FAQ

Welcome to the dCS Knowledge Base. You can either browse the Knowledge Base by category or search for content using the search field at the bottom of the page (please use keywords rather than sentences to search).

Which version of DoP is supported by your products?

The “early dCS version” with the 0xAA DoP marker was only used for prototype demonstrations in 2011. Released dCS software always uses the standard version with a 0x05/0xFA DoP marker.

My dCS product cannot play DSD files

All Vivaldi, Rossini and Network Bridge products have been production tested with DSD/64 and DSD/128. To date, all reports relating to these products not playing DSD files have been traced to the server software settings or the computer streaming program settings, so please check this first.
Scarlatti, Paganini, Puccini and Debussy may require a software update to add DoP/64 capability.

Files downloaded from Qobuz cannot be played over the network

You can choose the file format for Qobuz downloads when you purchase, but their default format is WMA 24/96. Our UPnP products will accept WMA data only if sampled at 44.1 or 48kS/s at present, so the downloads cannot be played. If you choose FLAC or AIFF format, the files will play correctly.

Will MQA be available on Scarlatti, Paganini, Puccini, Debussy and the Classic range?

Unfortunately, these older products will not be updated to support MQA. However, the dCS Network Bridge partially unfolds MQA data into either 24/88.2 or 24/96. This is good quality data, which will work well with the older products.

Tidal stops working

While listening to Tidal, if you add or remove a Tidal account or briefly disconnect the network cable, Tidal will stop working. To restore normal operation, switch off the dCS renderer completely (not just to Sleep mode) for a few seconds, then switch back on again.

My Pronto / Nevo remote only works when it is on the charging cradle.

This is an indication that the battery needs to be replaced. Lithium batteries are considered to be “hazardous goods”, so we are unable to supply replacements directly.
The model number is printed on a label on the back for Pronto (RU960, TSU3500 or TSU9400) or on the front for Nevo (S70 or Q50). Search on the internet for a battery to suit your remote (e.g.: “Pronto TSU9400 battery”) to find a battery supplier and buy one.
To access the battery:
RU960 / TSU3500 – hold down the arrow tab on the back and slide the cover off towards the top.
TSU9400 – the battery cover on the back is secured by a Torx T 0.5 screw.
S70 – push the tab towards the top and lift off.
Q50 – prise out the 2 rubber pads near the bottom edge of the back, remove the 2 Philips screws and lift the cover off.
Fit the new battery, replace the cover and charge the remote before using it again.
Battery replacement is not difficult to do, but dCS cannot take responsibility if you have any difficulty.

After updating MinimServer, my system will not play DSD files.

You may need to reinstall MinimStreamer through MinimWatch on your PC. Next, right-click the MinimWatch icon, go to Options > Properties > System and re-enter the stream.transcode information:

dff:dop,dsf:dop

What are your reference network systems?

Our network products are currently developed and tested using the following.
NAS drives: QNAP TS412, Synology 216+, Netgear ReadyNAS Duo v2.
UPnP software: Twonky, MinimServer, Asset.

How do I assign a fixed IP address to my Rossini?

Press the Rossini’s Menu button 3 times to find the Rossini’s IP address, enter it into a web browser to bring up the Rossini’s home page. Select Network Settings > Wired > DHCP = no. Enter the IP address you want to use, such as 192.168.1.123. Enter the Subnet Mask as 255.255.255.0.

My dCS USB Class 2 product will not work with Windows XP.

Microsoft stopped supporting Windows XP in 2014, so it is not safe to connect an XP machine to the internet. Our current products are no longer tested with XP, so please upgrade to a later version of Windows.

Are you planning to support MQA?

dCS is currently working to add MQA support to Rossini, Vivaldi, Network Bridge and future dCS products. This is scheduled for late summer 2017. This is planned to be a software-only solution, which will be offered free to original registered owners.

What is a Ring DAC(TM) Mapper?

dCS DACs oversample in several stages, eventually presenting the Ring DAC(TM) with 5-bit binary data at about 3MS/s. The Mapper decodes the data to a minimum of 32 digital signals, one corresponding to each binary state, then it scrambles the order of the signals. The Mapper randomises small matching errors in the Ring DAC core, converting what would be harmonic distortion to a small amount of extra noise.
Vivaldi DAC v2.00 offers a choice of 3 Mappers – the original 3MS/s design and two new Mapper algorithms that run at about 6MS/s.

Can I play DSD/128 files on my dCS system?

DSD/128 is currently supported by the dCS Rossini Player & DAC (via Network, USB or Dual AES) and the Vivaldi DAC v2.00 onwards (via USB or Dual AES).

How do I rip my CDs?

You will need a PC with a CD drive (it can be external), loaded with ripping software such as dBPowerAmp Ripper or JRiver Media Center. Run the ripping software and set the location of your music library (which can be a networked drive). Load the disc, wait while it is read. You may need to help the software identify the disc so that the metadata or artwork is picked up correctly. Select “Rip disc” and wait until the process is complete. If necessary, edit the tags and find the album art on the internet. Eject the disc. Job done!

How do I load new software into my Rossini Clock?

The Rossini Clock’s front panel is deliberately simpler than our other Master Clocks, so there is limited scope for adding more features. At the time of writing, the current Clock software is v1.00 and this might not change. If new software becomes available (please check the Software History section), the update can be loaded by your dealer via the RS232 interface.

How do I load new software into my Rossini Player or DAC?

The Rossini Player and DAC are intended to be updated over the internet via the Network interface. Open the Rossini app, tap “Configure” for the device you want to update, then “Information > Version” and “Check for Updates”. Follow the instructions on screen.
For users who do not have internet access, the Main Software can be updated from a disc or file (please contact your distributor), but this does not update the Network firmware. Please see the update instructions for more information.

Rossini Player in CD mode does not lock to Vivaldi / Scarlatti / Paganini Clock

The Rossini Player in CD mode is compatible with Vivaldi, Scarlatti & Paganini Master Clocks, however it will only lock to word clock at 44.1kHz to match the CD sample rate. At other clock frequencies, the Master icon is displayed. The Player’s other inputs will of course lock to compatible word clock frequencies in the range 44.1-192kHz.

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