Audiolab D7 User Manual

Important Safety Information

CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK - DO NOT OPEN

This lightning flash with an arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of non-insulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to 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 appliance.

Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions:

• Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install under the manufacturer's instructions.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for the replacement of the obsolete outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being stepped on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilt or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so.

• Do not install this equipment in a confined or built-in space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well ventilated in an open space. The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such as newspaper, tablecloths, curtains etc.
• WARNING: Only use attachments/accessories specified or provided by the manufacturer (such as the exclusive supply adapter, battery etc.).
• WARNING: Please refer to the information on the exterior panel of the enclosure for electrical and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.
• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on the apparatus.
• WARNING: For the terminals marked with the symbol of " 4 " may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock. The external wiring connected to the terminals requires installation by an instructed person or the use of ready-made leads or cords.
• Ground protection terminal. This product should be connected to a power outlet with ground protection.
• Denmark: Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord, som giver forbindelse til stikproppens jord.
• Finland: Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
• Norway: Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt.
• Sweden: Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag.
• WARNING: No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
• WARNING: Attention should be drawn to environmental aspects of battery disposal. WARNING: Use of the apparatus in tropical climates.

Trademarks and Technologies

Bluetooth®

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks, owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by IAG Group Ltd is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Qualcomm aptX HD

aptX & aptX HD is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.

Roon Tested

Being Roon Tested means that IAG Group Ltd and Roon have collaborated to ensure you have the best experience using Roon, software and IAG Group Ltd equipment together, so you can just enjoy the music.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated)

MQA is an award-winning British technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording. The master MQA file is fully authenticated and is small enough to stream or download. Visit mqa.co.uk for more information. D7 includes MQA technology, which enables you to playback MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

The audiolab D7 OLED display shows 'MQA', 'MQA.' or 'OFS' to indicate that the unit is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. It shows 'MQA.' to indicate it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. 'OFS' indicates an MQA Core decode, first unfold only.

Contents

1. Getting Started
2. Control and Function
3. Remote Headset
4. Connections
5. Menu Options
6. System Operations
7. Playing Operations
8. Warranty Coverage
9. Specifications

1: Getting Started

Introduction of D7

Welcome to the Audiolab D7.

Features

• Full DAC (9038Q2M), preamp facilities
• Bluetooth aptX, aptX HD receiver
• Selectable digital filter settings
• Dedicated headphone amplifier
• OLED Display

Inputs

• Two coaxial SPDIF digital inputs
• Two optical SPDIF digital inputs
• Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX/aptX HD/LDAC) input
• USB-A port for USB HDD
• USB-B 2.0 port for replaying audio from a compatible host

Outputs

• One pair balanced outputs
• One pair unbalanced outputs
• Headphone output
• 2 x Trigger outputs
• 1 x Optical S/PDIF output
• 1 x COAX S/PDIF output

Unpacking the Equipment

The carton should contain:

• The Audiolab D7
• One power adaptor with one plug suitable for your region.
• One remote handset
• One user's manual
• 2 x AAA Batteries (where permitted by local import and transit regulations)

Consult the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment if any item is not present. Carefully unpack the unit and accessories. Take care not to damage the surface finish when undoing the protective polythene sleeve. Retain the packing materials for future use. Retain the user manual and information concerning the date and place of purchase of your equipment for future reference. If you transfer the unit to a third party, please pass on this instruction manual along with the equipment.

Placement

The unit must be mounted on a solid, level and stable surface.

2: Control and Functions

Front Panel:

• Power LED
• Standby Button
• Headphone Jack
• Source select (SEL knob)
• Display
• Volume Control (VOL knob)

Rear Panel:

• BT Antenna
• Digital Outputs: 2 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial
• Digital Inputs: 2 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial
• PC USB (USB B)
• Analogue Outputs: Balanced (XLR), Unbalanced (RCA)
• USB-HDD & Firmware Updates (USB A)
• 12V Trigger (12V TRIG)
• DC-IN (Power In)

3: Remote Handset

1. Standby: Press to bring the unit in/out of Standby.
2. Mute: Press to mute and unmute the sound.
3. Folder Navigation: Long Press: Enter Folder Mode selection from the Playing Interface. Short Press: Access the Folder View. If you are in a subfolder, continue to short press to return to the previous level until you reach the root folder. Long Press (in Folder View): Exit the Folder View immediately, regardless of your current level.
4. Menu: Press to enter or exit the Menu.
5. Time: Press to toggle 'single track' or 'all' remaining time.
6. Page up: Moves to the previous track.
7. Page down: Moves to the next track.
8. Play/Pause (►II): Press to start/pause. Press to confirm setting selected in menu.
9. Repeat Mode: Press to select the repeat mode.
10. Random Mode: Press to select the random mode.
11. Display Option: Press to select the display option.
12. +/-: Increase/decrease volume.
13. Stop: Press to stop.
14. Source Select (Λ/V): Press to cycle source inputs.
15. PC USB: Press to select PC USB input.
16. USB HDD: Press to select USB HDD input.
17. Digital: Press to cycle through and select digital inputs.
18. Bluetooth: Press to select BT input.

4: Connections

Coaxial Digital Input

Connect your coaxial digital sources to either COAX1 or COAX2.

Optical Digital Input

Connect your optical digital sources to either OPT1 or OPT2.

Digital Output

Connect your DAC or amplifier to D7 via coaxial/optical output.

Balanced Output

Balanced connections can provide greater dynamic range and lower noise. If your amplifier has balanced inputs, please connect them to the balanced outputs. You will need one XLR balanced cable per channel.

Unbalanced Output

Connect your amplifier to the unbalanced RCA outputs using a shielded stereo RCA cable.

Headphone Output

A stereo 6.3mm (1/4") jack is provided on the front panel for connecting headphones. When headphones are connected the audio to the XLR and RCA outputs will be muted.

Bluetooth Connection

Select BT source on the D7, on your mobile device search for 'Audiolab D7 BT' and connect. Once paired, it will show "Connected".

If you switch to another input on the D7, your mobile device will be disconnected after 60 seconds. To reconnect, select BT on the D7, and it will connect to the last paired device or select 'Audiolab D7 BT' on your mobile device in the Bluetooth menu, and it will reconnect.

You can disconnect your mobile device by long pressing the Play/Pause button on the remote control.

USB Update

Copy the update file onto a USB key, following the instructions included in the update package.

Plug the USB key into the update port.

Enter the menu by pressing the 'SEL' knob, or 'Menu' button on remote control. Go to the 'Update' option, select 'Yes' and confirm.

Your D7 will then upgrade automatically.

Once completed, unplug the USB key and restart the device.

12V Trigger Connection

The trigger connections are made using 3.5 to 3.5mm mono or stereo jack interconnects (not included).

Power In

Audiolab D7 requires a 12V DC supply. Please use the adapter provided in the box.

5: Menu Options

Filter

The ESS ES9038Q2M SABRE DAC settings allow for detailed tuning of the audio experience.

The DAC reconstruction filter is a critical aspect of refining the sound of a system that depends on listening taste, program material, and equipment set-up. Linear Phase (Slow Roll-Off) is the default setting.

• Linear (Fast): This is the most common filter with clean overall suppression and excellent rejection, best for music with large transients. Provides crisp clean highs.
• Linear (Slow): A low group delay and symmetrical input response with less ringing than 'Linear-phase fast roll-off'. It offers punchier bass than ‘Linear-phase fast roll-off' with clean highs. (Default)
• Minimum (Fast): This offers minimal pre-ringing. It is usually preferred for imaging and sound stages. It offers no aliasing in the frequency domain and stronger bass than 'Linear Phase', with clean highs.
• Minimum (Slow): A Non-Symmetrical filter designed to minimise pre-ringing. It offers a strong punchy bass with a good transient attack.
• Hybrid: This is the combination of ‘Linear-phase' and ‘Minimum-phase'. It offers a fast transient attack, strong punchy bass and crisp highs.

MQA Decoding

There are four MQA decoding options:

• Full Decode A (PCM Upsampling Off): This enables the full internal MQA decoding process of the D7, and simultaneously enables PCM streaming via SPDIF (COAX or OPTICAL) up to 192kHz. The SPDIF outputs will be switched off when MQA decoding is taking place, or if the PCM stream sample rate is above 192kHz. This mode is best for those streaming MQA and using the analogue outputs, or for streaming PCM (FLAC, WAV etc.) and using either analogue or digital outputs.
• Full Decode B (PCM Upsampling On): This enables the full internal MQA decoding process of the D7, and upsamples both MQA and PCM to 352.8kHz or 384kHz. This mode is for use with the analogue outputs only. The SPDIF outputs (COAX and OPTICAL) are disabled.
• Core Decode: This option is suitable for users connecting D7 to a 3rd party external MQA renderer via SPDIF, up to a sample rate of 192kHz.
• Passthrough Mode: This will bypass the MQA decoding stage in the D7 and allow the full non-decoded signal to pass through the D7 via the digital outputs. This mode is suited to users who prefer to use a separate DAC within their system (for example, when using the D7 with the Audiolab 7000A). The MQA decoding will therefore happen at the external DAC stage, not within the D7. Default setting is Full Decode A (PCM Upsampling OFF).

DPLL

This setting is used for changing the bandwidth of the digital phase lock loop of the D/A converter to accommodate different levels of jitter on the incoming SPDIF signal. 'Normal' mode should be selected for signals with low jitter, while 'Wide' mode should be selected for signals with abnormal jitter.

For best audio quality leave this setting at the default value, 'Normal', only use 'Wide' for a given input if the system is having problems locking onto the source.

Balance

Adjust the Left and Right balance of the D7 audio output.

Brightness

Adjust the brightness of the D7 front panel display.

Power On Limit

Power On Limit sets the maximum volume level as the unit is switched on. When coming out of standby, the volume setting will be set to the level that was used at the end of the previous operating session, or to the Power On Limit value set in this menu, whichever is lowest.

This will avoid a sudden loud signal at the beginning of a new session. Default setting is -20dB.

Trigger

Activate or deactivate the 12V trigger function of the D7.

Pre Out Level

The analogue output level can be switched between 'Fixed' and 'Adjustable'.

When set to 'Fixed' mode, the analogue output level will be fixed to the maximum output. This can be useful when connecting to an integrated amplifier's AUX input, and therefore using the integrated amplifier's volume control.

When set to 'Adjustable', the D7 Volume control is used to adjust the level of the analogue output. This is required when connecting directly to a power amplifier. The default setting on the D7 is 'Adjustable'.

Auto Standby

The auto-standby feature will put the D7 into standby mode after 20 minutes of inactivity. This feature can also be user-defined, and set to 20 minutes, 60 minutes or 'Never'. The latter option means that the D7 will not enter standby mode without user instruction by way of the front panel 'standby' button or remote control 'standby' button.

Reset

Reset the D7 to the factory default settings.

Firmware

Check the currently installed firmware version.

Update

Please visit the Audiolab website to get the latest firmware for D7. Follow the instructions and keep your unit up to date with the latest version.

Copy the file to the root of a FAT32 USB Drive and insert it to the USB-A port of D7 rear panel. Power on the D7 and enter the 'Update' menu option, select 'Yes' and press to confirm.

6: System Operations

Switching on and Off

The D7 should be switched on before the amplification stage in your system. When switching off your system, turn off the amplifier stage before switching off the D7.

Standby Mode

The D7 will enter standby mode when you connect the 12V DC power supply. Press the 'Standby' button to bring the D7 out of standby, the power indicator LED becomes brighter and the display shows the 'Audiolab' welcome screen while the unit is getting ready for operation.

Source Select

Rotate the MODE knob on the front panel or use the source and or buttons on the remote handset to select different source inputs.

Mute

Press the VOL knob on the front panel or MUTE button on the remote handset to mute / un-mute the sound.

Volume Control

To adjust the volume, rotate the VOL knob on the front panel, or use the volume up/down keys on the remote control. The range is -78dB to 0dB.

When switching on the D7, the volume will be set to the previously used volume setting.

If your previous volume setting was higher than the assigned power-on volume limit, then the power-on volume limit will be applied.

Following a factory reset, the volume will be set to -30dB.

7: Playing Operations

Playing PC USB Input

USB DRIVERS

To download Windows Drivers, please see the separate manual. Any firmware updates will also be available from www.audiolab.co.uk

Connect your computer to D7 via USB cable (type A to Type B), change the Play mode to USB input using the handset or the button on the front panel. 'Unlocked' will be displayed if there is no input signal to the USB input. When you play a file, the digital input will lock onto the digital signal as soon as there is a compatible input signal for USB. The display screen will then show the sampling frequency of the music file.

Playing tracks from USB storage device

The D7 can play music tracks saved on a USB HDD storage device and is compatible with USB devices that are 'FAT16', 'FAT32' and 'exFAT' formatted.

The D7 supports audio files in the format of WMA, MP3, WAV, FLAC, AAC and APE.

Connect your USB drive to the rear panel USB-A port. Select USB HDD playback input.

Play/Pause by pressing the ►ll button on the remote control.

You can use the ◄◄ ►►I buttons on the remote control to skip, fast forward and fast reverse tracks.

Long press the button on the remote to enable/disable Folder Play mode. Enabled: All the files in the selected folder are played. Disabled: All the files in all the folders are played.

Briefly press the button on the remote to enter folder browse. When you browse, briefly press to return to previous folder, long press to exit the browse.

Compatible Formats

8: Warranty Coverage

Audiolab warrants this product, subject to the terms and conditions below, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship. During the warranty period Audiolab will repair or replace (at Audiolab's option) this product, or any defective part in this product, if it is found to be defective due to faulty materials, workmanship or function. The warranty period may vary from country to country.

Online Registration

Scan the QR code using a smart-phone device, for product warranty registration online.

The three (3) year extended warranty is applicable to items purchased from Jan 1st 2021, onwards. Items purchased prior to this date are not eligible for this extended warranty service but are subject to statutory warranty claims and all applicable consumer rights.

To qualify for the extended 3 year warranty, you must register your product within ninety (90) calendar days from the date of purchase.

Visit audiolab.co.uk/warranty-registration to complete your online registration.

Items not registered online will have a Limited Warranty for one (1) year, or for the period of your country's statutory warranty, whichever is longer.

Warranty can only be offered to products registered with proof of purchase with date, model and details of the authorised dealer clearly stated on the receipt/invoice. Please keep the original receipt/invoice in case it is required for a warranty claim.

This Limited Warranty is non-transferable and is offered exclusively to the original owner.

This Limited Warranty is valid only in the original country of purchase.

Repairs or replacements are provided under this warranty are the exclusive remedy of the consumer. Audiolab shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages for breach of any expenses or implied warranty with any product. Except to the extent prohibited by law, this warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties whatsoever, both expressed and implied, including but not limited to the warrant of merchantability and fitness for practical purpose.

Exclusions

The following items are excluded from the Audiolab warranty:

• Normal wear and tear and cosmetic damage (including but not limited to any wear from reasonable use, environmental deterioration or neglect)
• Products on which the serial number has been removed, altered or otherwise made illegible.
• Products not purchased from an authorised Audiolab dealer.
• Products that were not new at the time of original purchase.
• Products sold 'as is', 'as seen' or 'with faults'
• Product not purchased from an Authorised Dealer/Distributor within the region of the claim (ie parallel imports or grey market products)
• Accidental damage or faults caused by commercial use, acts of God, incorrect installation, incorrect connection, incorrect packaging, misuse or careless operation or handling which is not in accordance with the user instructions.
• Equipment that has been operated in conjunction with unsuitable, inappropriate or faulty apparatus.
• Repairs, alterations or modifications carried out by parties other than Audiolab or its authorised service partners.
• Damage in transit that cannot be attributable to the fault of Audiolab, the authorised distributor or dealer (ie. claims otherwise covered by transit insurance.)
• Faults relating to abnormal or inappropriate power supply voltage or power surges.
• Faults relating to extremities in temperature, exposure to heat, water or other liquids, insects, excessive moisture, sand, chemicals, battery leakage or any other contaminants.

This warranty provides benefits that are additional to and do not affect your statutory consumer rights.

This Limited Warranty offer is subject to correct information being submitted in your application. Incorrect dates or mismatched purchase receipt dates that are outside of the warranty terms will immediately invalidate any warranty claim.

*Please check with your dealer local distributor for further information.

How to Claim

To obtain warranty service please contact the authorised dealer from which you purchased this product and present the limited warranty certificate offered upon registration of your product's extended warranty offer.

Do not dispatch goods without the prior agreement of the dealer distributor or authorised service centre.

If asked to return products for inspection and or repair, please pack carefully preferably in the original carton or packaging affording an equal degree of protection and returned via insured, trackable courier service.

The authorised dealer or distributor will offer full return details and instructions. However, please note if unsuitable packaging is used the warranty may be deemed void due to improper action in return.

Audiolab or the authorised distributor, dealer or service centre may make a charge for the supply of new packaging for the return of the repaired item. Please note, insurance is recommended as goods are returned at the owner's risk. Authorised distributors or service centres cannot be held liable for loss or damage in transit.

Insurance and freight charges on the return journey will be paid for by Audiolab, authorised dealer, distributor or service centre if corrective work proves to be necessary.

In the event of 'no-fault found' or 'no repair necessary', the return shipping charge will be the responsibility of the owner.

Repairs

All repairs will be carried out by the appointed distributor (or locally appointed service centre). Repairs handled or processed without authorisation or approval of the appointed representative will be excluded from this limited warranty. Please note, Audiolab is not able to supply parts or replacement items to any other entity than the official distributor or authorised service centre.

Other than the warranty and services set out in this warranty, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Audiolab shall not be liable to you and/or any third party or entity whatsoever for:

• Any loss, damages and/or malfunction caused to any product(s) which is/are connected to any of the products covered by this warranty.
• Any damages, loss and liability, whether direct, indirect, incidental, consequential special, punitive or otherwise, howsoever caused by, arising out of or otherwise, in relation to the installation, delivery, use, service, repair, replacement and/or maintenance of the product;
• Any damages, loss and liability under this warranty in respect of any act, omission, or negligence of any of their technicians, employees, agents, representatives or independent contractors relating to the actual or purported performance of any of the obligations under this warranty.

Service Centre Address

Should a fault occur with your product, please pack it correctly using the original packing, so you can ship it safely. For technical support, servicing or product queries and information, please contact either your local retailer or the office below:

IAG Service Dept.
13/14 Glebe Road
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 7DL
UK

Tel: +44(0)1480 452561
Email: info@audiolab.co.uk
http://www.audiolab.co.uk

For information on other authorised service centres worldwide contact Audiolab International, UK. A worldwide distributors list is available on the Audiolab website: www.audiolab.co.uk

9: Specifications

General

• BRAND: Audiolab
• Model: D7
• General Description: DAC
• Design Philosophy and Core Technology: ES9038Q2M 32-bit DAC, MQA Full decoder (PC USB, Coax / Optical), OLED Display, Bluetooth 5.1 (aptX / aptX HD) streaming, Dedicated Current-Feedback Headphone Amp, Supports playing USB memory device (MP3 / WMA / APE / AAC / WAV / FLAC), USB Firmware Upgrade

Inputs

• 2 x SPDIF (Coax), 2 x SPDIF (Optical), 1x PC USB (USB B)
• 1 x USB HDD (USB A), 1 x Bluetooth (aptX / aptX HD)

Outputs

• 1 x RCA, 1 x XLR, 1 x Headphone, 2 x 12V Trigger, 1 x Optical and 1 x Coax

Sampling Frequency

• Optical/Coaxial: 44.1kHz -> 192kHz
• USB HDD: 44.1kHz -> 96kHz
• PC USB: 44.1kHz -> 768kHz (PCM) / DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512

DAC

• D to A Converter: ES9038Q2M
• Output level (0dBFS, 1KHz): 2.05Vrms (RCA), 4.1Vrms (XLR)
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.001% (1KHz @ 0dBFS)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz (+/-0.2dB)
• Output Impedance: 120 ohm
• Max. Sampling Frequency: USB HDD: 96KHz, Optical, Coaxial: 192KHz, PC USB: PCM768kHz, DSD512
• Signal-to-noise Ratio (S/N): > 115dB (A-weighted, RCA), > 117dB (A-weighted, XLR)

Headphone Amplifier

• Total Harmonic Distortion(THD): < 0.01% (1kHz, 50mW )
• Output Impedance: 2.35 ohm
• Load Impedance: 20-600 ohm

General

• Standby Power Consumption: <0.5W
• Net Weight: 1.42 kg
• Gross Weight: 2.2 kg
• Dimensions (mm) (W x H x D): 180 x 56 x 208mm
• Carton Size (mm) (W x H x D): 290 x 85 x 325mm
• Finish: Various
• Power Requirements (depending on region): 220-240V ~ 50/60Hz, 100-120V ~ 50/60Hz
• Standard Accessories: Power adapter, Remote Control, User Manual, etc.

Correct disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed of with other household wastes throughout the EU. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.