MSB TECHNOLOGY The Reference DAC Digital to Analog Converters User Guide

MSB TECHNOLOGY The Reference DAC Digital to Analog Converters

Technical specifications

Supported Formats (Input depedent)| 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) 150 Ohm Balanced

Galvanically isolated

Volume Control| Purely passive constant impedance analog attenuation

1dB steps

Display| Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous Adjustable brightness and auto-off feature
Controls| Isolated RS-232 IR Remote

Knob + 3 Buttons

Chassis Dimensions| Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)

Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)

Height without feet: 2.2 in (56 mm) Stack height: 2.85 in (72 mm)

Weight: 25 lbs (12 kg) Product Feet: M6x1 Thread

Shipping Dimensions| Width: 23 in (585 mm)

Depth: 23 in (585 mm)

Height: 7 in (178 mm)

Weight: 36 lbs (17 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. Shipping default is 70. Turn the volume knob up until you hear music.

Power| The DAC comes with a high-performance powerbase. The powerbase automatically detects and switches 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 supply is 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 the power base, then plug in the provided DC interconnects from each of the two plugs on each side of the powerbase 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.
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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.
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 interfaces 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 a second 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 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 the 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
Test samples can be found on our website and downloaded for playback and testing. 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 right arrow 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 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

•  The display is on continuously.

Auto off

•   The display is off but will turn on momentarily when information changes.

Screen (Display detail)| Small

•  Displays volume, Bit depth and sample rate.

Big (Default)

•  Displays large format volume characters only.

Switch (Input switching)| Manual

•     Only allows manual switching between active and previously active inputs. The ‘Auto’ mode is not available. Smart (Default)

•   Allows manual and auto switching between active and

previously active inputs.

All

•  Allows manual and auto switching between all installed inputs.

Reset| Yes

•  This restores the DAC to default settings.

Volume (Startup volume

and DSD settings)

| This can be adjusted from 0 – 100. This is the default volume the DAC will power up at. If you choose to use the DAC with a external preamp, we recommend setting the default volume to 98. (Default is 70)

Off Optimized

•    Optimized mode. The optimized mode is the DSD decimation done using a special method developed by MSB.

Off Native

•  Native mode. The Native DSD signal is sent unprocessed direct to the Hybrid DAC modules.

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RenRem (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* (Analog input)

*Preamp output

only

| Off (Default)

•    Disables the analog input. Leave the analog input disabled unless you have it connected. This will prevent the DAC from switching to a floating input.

On

•  Enables the analog input and uses the volume control.

Bypass

•    Enables the analog input and bypasses the volume control.

Output** (Output Level)

**Base output

only

| Low

•  -6dB output level with a 75 ohm output impedance. This setting is recommended if you decide to use a external preamp.

High (Default)

•  Standard output level with a 150 ohm output impedance

SN:| This screen displays the serial number of the DAC.
Code| This screen displays the current revision # of firmware installed in the DAC.
IN1 to IN4| Lists the installed input module in slot A, B, C, and D
Output Module| Displays the current output module installed and the output impedance.

Reference Powerbase
The powerbase contains isolation technology. The powerbase detects the input voltage and switches to 120 volt or 240-volt operation. It is also available in a fixed 100-volt configuration. All powerbases have over-voltage protection.

Two fuses are provided:

• 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

standby
Chassis Dimensions| Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)

Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)

Height without feet: 2.2 in (56 mm) Stack height: 2.85 in (72 mm) Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg)

Shipping Dimensions| Width: 23 in (585 mm)

Depth: 23 in (585 mm)

Height: 7 in (178 mm)

Weight: 47 lbs (22 kg)

Included Accessories| 2X Power Cables Ground Cable IEC Power Cord

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 bright-

ness

| 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. With the jumper disconnected, connect the supplied ground wire from the AMPLIFIER GROUND lug to the chassis of the 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 too.

Dual Powerbase Grounding Diagram

In this configuration, you will simply lift the grounding lug jumper and make a connection from the “Amp Ground” lug to either ONE of your mono-block amplifiers or to your single stereo amplifier.

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@msbtech.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:

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 Reference DAC Limited Warranty

Warranty includes:

• MSB warranty the unit against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 5 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

• MSB Technology - Official Site
• Support - MSB Technology

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