MUSICIAN Pisces II HiFi Digital Interface Instruction Manual

1. Product Overview

The MUSICIAN Pisces II is a high-fidelity digital interface designed to enhance your audio system. It features advanced digital signal processing, precise clocking, and multiple input/output options to ensure high-quality audio transmission. This device acts as a Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC), optimizing the digital audio signal before it reaches your Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

Key technical highlights include FPGA DSP Processing Architecture, FIFO Buffer and Reclock with Internal Crystal, TCXO Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, Optical Isolated All Digital Input Interfaces, and a Proprietary USB Audio Solution via STM32F446 Advanced AMR Based MCU. It supports high-resolution audio formats up to DSD512 and PCM 768KHz.

2. Package Contents

Upon unboxing your MUSICIAN Pisces II, please verify that all the following items are included:

• 1 x MUSICIAN Pisces II Digital Interface Unit
• 1 x User Manual (this document)
• 1 x AC Power Cable
• 1 x Musician Card

Note: The device supports 110-230V adjustment. Please ensure the correct voltage mode is selected before use, according to your local power supply.

3. Device Layout

3.1 Front Panel

Image: Front and rear panel of the MUSICIAN Pisces II. The front panel features a Setup button, an OK button, and indicators for PCM, DSD, and sample rates (44.1K, 2X, 4X, EX.CLOCK, I2S, 48K, 8X, 16X).

• Setup Button: Used to enter the device's settings menu.
• OK Button: Used to confirm selections or exit menus.
• Indicators: Display the current audio format (PCM/DSD), sample rate, and external clock status.

3.2 Rear Panel

Image: Detailed view of the MUSICIAN Pisces II rear panel, showing all input and output ports.

• Power Input: AC power connection (110-230V adjustable).
• USB Input: USB2.0 Type B port for connecting to a computer or other USB audio source.
• Clock Input: BNC connectors for external clock synchronization (45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz).
• Digital Outputs:
  • Coax SPDIF via RCA
  • TOSLink Optical x 1
  • AES/EBU x 2
  • I²S HDMI LVDS Standard
  • I²S RJ45 LVCMOS Standard

4. Setup Instructions

4.1 Initial Power-Up

1. Before connecting the power cable, ensure the voltage selector (if present) on the rear panel is set to match your local power supply (110V or 230V).
2. Connect the provided AC power cable to the Power Input on the rear panel of the Pisces II and then to a suitable wall outlet.
3. The device will power on automatically or may require pressing a power button (refer to front panel for power button if available).

4.2 Connecting Audio Sources and Outputs

The Pisces II offers various digital input and output options for flexible integration into your audio system. Choose the appropriate connections based on your source devices and DAC.

1. USB Input: Connect your computer (PC, Mac, Linux) or other USB audio source to the USB2.0 Type B input using a high-quality USB cable.
2. Clock Input: For enhanced synchronization, connect an external clock source to the 45.1548MHz or 49.152Mhz BNC inputs.
3. Digital Outputs: Connect one or more of the following digital outputs to your DAC:
   • Coaxial Output: Use an RCA cable to connect to your DAC's coaxial input.
   • Optical Output: Use a TOSLink cable to connect to your DAC's optical input.
   • AES/EBU Output: Use XLR cables to connect to your DAC's AES/EBU inputs.
   • I²S HDMI/RJ45 Output: Use appropriate HDMI or RJ45 cables to connect to compatible I²S inputs on your DAC. Ensure pinout compatibility for I²S connections.

4.3 Driver Installation (Windows Only)

For Windows operating systems, the MUSICIAN Pisces II requires a Thesycon USB driver for optimal performance and DSD playback. Please download the latest driver from the official AOSHIDA or MUSICIAN website and follow the installation instructions provided with the driver package.

Note: Mac and Linux operating systems typically do not require special drivers for the Pisces II, functioning as a driverless plug-and-play device.

Image: A laptop connected to the MUSICIAN Pisces II, highlighting its driverless compatibility with Mac and Linux systems.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Input Selection

Use the Setup button on the front panel to cycle through available input sources (USB, Clock Input). Press the OK button to confirm your selection. The front panel indicators will show the active input.

5.2 Output Format Indicators

The front panel features indicators that display the current audio format and sample rate being processed:

• PCM/DSD: Indicates whether the device is processing Pulse-Code Modulation or Direct Stream Digital audio.
• Sample Rate (44.1K, 48K, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X): Shows the base sample rate (e.g., 44.1KHz, 48KHz) or a multiple thereof.
• EX.CLOCK: Illuminates when an external clock source is detected and actively used.
• I2S: Illuminates when I2S output is active.

6. Technical Features

6.1 Proprietary USB Interface with STM32F446

The Pisces II utilizes a proprietary USB audio solution based on the advanced ARM STM32F446 microcontroller. This redesigned and optimized circuit allows the DDC to be used effectively in high-end digital audio systems and with computers, supported by Thesycon USB drivers for Windows platforms.

Image: A diagram highlighting the proprietary USB interface technology within the Pisces II.

6.2 Accurate FEMTO Clock and TCXO

Equipped with a dual femto clock, powered by an O-type transformer, the Pisces II ensures high reliability, linearity, and femtosecond clock output frequency. The TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) automatically adjusts the external matching capacitance matrix by measuring temperature, ensuring accurate and stable frequency. This precise clocking significantly improves sound quality by reducing jitter.

Image: Close-up view of the Accurate FEMTO Clock components, emphasizing precision timing.

Image: Visual representation of the Temperature Compensated Active Crystal Oscillator, showing its integration into the circuit board.

6.3 Digital Isolation

All digital input interfaces are optically isolated by 50Mbps high-speed optical couplers. This digital isolation effectively reduces background noise and achieves a high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), contributing to a cleaner audio signal.

6.4 O-Type Single Crystal Copper Transformer

The device incorporates an O-Type Single Crystal Copper Transformer. The single crystal copper wire is wound layer by layer, providing a stable and robust power supply. This design meets strict speaker load conditions and effectively reduces the noise floor and low-frequency interference.

Image: An internal view of the Pisces II, highlighting the ARM STM32F446 MCU and the O-Type Single Crystal Copper Transformer.

7. Specifications

Image: A visual representation of the MUSICIAN Pisces II with its basic parameters and dimensions.

8. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your MUSICIAN Pisces II, please follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the device. Avoid using liquid cleaners, aerosols, or abrasive materials, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Ventilation: Ensure the device is placed in a well-ventilated area. Do not block any ventilation openings. Adequate airflow prevents overheating and maintains stable operation.
• Handling: Handle the device with care. Avoid dropping it or subjecting it to strong impacts.
• Power: Disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet if the device will not be used for an extended period.
• Environment: Keep the device away from direct sunlight, heat sources, excessive moisture, and dust.

9. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your MUSICIAN Pisces II, please refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Power:
  • Check if the AC power cable is securely connected to both the device and the wall outlet.
  • Verify that the wall outlet is functioning correctly by plugging in another device.
  • Ensure the voltage selector on the rear panel is set to the correct local voltage.
• No Audio Output:
  • Confirm that the correct input source is selected on the Pisces II.
  • Check all digital audio cable connections between the Pisces II and your DAC.
  • Ensure your DAC is powered on and set to the correct input corresponding to the Pisces II output.
  • If using a Windows PC, verify that the Thesycon USB driver is correctly installed and the Pisces II is selected as the audio output device in your operating system settings.
  • Check the volume level on your DAC and amplifier.
• Intermittent Audio or Distortion:
  • Ensure all cables are securely connected and not damaged.
  • Try using different cables to rule out cable issues.
  • If using USB, try a different USB port on your computer.
  • Ensure no other devices are causing electrical interference near the Pisces II or audio cables.
• External Clock Not Detected:
  • Verify the external clock source is powered on and functioning correctly.
  • Check the BNC cable connection between the external clock and the Pisces II.
  • Ensure the external clock frequency matches the supported frequencies of the Pisces II (45.1548MHz, 49.152Mhz).

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

10. Warranty and Support

The MUSICIAN Pisces II comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the included Musician Card for specific warranty terms and conditions. For technical support, service, or warranty claims, please contact AOSHIDA Audio-US, the exclusive agent for the Musician brand.

You can find contact information and additional resources on the official AOSHIDA Audio website or through your point of purchase. Please have your product model and purchase details ready when contacting support.