PS Audio PMG Signature SACD Transport

Owner's Reference

Introduction

Welcome to the PS Audio HiFi Family, and congratulations on your new PMG Signature SACD Transport.

Bringing this transport into your system is inviting a lifetime of music to be played back as close to perfection as PS Audio can get. Every detail in this remarkable piece of equipment, from its galvanically isolated output stage to the built-in Digital Lens, was crafted with one purpose in mind: to get you closer to the music as it was meant to be heard.

The PMG Signature Transport is the culmination of more than five decades of experience, passion, and relentless pursuit of musical truth. This is not just a digital transport; it's a statement, a benchmark, a tool designed for those who care deeply about the emotional impact of music and the truth hidden in every note.

Paul McGowan's name on the front of this transport signifies a personal promise that what you now own has been built to the highest standards. The PMG Signature Transport is the most accurate, revealing, and musically engaging optical disc reader PS Audio has ever created.

Whether you're rediscovering a favorite CD or diving into the vast dynamic range of an SACD, you will hear and feel something extraordinary. If this is your first time with PS Audio, welcome home. You've joined a passionate, global community of audiophiles who value not just sound, but the experience of music in its purest form.

Thank you for trusting PS Audio with your music. PS Audio is honored to have you on this journey.

Warmest regards,
Paul McGowan
Founder, PS Audio

Safety Instructions

Read these instructions

Heed all warnings

Follow all instructions

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE ANY PS AUDIO PRODUCT. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

Please contact your authorized dealer, distributor, or PS Audio if you have any questions not addressed in this reference manual.

PS Audio® is a registered trademark of PS Audio International Inc., and is restricted for use by PS Audio International, Inc., its subsidiaries, and authorized agents.

Rev. A1

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to tell the user that important operating and servicing instructions are in the papers with the appliance.

The lightning flash with arrowhead within a triangle is intended to tell the user that parts inside the product are a risk of electric shock to persons.

WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Do not open.

Getting Started

Unpacking

Figure 1: Front Panel Controls

Item Description
1 Logo Button (Ready/Operational mode switch)
2 USB Port
3 Disc Drawer
4 Display and Touch Screen
5 Emergency Eject (red slider on bottom of unit)

The following items are included with the PMG SACD Transport:

Carefully unpack the unit and place it in the chosen location. Care should be taken to keep it away from power amplifiers or large, potentially hum-inducing products.

Connections

Figure 2: Rear Panel Ports

Item Description
1 Fuse holder 230V (refer to panel legend for fuse type)
2 Fuse holder 100V/120V (refer to panel legend for fuse type)
3 Main Power Switch
4 Power cord receptacle
5 USB type A (thumb drive) port - for firmware updates only
6 I²S (via HDMI cable)
7 Coax-3 RCA
8 Coax-2 BNC
9 Coax-1 BNC
10 XLR-2
11 XLR-1

Connect to a DAC

Connect the PMG Transport to a DAC via one of the digital outputs. The Transport offers multiple choices including: I²S, XLR, RCA Coax, and BNC Coax. All outputs are capable of delivering high-definition digital audio signals.

I²S

For the best sonic experience, PS Audio recommends connecting to a DAC through its I²S protocol (Figure 2, Item 6) if possible. This data link can only be used with another compatible component, such as a PS Audio DAC or PS Audio integrated amplifier. Although I²S protocol uses the same connector and cable as HDMI, this is not an HDMI signal. The HDMI connector and cable were chosen to carry the I²S signal because of their superior high-speed data transmission capabilities for multiple clocks and data lines. PS Audio publishes its I²S standard and it has been adopted by multiple other manufacturers as well. Ask your equipment manufacturer if it is compatible with PS Audio's I²S protocol.

This is also the only output that can deliver the locked DSD layer of an SACD disc. DSD files on the USB drive or burned to a DVD may be played on any output.

XLR

If an I²S input is not available on your connected DAC, PS Audio recommends XLR (Figure 2, Item 10 & 11) as the next-best connection. The XLR outputs provide a balanced digital output stream containing a combined version of the musical data and multiple clocks.

Two XLR connectors are provided for compatibility with DACs that use two cables for double-rate DSD. If this mode is not enabled, both XLR connectors output the same signal. See the DoP Mode section of this manual for more on this.

Using a high-quality XLR data cable, connect either of the PST's XLR outputs to the corresponding input of your DAC.

RCA or BNC (Coax)

Many DACs rely upon a coaxial digital connection to receive data. Digital audio transferred over a single RCA or BNC coaxial cable is in the S/PDIF format (Sony/Philips Digital Interface), which combines digital audio with multiple clocks on a single cable.

Two BNC connectors are provided for compatibility with DACs that use two cables for double-rate DSD. See section on System sub-menu: DoP Mode. If this mode is not enabled, both BNC connectors output the same signal.

Using a high-quality RCA (or BNC) cable optimized for data transmission, connect the PMG Transport's RCA (Figure 2, Item 7) or BNC (Figure 2, Item 8 & 9) output to your DAC's RCA or BNC input.

Connect to Power

Connect the AC power cable into the receptacle in back (Figure 2, Item 4) and plug the unit into your power source. While the supplied cord is of good quality, it is recommended that you replace it with a high-end power cord for optimum performance. It is also recommended that you connect your new PMG SACD Transport to one of PS Audio's award-winning AC power regenerators such as the P12 or P20.

Power On

Once everything is connected, it is time to power up the PMG Transport. Put the main power switch (Figure 2, Image 5) in the ON position (horizontal line is pressed down). PS Audio recommends the master power switch be left in the ON position and AC power continue to be supplied even when the transport is not in use. Instead, use the front logo button (Figure 1, Item 1) to put the Transport in ready mode. This keeps power on to critical circuitry thereby avoiding the stabilizing warm-up period and additional wear on components due to power cycling.

Main Display

When powered on, “PMG Signature Series” appears followed by the main display as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Main Display

Item # Description
1 Play/Pause
2 Eject Disc
3 Source Menu (CD, SACD, USB)
4 Enter Menu
5 Repeat Song or Disc
6 Current Source
7 Stop
8 Track Number

Main Display Controls

To play a disc, press the eject icon (Item 2) to eject the drawer and insert your disc. Press it again to close the drawer.

To play music on a USB (thumb) drive, plug the USB into the USB port on the front panel (Figure 1, Item 2).

Pressing the source icon (Item 3) opens a pop-up menu that lets you select the source: DSD, CD, or USB. Touch the bubble of the desired source and press anywhere outside the menu box to exit. The selected source will now be displayed on the screen (Item 6). If playing from a USB, the source icon (Item 3) shows a USB icon.

Note: DSD is only available if the disc is an SACD and the PMG SACD Transport is connected to a PS Audio DAC or integrated amplifier via I²S (HDMI cable). See page 2 for more information on this.

Press the play icon (Item 1) to play music on your disc or USB. Once it starts playing, the play icon will become a pause icon and the elapsed time of the current track will be displayed under it. A ring around the display will also track the progress of the track.

The track number (Item 8) is displayed in the center of the display. Swipe left or right on across the track number to change it.

Pressing the pause icon (Item 1) will halt the song at the current track and time. The SACD will continue to spin.

Pressing the stop icon (Item 7) will stop playing the disc. The disc will return to the beginning of track 1 and the SACD drive will spin down and stop.

Remote

The remote can also be used to play/pause, stop, change track numbers, and repeat song or playlist. For more information on using the remote, go to page 16.

For detailed operating instructions, see the Operating Guide starting on page 7.

Product Registration

To register your new PMG Preamplifier, look on the back panel and note the serial number. Using any web browser, go to www.psaudio.com, click Support and select Product Registration from the menu. When you have completed the registration process, go to the Registrations page. The link to this page (?) is located at the top right hand corner of the website after you are logged in. Click the link then select Product Registrations in the left hand column.

If you do not have web access, you may register via phone. Notification of software upgrades to this product are available only to registered owners via the website and email.

Operating Guide

Front Panel Controls

Figure 4: Front Panel Controls

Item Description
1 Logo Button (Ready/Operational mode)
2 USB Port
3 Disc Drawer
4 Display/Touch Screen

Logo Button

The logo button (Figure 4, Item 1) controls whether the PMG SACD Transport is in Operational mode (illuminated) or Ready (dark) mode. Use Operational mode when the unit is in use. The screen and logo button will both be illuminated. PS Audio recommends using Ready mode when the unit is not in use. Ready mode turns off the display and outputs but keeps power on to critical internal circuitry, including power supply capacitors, thermally sensitive semiconductors, and integrated circuits. Press the logo button to switch between these two modes.

If you wish to conserve energy consumed by PMG Preamp, it will be necessary to use the rear panel power switch. Using this rear panel switch will remove power from critical components. In order to gain maximum performance levels, you will need to turn the power back on at least 1 hour before use.

Should the preamp need to be rebooted, use the rear panel power switch to power cycle the unit. It's best to wait 30 seconds before powering back on.

USB Port

To listen to music on a USB (thumb) drive, insert it into the USB port (Item 2) on the front panel.

Disc Drawer

To listen to an SACD or CD, press the eject icon on the main display. The disc drawer (Item 3) will open. Insert your disc and press the eject icon on the main display to close it.

Display/Touch Screen

The display/touch screen (Item 4) displays current settings and allows you to make changes. It displays the current source, track number, track progress, and sample rate. It also allows you to control the PMG SACD Transport by touching or swiping icons. The remote can also be used to control the PMG Transport.

Main Display: Information

When playing, the main display of the PMG Transport shows the following information about the current track:

Figure 5: Main Display

Source

You can listen to an SACD, CD, Data Disc or songs on a USB drive on your PMG SACD Transport. To select the source:

Figure 6

After making your selection, press anywhere outside the pop-up menu to exit. The selected source will appear under the track number (Figure 7, Item 6) until you start playing a track. Once a track is playing, the sample rate will appear (Figure 5, item 4).

Note: When USB is selected, the Source Icons will also change to a USB Icon.

Play/Pause

Play/Pause on the Display:

Play/Pause on the Remote:

Press the center button on the navigation to toggle between play and pause (Figure 8, Item 2).

Figure 7

Figure 8

Change Tracks

Change Tracks on the Display:

Figure 9a

Figure 9b

Note: If you experience issues, ensure that you are dragging your finger all the way across the track number and giving the Transport enough time between swipes.

Change Tracks on the Remote:

When using the remote, press the left arrow on the navigation ring (Figure 10, Item 1) to go down a track number and the right arrow (Figure 10, item 2) to go up a track number.

Figure 10

Fast forward

Fast forward on the display:

Figure 11a

Figure 11b

Figure 11c

Fast forward on the remote:

Rewind

Rewind on the display:

Figure 12a

Figure 12b

Figure 12c

To rewind on the remote:

Stop/Eject

Stop/Eject on the Display:

To stop a disc from playing, touch the stop icon (Figure 7, Item 7). The disc will return to the beginning of track 1 and the SACD drive will spin down and stop.

To eject a disc, touch the eject icon (Figure 12, Item 2). Touch it again to close the drawer.

Stop on the Remote:

When using the remote, press the stop button under Transport (Figure 13, Item 2).

Note: You cannot eject a disc from the remote. You must use the touch screen.

Figure 13

Repeat

The SACD can repeat a song or an entire disc.

There are three options for repeat:

To change the repeat setting on the display:

Figure 14

Repeat on the Remote:

Press the button with arrows under transport (Figure 13, item 1). Keep pressing the button until you see the desired setting on the screen.

Time Display

There are three options for the track time display (Figure 5, Item 2):

Use the display to change the way time is displayed:

Figure 15

Note: This setting cannot be changed using the remote.

Menu System

While many features can be accessed through the main display, you need to enter the menu system to access DoP mode, make system changes, and see the version screen.

To enter the menu system, touch the menu icon (Figure 14, Item 4) on the main display.

Main Menu

Once in the main menu, touch the value of the item you wish to change or view. For example, to change the DoP, touch Split (Figure 16, Item 1). To exit an item's pop-up menu, touch any area outside the pop-up. To return to the home screen, touch the home icon (Figure 16, Item 4).

Sub-menus are indicated by three dots (Figure 16, Item 2). Press the dots to enter the sub-menu. Press the return arrow at the bottom of the screen to return to the main menu.

The main menu has the below items:

Figure 16

Main Menu: DoP Mode

DoP only applies to DSD from data files, not from SACDs. DoP Mode determines how double rate DSD (DSD128) files will be sent over the Coax and XLR outputs. The options are None, Split, and Stereo. Split is the default.

In "Stereo” mode, the DSD128 signal is encoded into a 352.8KHz PCM frame. The same signal is sent to all Coax and XLR connectors. Please note that some DACs are not capable of decoding 352.8KHz frames.

In "Split" mode, each channel (L and R) is encoded separately in a 176.4KHz PCM frame. The Left channel will be sent to the “L” connectors and the Right channel will be sent to the “R” connectors. The Coax-3 output is always in stereo mode.

The DSD layer of an SACD will only be output on the I2S output connector. DSD from data files will output natively on the I2S output connector and in DoP format on the Coax and XLR output connectors.

To change DoP Mode:

Figure 17

Main Menu: System Sub-Menu

Use the system sub-menu to access the below features:

Figure 18

System Sub-Menu: Backlight

The Backlight setting allows users to adjust the brightness of both the Logo Button and the Display to complement the room lighting. Options range from 1–10 with 10 being the brightest.

To set the brightness:

Figure 19

System Sub-Menu: Remote Code

The PMG remote sends RF code to your PMG SACD Transport. In addition, it sends IR codes so that it can work with your PS Audio legacy devices, such as the PerfectWave or Stellar series.

The remote code menu allows you to change the IR code. This is helpful if you have a PS Audio legacy unit and are experiencing interference with other devices, such as your television.

Both the unit and the remote will need to be updated when changing this setting.

Note: Code options are available on Stellar products and the PW DSD MK2. All other PerfectWave units only work with Remote Code A.

There are four options: Off, A, B, C

To change remote codes on the unit:

Figure 20

To update the remote:

System Sub-Menu: Factory Reset

The Factory Reset setting returns all menu items to their original factory settings.

Note: All custom settings will be lost.

To factory reset the unit:

Figure 21

Versions

The versions dialog box is informational only. If you need to contact PS Audio customer service team for help with your unit, please have this information ready.

To access this setting:

Figure 22

Updating Firmware

If PS Audio releases new firmware, you will need to download it from the website and put it on a thumb drive. The thumb drive is then inserted into the USB type A (thumb drive) port on the back of the unit (Figure 2, Item 5). See below for detailed instructions.

  1. Prepare the thumb drive:
    • Go to the PS Audio website and download the latest firmware for the PMG SACD Transport
    • On your PC or Mac, unzip contents of the pmg_transport_vX.Y.Z.zip file and copy the image.bin file to your USB thumb drive. The X.Y.Z is the version of the software, for example, pmg_transport_v2.2.1.bin.
    • Remove the thumb drive from your computer.
  2. Update your unit:
    • Place the thumb drive in the back of the PMG Transport, in the slot marked FW.
    • Using the switch in the back of the unit, power off the unit and then power it back on.
    • The Logo LED will turn on solid blue for a few seconds.
    • The Logo LED will begin to blink green rapidly. It should blink around 25 to 30 times.
    • The update will complete and the unit will immediately initialize.
    • The firmware has now been updated.
    • Remove the thumb drive from the back of the unit.

Troubleshooting:

Remote

Your PMG SACD Transport comes with a full-function remote control. In addition to operating your PMG SACD Transport, this remote works with all PMG products and most legacy products.

Button Guide:

Figure 13

Emergency Eject

In the unlikely event that a disc gets stuck in the Transport, try rebooting the unit first. Turn off the main rear panel switch. Wait ten seconds and then turn the switch back on. Once the Transport boots up, touch the eject icon on the screen to open the drawer and remove the disc.

If the reboot doesn't work, an emergency procedure is available.

There is a red emergency eject slider on the bottom of the unit (Figure 23). Slide it towards the center of the unit while keeping the unit level. This will engage the release mechanism, manually sliding the disc door open so that the disc can be retrieved. If the screws are tight and the slider doesn't move, use a screwdriver to loosen them slightly. Do not completely unscrew them.

WARNING: Do not tilt the PMG backwards as this may cause the disc to fall out of the tray and get stuck in the back of the drive. This could not only damage the disc, but could also potentially jam the drive and make it difficult or impossible to open the tray. If possible, slide your finger under the unit without lifting it up or have someone hold the unit straight so that the bottom of the unit can be accessed from below.

Figure 23: Emergency Eject Lever

Reference

Product Specifications

Physical:

Unit Weight 30.3 lbs / 13.7 kg
Unit Dimensions 17.5"w x 4"h x 14.5"d
44.45 cm x 10.16 cm x 36.83 cm
Shipping Weight 40.5 lbs / 18.4 kg
Shipping Dimensions 25"w x 10"h x 22.5"d
635 cm x 25.4 cm x 57.2 cm

Power Requirements:

Input Power Auto Voltage: 120VAC or 230VAC, 50 or 60Hz
Power Consumption 25W
Fuses 230V: T250V-1AH Time delay, H rated
120V: T250V-1.6AH Time delay, H rated

Connectors:

Digital Outputs
  • I²S: 1 I²S output for PCM and Native DSD
  • RCA Coax: 1 output for PCM and DoP
  • BNC Coax: 2 outputs for PCM and DoP
    Note: Use in tandem for Double-Rate DoP
  • XLR / Balanced: 2 outputs for PCM and DoP
    Note: Use in tandem for Double-Rate DoP
USB Port (back panel) For USB firmware update only

Media:

Optical Discs SACD/CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R*/- RW*/+R*/+RW* (*Audio data file only)
USB Port (front panel) USB Flash Drive with audio files

File Format

File Format MP3/WMA/AAC (~48kHz/320bps)
WAV/FLAC/AIFF (~192kHz/24bit)
ALAC (~96kHz/24bit)
DSD (~5.6MHz)

Warranty

Registering

Product registration

By registering your product, you are validating the start date of your limited warranty. This limited warranty is in effect for 3 years from the date the unit was first purchased from PS Audio or its dealers and agents. If you do not register your product within 30 days of purchase, a copy of your purchase receipt from an authorized PS Audio dealer may be used as proof of purchase to establish the warranty start date. If no proof of purchase from an authorized PS Audio dealer or registration is provided, the production date of the product will be used to determine the warranty start date. You can register your product online, by phone, by mail, or by email.

Coverage

What this warranty covers

This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for products purchased from PS Audio or its authorized dealers and agents. In the event your product fails, your sole remedy under this limited warranty shall be to return the product to PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio repair center. At the option of PS Audio, the product will be repaired without charge for parts or labor, replaced, or the purchase price refunded through the original point of purchase.

Shipping

Shipping

You are responsible to pay for the safe and proper shipment of the warrantied product to PS Audio or its authorized repair center. Under this limited warranty, PS Audio or its authorized repair center will pay the cost of returning the repaired or replacement product to you.

Not Covered

What this warranty does not cover

This warranty does not cover damage due to:

Limitations

Limitations under this warranty

In no event will PS Audio's liability to you exceed the original purchase price of your unit. This warranty does not cover the cost of custom installation, customer instruction, setup adjustments, or signal reception problems. Consequential and incidental damages are not covered under this warranty. However, some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. In the event that your warrantied product cannot be repaired, PS Audio will either replace or refund the cost of the unit. PS Audio reserves the right to replace any out-of-stock, discontinued, or limited edition products with a comparable product. Discontinued products may not be eligible for warranty.

Warranty Transfer

Warranty transfer

This warranty is for the benefit of the original purchaser of the product. The warranty may be transferred to a subsequent purchaser during the 3 year warranty period. To do this, you must contact PS Audio directly to set up a transfer of warranty registration.

Service

If you require service in North America

Warranty Service within North America

Please contact PS Audio customer support for service assistance, help with locating an authorized PS Audio repair center, help with the operation of a product, or for more information.

Obtain an RMA number

Obtaining an RMA#

In order to receive warranty service, you must first obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization Number (RMA#) prior to returning any item. Please contact PS Audio or an authorized PS Audio repair center to receive an RMA#. The RMA# must be on all returned items. If it is not clearly marked, PS Audio will return the package back to you, freight collect.

Use original packing

Packaging and Shipping

Original packaging should be used for the safe transit of your PS Audio unit to the repair center. If you do not have the original packaging, PS Audio can sell and ship replacement packaging to you. You are responsible for the cost of shipping the product to a PS Audio authorized repair center. You should insure the product for its full retail cost, in the event it gets lost or damaged in transit. PS Audio is not responsible for damage incurred during the transit of products sent to us. Shipping your product in non-PS Audio packaging may void this warranty. PS Audio reserves the right to charge you for new factory packaging to return your product after a repair.

State Law

State Law

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

If you are outside the US

International Warranty Service

PS Audio has authorized distribution in many countries of the world. In each country, the authorized importing distributor has accepted the responsibility for warranty of the products sold by that distributor. Warranty service should be obtained where the product was purchased.

Changes to Our Products

PS Audio reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products, and to change the prices or specifications of any products without notice or obligation to any person.

Conclusion

At PS Audio, we're family. Not just a family that runs in bloodlines, but in frequencies. Because while we may not all share the same genes here, we are all related by a passion, nay, obsession with listening to the music we love at the highest, most breathtaking quality possible. And in our minds, that makes us kin. In fact, PS Audio believes that every nutty, hertz counting audiophile out there is part of our tribe. That's how PS Audio has built its company over the last 50 years - with the kind of care and respect that you give to your family.

Models: 800-PSAUDIO Paul McGowan Signature SACD Transport, 800-PSAUDIO, Paul McGowan Signature SACD Transport, Signature SACD Transport, SACD Transport, Transport

File Info : application/pdf, 28 Pages, 2.71MB

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PMG SACD Transport Manual Rev A1

References

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