TA DAC 200 D A Converter User Manual

TA DAC 200 D A Converter User Manual

Welcome

We are delighted that you have decided to purchase a T product. Your new DAC 200 is a Hi-Fi unit of the highest quality, designed and developed with a single aim as top priority: to satisfy the requirements of the audiophile music lover.

This unit is the embodiment of innovative thinking and solid quality, exploiting the finest materials and components available, and all these factors contribute  to a machine which will satisfy you‘re most stringent demands and your most searching requirements for a period of many years.

Our production areas are supervised by highly qualified expert staff, and all final production units are checked comprehensively by a fully automated, computer-controlled system to ensure uniformly high quality. We guarantee that our products meet our own specifications to the full.

At all stages of production we avoid the use of substances which are environmentally unsound or potentially hazardous to health, such as chlorine- based cleaning agents and CFCs.

We also aim to avoid the use of plastics in general, and PVC in particular, in the design of our products. Instead we rely upon metals and other non- hazardous materials; metal components are ideal for recycling, and also provide effective electrical screening.

Our robust all-metal cases exclude any possibility of external sources of interference affecting the quality of reproduction. From the opposite point of view our products’ electro-magnetic radiation (electro-smog) is reduced to an absolute minimum by the outstandingly effective screening provided by the metal case.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the faith you have shown in our company by purchasing this product, and wish you many hours of enjoyment and sheer listening pleasure with your DAC 200.

Notes

User manual

Text passages marked with this symbol contain important information which must be observed if the machine is to operate safely and without problems.

This symbol marks text passages which provide supplementary notes and background information; they are intended to help the user understand how to get the best out of the machine.

Symbols and notes on the back of the DAC 200

This symbol marks alternating voltages (AC).
The AC voltage required for the device can be found on the printing at the mains input socket. Do not connect the device to other power supplies.

This symbol marks the protective earth connector (ground connection).
The unit is designed for operation at a protective earth conductor socket.

The device is designed to operate in altitudes up to 2000 m above sea level.

The device is designed to operate in a temperate climate.
The range of permissible operating temperatures is +10 … +35°C.

The only permissible method of disposing of this product is to take it to your local collection centre for electrical waste.

All the components we use meet the German and European safety norms and standards which are currently valid. This product complies with the EU directives. The declaration of conformity can be downloaded from www.ta- hifi.com/DoC.

Attention! Please refer to the important safety information in this manual.

Safety notes

For your own safety please consider it essential to read these operating instructions right through, and observe in particular the notes regarding setting up, operation and safety.

The operation instructions, the connection guidance and the safety notes are for your own good – please read them carefully and observe them at all times.
The operating instructions are an integral part of this device. If you ever transfer the product to a new owner please be sure to pass them on to the purchaser to guard against incorrect operation and possible hazards.

The device is intended to be connected to a mains outlet with protective earth connector. Please connect it only with the mains cable supplied to properly installed mains outlets with protective earth connector.
The power supply required for this unit is printed on the mains supply socket. The unit must never be connected to a power supply which does not meet these specifications.

This device is connected to the power supply as long as the power cord is connected.
Even if the device is switched off and the status indicators are dark, the device still carries mains voltage inside. To disconnect the device completely from mains power supply, the mains plugs must be withdrawn from the wall socket. Please make sure that the mains plugs are easily accessible. Even when the unit is in standby mode, it has a low power consumption. If the unit is not to be used for a long period disconnect it from the mains supply at the wall socket.

The device is designed to operate in a temperate climate and altitudes up to 2000 m above sea level. The range of permissible operating temperatures is +10 … +35°C.
This device is designed exclusively for reproducing sound and/or pictures in the domestic environment. It is to be used in a dry indoor room which meets all the recommendations stated in these instructions.

Where the equipment is to be used for other purposes, especially in the medical field or any field in which safety is an issue, it is essential to establish the unit’s suitability for this purpose with the manufacturer, and to obtain prior written approval for this usage.

If the unit gets very cold (e. g. when being transported), condensation may form inside it. Please do not switch it on until it has had plenty of time to warm up to room temperature, so that any condensation evaporates completely.

Before placing the unit on sensitive lacquer or wood surfaces please check the compatibility of the surface and the unit‘s feet on a non-visible point and if necessary use an underlay. We recommend a surface of stone, glass, metal or the like.

Please consider the weight of the device. Never place the device on an unstable surface; the machine could fall off, causing serious or even fatal injury. Many injuries, especially to children, can be avoided if the following simple safety precautions are observed:

• Use only such items of furniture which can safely bear the weight of the device.
• Ensure that the device does not project beyond the edges of the supporting furniture.
• Do not place the device on tall furniture (e.g. bookshelves) without securely anchoring both items, i.e. furniture and device.
• Explain to children the hazards involved in climbing on furniture to reach the device or its controls.

The unit should be set up in a well ventilated dry site, out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. The unit must not be located close to heat producing objects or devices, or anything which is heat sensitive or highly flammable.

The ventilation openings must not be covered or closed. If the system components are to be stacked then the device must be the top unit. Do not place any object on the top cover. The device is not designed to be operated on a soft surface (such as bedding, pillows, etc.).

When installing the unit on a shelf or in a cupboard it is essential to provide an adequate flow of cooling air, to ensure that the heat produced by the unit is dissipated effectively. Any heat build up will shorten the life of the unit and could be a source of danger. Be sure to leave free space of 10 cm around the unit for ventilation.

Liquid or particles must never be allowed to get inside the unit through the ventilation slots. Mains voltage is present inside the unit, and any electric shock could cause serious injury or death. Never exert undue force on mains connectors.

Protect the unit from drips and splashes of water; never place flower vases or fluid containers on the unit. Do not place naked flame sources, such as candle lights on the device.

Disconnect the mains plug at the wall socket before cleaning the case.
The surfaces of the case should be wiped clean with a soft, dry cloth only.
Never use solvent-based or abrasive cleaners! Before switching the unit on again, check that there are no short-circuits at the connections, and that all cables are plugged in correctly.

If the device has been in storage, or has not been used for a protracted period (> two years), it is essential to have it checked by a specialist technician before reuse.

The terminals (marked with the -symbol) can carry high voltages.

Always avoid touching terminals and sockets and the conductors of cables connected to them. Unless ready-made cables are used, all cables connected to these terminals and sockets must always be deployed by a trained person.

In its original condition the unit meets all currently valid European regulations. It is approved for use as stipulated within the EC.

By attaching the CE symbol to the unit T declares its conformity the EC directives and the national laws based on those directives. The declaration of conformity can be downloaded from www.ta-hifi.com/DoC.

The original, unaltered factory serial number must be present on the outside of the unit and must be clearly legible! The serial number is a constituent part of our conformity declaration and therefore of the approval for operation of the device. The serial numbers on the unit and in the original T documentation supplied with it (in particular the inspection and guarantee certificates), must not be removed or modified, and must correspond.

Infringing any of these conditions invalidates T conformity and approval, and the unit may not be operated within the EC. Improper use of the equipment makes the user liable to penalty under current EC and national laws.

Any modifications or repairs to the unit, or any other intervention by a workshop or other third party not authorised by T, invalidates the approval and operational permit for the equipment.

Only genuine T accessories may be connected to the unit, or such auxiliary devices which are themselves approved and fulfill all currently valid legal requirements.

The only permissible method of disposing of this product is to take it to your local collection centre for electrical waste.
Registration according to the EU directive “Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment” WEEE-Reg.-No.: DE 72473830W

The case should only be opened by a qualified specialist technician. Repairs and fuse replacements should be entrusted to an authorized T specialist workshop. With the exception of the connections and measures described in these instructions, no work of any kind may be carried out on the device by unqualified persons.

If the unit is damaged, or if you suspect that it is not functioning correctly, immediately disconnect the mains plug at the wall socket, and ask an authorised T specialist workshop to check it.

The unit may be damaged by excess voltage in the power supply, the mains circuit or in aerial systems, as may occur during thunderstorms (lightning strikes) or due to static discharges.

Special power supply units and excess voltage protectors such as the T ‚Power Bar‘ mains distribution panel offer some degree of protection from damage to equipment due to the hazards described above. However, if you require absolute security from damage due to excess voltage, the only solution is to disconnect the unit from the mains power supply and any aerial systems.

To avoid the risk of damage by over voltages we recommend to disconnect all cables from this device and your HiFi system during thunderstorms.

All mains power supply and aerial systems to which the unit is connected must meet all applicable safety regulations and must be installed by an approved electrical installer.

The device is not designed for use by children. The device must not be operated unsupervised. Make sure that it is out of reach of children.

Batteries shout not be exposed to excessive heat like sunshine, fire or the like.

Very loud continuous listening to program material via earphones, headphones and loudspeakers can lead to permanent loss of hearing. Prevent health risks and avoid permanent hearing at high volume.

If the device has to be stored, place it in its original packaging and store it in a dry, frost-free location. Storage temperature range 0…40 °C

Installation and wiring

Installation

Carefully unpack the unit and store the original packing material carefully. The carton and packing are specially designed for this unit and will be needed again if you wish to move the equipment at any time. Install the unit in a suitable location. Please observe all information on connection and installation in chapter Safety notes (pages 40 and 41).

Connection of an amplifier or active loudspeakers
Power amplifiers and active loudspeakers without integrated volume control or integrated amplifiers with built-in volume control can be connected to the analog outputs Analog Out 1 (XLR) and ANALOG OUT 2 (RCA).
Depending on what kind of device will be connected, the analog outputs can be set to a volume controlled output level or to a fixed output level. The output mode can be set in the system menu. (Refer to chapter System settings on page 54)

Please make sure that the volume control of the DAC 200 is switched on and the volume is set to a low value before connecting devices without integrated volume control.
If this is not done, connected devices and speakers may be damaged seriously

Connection of digital source devices
You can connect devices with electrical coax, BNC, AES/EBU and optical fiber output to the digital inputs of the DAC 200 (Digital IN).
Windows, Linux or Mac computers can be connected to the USB port USB IN.

The DAC 200 accepts S/P-DIF compliant digital stereo signals at the coax, BNC, AES/EBU and optical digital inputs with sampling rates from 32 kHz to 192 kHz and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker).

Digital PCM stereo signals with sampling rates of 44.1…768 kSps and digital DSD stereo signals from DSD64 to DSD1024* can be processed at the USB input.

• DSD512 to DSD1024 only from a Windows PC with installed driver or from a Linux PC with kernel version 4.4 or higher. The Windows driver is available on our homepage at www.ta-hifi.com.

Connection of analog source devices
When you connect the input sockets of the DAC 200 to the output sockets on the source devices always connect like to like, i. e. ‚R‘ to ‚R‘ and ‚L‘ to ‚L‘.

Be sure to push all plugs firmly into their sockets. Loose connections can cause hum and other unwanted noises.

Series 200 – System connection
For operation in combination with the multi-source player MP 200 and the power amplifier A 200, the DAC 200 has special system interfaces (SYS IN / OUT, USB SYS and E2-Link), allowing convenient operation in the system.

For further information on how to connect and operate the other 200 series components, please refer to the the operating instructions of the respective device.

**Connection of HDMI devices ***
Connect source devices such as a BluRay player or game console to the HDMI inputs (IN1 and IN2).
At the OUT socket, the picture signals of the two input sockets IN1 and IN2 are available for transmission to a television.

At the HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 inputs, the DAC 200 accepts digital PCM coded stereo signals with sampling rates of 44.1 … 384 kHz and DSD data with a sampling rate of DSD64.

If your TV set features the ARC (Audio Return Channel) function, the TV sound can be played back via the DAC 200.

Connecting the mains cable
Connect the power cord to the DAC 200‘s AC power input, then connect the device to the power supply.
To achieve maximum possible interference rejection the mains plug should be connected to the mains socket in such a way that phase is connected to the mains socket contact marked with a dot. The phase of the mains socket can be determined using a special meter. If you are not sure about this, please ask your specialist dealer.

Do not connect the DAC 200 and the other components to the mains until all necessary connections between the devices have been established.

Wiring diagram

Connections

Digital inputs
S/P-DIF: Inputs for digital source devices with a coaxial (Cinch / RCA) digital output.
OPT: Inputs for digital source devices with optical digital output.
AES/EBU: Inputs for digital source devices with AES/EBU digital output.
BNC: Inputs for digital source devices with digital BNC output.

The DAC 200 accepts digital stereo signals according to the S/P-DIF standard with sampling rates from 32 to 192 kHz and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker) at all inputs listed above.

USB IN: Connection socket for a Windows PC, MAC or LINUX computer.

The DAC 200 accepts digital PCM stereo signals with sampling rates of 44.1…768 kSps and digital DSD stereo signals from DSD64 to DSD1024* at this input.

• DSD512 to DSD1024 only from a Windows PC with installed driver or from a Linux PC with kernel 4.4 or higher.

Analog outputs
ANALOG OUT 1: Balanced analog XLR output with fixed or variable output level.
ANALOG OUT 2: Unbalanced analog RCA output with fixed or variable output level.

In the system settings menu (see chapter „System settings“ on page 56), the analog outputs (ANALOG OUT) can be set to a fixed or volume controled output level.

If the two outputs should be used together, the input impedance of both connected devices must be at least 10 kOhm.

Analog input
ANALOG IN: Unbalanced analog line input for connecting source devices with RCA output (e.g. turntables with integrated or pre-connected external phonon amplifier).

System control
E2 LINK: Connectors for the connection and controlling of compatible devices like the power amplifier A200.
CTR:  Interface for possible future extensions.

Charging port
CHARGE 5 V /1 A: USB charging port for supplying external USB devices with power.

System interfaces
USB SYS: USB audio system interface for the MP 200.
SYS IN: Control interface for the MP 200.

HDMI inputs (optional)
HDMI: IN1 and IN2 for connecting a Blu-Ray player or similar.
The OUT (ARC) output is for connecting a television set.

If your TV set features the ARC (Audio Return Channel) function, the TV sound can be played back via the DAC 200.

Mains input
Connect the mains cord to this socket.

Controls and functions

On / Off switch
A brief press on this button switches the device on and off. When the unit is switched on the indicator LED above the button lights up.
Please note the hints in the chapter „Notes on energy saving“ on page 65

Headphones
Balanced Pentaconn* jack socket 4.4 mm for connecting stereo headphones with an impedance of at least 16 ohms.
The output can be switched on and off by a brief press on the button.

The T original accessories range has special high-quality adaptors for connecting headphones with an unbalanced 6.3 mm jack plug or a balanced XLR 4-pin connector

Function buttons
METER: A brief press on this button toggles between the meter 0 modes. If necessary, press the button repeatedly to select the desired meter mode.

WIDE INV: A brief press turns on the WIDE mode (LED lights up). The 60 kHz low-pass filter of the analog output stage is switched off and the signal can be reproduced with full bandwidth up to 120 kHz.
A long press inverts the phase of the analog outputs.

OVS: By pressing this button repeatedly, the different oversampling types can be selected in sequence.

Source selection
ANALOG: Selects the analog input ANALOG IN (RCA).

USB: Selects the digital USB DAC input USB IN.

S/P-DIF: Selects the coaxial digital inputs S/P DIF 1 and 2.
Press the button again to switch between 1 and 2.

OPT: Selects the optical TOSLINK digital inputs Optical 1 and Optical 2.
Press the button again to switch between 1 and 2.

AES BNC: Selects the digital AES/EBU and the digital BNC input.
Press the button again to toggle between the two inputs.

HDMI ARC: Selects the digital inputs HDMI 1, HDMI 2 or the return channel ARC.
To switch between the inputs, press the button repeatedly if necessary.

Preamplifier outputs
OUT: A brief press switches the amplifier outputs ANALOG 1 (XLR) and ANALOG 2 (Cinch / RCA) off and on (MUTING function). The LED above the button indicates the current switching state.

System settings
MENU A brief press:  of this button opens and closes the tone settings. (see chapter „System settings“ on page 56).
A long press: opens and closes the system settings menu. (see chapter „System settings“ on page 56).

Remote control receiver
When operating by remote control, please point FM200 in the direction of the receiver.

Volume control and menu operation
VOLUME SELECT / OK: The desired volume can be set by turning this control knob. The currently set value is shown in the display.
A brief press on the knob mutes the output.
In addition to volume control, this control knob is also used to configure the menus for system settings and tone controls.

Display

General information

The meters of the DAC 200 are used for various display functions. There are 3 scales available for the different measurements:

• VU Scale [-50…+5 dB] for level measurements
• 0…100 Scale for temperature and relative % measurements
• – 0 + scale for frequency offset and trend measurements

The scaling and characteristics of the meter corresponds to those for QPPM meters of type I (DIN PPM).

VU-Meter [Scale -50..+5 dB]
The VU meter function displays the current signal level. The level at the D/A converter as well as the level at the amplifier output can be displayed. The meters are peak meters (QPPM = Quasi-Peak Program Meter). The scaling and characteristics of the meter corresponds to those for QPPM meters of type I (DIN PPM).

Input-level
Level control of the input signal. For digital sources the 0 dB point corresponds to the D/A converter full scale (0 dB FS). For analog sources, the 0dB point corresponds to a input level of 2,35 Volt eff.

Output-level
Output level of the pre-outputs.
The 0-dB point corresponds to amplifier full scale.

Temperature [Scale 0…100]
The sound characteristics depend, among other things, on the temperature of the electronic components.
There is an optimal temperature for each component at which the sound quality reaches its optimum. HiFi equipment therefore usually sounds better after a warm-up phase than it does when cold. In the DAC 200 the temperature is constantly monitored by the control processor. The meters show the temperature as follows:

The left meter shows the system temperature ( Inside the case).
The best operating temperature is about 30…50 °C.

The right meter shows the temperature of the output stages.
The best operating temperature is about 40…60 °C.

Stream quality [Scale – 0 + and 0…100]
The left meter [scale – 0 +] shows whether the clock frequency of the incoming data stream of the currently active source is operating at the standard frequency. If the needle is exactly in the middle of the scale, the frequency of the source is exactly at the standard frequency. The display range covers 150ppm to +150 ppm.
Digital sources complying to the standards should be in the range +/- 50ppm.

The right meter [scale 0…100] indicates the error rate of the currently active input. With good transmission quality, the display should be at 0.

If frequent needle deflections are observed on the right-hand meter, the cables for the relevant input should be checked first and replaced if necessary. If this does not bring any improvement, the source device should be checked.

The internal precision clock oscillator (Status display LO OVS) in the DAC 200 can re synchronize signals from -150 to +150 ppm and remove any hitter.

Remote control

On / Off Switch
A brief press switches the DAC 200 on.
Hold the button pressed in to switch the device off.
A brief press when the machine is operating switches the outputs ANALOG OUT 1 and 2 off and on (Muting).
Please note the chapter Automatic power down function on page 61.

Source selection
Selects the analog inputs ANALOG IN and USB IN.
To switch between ANAGLOG IN and USB IN, press the button again if necessary.

Selects the digital inputs S/P DIF 1 and S/P DIF 2.
Press the button again to switch between the two inputs.

Selects the optical digital inputs OPT 1 and OPT 2
To switch between the inputs, press the button repeatedly if necessary.

Selects the digital inputs AES / EBU and BNC.
To switch between the two inputs, press the button repeatedly.
If the HDMI module is installed (optional), this button also selects the HDMI inputs 1,2 and ARC.
To switch between the inputs, press the key repeatedly if necessary.

Volume control
Rocker for controlling the volume.
Press „plus“ or „minus“ to adjust the volume in fine steps. If the button is kept pressed longer, the volume is increased/decreased continuously until the button is released.

Menu operation
Cursor buttons for menu operation.
Use the buttons to select a menu item.
Press the OK button to activate the selected menu item.
Press the  buttons to change the settings.
Then press the OK button to confirm the setting

Settings
A brief press : Opens the menu for tone controls.
A long press : Opens the system settings menu.

See also chapter „System settings“ on page 56.

• The FM200 is a system remote control. It can be used to control connected devices of the same series.
  The buttons in light gray are not required for operating the DAC 200 and not described in this manual.

Range
When operating by remote control, please hold the FM200 in the direction of the remote control receiver.
The range of the remote control is approx. 4..5 m.
The line of sight between FM200 and the remote control receiver must not be interrupted by obstacles.
The direct incidence of interfering light (e.g. from fluorescent and energy- saving lamps) into the receiver should be avoided at all times, as otherwise the range of the remote control can be considerably reduced.

Replacing the battery

Required tools: Allen key 5/64“

• Remove the two screws shown in the figure
• Remove the battery holder by pulling it downwards
• Insert a new CR 2032 battery into the battery holder according to the marking ( + on the battery facing downwards)
• Insert the holder as shown and use two screws to fasten the holder
  

Important information

• The remote control handset supplied in the set contains a button cell battery.
• Do not swallow the battery: chemical burn hazard. If this button cell is ingested, within two hours it may cause serious internal chemical burning which could result in death
• If you suspect that someone might have swallowed a battery, or that a battery could have entered any part of the body, seek immediate medical assistance.
• If the battery is replaced improperly, there is danger of explosion. Always replace batteries by batteries of the same or an equivalent type.
• Keep new and used batteries well away from children.
• If you cannot close the battery compartment securely, cease using the product, and keep it away from children.
• Batteries shout not be exposed to excessive heat like sunshine, fire or the like.
• Very low air pressure may result in explosion of the battery, or leakage of flammable liquids or gases.
• Protect the remote control from humidity, coldness, heat and dust.
• Exhausted batteries must never be thrown into the household waste! They should be returned to the battery vendor (specialist dealer) or your local toxic waste collection point, so that they can be recycled or disposed in a proper way. Most local authorities provide collection centers for such waste, and some provide pick-up vehicles for old batteries.

Playback

Analogue source

• If necessary, first reduce the set volume.
• Select the analog input to which you have connected the source device to be played using the source selection buttons on the device or the remote control.
• As soon as the source device delivers music, the music signal will become audible.

Digital source

• If necessary, first reduce the set volume.
• Select the analog input to which you have connected the source device to be played using the source selection buttons on the device or the remote control.
• As soon as the source device delivers digital music data, the DAC 200 automatically adjusts itself to the format and sampling rate of the signal, and you will hear the music

Playback from a computer (USB-DAC)

Minimum system requirements
Intel Core i5 or higher or a comparable AMD Processor, 4 GB RAM, USB 2.0 Interface, Microsoft Windows 10, 8.1, 8 or 7, Linux with 4.4 Kernel or higher or MAC OS X 10.13.6 or later version

Driver installation for Windows
For playback via USB, from a connected Windows PC, specific driver software is required on the computer.
The required drivers and a detailed installation manual are available for download on our homepage at
http://www.ta-hifi.com/support .
No drivers are required when using a computer with Linux or Mac OS.

System settings
A number of system settings have to be altered if you wish to operate DAC 200 with your computer. These changes must be made regardless of the operating system. The installation instructions provide detailed information on how and where the settings are to be changed.

Playback

• If necessary, first reduce the set volume.
• Switch on the computer.
• Select the USB input using the source selection buttons on the device or the remote control.
• If necessary, select the DAC 200 as the output device in the system settings of the operating system.
• Open the playback software on the computer.

Do not disconnect the USB connection during operation. Do not turn off the DAC 200 during playback. This can lead to malfunctions and crashes.
If there is a malfunction during playback, restart the computer.

The playback of files stored on the computer cannot be controlled by the DAC 200 or FM200.

The playback of DSD files is restricted to a maximum of DSD 256 on Apple MAC computers, as Apple only supports playback in DoP format and does not support native streaming.

Playing back an HDMI source

• If necessary, first reduce the set volume.
• Use the source select buttons on the unit or the remote control to select the HDMI input to which you have connected the source device to be played back.
• If a TV set is connected to the HDMI OUT output, the TV sound can be transmitted to the DAC 200 via ARC (Audio Return Channel) if supported by the TV set. Select the source HDMI ARC for the TV sound.
• As soon as the source device delivers digital music data, the DAC 200 automatically adjusts to the format and sampling rate of the signal and the music signal becomes audible.

Playback via HDMI is only available with the optional built-in HDMI module.

To use the ARC function, the TV must support it and the DAC 200 must be connected to an ARC compatible input on the TV.

Since the DAC 200 is designed for pure stereo playback, only the two front channels can be played back when playing multi-channel material. Depending on the source device, the signal can also be muted. If possible, the connected source device should therefore be switched to stereo playback (down mix function) and, if available, the stereo track should be selected in the menu of the disc.

Exclusive headphones mode

The DAC 200 has only one VOLUME control. This means that for both outputs (PRE and PHOnes), there is only one volume and balance setting available.

In „exclusive“ headphone mode, in „VARiable“ mode, the PHOnes and PRE outputs cannot be turned on simultaneously. That is, when PHO == ON, PRE is off, and when PRE == ON, PHO is turned off.

For PHOnes and PRE, VOLUME and BALANCE are stored separately and restored when the respective output is turned on. The advantage is that, for example, different settings can be made for speaker operation via the PRE output (e.g., Balance == L4, and for PHOnes, Balance == 0 Middle).

Operation
The exclusive PHOnes mode is always active and cannot be turned off. No settings are necessary.

When turning on PHOnes, PRE is automatically turned off, and when turning on PRE, PHOnes is automatically turned off.

The last selected VOLUME & BALANCE setting is automatically restored when turning on an output.

The VOL and PHO indicators in the display indicate which output the volume control is currently affecting.

Note – LINE output mode:
If the PRE output mode is set to Line, VOLUME has no effect on the PRE output. In this case, the VOLUME control is assigned solely to the PHOnes output, and PRE(Line) and PHOnes can also be turned on simultaneously.

Please note:
In exclusive PHOnes mode, the PRE (variable) and PHOnes outputs cannot be switched on simultaneously

System settings

Menu operation

Operation on the device

• To call up the system settings menu, press and hold the MENU button 1 on the front of the DAC 200.
• To call up the menu for general settings, briefly press the MENU button 1 on the front of the DAC 200.
• Select an item in the menu with the SELECT knob 2.
• To change a selected menu item, confirm by pressing the SELECT knob and then change it by turning the knob.
• To confirm the setting, press the knob again after the change.
• If you wish to cancel a change, press the MENU button to abort at any time.
• By pressing the SELECT knob for a long time, you can return to the previous menu level.
• To exit the menu, press the MENU button.

Operation by remote control

• To open the system settings menu, press and hold the **** button on the remote control.
• To enter the general settings, press the ****button on the remote control briefly.
• Use the buttons to select an item in the menu.
• To change a selected menu item, first press the ****button and then use the buttons to alter the setting.
• To confirm the setting, press the ****button again after changing it.
• If you do not want to save a setting, you can cancel it at any time by pressing the ****button.
• Press and hold the ****button to return to the previous menu level.
• To exit the menu, press the ****button.

System settings

Meter mode
Under this menu item the display mode of the meters can be set.

The following measurement types are available:
Input level – Level of the input signal
Output level – Level of the output signal
Temperature – Temperature monitor of the device and the Class A output stages
Signal quality – Displays the quality (frequency deviation and error rate) of the input digital signal.
Meters off – Meters switched off

For detailed information on the various meter settings and display types, refer to chapter Meters on page 48.

Source configuration
Under this menu item, sources which are not needed can be deactivated.
Deactivated sources can no longer be called up using the source buttons on the device and the remote control.
After calling up this menu item with the button, a list of all sources of the DAC 200 appears.
Each source is followed by a remark indicating whether the source is activated (enabled) or deactivated (disabled)

Home Theatre Bypass
For connecting a surround processor, the analog input can be switched to the „Home Theatre Bypass“ (HTB) mode.

In this mode, the signals from the RCA input are looped through directly to the output of the DAC 200.

The volume control is not active in this operating mode, the gain is set to a fixed value (0dB). In this operating mode, the actual volume is controlled by the volume control of the surround processor. After activating the HTB function and selecting the RCA input, the message „HT BYPASS“ appears in the bottom line of the display instead of the volume display.
When switching to another input, the preamplifier volume is automatically restored (display „VOL“).

HT bypass and PHONES output

If the PHONES output is selected instead of the RCA / XLR preamplifier output of the DAC 200, the HT bypass function is automatically deactivated and the volume control is switched back on.
When switching back to the „PRE“ output, the HT bypass function is reactivated.

HT bypass and APP control

If the HTB operating mode is selected, it is not possible to adjust the volume via the T Navigator APP when the RCA analog input is selected and the PRE output is active. In this case, the volume slider is not displayed in the APP.

Switching on the HT Bypass operating mode

• Open the menu for the input settings : (Settings menu → Input settings)
• In the setting options for the RCA input, there is the additional setting option Home theater bypass.
• To activate the home theater bypass, select this setting and click OK.

Customization source names
Instead of the predefined source names, custom plain text source names can also be displayed (e.g., „CDPlayer“ instead of „S/PDIF 1“).

If the source name consists of very wide characters, it may be truncated for display if the space on the display field is insufficient.

Resetting to factory settings will also delete all individually assigned source names.

To enter a custom source name, please follow these steps:

1. Open the Setup menu.
2. Select Input configuration and open the sub menu by pressing OK briefly.
3. Navigate to the input whose display name you want to change.
4. Press OK briefly – the setting field on the right side of the menu will now become active and displayed inversely (on a light background).
5. Choose the Enabled setting.
6. While the setting field is still active, press and hold the OK button until an input cursor (^) appears in the middle column of the menu.
7. Briefly press the OK button. The field above the cursor will now be displayed inversely.
8. By turning the volume knob, you can now select a letter (A..Z, a..z) or a number (0..9).
9. After selecting the desired character, briefly press OK.
10. The field above the cursor will return to normal display, and by turning the volume knob, you can now move to the next (or previous) input position.
11. Repeat steps 7 to 10 until the entire source name is entered. The maximum length of the source name is limited to 8 characters.
12. Once the source name is fully entered, press and hold the volume knob until the input cursor disappears. The name is now saved.

To delete a source name, please follow these steps:

1. Open the Setup menu.
2. Select Input configuration and open the sub menu by pressing OK briefly.
3. Navigate to the input whose display name you want to delete.
4. Press OK briefly – the setting field on the right side of the menu will now become active and displayed inversely (on a light background).
5. Choose the Enabled setting.
6. While the setting field is still active, press and hold the OK button until an input cursor (^) appears in the middle column of the menu.
7. Turn the volume knob counterclockwise.
8. The message Delete will appear.
9. Press and hold the volume knob until the Delete message disappears. The name is now deleted, and the standard source name for the respective input will be displayed again.

RE Output This menu item allows you to set the analog outputs (ANALOG OUT 1 and 2) to a fixed output level (LINE), or to an variable output level (VARIABLE) that can be adjusted using the volume buttons on the remote control and the volume knob on the DAC 200.

For operation in combination with active loudspeakers or a power amplifier, e.g. the A 200, use only the VARIABLE setting.
Otherwise, it may lead to overloading and resulting damage of the connected loudspeakers.

Display brightness
Here you can adjust the brightness of the display during normal operation to your personal preferences in 9 steps.

Display mode
Here you can set whether the display will be switched on permanently or only temporarily, when the device is being operated.
If the setting temporary is selected, the display is switched on during operation of the DAC 200 only and then automatically switched off again after a short delay. If the Always ON setting is selected, the display remains permanently on.

Colour profile
Under this menu item you can adjust the brightness of the status LEDs and the brightness and illumination color of the meters to your personal preferences. Select the menu item Default colours to reset the displays to the default settings.

Energy saver
The energy saving mode can be switched on and off here.
The machine has an Auto Power Down function.
If the ECO option is selected, the DAC 200 automatically switches to standby mode if no music signal and no operation is detected for more than 30 minutes.
If the Comfort setting is selected, the unit remains switched on until it is manually switched to standby mode.

In countries outside the EU where the EuP directive does not apply, the automatic shutdown of the device (ECO setting) can be deactivated if necessary

Language
Here the language of the menus for the settings can be set.

Individual Source Settings
Here you can enable or disable the source-specific settings of OVS (Oversampling), Filter, and INV (phase inversion) (default setting = OFF).

If Activated, the above settings can be saved individually for source devices with different requirements (e.g. HQ player with internal upsampling „NOS2+WIDE“ or CD player „BEZ2+LP60“). These settings are automatically restored when switching between the inputs.

Please note:
If a setting is to be changed in general (i.e. for all inputs), this must now be done separately for all inputs.

CEC Control
CEC remote control via the HDMI connection. (See „HDMI – Connection and playback“ on page 62)

Device info & Service
Menu item to display the installed firmware versions and the option to reset the device to the factory default settings.
At this menu item, the remote control reception can be deactivated, if necessary.
In order to do this, select Remote Control and choose between Activated and Deactivated.

Operating the device directly is still possible in its full functionality.

Tone settings

Balance
This menu item allows you to alter the level balance between the left and right channel.

*HDMI Bypass
** This menu item allows you to select whether the audio signal at the HDMI inputs HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 of the DAC 200 will be played through the DAC 200, or whether it will be passed on for playback via a device connected to the HDMI output (HDMI Bypass ON).

Up sampling
The DAC 200 features four different up sampling types with different sound characteristics.

• FIR 1 is a classic FIR filter with an extremely linear frequency response.

• FIR 2 is a FIR filter with improved peak handling.

• BEZ 1 is a Beerier interpolate combined with a IIR filter. This process produces a result very similar to an analogue system.

• BEZ 2 is a pure Beerier interpolate – offering perfect “timing” and dynamics.
  For special applications, e.g. if the source device is doing the up sampling (such as a PC with Analyst® HQ player), the up sampling in the DAC 200 can be deactivated.

• NOS 1 – With this setting the up sampling of the DAC 200 is deactivated and the analog output filter (lowpass) is automatically set to 60 kHz for sampling rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz. For higher sampling rates, the setting you selected under the Low pass menu item is used.

• NOS 2 – If you select this setting, up sampling of the DAC 200 is deactivated. The analogue output filter always has the value selected under the menu item Low pass.
  These settings only have effect for the digital sources during playback of PCM encoded material.

Low pass

Under this menu item the analog outputs (ANALOG OUT 1 and 2) can be limited in
bandwidth to 60 kHz by a low pass filter.

The following settings are possible:

• 60kHz (Status display : FILTER LP60)
  The outputs are limited to a frequency range up to 60 kHz.

• OFF (Status display : FILTER OFF)
  The outputs have the full playback bandwidth of 120 kHz (wide mode).

The OFF setting (wide mode) delivers the best sound results with high-quality amplifiers that are able to handle high signal frequencies up to 300 kHz without distortions.
If you have any doubts regarding compatibility of your amplifier with such high signal frequencies, please contact the manufacturer. T amplifiers can be operated without restriction in wide mode with the lowpass filter switched off.

It is also possible to change this setting by a brief press on the WIDE/INV button on the front panel of the DAC 200.
When playing back DSD64 encoded material, the low pass is automatically active.

Status information

The status display provides a quick overview of the current settings. The individual status messages are explained below.

OUTPUT
Indicates whether the ANALOG OUT 1 and ANALOG OUT 2 analog outputs are configured to a fixed („LINE“) or adjustable („VARIABLE“) output level.

INV
Shows weather the analog outputs are set to normal or are 180 degrees phase inverted.

FILTER
Setting of the low pass filter of the analog output stage. OFF (120 kHz bandwidth) or LP60 (60 kHz low pass enabled)

OVS
The currently selected up sampling type is displayed here.
Possible displays are FIR1, FIR2, BEZ1 or BEZ2. If up sampling is disabled NOS1 or NOS2 is displayed.

LOC OSC
If LOC OSC ON is displayed here, the DAC 200 has switched to its internal precision clock oscillator (LOC OSC = Local Oscillator) during playback via the digital inputs. This causes an elimination of the jitter, but is only possible if the quality (of the clock) of the connected signal is sufficient (max. +- 150 ppm deviation).
If the quality of the clock is insufficient, the internal precision clock oscillator switches off. The display changes to LOC OSC OFF.

HDMI – Connection and playback

Connection variants
Depending on the usage, various options are available for connecting the DAC 200 via HDMI to source devices such as a BluRay player and a television, surround receiver, beamer or similar devices. Some sample configurations are shown below. The table gives an overview about the functions available for the various configurations (depending on the devices used).

1. 
2. 
3. 
4. 

5. | Picture in
   ---|---
   | CEC| ARC| DSD| standby
   1| | | | –
   2| –| –| |
   3| | –| | –
   4| –| –| |
   5| –| –| |

CEC = Automatic input switching + volume control; ARC = TV sound via DAC 200; DSD = DSD playback;
Picture playback in standby = playback from source device to TV set while DAC 200 is switched off

Compatibility information

Due to the large number of different versions of the HDMI standard, a general compatibility between the devices cannot be guaranteed. Not all manufacturers implement all functions in the same way.
Please refer to the user manual of the respective device to find out whether the desired function is available.

To use the ARC (Audio Return Channel) function, the TV must support it and the DAC 200 must be connected to an ARC compatible input of the TV.
If the CEC functions do not work properly, the CEC functionality can be limited to volume control, or can be disabled completely. (See below)

Settings

CEC Control (System settings)
This menu item is used to configure the functionality of the CEC control (Consumer
Electronics Control) via the HDMI connections.
If the CEC control is switched on, the inputs of the DAC 200 and the connected devices are automatically selected. In addition, the volume can be controlled via the remote control of the connected television.

CEC control OFF: CEC functionality completely deactivated
CEC control VOL: Only volume control possible
CEC control ON: Automatic input selection and volume control available

HDMI Bypass
(Tone settings)
This menu item allows you to select whether the audio signal at the HDMI connections HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 is to be played back by the DAC 200, or whether it is passed on for playback via a device connected to the HDMI output.

Switch on the HDMI bypass function if the DAC 200 is connected between the source device and the television / surround amplifier, and you wish to play back the sound through the television or surround amplifier.

Since the DAC 200 is designed for pure stereo playback, only 2-channel PCM or DSD64/DSD128 encoded material can be played back via the HDMI inputs of the DAC 200. For playback via the DAC 200, the
configuration of the HDMI output at the source device may need to be changed. Set the HDMI output to PCM output and activate DSD playback via HDMI if available. Always select the stereo track in the menu of the inserted disc.
If you wish to play back a disc in surround format (e.g. Dolby Digital or DTS) via the television or a surround amplifier, the sound can be passed on from the DAC 200 to that unit (see „HDMI Bypass“ on this page).

Display of format and sampling rate

concert recording
DSD (DSD 64 / 128)| YES| Playing a SACD (stereo track)
Bit stream| NO| Playback of a DVD or BluRay with surround encoded movie or similar.
Multi Ch.| NO

Troubleshooting

Many problems have a simple cause and a correspondingly simple solution. The following section describes a few difficulties you may encounter, and the measures you need to take to cure them. If you find it impossible to solve a problem with the help of these notes please disconnect the unit from the mains and ask your authorized T specialist dealer for advice.

Device does not switch on

Cause 1:
Mains lead not plugged in correctly.
Remedy:
Check connection, push connector in firmly.

Cause 2:
Mains fuse burned out.
Remedy:
Have the mains fuse replaced by an authorised specialist workshop. The rating of the replacement fuse
must agree with the specification printed on the unit.

The device responds correctly to manual operation of the buttons on the front panel, but does not respond to remote control commands

Cause 1:
The battery of the FM200 remote control is completely discharged.
Remedy:
Replace the battery with a new one of the same type as described in the chapter Remote control.

Cause 2:
Remote control reception is disabled in the system settings. The message „Remote Ctrl. disabled“ appears
on the display after you have switched on the device.
Remedy:
Switch on remote control reception in the system settings (see „System settings“ on page 56 and the following).

No audio files can be played from a Windows computer connected via USB

Cause:
For the playback via USB from a Windows PC drivers must be installed.
Remedy:
Download the driver package from the T homepage and install it as described in the installation instructions.

One or more sources cannot be selected using the source selection buttons on the device and the remote control.

Cause:
The source in question has been disabled.
Remedy:
Open the system settings menu and activate the deactivated source.

Display shows: Unpowerded E Link device connected?
Cause:
The DAC 200 is operated in conjunction with MP 200 and/or A200. These devices are connected to the DAC 200 via the E2 link connection, but are not connected to the power supply.
Remedy:
All devices connected via E2-Link must be connected to the power supply. It is not necessary that the devices are switched on.

Operation with devices of other series

Remote control
The DAC 200 is designed as a master device for use in combination with the MP 200 and the A 200. Should the DAC 200 nevertheless be used as a DA converter for an existing T system, it is possible that the DAC 200 or the amplifier/amplifier of the existing system will respond to the system remote control of the other device. The reason for this is the compatibility of the remote controls. In this case, the remote control reception of the DAC 200 can be deactivated in the system settings. Please refer to page 54 ff.

Notes on energy saving

General information
The DAC 200 satisfies the requirements of the latest directives concerning energy-saving measures (EuP directive). The modern design of the mains power supply makes an important contribution to this.

The internal micro-processor constantly ensures that sub-assemblies which are not currently required are automatically switched off. The micro-processor itself operates in stand-by mode at a relatively low clock speed, and only responds to the remote control receiver.

In stand-by mode the current drain of the DAC 200 is less than 0.5 Watt.

If you intend not to use the amplifier for a long period, it should be disconnected from the mains socket, i.e. the mains plug should be withdrawn from the wall socket.

Automatic power down function
The device features an automatic power-down function. If the DAC 200 detects no operation or no music signal for a period longer than thirty minutes, it automatically switches to stand-by mode

In countries outside the EU, in which the EuP directive has no validity, the automatic power-down feature can be disabled if necessary See „System settings“ on page 56.

Screen saver
The screensaver prevents OLED from burning in during prolonged operation at high display brightness.

The screensaver is always active and cannot be turned on or off.
If the display brightness is set to level 6 or 7, it will automatically reduce to level 5 after five minutes of inactivity.
After 2 hours of inactivity, the brightness will be reset to level 2.
When the device is operated, the brightness will immediately return to the value set by the user

Technical Specifications

Analog section

Frequency response +0/−3dB| 0,1 Hz–200kHz
Signal / noise ratio| 110/114dB
THD / Intermodulation| <0,001%
Channel separation| >108dB
Preamplifier outputs (variable or fixed output level)| High level (RCA) 0…2,5 Veff / 22 Ohm variable, 2,5 Veff / 22 Ohm fixed
Balanced (XLR) 0…5,0 Veff / 22 Ohm variable, 5,0 Veff / 22 Ohm fixed
Volume control (bridgeable for the pre-outputs)| Relay controlled in 1 dB steps, – 90 dB to 0 dB
Headphone output| 4.4 mm Pentaconn, 6 Ohms output impedance, discrete power amplifier, Class A operation up to 200 mA
Analog input
High level (RCA) 250 mVeff … 4,5 Veff
Digital inputs
| 1 x AES-EBU 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit
S/P-DIF: 2 x Standard Coax, 2 x optical TOS-Link 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit and DoP DSD64 (0x05/0xFA Marker)
1 x BNC 32…192 kHz / 16-24 Bit,
2 x USB DAC: Device-Mode 44,1 … 768 kSps (PCM) and up to DSD1024, supports asynchronous data transfer. DSD 512 and DSD 1024 with Windows PC and appropriate driver installed or Linux PC with Kernel 4.4 or higher only. Supports DoP up to DSD 256 (0x05/0xFA Marker). On Apple MAC computers the playback of DSD files is restricted to a maximum of DSD 256, as Apple only supports playback in DoP format
2 x HDMI IN, 1 x HDMI OUT with ARC (as an option)
D/A converter section
PCM| Double-Differential-Quadruple-Converter with four 32-Bit Sigma-Delta D/A converter per channel, 705,6 / 768 kSps conversion rate
DSD| T-True-1Bit DSD D/A converter, up to DSD 1024 (49,2 MHz), native bit stream
Up sampling| T signal-processor – synchronous up sampling with four selectable oversampling algorithms. FIR short, FIR long, Bezier/ IIR, Bezier, NOS (non- oversampling)
Analog filter| Phase-linear Bessel filter 3rd order, switchable with 60 or 120 kHz cut of frequency
Other connections| 5 V / 1 A USB socket for power supply applications of external USB devices
Mains| 220–240V, 50–60Hz, max. 30 Watts
Standby| <0,5Watts
Dimensions (H×W×D)| 10 ×32×34cm, 4 x 12.6 x 13.4 inch
Accessories| Remote control FM200, power cord, USB cable 2.0 for DAC (USB IN to PC)
Weight| 6,2kg,

T+A elektroakustik GmbH & Co. KG
Planckstraße 9 – 11 32052 Herford | Germany
T +49 5221 76760
F +49 5221 767676
info@ta-hifi.com
www.ta-hifi.com

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