User Guide
dCS La Scala User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd September 2004
Manual filename: Verdi LS Manual v1.0x.doc Page 3 email: more@dcsltd.co.uk
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The dCS Verdi La Scala Upsampling SACD Transport is a logical development of
the critically acclaimed dCS Verdi.
La Scala plays SACD or Hybrid discs and outputs the DSD data onto an IEEE
1394 bus, ready for conversion to wide-band, high quality audio by a dCS Elgar
Plus or a 1394-equipped dCS Delius
2
.
La Scala also plays standard CDs and the CD layer of Hybrid discs, upsampling
the data to DSD internally, without the need for a separate upsampler. This is
ideal for audiophiles who do not use other digital audio sources, as the
equipment set-up is much simpler.
DSD (Direct Stream Digital) is single bit data, sampled at 2.822MS/s. This data
format increases the available audio band-width to well over 100kHz, well in
excess of the 20kHz available from a standard CD system. The extra band-
width sharpens the transient response and improves the phase response,
resulting in a more natural sound and more precise stereo imaging.
CD data at 16 bits / 44.1kS/s is always available from the AES interface (XLR
connector), three SPDIF interfaces (RCA, BNC and Toslink optical and an
SDIF-2 interface. When playing and SACD, the data is down-sampled to
provide these outputs.
La Scala features a Wordclock Input, allowing the transport to be synchronised
to a Master Clock or a dCS DAC running in master mode. This arrangement
reduces system jitter – a major source of sound degradation in digital audio
systems.
In common with all dCS converters, La Scala is based on our flexible digital
audio platform which makes extensive use of software configurable chips –
FPGA’s and DSP’s. This allows the internal software to be updated from time to
time, either from a dCS CD or from a PC, adding extra features and facilities to
your system with a minimum of fuss.
Laser Radiation Hazard
dCS Verdi La Scala is a Class 1 Laser Product, it complies with U.S. FDA 21CFR
subchapter J. The U.S. FDA Accession number is 0211117. In normal use,
there is no risk of exposure to laser radiation.
IMPORTANT! The metal top cover must only be removed by authorised service personnel.
The cover protects the user from indirect exposure to visible and invisible
laser radiation, as well as risk of electric shock.
2
To comply with the licence arrangements for SACD, this data is encrypted in the Verdi La Scala and is
decrypted in the receiving unit.