Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Analog DAC
Users Manual
Rev 1 (10/2012)
Sign Magnitude Ladder daC S peCifiCtionS a
i nputS : t eerh i tupn SLto S - Cioh Ce fo : Caixao L, t o SLkni , ab Lna Cde ea S/ube , MSb n krowte
2S proi and uSb
rCa o utputS : 2.62 V rMS (7 V pp)
C r a o utput i MpedanCe : 53 ohMS without VoLuMe ControLS , 38 ohMS with VoLM u e ControLS
b aLanCed o utput : 2.62 V rMS (7 V pp)
b aLanCed o utput i MpedanCe : 106 MS oh without VoLM u e ControLS , 76 MS oh with VL o uMe ControLS
VoLuMe CL ontro (L opt
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Analog DAC Users Manual Unique Product - a Preamp or a DAC? This product has the option to be a unique combination of a very high performance DAC and the ultimate passive preamp. It is intended to be used as both for the best possible sound in your CD, DVD-A system. Our preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the moment analog audio is Phono Transport created, every transition that is made degrades the quality. That means that an active preamp with Preamp many stages if perfec
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
The Universal Media Transport UMT is a great companion to the Analog DAC. It is shown here with the Signature Transport Power Base in Matte White. Remote Control Control Option One - Standard Remote included. The remote offers the following basic features: • Volume control • Mute • Input switching Standard Remote Batteries – The remote control requires two AAA batteries. Control Option Two - Optional Aluminum Remote (standard with MSB Transports). This remote offers an expanded featur
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
Loading New Firmware Loading custom Digital Filter Firmware will permanently change the operation of your DAC. MSB Technology can configure custom software for your DAC to meet virtually any requirement. Playing an audio file containing the new firmware will erase the current software in your DAC and replace it with the contents of the update file. This is safe if one precaution is faithfully observed. The firmware update process takes about 20-30 seconds and you MUST NOT INTERRUPT THE POWER
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Rear Panel Analog Details Analog Single-Ended RCA Output – This is the primary single ended RCA analog output. For optimum performance, use this output as the DAC is fundamentally single-ended. Analog Balanced XLR Output – This is the balanced XLR analog output. This is an alternate output format. Analog Single-Ended RCA Input – This is the single-ended analog input. This input is passed to the output with no change unless a volume option is installed. When the volu
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
USB Input Module The USB Input is the most advanced MSB produces. The hardware is able to handle audio data and DSD up to 32 bit, 384 kHz. Apple MAC OS On the MAC the USB is plug and play. The MAC will recognize the USB DAC and its capabilities and will allow the output to be set to any sample rate desired. The bad news is, with certain programs such as iTunes, the output sample rate has to be set manually when the file sample rate changes. So if you set the output for 192kHz, and
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
MSB Network Connector The MSB PRO I2S Network One of the most powerful features of MSB products is the PRO I2S network. Most new MSB products have a PRO I2S connection available. The MSB PRO I2S has the following capability: • Works with standard CAT6 cable • Simultaneous transmission of 8 audio channels with 32 bit resolution at 384 kHz sampling rate. • MSB CAN Interbox communication Bus (for communications between boxes) • Low Jitter master clock distribution from the DAC back to
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
Front Panel Controls Although the user interface is very simple and easy to use, there is one trick. Input Button – Normally this switches inputs but if you hold the button, the DAC will be reset and will display the serial number and Firmware REV number on the display . Control Features MSB remote controls can be used to operate several MSB products. The top half is primary for the transport. The center is for the DAC and the lower part for the iLink. The Analog DAC has limited function
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Features DAC Output - This unique feature adjusts the output of the DAC digitally . It is especially useful when no volume • • control is installed, for optimally matching the DAC output to a preamp input. Many preamps sound much better with a lower level signal. W ith MSB volume modules installed this setting should be left at 0 db. Output Single-Ended Balanced +3dB 3.57 Vrms 7.14 Vrms This setting for measurements only 0dB 2.62 Vrms 5.23 Vrms -3dB 1.79 V
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Using the Analog DAC to test your source The Analog DAC is unique in that gives you a precise test for bit perfect playback. If you are playing a CD, a copy of a CD or a ripped CD file on your computer the DAC should be receiving the file bit-perfect and it it is not, your sound quality will be compromised. This corruption could be accidental. You may have ripped a CD with a program that does a conversion. This is very bad and you should not do this. You may have an upsampling transport
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Upgrades and Modifications Removal of the cover - The cover cannot be removed. The circuits are potted in the chassis. There are no serviceable parts inside. Installing or replacing the Input Modules - The modules are designed to be easily installed or replaced. Turn the DAC over and place on a soft surface like a towel. Please follow these instructions. PLEASE note that the order the modules are installed is the priority order you will establish for automatic input selection. The highest
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
When installing a new module, remove the black cover the same way as you would remove a module. It is easy to remove when the two screws are removed. You will not need a removal tool. To install a new module, slide the new module into the track and push firmly into place. Now put the screws back into the base, put the screw back into the jackpanel of the module, and return the installation tool to its place on the base. Finished! 12
