PISCES HIFI Digital Interface
Thank you for choosing MUSICIAN products!
Guangzhou LEZHIJIA Technology Co.,Ltd. (MUSICIAN Audio) was formally established in 2020. The R&D team is formed by a group of enthusiasts with more than 20 years of audio research and development experience. It is committed to the following products: R2R discrete balanced decoders, balanced headphone amplifiers, balanced amplifiers, balanced pre-amplifiers, headphones, passive speakers, and other audio products.
Important Safety Tips
- Do not cover the machine with items like newspapers, tablecloths, or curtains, as this can impede heat dissipation and potentially cause overheating, fire, damage, or personal injury.
- Use only the specified voltage for this machine. Using a higher voltage is dangerous and may lead to fire, unit damage, or personal injury.
- Do not attempt to modify or repair the unit yourself. For service, contact the MUSICIAN after-sales team via the official website.
- If the machine will not be used for an extended period, disconnect the power cord from the AC wall outlet. Unplug the power cord during lightning storms or when unattended for long periods to protect the product from damage due to lightning and power grid surges.
Technical Highlights
- Proprietary FPGA DSP Processing Architecture
- FIFO Buffer and Reclock with Internal Crystal
- TCXO temperature compensated active crystal oscillator
- O-type single crystal copper transformer
- Optical Isolated All Digital Input Interfaces
- Proprietary USB Audio Solution via STM32F446 Advanced AMR Based MCU
- Licensed Thesycon USB Driver For Windows Platform
- Driverless On Mac & Linux
- External Clocks Input Supported (45.1548MHz/49.152MHz)
Audio Specifications
DSD
DSD64 (DoP) on Coax/AES/Opt Input & Output. Up to DSD512 On USB Input & I²S Output.
PCM
24bits / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192KHz On All Output. Up to 768 KHz On USB Input & Up to 384 KHz on I²S Output.
Connectivity
Digital Input
- USB2.0 Type B
External Clock Input
- 45.1548MHz, 49.152MHz
Digital Output
- AES/EBU
- I²S HDMI LVDS
- I²S RJ45 LVCMOS
- Optical
- Coaxial
Note: The RJ45/HDMI ports of PISCES are purpose-built I²S ports, not typical network/multimedia ports. Do not connect them to standard multimedia HDMI ports or Ethernet networks.
Panel Information
The front panel features:
- 1. SETUP button
- 2. OK button
LED indicators on the front panel display status for PCM, DSD, EX.CLOCK, I2S, and sampling rates (44.1K, 48K, 2X, 4X, 8X, 16X).
The rear panel features:
- 3. I²S HDMI LVDS output
- 4. I²S RJ45 LVCMOS output
- 5. AES/EBU output
- 6. Optical output
- 7. Coaxial output
- 8. Clock input (49.152Mhz, 45.1548Mhz)
- 9. USB input (USB2.0 Type B)
- 10. Power Switch
- 11. Power input (AC IN 100-240V, 50/60Hz)
Driver Installation and Usage
Windows Platform
PISCES utilizes a proprietary USB audio solution. For Windows, a licensed Thesycon USB Driver is required.
- Download and install the Thesycon USB Driver for Windows.
- Connect a standard USB cable from your PC's USB port to the PISCES USB input.
- Select the USB input on the PISCES; the USB input LED should illuminate.
- Verify the connection in your PC's audio device panel.
Mac & Linux
The PISCES is driverless on Mac and Linux systems. Simply connect the USB cable, select the USB input, and check your system's sound settings to confirm the connection.
LED Indicator Guide
- PCM: Light off (Shutdown/Not PCM audio), Light flashing (Power on/PCM audio detected).
- EX.CLOCK: Light off (Internal clock), Light on (External clock selected).
- DSD: Light off (Shutdown/Not DSD audio), Light flashing (Power on/DSD audio detected).
- I2S: Light off (DSD L/R channels are L/R), Light on (DSD L/R channels are R/L).
- 44K1/48K: Indicates the sampling rate of the input signal. Light on means the rate matches; light off means it does not.
- 2X/4X/8X/16X: Indicates the sampling rate multiplier of the input signal. Light flashing means the rate matches; light off means it does not.
Button Operation
SETUP Button
- Home Mode: Press to enter menu mode (PCM and DSD lights flash).
- Menu Mode: Press to cycle through menu options.
- Function Setting: No response.
OK Button
- Home Mode: No response.
- Menu Mode: Press to enter the setting for the selected menu item.
- Function Setting: Press to switch between functions.
Auto Return: If no button is pressed for approximately 6 seconds in menu or function setting modes, the device returns to home mode. This does not apply during USB upgrades.
Function Setting Descriptions
| Function Setting | Button Operation | LED Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| External Clock Function Setting | Press SETUP repeatedly to enter menu mode, then select External Clock Function Setting. Press OK to enter. | PCM flash + DSD flash + Ex.clock flash (entering) PCM flash + DSD flash + Ex.clock on (selected) |
| Press OK again to toggle the external clock function (On/Off). | 44k1 or 48K light off (External Clock Off) 44k1 or 48K light on (External Clock On) | |
| I2S Pin Function Setting | Press SETUP repeatedly to enter menu mode, then select I2S Pin Function Setting. Press OK to enter. | PCM flash + DSD flash + I2S flash (entering) PCM flash + DSD flash + I2S on (selected) |
| Press OK again to switch I2S pin configurations. | 44K1(DATA), 2X(BCK), 4X(LRCK) lights indicate pin assignment. On/Off status indicates positive/negative polarity. | |
| DSD Left and Right Channel Function Settings | Press SETUP repeatedly to enter menu mode, then select DSD Left and Right Channel Function Settings. Press OK to enter. | PCM flash + DSD flash + 48K flash (entering) PCM flash + DSD flash + 48K on (selected) |
| Press OK again to switch DSD channel assignments. | 16X light off (L/R) 16X light on (R/L) | |
| USB Upgrade Function Settings | Press SETUP repeatedly to enter menu mode, then select USB Upgrade Function Setting. Press OK to enter. | PCM flash + DSD flash + 8X flash (entering) PCM flash + DSD flash + 8X on (selected) |
| Press OK again to switch between USB upgrade and exit USB upgrade. | All sampling rate LEDs on (Start Upgrade). PCM flash + DSD flash + 8X on (Exit Upgrade). |
I2S PIN Configurations
As there is no industry standard for I2S connections, different brands and products may have different I2S line orders. It is crucial to configure the I2S pinout correctly to match your DAC to avoid static/noise output, which could potentially damage loudspeakers or headphone drivers.
| I2S PIN Mode | 44K1(DATA) | 2X(BCK) | 4X(LRCK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mode 1 | Off: DATA+ | Off: BCK+ | Off: LRCK+ |
| Mode 2 | On: DATA- | Off: BCK+ | Off: LRCK+ |
| Mode 3 | Off: DATA+ | On: BCK- | Off: LRCK+ |
| Mode 4 | On: DATA- | On: BCK- | Off: LRCK+ |
| Mode 5 | Off: DATA+ | Off: BCK+ | On: LRCK- |
| Mode 6 | On: DATA- | Off: BCK+ | On: LRCK- |
| Mode 7 | Off: DATA+ | On: BCK- | On: LRCK- |
| Mode 8 | On: DATA- | On: BCK- | On: LRCK- |
I²S Matching Suggestions
- Connect using a high-quality HDMI cable (less than 3ft / 1m).
- Turn the volume down to the minimum audible level.
- Play music, starting with PCM, then DSD.
- Configure the I2S settings to match your DAC (consult the DAC manufacturer for details).
- Ensure one of the modes matches the playing source for both PCM and DSD.
It is recommended to perform an audio tone test to confirm correct L/R channel phase alignment.
Basic Parameters
- Function Keys: SETUP Button, OK Button
- Input Modes: USB2.0 Type B, External Clock (45.1548MHz/49.152MHz)
- Output Modes: AES/EBU, I²S HDMI LVDS, I²S RJ45 Ivcmos, Optical, Coaxial
- Power Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz (Global voltage)
- Machine Size: 250mm x 235mm x 70mm (Height includes foot pad)
- Machine Weight: 3.5 kg
- Package Weight: 4.5 kg
Diagram showing dimensions: Width 250mm, Depth 235mm, Height 70mm (including foot pad).
Warranty Information
Musician Audio provides a three-year warranty on all products, backed by strict quality control checks. Within the first 30 days of purchase, most items can be returned for refund or exchange under specific conditions.
Returnable Items
Items eligible for return/refund/exchange within 30 days of receipt must meet the following criteria:
- Returned items must include all accessories, hardware, manuals, and instructions, and be in the same 'new' condition as shipped.
- Returned items will be evaluated. Refunds will not be issued for defects caused by improper handling, misuse, tampering, or incorrect usage.
- A 25% restocking fee will be charged for items returned without complete original packaging (box, foam, etc.).
Note: Customers are responsible for ensuring returned items are shipped safely. Musician Audio is not responsible for items lost or damaged during return transit. If a replacement is chosen, Musician Audio will cover the shipping costs for the replacement items.
Return Fee and Address
Global customers can return products to Musician Audio's Chinese warehouse. Please contact customer support before returning any items to obtain the correct return address.
- All transportation costs for returns or exchanges are the responsibility of the customer and are non-refundable.
- Customers should confirm the return shipping fee with their local post office before shipping and are advised to use the most economical postal service available.
