MSB Select DAC Crafted without Compromise User Guide

MSB Select DAC Crafted without Compromise User Guide

Check our website for the most recent user guides, firmware, and drivers: www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is: techsupport@msbtechnology.com

Technical specifications

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

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 identified on the display. When the module is not in use it is disabled.

Available Digital Input Modules

Available Preamps
The DAC is available with one output module, but a specialized inline XLR to RCA adaptor can be ordered.

Additional Analog Inputs and Outputs
In addition to the primary output module, additional analog inputs and a secondary analog output can be added.

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 firmly, 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.

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 amplifiers. 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 offer 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 flexible 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 amplifiers 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 firmware

Always be certain that you are updated with the current firmware by checking our website. The DACs’ firmware is always updated using a .WAV file. If you experience issues with playback of the update file, be sure to check for bit- perfect playback in your system.
All firmware updates can be found at:
www.msbtechnology.com/Support

Bit-Perfect Source Testing

The following files can be downloaded from the MSB website to verify bit- perfect playback on any transport:

They are .WAV test files that when played, will be identified 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 off in any transport as this prevents a file 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 files at all sample rates for both 16 bit and 24 bit operation.

The MSB Remote

Saving Menu and Startup Settings

When changing settings in the menu, use the enter button in the center of your volume wheel on the remote or the circle on the DAC faceplate to confirm settings in the DAC menu. After you have made your changes in the DAC menu, use the menu button to exit the DAC menu completely to save the changes you have made in the DAC menu.

The DAC will not save any of your settings until you exit the menu.

The “Action Buttons” on your remote change certain settings on your DAC without navigating the DAC menu (Phase Invert and Video Mode). However, these settings reset every time the DAC is reset or powered off. If you would like these settings to persist through resets or power offs, you simply have to choose the action button setting that you wish to be default and then enter and exit the DAC menu by double clicking the Menu button on your remote or DAC faceplate.

If at any point the DAC seems to be improperly setup or you want to start fresh with your settings and functions, there is a “Reset” option near the end of the DAC menu. Simply select this and confirm “YES” before closing the DAC menu and restarting the unit.

Setup Menu Options

Select Power bases

Both powerbases contain isolation technology. The powerbases detect the input voltage and switch to 120 volt or 240 volt operation. They are also available in a fixed 100 volt configuration. All powerbases have over-voltage protection.

Two fuses are provided in each powerbase:
– 5A 250V SLO BLO – 5 mm x 20 mm miniature fuse (This is the main fuse).
– 100mA 250V SLO BLO – 5 mm x 20 mm miniature fuse (This is for the standby supply only).

Technical Specifications

Select Powerbase Setup

After plugging in the powerbase, connect both powerbases with the supplied 3.5mm mini jack cable by plugging it into the 12 volt remote trigger connections. Be sure to check that the primary powerbase ‘function switch’ is set to the ‘NORMAL’ position. The secondary powerbase switch set to ‘LINKED’. This allows the primary powerbase to control the secondary one without them having to be turned on/off seperatley.

Powerbase Controls

There is one button on the front of the powerbase as well as two control features just under the front of the powerbase on the bottom.

Powerbase – 12 Volt Remote Trigger
This powerbase is equipped with a remote trigger for use with other MSB products. The trigger uses a 3 pin mini jack. When any MSB product is turned off, the other products connected will also turn off and vice-versa. This trigger can also be used with other products. Products may use this trigger differently, so you may need to rewire a cable or use an interface relay. The connector is wired as shown. If you connect “signal” to “ground”, all MSB products will turn off. If you connect “signal” to “12 V” or leave it open, all MSB products will turn on.

Ground Jumper IN – Basic Operation
The Basic Operation provides isolation only for the DAC. This gets you half the protection available. Be sure the jumper is in place between the Chassis Ground and Amplifier Ground. This is the shipping configuration. NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT THE JUMPER OR A GROUND WIRE ATTACHED.

Ground Jumper OUT – Enhanced Operation
The Enhanced Operation provides isolation for both the DAC and the amplifier. This gets you the full isolation available. In this configuration you will lift the Grounding lug jumper on both powerbases and then make a connection between the “Amp Ground” lug on both the powerbases.

It is important that both grounding lug jumpers are disconnected on each of your powerbases to ensure proper ground isolation.

With the jumpers disconnected, connect the supplied ground wire from the AMPLIFIER GROUND lug of ONE powerbase to the chassis of ONE of your mono-block amplifiers or to your single stereo amplifier. Note this connection is dependent on the amplifier so you will have to look for the best place to attach the wire. Generally the easiest place would be to loosen a screw on the Amplifier Chassis and slip the open Spade lug under the screw head and tighten the screw. The only other place a true ground may be found is on the ground pin of the power connector to the AMP but this will not be easy to connect to.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing any issues with your MSB product, please contact your nearest dealer or try our support page at www.msbtechnology.com/support. Please be sure you have the most current edition of your products firmware installed. If your issue persists please feel free to contact MSB directly. Emails are usually responded to in 24 – 48 hours.
Email: techsupport@msbtechnology.com

MSB Return Procedure (RMA)

If a customer, dealer, or distributor has a problem with an MSB product, they should email tech support before sending anything back to the factory. MSB will do their best to respond within 24 hours. Should it be clear that a product must be returned, tech support should be informed and all the following relevant information should be provided:

MSB will issue an RMA number and create an invoice with all details outlined except the final price as the product has not yet been seen. This invoice will be emailed so all the above information can be checked and verified by the customer.

The product should be returned with the RMA number present on the box. Work can then begin immediately and the product can be sent back quickly.

Any repair that is difficult and cannot be completed in two weeks will be identified and the customer will be informed when it is to be expected. Otherwise the majority of repairs should be shipped back within two weeks if all the required information is present on the invoice.
Link to page:
http://www.msbtechnology.com/faq/msb-product-return-procedure/

The Select DAC Limited Warranty

Warranty includes:

• MSB warrantys the unit against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 10 years from the date the unit was originally shipped from MSB.
• This warranty covers parts and labor only, it does not cover shipping charges or tax/duty. During the Warranty period, there will normally be no charge for parts or labor.
• During the warranty period, MSB will repair or, at our discretion, replace a faulty product.
• Warranty repairs must be carried out by MSB or our authorized dealer. Please contact your dealer if your unit requires service.

Warranty excludes:

• The Warranty does not cover standard wear and tear.
• The product is misused in any way.
• Any unauthorized modifications or repairs were performed.
• The product is not used in accordance with the Operating Conditions stated below.
• The product is serviced or repaired by someone other than MSB or a authorized dealers.
• The product is operated without a mains earth (or ground) connection.
• The unit is returned inadequately packed.
• MSB reserves the right to apply a service charge if the product returned for warranty repair is found to be operating correctly, or if the product is returned without a returns number (RMA) being issued.

Operating Conditions:

• Ambient temperature range: 32F to 90F, non-condensing.
• The supply voltage must remain within the AC voltage specified on the power base.
• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, air ducts, power amplifiers or in direct strong sunlight. This may cause the product to overheat.

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References

• MSB Technology - Official Site
• Support - MSB Technology

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