MSB Technology The Reference DAC Manual de usuario
The Reference DAC
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user guides,
rmware, and drivers:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
12.10.2020
Technical specications
Supported Formats
(Input depedent)
44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
Digital Inputs 4x Advanced isolated input module slots
XLR Analog Inputs 100K Ohm Balanced
12Vrms Maximum
Isolated when not selected
XLR Analog Outputs 3.57Vrms Maximum (Digital Input)
12Vrms Maximum (Analog Input)
150 Ohm Balanced
Galvanically isolated
Volume Control Purely passive constant impedance analog
attenuation
1dB steps
Display Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous
Adjustable brightness and auto-o feature
Controls Isolated RS-232
IR Remote
Knob + 3 Buttons
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 2.2 in (56 mm)
Stack height: 2.85 in (72 mm)
Weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
Product Feet: M6x1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions Width: 25 in (635 mm)
Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
Height: 10 in (254 mm)
Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)
Included Accessories User Manual
MSB Remote
Micro USB Charging Cable
4x Rubber Feet
4x Plastic inserts for feet
Power The DAC comes with a high performance powerbase. The
powerbase automatically detects and switches between
240V and 120V. This is not a switching supply that
works at any voltage, but a linear supply with automatic
switching of the transformer leads. The power supply is
switched on and o with a button on the front or via the IR
remote. Plug in the provided AC cable to the back of the
powerbase, then plug in the provided DC interconnects
from each of the two plugs on each side of the powerbase
to each of the two plugs on each side of the DAC. To
unplug the DC power cables, just pull on the barrel of the
connector housing.
Inputs The DAC comes with the digital input modules of your
choice. Connect any digital input to any active digital audio
source. The frequency and bit depth of the incoming
signal will be displayed on the front panel.
Outputs Connect the balanced analog outputs to any amplier.
The output level is controlled with the knob or remote.
When stacking the units, you will nd enclosed black plastic square
inserts. These inserts t into the square holes in the top of each
chassis. This will allow you to stack the units without scratching the
chassis.
Setup and Quick Start
The interface is quite simple with few user controls. Input source
defaults on to auto switching. The display will let you know if you
have an active input. On power up, the volume is reset to the
programmed startup level. Shipping default is 70. Turn the volume
knob up until you hear music.
Burn-In
The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of
burn-in on this DAC. Customers generally report improvement up to
one month.
User Interface
Menu
Button
The square button is single purpose. It will enter the
setup mode at the top of the menu tree. If in the setup,
and it doesn’t matter where, this button will exit the
setup and return to the normal operational mode.
Input
Selection
The right and left arrows switch inputs. The ‘Auto’
mode will be in the list of inputs. The right and left
arrows switch inputs. If ‘Auto’ is selected, the unit will
automatically switch inputs based on priority (Input slot
B is higher than Input slot A) with the analog input being
lowest priority. When a source with a higher priority
becomes active, the unit will automatically switch to the
new higher priority input. Toggling through the inputs
manually will defeat any auto switching. When in the
setup menu the arrows move right and left through the
menu structure.
Volume
Knob
This knob adjusts the volume between 0 and 106.
Display The display shows the Input, sample rate, bit depth, and
volume.
About the 4 input module slots
The DAC has four input module slots. They are labeled A through D.
There are two classes of input modules, analog and digital. Analog
modules must be placed adjacent to the analog output module.
They can be either be additional analog inputs or a second analog
output module. Digital modules can be placed in any position. Each
module is completely self contained. It is recognized by the DAC
and identied on the display. When the module is not in use it is
disabled.
Available Digital Input Modules
ProI2SMSB’s proprietary interface for use with MSB
transports. This module provides two inputs.
XLR S/PDIF A single XLR digital input with a word sync output.
Optical/Coaxial
S/PDIF
A Toslink and Coaxial digital input with a word
sync output.
MQA USB A single USB interface for playback via a computer
based device. This module provides support for
MQA decoding. (See USB manual for operation
and setup details)
Renderer A renderer interface for use on a home network
or server. (See Renderer manual for operation
and setup details)
Pro ISL MSB proprietary interface for use with MSB
transports. This module provides one input.
Available Preamps
The DAC is available with one output module, but a specialized inline
XLR to RCA adaptor can be ordered.
Balanced
Preamp
Oers one set of balanced analog inputs and outputs.
Provides volume control with our passive constant
impedance volume control technology.
Single-Ended
Adapter
For Single-Ended operation of the product, it is
necessary to buy the XLR to RCA adapters. These
adapters allow for the highest level of quality to be
achieved for your DAC by moving the conversion
components as far from the crucial and sensitive
preamp components of your Preamp module.
Additional Analog Inputs and Outputs
In addition to the primary output module, additional analog inputs
and a secondary analog output can be added.
Isolated
Analog
Output
Provides a second analog output as single-ended or
balanced.
Only one analog output module can be added per
DAC.
Isolated
Sub Analog
Output
Provides an isolated sub-woofer output as single-
ended or balanced. Only one can be added per DAC.
Additional
Analog Input
Provides an extra analog input connection as single
ended or balanced. Multiple inputs can be installed.
Removing and Installing Modules
Removal and installation of modules is a completely tool free process
that is easily performed at the back of the unit. Under the lower lip of
each module is a lever arm. Simply pull the lever out and away until it
is perpendicular with the back of the unit. Then gently, but rmly, pull
the module lip and lever until the module releases and slide it out of
the unit.
Analog output and analog input modules must be installed in a
special fashion. When installing any analog output or analog input
module, you must remove the preamp output module and attach
the analog output or analog input module into the side connector
of the larger preamp module and then slide the connected pair into
the back of the unit as one while making sure both levers are out and
tightened at the same time.
Module Handling
It is important that you refrain from touching the circuit board or
rear connector of any input or output module when removing or
installing any input or output module from your DAC. When handling
these modules it is important that you only contact the metal case
of the module or the front edge of the module where the cam arm is
located. Improper handling of your modules can result in static shock
and damage to the module or DAC.
RCA
WORD
SYNC
OUT
TOSLINK
RS-232
BASE OUTPUT MODULE
RIGHT LEFT
GROUNDING TERMINALS
AMP CHASSIS
POWER 2 POWER 1
12 VOLT
TRIGGER
DESIGNED
AND
MADE
IN
CALIFORNIA
THE REFERENCE
POWERBASE
MSB
TECHNOLOGY
105-130. 210-260 VAC
SERIAL
RP100001
MSB
The Heart of the System - Preamp and DAC
This product is a unique combination of a very high performance
DAC and the ultimate passive preamp. For the best possible sound in
your system, it should be connected directly to your audio ampliers.
Our preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the moment
analog audio is created, every transition that is made degrades the
sound quality. This is why we oer a passive preamp within the DAC,
to achieve the simplest, shortest possible signal path, with the least
possible degradation of the true music. The DAC’s modular design
is very exible with the option for one or more analog inputs, and
many digital inputs. It is designed to be the last component in your
system before the ampliers and replaces the need for a traditional
preamp. The analog input can be enabled in the menu and can be set
to volume control the analog input or bypass the analog input if you
want to use another volume control for your analog source.
Loading new rmware
Always be certain that you are updated with the current rmware by
checking our website. The DACs’ rmware is always updated using a
.WAV le. If you experience issues with playback of the update le, be
sure to check for bit-perfect playback in your system.
All rmware updates can be found at:
www.msbtechnology.com/Support
Bit-Perfect Source Testing
Test samples can be found on our website and downloaded for
playback and testing.
They are .WAV test les that when played, will be identied by the
DAC and checked, and will be reported on the display if they are bit-
perfect. If there is a problem with the test, it will play but the display
will not indicate any change. Be sure upsampling is turned o in
any transport as this prevents a le from remaining bit-perfect. This
system will allow you to easily test your source, especially computer
sources, to see if all your settings are correct. There are les at all
sample rates for both 16 bit and 24 bit operation.
1Indicator LED While in use:
White - Command Sent
Red and White - Command Sent
and Low Battery
Red Flashing - Needs Charging
While charging:
Red - Charging
White - Fully Charged
1 Power Powerbase on and o. When the powerbase
is linked to an amplier or MSB product, this
button will turn o the entire system
(See powerbase manual for details)
3Input Toggles directly through DAC inputs
4 Action 1 Toggles phase invert
5 Action 2 Toggles video mode
6DAC Menu Enter DAC menu
While in menu:
Up - Volume Up
Down - Volume Down
Enter - Mute
Return - DAC Menu
7 Volume The center scroll wheel controls DAC volume
8 Mute DAC mute
9 Track
Backward
Skip/scan backward
(MSB Tranport Only)
10 Play/Pause Play and pause
(MSB Tranport Only)
11 Track Forward Skip/scan forward
(MSB Tranport Only)
12 Eject Eject media disc
(MSB Tranport Only)
13 Stop Stop media
(MSB Tranport Only)
14 Track Repeat Track or album repeat
(MSB Tranport Only)
15 Charging Port Micro-USB to charge the remote battery
The MSB Remote
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