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.
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.
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.
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...
Unpacking the Unit Directions Please remove all jewelry to keep from scratching the unit. Make sure the box is positioned with the “This Side Up” label. Carefully lift the front flap to open the box. Remove the top foam piece. Remove the package containing the Quick Start Guide and the Driver Disks, and set aside.
Setting Up Your Digital Music Collection What are the Goals of a Digital Music Collection? A wine may be perfected over generations; the equipment an audiophile employs should be as finely tuned. A well-built interface, such as possessed by the A.B.C., does not interfere with the refined quality of the audio, yet passes it along faithfully to its destination.
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.
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.
Getting to Know Your A.B.C. Source Indicators When lit, this indicates that the A.B.C. is receiving data from Source Selector either USB or I2S. Using this, you may select either a USB or an I2S Source. BNC Out I2S Out Power RCA Out I2S In...
Putting It Together Software Music File A.B.C. Storage Computer Set Up Your Storage Most storage devices are in the form of a RAID or external hard drive. The manufacturer’s instructions will show you how to properly attach your storage device to your computer. Charge Your A.B.C.
Set Up Your A.B.C. NOTICE Do not connect the A.B.C. until prompted by the installation software. If you’ve a PC, insert the If you’ve a Macintosh, the Stahl~Tek ABC Stahl~Tek ABC USB 2.0 Driver is supported out of the box. . CD into your computer’s CD- ROM.
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Click Next on the setup window. Select an Install Location. Connect the A.B.C. unit to the computer. The install process may take some time. Select Install This Driver Anyway when prompted. This will occur twice Click Finish to complete the install. Hook up the unit to your computer, and proceed to Step 5: Attaching Your A.B.C.
Connect Your A.B.C. Connecting the A.B.C. to the DAC 1. Attach the A.B.C. to the DAC. A.B.C. Computer I2S Stahl~Tek HDMI 2. Turn the A.B.C. on by putting the switch in the “On” position. Option: Using Passthrough Mode 1. Connect your transport to the A.B.C. using the I2S In. 2.
Set Up Your Computer Select Your Audio Output Windows You will need to set the A.B.C. as your computer’s default audio playback device. To do this: Start. Manage Audio Devices. Nagivate to Select Start, go to Control Panel. This brings up Select the Stahl~Tek Device.
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Macintosh Special Note... You will need to set the A.B.C. as your computer’s Note In some programs, for example JRiver Media default audio playback device. To do this: Center, you are able to set the program tio use a separate playbcke device. That is, you can configure Navigate to the Apple symbol in the upper left of JRiver to use the A.B.C, but Youtube videos are still your screen.
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 5.0V DC Digital Inputs I2S Stahl~Tek HDMI (also works with PS Audio)
A.B.C. Supported Protocols ABC Supported Protocols Audio Output Windows XP (32) Windows Vista Windows 7 (32) Windows 7 (64) ASIO WASAPI * In Foobar Media Player, the maximum buffer size is 2000 msec. Stahl~Tek A.B.C. Page 18...
Maintenance and Repairs Cleaning the A.B.C. Wipe the unit down with a micro-fiber cloth to remove dust. Apply a non-solvent glass cleaner (i.e. Windex) to a soft cotton cloth to remove smudges from the front, sides, and, top of the unit. Repairing the A.B.C.
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.
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.
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.
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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;...
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