Musician Pegasus II DAC User Manual

1. Introduktion

The Musician Pegasus II is a high-performance Digital-to-Analog Converter designed for discerning audio enthusiasts. It incorporates advanced R2R and DSD decoding architectures to deliver exceptional sound fidelity. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your Pegasus II DAC.

Figur 1.1: Forside view of the Musician Pegasus II DAC, showcasing dets slanke design og betjeningselementer på frontpanelet.

Figur 1.2: Vinklet view of the Pegasus II DAC, highlighting the input selection and sampling rate indicators.

2. Nøglefunktioner

2.1 Proprietary R2R + DSD Architecture

The Pegasus II utilizes a true balanced 24-bit R2R and 6-bit DSD architecture with a 32-step FIR filter. This discrete resistor network decoder, controlled by high-speed FPGAs, converts digital signals to analog signals, offering a flexible approach to audio processing that surpasses the limitations of chip-based decoders.

Figur 2.1: Overview of the proprietary R2R + DSD architecture, emphasizing its discrete design and 32-step FIR filter.

The device incorporates an STM32F446 dedicated USB audio solution, an upscaling function supporting up to 16x, and features 0.005% accuracy resistors for precise signal handling. It achieves an impressive Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of 123dB (A weighting) with a Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) of 0.002%.

Figure 2.2: Technical diagram illustrating the STM32F446 USB audio solution, 16x upscaling capability, and the use of high-accuracy resistors.

Figure 2.3: Performance metrics showing a 123dB SNR and support for high-resolution audio formats up to DSD 1024 and PCM 1536kHz via USB/I2S inputs.

2.2 Advanced Componentry

The Pegasus II incorporates an ALTERA high-efficiency chip for distortion-free audio signal transmission, meeting HiFi standards. Each channel features independent high-speed FPGAs controlling 4 sets of R-2R networks, ensuring low distortion and minimal background noise. The power delivery is optimized with a customized power tailstock using multiple single crystal copper wire wraps and a high-quality toroidal core transformer for stable power and reduced noise. An encapsulated linear power supply further enhances performance.

Figur 2.4: Nærbillede view of the ALTERA Cyclone V high-efficiency chip, responsible for robust audio signal processing.

Figur 2.5: Intern view of the Pegasus II DAC, showing the R2R arrays, toroidal core transformer, and encapsulated linear power supply, all contributing to superior sound quality.

3. Opsætning

3.1 Connections and Inputs

The Pegasus II offers a comprehensive array of digital input options and analog outputs to integrate seamlessly into your audio system. Connect your source devices to the appropriate digital inputs and your amplifier or active speakers to the analog outputs.

• Digitale indgange: Coaxial, Optical, AES, USB, I2S
• Analoge udgange: RCA single-ended, XLR balanceret

Figure 3.1: Rear panel of the Pegasus II DAC, illustrating the layout of all digital input and analog output ports.

Figure 3.2: Connection diagram detailing how to connect various audio sources and output devices to the Pegasus II DAC.

3.2 Driverinstallation

For Mac OS and Linux operating systems, the Pegasus II is plug-and-play, requiring no additional driver installation. For Windows users, a licensed Thesycon USB driver is required for optimal performance. Please refer to the official AOSHIDA webwebsted for driverdownloads og installationsinstruktioner.

Figure 3.3: Compatibility information for Mac, Linux, and Windows operating systems regarding driver requirements.

4. Betjening

4.1 Indgangsvalg

Use the 'INPUT' button on the front panel to cycle through the available digital inputs (Coaxial, Optical, AES, USB, I2S). The selected input will be indicated by an LED on the front panel.

4.2 Supported Audio Formats

The Pegasus II supports a wide range of high-resolution audio formats:

• USB and I2S Inputs: Support up to DSD 1024 and PCM 1536kHz. The audio source must be compatible with the native interface.
• Coaxial, Optical, AES Inputs: Support DSD64 (DoP) and PCM up to 24 bits/192kHz.

4.3 I2S Pin Configuration

The Pegasus II features 8 adjustable I2S modes to ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices. The DAC automatically adjusts allocation based on different devices and does not require manual pin configuration. If you experience no sound or a hissing noise, it indicates an incorrect I2S mode. Continue to adjust to the next mode until clear audio is achieved. Always ensure the selected mode is compatible with your source device.

Figure 4.1: I2S Pin Configuration table, showing the 8 available modes and their corresponding pin diagrams for compatibility adjustment.

5. Vedligeholdelse

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Musician Pegasus II DAC, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Rensning: Brug en blød, tør klud til at rengøre enhedens yderside. Undgå at bruge flydende rengøringsmidler eller slibende materialer, da de kan beskadige overfladen.
• Ventilation: Sørg for, at enheden er placeret et godt ventileret område for at forhindre overophedning. Bloker ikke ventilationsåbningerne.
• Miljø: Keep the DAC away from direct sunlight, heat sources, excessive dust, and moisture.
• Magt: Always disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet before cleaning or if the unit will be unused for an extended period.

6. Fejlfinding

If you encounter issues with your Pegasus II DAC, please refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Ingen strøm: Ensure the power cable is securely connected to both the DAC and a working power outlet. Check the power switch on the rear panel.
• Ingen lyd:
  • Verify that the correct input source is selected on the DAC.
  • Check all audio cables (digital input and analog output) for secure connections.
  • Sørg for din amphøjttalere eller aktive højttalere er tændt og indstillet til den korrekte indgang.
  • If using I2S, try cycling through the different I2S modes as described in Section 4.3.
• Distorted Sound/Noise:
  • Tjek for løse kabelforbindelser.
  • Ensure the source device's volume is not excessively high, causing clipping.
  • If using USB on Windows, ensure the correct Thesycon driver is installed.
  • Try a different digital input cable or source device to isolate the issue.
• Computer Not Recognizing DAC (USB):
  • Restart your computer and the DAC.
  • Prøv en anden USB-port eller et andet USB-kabel.
  • For Windows, ensure the Thesycon USB driver is correctly installed and updated.

If the problem persists after attempting these steps, please contact AOSHIDA customer support for further assistance.

7. Specifikationer

8. Garanti og support

The Musician Pegasus II DAC comes with a manufacturer's warranty. For specific details regarding warranty coverage, duration, and terms, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official AOSHIDA website. For technical support, troubleshooting assistance beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact AOSHIDA customer service through their official channels.