V-LINK192Asynchronous 24bit 192KHz USB to SPDIF Converter

Instructions

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the V-LINKI92asynchronous 24 bit 192kHZ USB to SPDIF converter. This unit is host computer-powered and features galvanic isolation of the digital outputs for optimum noise free digital signal transfer. It is designed for all sample frequencies up to and including 192kHz. This enables high sample rate source material to be reproduced with stunning detail and clarity. We sincerely hope that it will bring you many years of outstanding listening pleasure.

Installation Precautions

Your new V-LINKI92is designed and built to provide trouble-free performance, but as with all electronic devices, it is necessary to observe a few precautions:

Do not use the V-LINKI92near water. The unit must not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects filled with

liquids, such as vases, must be placed on the unit.

Keep the V-LINKI92away from heat such as radiators. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the unit.

Power Supply Note:

The V-LINKI92does not require a power supply; instead it automatically draws a small amount of operating power from the computer USB port it connects to.

This Hi-fi product has been tested to ensure that its operation is not adversely affected by normal background levels of Radio Frequency Interference (R.F.I.), and that it does not itself generate excessive amounts of interference. However, if a problem persists, please contact your Musical Fidelity agent.

Never open the case of the V-LINKI92yourself, as this will invalidate the guarantee.

Place all connecting cables where they are not likely to be walked on or trapped by items placed on them.

The V-LINKI92will operate in accordance with its specifications within the following environmental range:

Temperature 5 to 45 degrees Celsius

Humidity 10 to 90% non condensing

There are no user adjustments inside. Please refer all service work to an authorised Musical Fidelity agent.

Connections

USB input

For Windows, it is necessary to install a driver for this unit before connecting the input. Insert the disk into the computer to be used and follow the onscreen guides to setup the driver software. The software will advise when to connect the device.

Apple OSX or later has the necessary functionality built-in; and does not require driver disk.

A good quality USB 2.0 A to B cable is required to connect the unit to the computer.

Further advanced information not included here is available on the disk in the form of a PDF document. To read it, Adobe PDF reader must be installed on the machine.

Outputs

Connect the V-LINKI92output to the digital input of a DAC or other digital media system. It is advisable to have any subsequently connected amplifier turned down or off at this point. Coaxial (RCA) or balanced (XLR) may be used. Files sampled up to and including 192kHz, are supported and the unit has the added advantage of inherent galvanic isolation between computer and hi-fi equipment. This helps avoid ground loops.

Power

The unit draws it’s power requirement from the USB host i.e. the computer to which it is attached. The blue LED will light to confirm the unit is receiving power, and the green LED will be lit once the unit is correctly detected by the computer. A sample rate LED will light to indicate when music is playing, and indicate the current sampling frequency.

Use

Turn the volume on amplifier to normal listening levels, sit back and enjoy the music. This product has been designed so it may be left on indefinitely.

Please note, no sample rate conversion takes place in this unit, lower sample rate files, e.g. CD-originated music are simply passed through at their original sample rate. Other file types such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC, etc are passed through with the same sample rated as stored on the computer.

Additional information

Front and back connections

 

This device has been designed to work with Windows XP (SP3),

 

 

Windows VISTA, Windows 7, Linux (kernel 2.6.33 or later), and Apple

 

 

OS X 10.6.4 onwards.

 

 

A guide PDF is included if required on the CD. To view the PDF you will

Lock LED (Green)

44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4,

need adobe acrobat reader installed. Use explorer to view the contents

of the CD

ROM and view the additional guide by clicking on the

USB input

192kHz incoming sample

Installing_VLink file.

Power LED (Blue)

rate LEDs

For the other supported (non-Windows) operating systems, the

 

 

computer drivers for the USB input of the V-LINK192should install

 

 

automatically. To check correct installation follow these steps:

 

 

PC Windows users

 

 

Check the computer has picked up the device and is currently using it

 

 

by clicking: (most Windows versions)

 

 

-

Start

 

 

-

Settings

 

 

-

Control panel

 

 

-

Sounds and Multimedia

 

 

-

Audio

 

 

Check “Musical Fidelity VLINK” appears under PREFERRED AUDIO

DEVICE tab

Mac users

Check the computer has picked up the device and is currently using it by clicking: (MAC OS X)

-

System preferences

 

-

Hardware

 

-

Sound

 

Check that “Musical Fidelity VLINK 192” is selected under the OUTPUT

 

tab.

 

 

If the computer’s warning sounds/chimes are to played through the

 

DAC, make sure it is selected under the SOUND EFFECTS tab too.

 

This device is a high speed serial data processor, and by its nature,

Digital Coaxial output RCA

requires a very high volume of USB bandwidth. It will benefit greatly

from being the only device connected on its USB ‘port’. Sharing the

 

same port with other devices may cause unwanted artefacts such as

Digital balanced AES/EBU Output XLR

dropouts or temporary loss of signal. This especially includes the use of

 

the DAC on a USB hub/splitter alongside other USB components.

 

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Musical Fidelity V-LINK192 specifications Introduction, Installation Precautions, Power Supply Note
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V-LINK192 specifications

Musical Fidelity's V-LINK192 is a high-performance USB digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that serves as a crucial link between digital music sources and analog audio systems. Designed to elevate the listening experience, the V-LINK192 offers impressive specifications and capabilities aimed at both audiophiles and casual music lovers alike.

One of the primary features of the V-LINK192 is its ability to handle high-resolution audio formats up to 24-bit/192kHz. This means it can process a wide range of digital audio files, bringing out the subtleties and nuances that are often lost in standard formats. With support for various audio codecs, the V-LINK192 ensures compatibility with a myriad of playback devices, including computers, tablets, and music servers.

The V-LINK192 utilizes asynchronous USB technology, which is instrumental in reducing jitter—a common issue in digital audio that can lead to distortion and loss of detail. By controlling the timing of the audio signals more effectively, the DAC improves overall sound quality, delivering a cleaner and more precise audio output.

Equipped with a robust power supply, the V-LINK192 maintains consistent performance even during critical listening sessions. It is designed to minimize noise interference, thereby enhancing audio clarity. The build quality is sturdy, featuring a compact and elegant chassis that integrates seamlessly into any audio setup.

In terms of connectivity, the V-LINK192 is user-friendly, featuring multiple outputs such as RCA and coaxial connections, allowing for simple integration with existing audio systems. The device also boasts a plug-and-play design, making it accessible to users who may not have extensive technical knowledge.

Another standout characteristic of the V-LINK192 is its advanced digital processing capabilities. It includes a sophisticated built-in up-sampling feature that can convert lower resolution files into higher resolution, improving playback fidelity. This ensures that even standard-quality files can be enjoyed with an enhanced audio experience.

In summary, Musical Fidelity's V-LINK192 is a versatile and high-quality USB DAC that caters to discerning audio enthusiasts. With its high-resolution support, asynchronous USB technology, exceptional build quality, and user-friendly design, it offers both performance and convenience, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to bridge the gap between digital and analog audio.
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