Instruction manual

ManualsBrandsACK! ManualsMedia ConverterdAck! 2.0

Overview

Thank you very much for choosing the Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0. The dAck! is a self-

contained digital-to-analog converter intended for use with high-fidelity audio systems. It takes

as input a digital signal compliant with the S/PDIF standard and generates high quality two-

channel analog signals for use into a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. This D-to-A converter

utilizes the filterless concept devised by Ryohei Kusunoki (MJ Magazine, 1996-7) to provide

focused and cohesive, yet dynamic, sound that embodies many of the features inherent in analog

music reproduction. The dAck! is designed to be compatible with a very wide variety of

systems, and its primary design goal is to provide long-term satisfaction to the end user.

Please study this manual carefully before using your dAck! 2.0. We ask that you pay

special attention to the important battery usage information on page 5. Understanding this

information will ensure that your dAck! delivers its full potential for the duration of your

ownership.

Preparation for use

Your dAck! should be carefully removed from the packaging. Keep the packaging,

including the pink anti-static bag, in a safe place for future use. Make sure that the following

parts are accounted for:

1) dAck! 2.0

2) Battery charger

3) Charger Cable

4) Digital interconnect

5) BNC male to RCA female adapter

dAck! 2.0

Instruction Manual

Document revision 1.0

Summary of content (12 pages)

PAGE 1
dAck! 2.0 Instruction Manual Document revision 1.0 Overview Thank you very much for choosing the Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0. The dAck! is a selfcontained digital-to-analog converter intended for use with high-fidelity audio systems. It takes as input a digital signal compliant with the S/PDIF standard and generates high quality twochannel analog signals for use into a preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
PAGE 2
The charger requires minor assembly before it can be used. The distribution cable is packed separately from the charger and must be connected to the terminals of the charger before use. You will need a Philips head screwdriver for assembly. Follow these steps: 1. Identify the polarity of the terminals on the cable as well as on the charger (see photos † on right). 2. Unscrew the terminal screws slightly and insert the terminal forks underneath the square washers. 3.
PAGE 3
First, connect the dAck!’s outputs (Red=right channel) to your pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier inputs using a high-quality pair of interconnects. The dAck! derives its grounding point from the preamplifier through the ground conductor of your interconnect. We recommend the use of Ack! Industries analog interconnects for best performance. Connect the input of the dAck! to your digital source’s digital output using the included high-bandwidth cable or another high-quality cable of your choosing.
PAGE 4
Plug the charger unit into an available power outlet (120VAC) and connect the charger’s output to the charger in socket on the dAck!’s rear panel. The quality of power supplying the charger has no effect on sonic performance, so the charger does not need to be placed on a specially conditioned AC circuit. It is advantageous to place the charger in a location where its indicator lights will be easily seen. Charger use The indicator on the charger denotes the health status of the charger and battery.
PAGE 5
Operation When the power switch is flipped to the up position, your dAck! is energized and ready for use. A blue indicator on the front panel will illuminate, showing that the circuit is receiving power. When there is a compatible signal at the digital input, a green indicator will also illuminate, showing that there is a data latch.
PAGE 6
Care and Maintenance When the switch is in the down position, the batteries are automatically being charged. Keep the charger attached to your dAck! at all times, and remember to turn off your dAck! when you are not listening to it. No other routine care is necessary. More details on battery and charger use can be found in Appendix A at the end of this manual. Store the batteries in a fully charged state.
PAGE 7
Technical specifications The Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0 is a high-performance digital to analog converter. It utilizes a transformer-coupled differential receiver compatible with AES and S/PDIF signals to package the digital signal for data conversion. Digital to Analog conversion is provided by the TDA1545A continuous calibration DAC chip from Philips.
PAGE 8
Warranty ¾ 30 day limited warranty on batteries ¾ 1 year parts and labor limited warranty Batteries are covered for one month from date of purchase. Batteries will be replaced within the 30-day warranty period in the event of failure to supply 4 hours of continuous power after having had 24 hours of continuous float charge. The warranty coverage does not apply in the event of battery misuse (i.e.
PAGE 9
Appendix A: Maintaining the life of your power cells The following table shows the recommended schedule for charge/discharge: rating (recommended) cycle time max cycle time recharge 300mA 0-8hr 10hr overnight For best battery life, cycle the batteries in a shallow fashion, and try to allow the cells to reach float status before using them again. We do not advise exceeding the recommended cycle time.
PAGE 10
Appendix B: Battery replacement The battpAck! is a replacement battery module for the Ack! Industries dAck!. Installation will take under 10 minutes and requires no tools. The diagram below shows the general construction of the dAck! and demonstrates how the battery pack fits within the chassis. Please follow the step-by-step instructions below for the replacement. It is worthwhile to read through the directions first to familiarize yourself with the procedure.
PAGE 11
4. Gently rotate the front faceplate out of the chassis, counter-clockwise. Keep the switch end of the faceplate (left side) nearer the main chassis body. 5. Using your fingers through the vent holes toward the rear of the unit, push the battery pack out of the chassis. Be careful to not stress any cables. 6. Unclip the quick-release clasp lock on the power cabling (black/red) and remove the spent battery pack. Please recycle the spent batteries. (Most RadioShack® locations accept batteries for recycling.
PAGE 12
The assembly process is simply the reverse: 7. Insert the new battery pack part-way into the chassis. 8. Attach the quick-release clasp lock on your new battery pack to the termination inside the dAck! 2.0. Ensure that the clasp has engaged, however do not apply too much pressure. 9. Move the battery pack all the way into the chassis and replace the front and rear chassis plates, making sure not to leave any loops of internal wire dangling outside. 10.