fezz EQUINOX Vacuum Tube Converter User Manual

fezz EQUINOX Vacuum Tube Converter

Specifications

• Product: Equinox Vacuum Tube D/A Converter
• Power Input: IEC power socket
• Analog Output: RCA
• Digital Inputs: USB, Coaxial, S/PDIF
• Voltage Selector: Yes
• Ground Loop Switch : Yes

Product Usage Instructions

Installation
Unpack the Equinox D/A converter and check for any damages. Contact your dealer if any damages are found. Remove the device and accessories from the packaging ensuring no damage. Contact your dealer if any items are missing.

Interconnections
Connect signal sources to the DAC digital inputs (USB, Coaxial, S/PDIF). Select the input source using the selector on the front panel. Use high- quality signal cables and ensure correct connection of right and left channels.

Getting Started
Ensure all cables are connected correctly. Set amplifier volume to minimum. Power on the Equinox DAC and select the signal source. Gradually increase volume with the amplifier knob. Allow the vacuum tube to warm up for about 1 minute.

Vacuum Tube Replacement
Instructions on vacuum tube replacement can be found in the user manual provided with the product.

Troubleshooting Guide

• The Problem: Device does not switch on after turning the power switch to ON
  • Probable Reason: Blown fuse
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuse with a new one as per specifications provided in the user manual.
• The Problem: Sound distortion via USB
  • Probable Reasons:
  • A blown fuse
  • Improper connection of mains cable
  • Outdated USB Windows driver
  • Solution:
  • Replace the fuse with a new one.
  • Check mains cable connections.
  • Download and install the required USB Windows driver from the provided link.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my Equinox D/A converter is working properly?
Ensure all connections are secure, follow proper installation steps, and refer to the troubleshooting guide in case of any issues. If problems persist, contact your dealer for assistance.

TECHNICAL DATA

• Type: Vacuum tube D/A converter
• Model: Equinox EVO D/A converter empowered by Lampizator
• Tube type: ECC82/12AU7
• Inputs: USB type B, 2x S/PDIF, Coaxial
• Outputs: 2x RCA
• Opamp: Burr Brown PCM 1794
• S/PDIF Receiver: AKM4118
• PCM sampling rates: 32 kHz to 192 kHz, 16 to 24 bit, USB connection: up to 384 kHz and 32 bit
• USB compatibillity: Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, Mac OS X 10.6 or later, Android 12 or later.
• Oversampling: no
• Harmonic distortions THD: < 0,05%
• Power consumption: 10W
• Net weight: 9 kg, Dimensions: 355x380x100mm

SAFETY TIPS

In order to obtain the highest possible sound reproduction quality and for the sake of your own safety, please kindly refer to the following.

• Never place the unit near heat sources, such as radiators, heaters or direct sunlight. Ensure adequate ventilation and airflow
• We also warn against exposure of the DAC to conditions such as very low temperatures and/or high humidity.
• The unit should be plugged directly into a wall socket. If you must use an extension cord, please make sure that it has load parameters sufficient to ensure proper handling of current delivery to the device.
• When cleaning, always disconnect unit from the power source. Use a dry, soft cloth. Do not use water or cleaning agents.
• If your unit starts to misbehave or to work incorrectly, if it’s temperature gets too high or you start feeling smoke – immediately disconnect the device from the mains.
• Due to the risk of exposure to high voltages – please do not open the lid of the unit. ATTENTION: This warning remains in force also in a situation where the device is already disconnected from the wall outlet.
• Always replace fuses in accordance with the original, intended specification.
• Do not make repairs on your own, or adjustments beyond those as described in this manual. Execution of any unauthorized repairs or modifications of the device result in a loss of warranty

INTRODUCTION

Equinox is the world’s only Lampizator licensed vacuum tube D/A converter designed by Łukasz Fikus. It is also the cheapest on a market D/A converter with the Lampizator logo. The unit is based on PCM1794 chipsets and 12au7 vacuum tube. Fezz/Toroidy engineers designed a dedicated, highest quality Supreme class toroidal power transformer for Equinox’s power supply. Device is equipped with 2 Toslink, 1 coaxial and 1 USB digital signal inputs. Thanks to the easily accessible tube, located under the sliding glass on the top panel, units offers the opportunity to create and adjust sound tone according to your own preferences by replacing the tube without any hustle.

INSTALLATION

UNPACKING
Please kindly check if the packaging of the Equinox D/A converter has not been damaged during transit. If you find any damages, please immediately contact your dealer. Remove the device and accessories from the packaging. Make sure that the content is not damaged.
Do not connect the device to the power supply if it has visible signs of damage on it. Please do not dispose the original packaging, so as to facilitate possible shipment of the device in the future.

CONTENTS OF THE PACKAGE
Package contains:

• Equinox D/A converter
• Power cord
• User`s manual
  If any of the above items are missing in your package, contact your dealer immediately.

INTERCONNECTIONS

1. IEC power socket
2. Main fuse
3. Power ON/OFF switch
4. Analog RCA output
5. Voltage selector
6. Ground loop switch
7. USB input
8. Coaxial input
9. S/PDIF inputs
   To avoid electrostatic shock to the components of the device, please touch a grounded conductive surface before making any connections. Any and all connections must be made whilst the device is disconnected from the mains power supply. Before making any such connections, make sure that the system components are switched off.

• STEP 1 INTERCONNEC TIONS

  • Connect the signal sources to the DAC digital inputs (7-9) Select the source of input signal by rotating the input selector located on the front panel of the device. In order to achieve the highest sound quality, use only high-quality signal cables. Pay attention to the proper connection and distinction of the right (R) and the left (L) channels.
  • Digital input connection:
  • Connect your digital source to one of the digital inputs:
  • Coax (use a good quality 75 Ohm cable with RCA connectors)
  • Optical (use a good quality optical Toslink cable)
  • USB (use high-quality USB cable of your choice)
  • Analog output connection:
    Connect RCA cables between the stereo analog RCA output connectors from your DAC to the input from your integrated amplifier or preamplifier.

• STEP 2 / POWER CORD CONNEC TION

  • Make sure that the device is switched off. Connect the power cord to the IEC socket on the rear panel of the device.
  • The Equinox DAC is designed to operate at rated switchable voltage of ~115-120 V or ~230-240 V 50-60Hz.
  • Please check parameters of your mains network, if needed switch to right voltage using switch at the back . Please ensure that you have installed suitable fuse for desired voltage. Connecting the device to a mains network with incorrect parameters can lead to damage that is not covered by manufacturers warranty.

GET TING STARTED

Make sure all cables are connected as described above. Set the amplifier volume knob to minimum. Power on (fig. 3) the Equinox DAC. Select the signal source using the selector located on the front panel of the device. Make sure the digital source is on and gradually increase the volume with the volume knob at your amplifier. The vacuum tube take about 1 minute to warm up to desirable working conditions.

VACUUM TUBE REPLACEMENT

• Power down the equipment and unplug it from the electrical outlet. This step is crucial to prevent electric shock or damage to the device. Vacuum tubes can become very hot during operation. Allow sufficient time for the tubes to cool down before attempting to handle them.
• Fezz Equnox DAC is equipped with one 12AU7/ECC82 vacuum tube. You can easily change the tube by gently pushing and moving sideway plexiglass window at the top of the device. You can move it to the left side only. Carefully remove the vacuum tube from its socket. Take the replacement tube and align the pins with the socket. Gently push the tube into the socket, ensuring that each pin goes into its corresponding hole. Carefully double-check all connections to ensure that the new tube is properly seated in the socket, and none of the pins are bent or misaligned. Once you’ve replaced the tube and confirmed all connections, close the plexiglass window, power up the equipment and check for proper operation. If there are any issues, double-check the tube placement and connections.

TROUBLE-SHOOTING GUIDE

If your preamplifier does not work as it is supposed to, it is fairly easy to diagnose and remedy some of the common malfunctions, by following procedures as outlined in this following.

If you have verified the aforementioned situations, and your problem still persists, please contact your local Fezz Audio dealer.

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