MSB TECHNOLOGY MSB-SELECTDAC The Select DAC User Guide
- June 3, 2024
- MSB TECHNOLOGY
Table of Contents
MSB TECHNOLOGY MSB-SELECT DAC The Select DAC
Technical specifications
Supported Formats (Input dependent)| 44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits 1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
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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) 75 Ohm Balanced
Galvanically isolated
Volume Control| Purely passive constant impedance analog attenuation
1dB steps
Display| Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous display
Adjustable brightness and auto-off feature
Controls| Isolated RS-232 IR Remote
Knob + 4 Buttons
Chassis Dimensions| Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 3 in (79 mm) Stack height: 3.625 in (92 mm)
Weight: 25.5 lbs (11 kg) Product Feet: M6X1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions| Width: 23 in (585 mm)
Depth: 23 in (585 mm)
Height: 7 in (178 mm)
Weight: 45 lbs (21 kg)
Included Accessories| User Manual MSB Remote
Micro USB Charging Cable
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. The shipping
default is 70. Turn the volume knob up until you hear music.
Power| The DAC comes with two high performance powerbases. The powerbases automatically detect and switch 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 supplies are switched on and off with a button on the front or via the IR remote. Plug in the provided AC cable to the back of each powerbase, then plug in the provided DC interconnects from each of the plugs on each of the powerbases 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
(DO NOT TWIST OR DISASSEMBLE THE CONNECTOR).
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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 amplifier.
The output level is controlled with the knob or remote.
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.
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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.
Mute| The circle button can be used to quickly mute the audio
of the DAC.
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 identified on the display. When the module is not in use it is
disabled.
Available Digital Input Modules
ProI 2 S| MSB’s proprietary interface for use with MSB transports. This
module provides two inputs.
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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| Offers one set of balanced analog inputs and outputs.
Provides volume control with our passive constant impedance volume control
technology.
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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 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.
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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
to 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 the playback of the updated 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 operations.
The MSB Remote
1| Power| Powerbase on and off. When the powerbase is linked to an amplifier or MSB product, this button will turn off the entire
system
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2| Indicator 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
3| Input| Toggles directly through DAC inputs
4| Phase| Toggles phase invert
5| Video Mode| Toggles video mode
6| Display On/Off| Toggles Display On/Off
7| Volume| The center scroll wheel controls DAC
volume
8| Mute| DAC mute
9| Track Backward| Skip/scan backward
(Renderer Only)
10| Play/Pause| Play and pause
(Renderer Only)
11| Track Forward| Skip/scan forward
(Renderer Only)
12| DAC Menu| Enter DAC menu
While in menu:
Up – Volume Up Down – Volume Down Enter – Mute
Return – DAC Menu
13| Stop| Stop media
(Renderer Only)
14| Track Repeat| Track or album repeat
(Renderer Only)
15| Charging Port| Micro-USB to charge the remote battery
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 the 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 set up 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
Display brightness | This can be adjusted from 1 – 10 |
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Display | On (Default) |
• The display is on continuously.
Auto off
• The display is off but will turn on momentarily when
the volume or input changes.
DSD mode| Optimized
• The optimized mode is the DSD decimation done using a special method developed by MSB.
Native DSD (Default)
• The Native DSD signal is sent unprocessed direct to the Hybrid DAC modules.
Startup volume| 0 – 100
• This is the default volume the DAC will power up at.
Volume Disabled
• If you choose to use the DAC with a external preamp,
you can set turn the volume control off.
Setup Menu Continued…
Input switching| Manual with smart
• Only allows manual switching between active and previously active inputs. The ‘Auto’ mode is not available. Auto with smart (Default)
• Allows manual and auto switching between active and previously active inputs.
Auto with all inputs
• Allows manual and auto switching between all installed
inputs.
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Restore
DAC
settings
| Confirm
• This restores the DAC to default settings.
Renderer Remote| Enable
• The transport buttons on the remote work to control renderer functionality
Disable
• The transport buttons on the remote only work for
the transport
Analog| Off (Default)
• Disables the analog input.
On-Volume Controlled
• Enables the analog input and uses the volume control.
On-Volume Bypass
• Enables the analog input and bypasses the volume
control.
About
screen
| This screen displays the serial number, year of
manufacture, and distributor name of the DAC.
DAC
Software
| This screen displays the current revision # of firmware
installed in the DAC.
Input A – D| Lists the installed input module in slot A, B, C, and D.
If a Network Renderer is installed this screen will display
the currently used Network IP address of the module.
Output| Displays the current output module installed and the
output impedance.
Select Powerbases
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 standby supply only).
Technical Specifications
AC Voltage| 120/240V (Auto switching)
Optional 100V fixed configuration
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Power Consumption| 100 Watts with fully configured Select DAC
Less than 2W standby
Chassis Dimensions| Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 3 in (79 mm) Stack height: 3.625 in (92 mm)
Weight: 45.8 lbs (20 kg)
Shipping Dimen-
sions
| Width: 23 in (585 mm)
Depth: 23 in (585 mm)
Height: 7 in (178 mm)
Weight: 55 lbs (25 kg)
Included Accessories
(Per Unit)
| Hybrid Power Cable Ground Cable
IEC Power Cord
3.5mm Mini Jack (Primary Unit only)
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 separately.
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.
LED
indications
| White – Power on.
Red – Power off.
Amber – Linked mode, 12 volt trigger controlled.
Flashing Amber – Over-voltage protection.
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Display brightness| This is a rolling wheel to control the brightness of the
power indication light
Power control| Normal – This sets the powerbase as the 12 volt trigger
master.
Linked – This sets the powerbase as the 12 volt trigger slave.
The ‘master’ powerbase will control this unit.
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 powerbases. It is important that both
grounding lug jumpers are disconnected on each of your power bases 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.
Powerbase Connection
Attach the ground wire to the “Amp Ground” lug of both powerbases. Lift the
jumpers between “Amp Ground” and “Chassis Ground” as shown above
Amp Connection
Attach the ground wire to the Ground Lug on the jack panel of the MSB amp. If
there is no ground lug, attach the wire to a chassis screw. Never connect the
ground wire to the negative speaker terminal***
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 product’s 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:
1 | Product in question |
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2 | Serial number |
3 | Exact configuration when symptom is observed along with a list with the |
input used, source material, system connections, and
amplifier
4| Customer name
5| Customer shipping address
6| Customer phone number and email
7| Special return shipping instructions
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 warrants 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 an authorized dealer.
- 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.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>