Computer. ...................................................................................................................... 15 Select Your Audio Output................................................................................................................... 15 Technical Specifications. ..................................................................................................................................17 Minimum Computer Hardware Requirements. .....................................................................................17 A.B.C. Specifications. ...............................................................................................................................17 A.B.C. Features.........................................................................................................................................17 A.B.C. Supported Protocols.....................................................................................................................18 Maintenance and Repairs................................................................................................................................19 Cleaning the A.B.C.. ..................................................................................................................................19 Repairing the A.B.C..................................................................................................................................19 Troubleshooting. ................................................................................................................................................20 Glossary.............................................................................................................................................................21 Warranty. ...........................................................................................................................................................22 Stahl~Tek A.B.C. 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Contents
Stahl~Tek A.B.C. DC Power Adapter Quick Start Guide Windows Drivers CD
Do I have enough space Audio files can be quite large, so ensure you have plenty of space. to store the files?
The audiophile will choose file formats and software best suited to this goal. When choosing a file format, many audiophiles go with AIFF, WAV, or FLAC for long-term storage. The below table summarizes some benefits of each. In addition to a working copy, Stahl~Tek recommends having an archival copy. That is, a master set of files preserved carefully in the highest quality digital format. All working copies then, will be made from this digital master, which is to be set aside and preserved. File Format AIFF
Some Benefits AIFF works well with Macintosh computers, devices, and iTunes. It is a non-compressed and lossless format.
WAV
FLAC
Subtle differences introduced into the format over time can cause a risk of loss of metadata (that is, information such as title tracks, album names, and so forth). WAV has been with Windows for years and is Subtle differences introduced into the well-supported throughout a number of devices format over time can cause a risk of aside from Windows, although it will not loss of metadata (that is, information always work on Apple products. It is typically such as title tracks, album names, and (though not always) non-compressed. so forth). FLAC is an open source audio format. It stores While supported on many devices, metadata very well, and can be converted it is less prevalent than AIFF or easily into WAV or AIFF without altering the WAV. In addition, it uses lossless original data. It is also more standardized than compression, which may be a turnoff the other two formats. for some users.
Independent Disks. What this means is, when data is written to one disk, it is simultaneously written to other disks as well. If one drive fails, you still have your data. RAID systems should be combined with automated backups for data security. They should not be considered the same as a backup.
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Source Indicators
When lit, this indicates that the A.B.C. is receiving data from either USB or I2S.
Source Selector
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Putting It Together
Software
A.B.C.
DAC
Most storage devices are in the form of a RAID or external hard drive. The manufacturers instructions will show you how to properly attach your storage device to your computer.
DC Plug
DC PLUG
* The wall charger comes with several different adapters for use in various countries or regions.
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PC
If youve a PC, insert the Stahl~Tek ABC USB 2.0 Driver CD into your computers CDROM.
Mac If youve a Macintosh, the Stahl~Tek ABC is supported out of the box. . Hook up the unit to your computer, and proceed to Step 5: Attaching Your A.B.C. to the DAC.
Then...
If Windows asks you what to do, select the option to Launch Stahltek_Setup.exe.
If nothing appears to happen when you inserted the CD, navigate to Start If nothing appears to happen when you inserted the CD, navigate to Start > My Computer (Win XP) or Start > Computer (Vista/Win 7). Then, double-click on the CDROMs icon to open it. Find the file Stahltek_Setup. exe and double-click on it. If Windows asks if you would like to allow this program to make changes to your computer, click Yes. This will cause the setup window to appear.
...
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Stahl~Tek A.B.C.
...
Select Install This Driver Anyway when prompted. This will occur twice
Hook up the unit to your computer, and proceed to Step 5: Attaching Your A.B.C. to the DAC.
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DAC
I2S Stahl~Tek HDMI
A.B.C.
USB
Computer
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2.
From Start, go to Control Panel. This brings up the Control Panel window.
5.
3.
6.
With the Stahl~Tek device selected, click on Set Default, then Default Device.
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Macintosh You will need to set the A.B.C. as your computers default audio playback device. To do this:
1. Navigate to the Apple symbol in the upper left of your screen.
Special Note... Note In some programs, for example JRiver Media Center, you are able to set the program tio use a separate playbcke device. That is, you can configure JRiver to use the A.B.C, but Youtube videos are still played through your computers normal sound card. To accomplish this, you will need to refer to the manual for your choice of software. Be careful when doing so however, that you select an Output Mode that is compatible with your Operating System and Sound Card. For example, Windows 7 users will likely wish to select ASAPI. Windows XP users will likely want to select DS. A list of supported modes for the A.B.C. is included under Technical Specifications, in the next chapter.
2.
3. 4. 5.
Select Sound. This opens the Sound Preferences window. Within the Sound Preferences window, select Output. Select the Stahl~Tek A.B.C.
6.
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Technical Specifications
Minimum Computer Hardware Requirements
PC or laptop manufactured after January 2006 Intel Core 2 @1.6 GHz, or AMD equivalent 1 GB main memory USB 2.0 Cable, maximum length 2.0 meters
A.B.C. Specifications
Power Supply Digital Inputs
5.0V DC I2S Stahl~Tek HDMI (also works with PS Audio) Asynchronous USB 2.0 (480 Mb/s, Backwards compatible to 1.0) Sampling Input/Output Frequencies 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz Analog Outputs BNC RCA AES/BU I2S Dimensions Size: 17" x 7.25" x 2.75" Weight: 4 lbs.
A.B.C. Features
Streams bit-perfect audio data up to 24-bit @ 192kHz Lithium-ion battery for up to 14hrs max run time Internal master clock circuitry is provided for lower jitter operation of USB endpoint and serves as a master clock signal through the I2S/HDMI output port to a DACs I2S Stahl~Tek HDMI input provides an addition signal input for the optional Stahl~Tek Opus/Vekian CD Transport, thus allowing the ABC Bridge to serve as a convenient digital source selection to any Stahl~Tek DAC (PS Audio also supports this unique, high-end interface) Switch between USB and I2S intputs Outputs galvanized for isolation SPDIF via RCA, BNC, and AES/EBUvia XLR Modified I2S Format via HDMI May be played via charger or battery (16-20 hours typical battery life)
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Troubleshooting
My DAC shows the same output no matter the sample rate (for example, 44.1kHz is displayed as 192kHz). Your software may be upgrading (or downgrading) your source. For example, Windows Media Player will downgrade any source over 96 kHz. Another program, such as JRiver, may be set to upgrade a source that is below a certain sample rate. Software does through use of DSP, or Digital Signal Processing. You will need to refer to your softwares documentation. How can I tell what my output frequency is in Windows? The Stahl~Tek custom A.B.C. driver comes with tools to measure your output frequency. To use these tools, do the following: 1. Click on the small button to the left of the clock. 3. Select Device. Under Device is Clock Source. Your current output frequency is listed here.
When connecting to my Mac via USB, once I connect my DAC or another audio device, the Stahl~Tek A.B.C. dissapears or fails to appear. This is an issue resulting from Macs USB specifications. To resovle the issue, plug the A.B.C. into a different port on your Mac. For more information, visit: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4049. Stahl~Tek A.B.C. Page 20
Glossary
Audio Card: Audio Cards provide a digital to analog interface between the computer and stereo. Alternatives to audio cards exist, such as USB or S/PDIF outputs, though this was not always the case. High-end audio cards, such as the well-known Lynx, can offer benefits to audio performance, while use of a USB DAC bypasses the need for an audio card entirely. A USB DAC is a DAC which accepts a signal from a computers USB output. Audio Codec: A codec is an algorithm used to COmpress or DECompress audio data. There are two types of codecs: Lossless and Lossy. In Lossless compression, data is not lost, while in Lossy, it is. Different codecs use different methods and formulas; therefore, quality can vary depending on the codec. A popular example of Lossless compression is FLAC. Popular examples of Lossy include MP3, or OGG Vorbis. Music Server: Music servers manage the retrieval, organization, and playback of a music collection. They typically come in two formats: premade, and personal computers. Examples of premade systems include the A.B.C., Sooloos, and Olive. These systems typically run an OS, such as Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux. Network Attached Storage (NAS): NAS is an old concept that is gaining interest from audiophiles. In basic terms, a NAS is a storage device that is connected to a computer network by means of an Ethernet cable. Once connected to the network, the NAS may be viewed and accessed by any computer on that network, much like a shared drive. Network Attached Storage (NAS): A set of one or more hard drives that are accessed through a computer network. NAS drives tend to possess larger storage capabilities than the average computer, and allow access of files by more than one computer. Metadata: Metadata describes the data in a file. Typically, in an audio file, it contains information about the album, artist, or even cover art that the file contains. There are two types of metadata: associated metadata, and embedded metadata. Metadata, Associated: Associated metadata is stored separately from the file itself. This sort of metadata is typical of more proprietary software, such as iTunes. Associated metadata does not travel with the file, itself. That is, if the audio file is played by a different software, the metadata will not be seen. Metadata, Embedded: Embedded metadata is stored inside the file, itself. The benefit of embedded metadata is that the metadata (such as artist information) stays with the file, no matter which device or software it is played on. Files such as FLAC, AIFF, and ALAC support embedded metadata. Ripping: Ripping refers to the process of copying music from a CD into a digital format. Uncompressed Audio: Uncompressed audio is audio data that is not compressed. Popular uncompressed audio formats are WAV and AIFF.
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Warranty
Scope and Duration of Warranty
Subject to the terms and conditions stated below, Stahl~Tek. (Company) warrants to the original owner that this Product shall be free from defects in workmanship or materials as follows: Opus - Transport The warranty period for the Stahl~Tek A.B.C. is for a term of one (1) year for both parts and labor from the date when the Product was purchased from an Authorized Stahl~Tek Dealer, Custom Installer, System Integrator or Reseller.
Exclusions: Parts and Occurrences That Are Not Covered by the Warranty
In addition to the exclusions stated in Limitations on Persons and Products Covered above, this Warranty does not cover any of the following: (a) glass or plastic panels, cabinetry, trim, or other appearance items (except where they are defective at the time of original sale and the Product is delivered for repair within the first thirty (30) days thereafter); (b) batteries or failure of or damage to the Product caused by batteries; (c) failures arising from accident, catastrophe, misuse, neglect, or failure to properly connect and operate the Product in accordance with the accompanying instructions or specifications; (d) failure of moving parts, remote controls, lasers, front Stahl~Tek A.B.C. Page 22
panel displays and video screens occur-ring more than two (2) years after purchase, even though the Product may otherwise still be under warranty, as provided in Scope and Duration above; (e) failures of any kind in Products which evidence any tampering, alteration, defacement of their serial numbers, or attempted servicing by anyone other than Stahl~Tek or an Authorized Stahl~Tek Service Facility; and (f) failures arising from improper installation of the Product or incompatibility of other components in the system of which the Product is a part; and Stahl~Tek shall have no liability or obligation of any kind with respect to any of the foregoing types of failures.
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Stahl~Tek
Mailing P.O. Box 125 Address: Clute, TX 77531 Phone: (979) 265-5114 Fax: (979) 265-1211 Website: www.stahltek.com Email: info@stahltek.com