LAB12 dac1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter Owner’s Manual
- June 12, 2024
- LAB12
Table of Contents
LAB12 dac1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Product Information
The Lab12 dac1 reference is a handcrafted digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed and manufactured by Lab12. It is a high-quality audio device that converts digital audio signals into analog signals for superior sound reproduction. The DAC features a sturdy construction and comes with various features and connections to enhance your audio experience. It is equipped with front panel indicators, rear panel connections, and main connections for easy setup and usage. The Lab12 dac1 reference is designed to be used with a preamplifier or an integrated amplifier, as well as with a digital SPDIF output source such as a PC. It offers multiple connection options including RCA, XLR, and USB2. The product comes with a 5-year warranty for all parts, ensuring long-term reliability and customer satisfaction.
Product Usage Instructions
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the dac1 reference from its box. Remove all foam protective pieces before unpacking. Hold the device with your hands on both sides.
- Warnings: Do not attempt to unscrew the cover as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. High voltages may remain even after disconnecting from the mains. If your device requires service or upgrade, contact Lab12 or one of their authorized dealers. Always use the same type of fuse for replacement.
- Installation & Placement: Choose an appropriate location for the dac1 reference. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid placing it near heat sources. Follow the instructions provided in the manual for installation and placement.
- Front Panel Indicators: Refer to the manual for detailed information on the front panel indicators and their functions.
- Rear Panel Connections: Refer to the manual for detailed information on the rear panel connections and their functions.
- Main Connections: Follow these steps for the main connections:
- Connect a high-grade power cable to the IEC input and your wall socket. Ensure the wall socket provides good ground.
- Connect the analog output (RCA or XLR) to an analog line-level input on your preamplifier or integrated amplifier. Ensure correct channel connections.
- Connect a digital SPDIF output source (e.g., PC) to the dac1 reference using a USB2 or higher connection. For Windows 7 or higher and iOS, the official drivers will be automatically detected. For other cases, manually install the drivers from Lab12’s website. Select “Lab12 Dac1 reference” as the output playback device on your computer.
- Safety: Before making any connections, ensure that all equipment is turned off. Turn on the dac1 reference a few seconds before turning on your amplifier, and turn it off a few seconds after turning off your amplifier.
For more detailed specifications and warranty information, refer to the manual provided with your Lab12 dac1 reference.
We hope you enjoy using your new device as much as we enjoyed building it for you!
IT IS YOURS
Thank you for selecting Lab12’s handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter (DAC).
Every component on it is designed to provide smooth and untreated sound. Pure
analog sound with non oversampling conversion by 8 matched parallel Phillips
TDA1543 in a sophisticated configuration and smooth output through a pair of
Dual triode tubes I/V stage. All components are carefully chosen after hours
of listening and testing while paying great attention to every detail
affecting the outcome. Ultra solid construction with glass-blasting anodized
finishing and retro analog V/U meters.
Do not forget that your DAC is totally handcrafted with perfectly matched
parts of the finest selections. In order to reach the optimal performance your
dac1 reference needs at least 200 hours of listening. In this time all
components go from a “burn in” period to stable.
Before setting up your new dac1 reference, we encourage you to read this
manual thoroughly to properly acquaint yourself with its features. We love
music and audio devices and we have built your new device with emotion and
personal treatment.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice.
The most current version of this manual is available on our official website
at http://www.lab12.gr
Unpacking
Dac1 reference should be removed from its box with care. Remove all the foam protective pieces of the box before you unpack the dac1 reference. Unpack the dac1 reference with your hands on both sides of the device.
Warnings
No user-serviceable parts are included inside. Do not unscrew the cover; high
voltages remain after disconnecting from the mains. In case your device
requires any kind of service or upgrade, please ship or take your equipment
directly to Lab12 or to one of our authorized dealers.
Always use the same type of fuse for replacement.
Features
- Input Sampling Rate up to 24bit/192 kHz
- Non-Oversampling mode
- 8x Multibit Philips DACs network
- 2x Dual Triodes tubes I/V analog output stage
- 6 Separate Regulated Power Supplies
- Analog retro VU meters
- 6mm Aluminum face panel
- Five Years Guarantee
Installation & Placement
Lab12 dac1 reference should be placed on a solid flat surface. You should
avoid placing it near a heat source as this could compromise the performance
and reliability. You should never place another component directly on top of
this device. Make sure that your dac1 reference has an adequate flow of air
around it.
Dac1 reference could be warm in some points; this is normal and within parts’
specifications. Take care of the front panel’s glass blasting anodized
finishing using a soft dry cloth. No need to use any sprays or polishes. Never
use cleaners containing abrasives, as this will damage the surface.
Front Panel Indicators
In the front panel you will see ten (10) indication LEDs, two VU meters, one
Input selector push button and one Standby push button.
The center LED (D) indicates that the device is powered on, in working
condition.
The 4 input LEDs (E) indicate the selected digital input. You can manually
select the preferable input with the Input selector push button on the right
of the front panel (G).
The 4 status LEDs (C) indicate the locked sampling frequency rates of the
input digital signal. The ‘Unlocked’ LED indicates that there is no digital
signal on input or the sampling frequency of the digital signal is not
compatible with the dac1 reference.
On the left of the front panel, you will find the Standby push button and
indication LED (A). When active, it indicates that dac1 reference is in
Standby Mode. You can leave the device in Standby Mode without the need to
turn off the main power switch on the back panel.
To the left and right of the 8 center LEDs you will see two retro analog VU
meters (B & F). You can accurately monitor the output level of each channel on
dB scale.
Rear Panel Connections
In the rear panel, you will find the connection inputs and outputs.
On the left side, you will find a pair of single-ended RCA and a pair of
unbalanced XLR (A & B) analog audio output connectors.
In the middle of rear panel, you will find the four digital inputs. You can
connect directly a personal computer or streamer via USB2 input (C) or any
other digital unit with SPDIF digital outputs on the two available coaxial
inputs (D & E) or the Toslink optical (F).
To the right side of the rear panel, you will find the IEC AC input (G). Below
the IEC input, the main fuse holder and the main power switch are located (G).
Main connections
Connect a High-Grade Power cable to the IEC input and to your wall socket. Make sure that your wall socket provides good ground before connecting the power cable. You can supply 230 to 240 AC Volts /50Hz (115 to 120 AC Volts / 60Hz). Every dac1 reference is calibrated and tested with the usage of a Lab12 Knack mk2 power cable. We strongly suggest using this cable.
Connect to your Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier
Connect the analog output (RCA or XLR) to an analog line level input to your Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier. Make sure about the correct channel connections. We suggest using an audio-grade interconnect cable pair. You can choose between RCA and XLR connection.
Connect a Digital SPDIF Output Source
Make sure that your digital source has a SPDIF 75ohm coaxial or optical
Toslink digital output. Connect the digital interconnect cable (or fiber
optical) from the source output to the correspondence input of the dac1
reference. Turn on your dac1 reference and then your digital source unit and
activate the digital audio output on it (if needed). Select the desirable
input with input select push button on dac1 reference. Dac1 reference can
accept resolutions up to 192KHz and up to 24 Bit Depth on any digital input.
Use an audio-grade digital 75-ohm digital interconnect cable to ensure the
best transfer of your digital signal.
- Please note that Coaxial 2 must be always locked in a lower sampling rate frequency than Coaxial 1.
Connect a PC
Connect dac1 reference to a USB2 or higher on your personal computer. Windows 7 or higher and IOS will automatically detect the official drivers for the USB receiver of dac1 reference. In other cases, you have to manually install drivers (you can find Windows and IOS drivers in our website). Please choose ‘’Lab12 Dac1 reference’’ on output playback devices menu of your personal computer.
For the safety of your equipment
Make sure that all your equipment is turned off before any connection.
! Please keep in mind that you have to turn on dac1 reference some seconds
before turning on your amplifier and turn it off some seconds after turning
off your amplifier.
Specifications
- Power: 210 – 240VAC 50Hz (110 – 120VAC 60Hz)
- Power consumption: 70 VA max
- Inputs: 2x SPDIF (Coaxial RCA), 1x USB2, 1x SPDIF (Optical Toslink)
- Outputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR unbalanced (balanced version available)
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20 KHz + 0dB/-1dB
- THD: lower than 0.15%
- Rated output level: 2.5Vrms
- Tube complement: 2x 6922 dual triode
- Available Colours: Matt Black, Frozen Silver
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 43x11x29 cm
- Weight: 7.5 Kg
Warranty
This device has 5 years warranty for all parts (or 90-Day Limited Warranty for
vacuum tubes) from the day of purchase.
We wish you to enjoy your new device exactly as we enjoyed it when we built it
for you!
Lab12 dac1 reference – Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
- K. Varnali 57A, Metamorfosi, 14452, Athens, Greece
- Tel: +30 210 2845173
- Email: [email protected]
- Web: www.lab12.gr
- www.lab12.gr