Operating instructions

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DAC and Headphone Amp User Guide
Introduction
CD-ripping software is capable of reproducing “bit perfect” digital music data (16
bit/44.1kHz) from audio CD files stored on the computer’s hard drive. In addition to CD-
quality music, some online sites are now offering 24 bit/96kHz music files. Thanks to larger
and increasingly economical hard-disk capacity, consumers can store the highest quality
music files on their computers. However, extracting good sound from the computer poses
problems.
Poor Sound Quality
As a rule, your computer’s audio doesn’t sound quite right because computer manufacturers
often treat their products’ audio output stage as little more than a necessary evil. So long as
the music signal remains in a digital format, all is well. The pitfalls appear when the
computer converts signals to analog, which is how we listen to music. Typically, the
onboard converter (a.k.a. sound card) is a low-cost item. Digital circuitry generates noise
that often bleeds into the audio stage. Further, these compromised stages are seldom
designed for the low-impedance power high-quality headphones require. Finally, should you
use the computer’s software to reduce volume, you may actually be listening to eight-bit
resolution –– in real-world terms, not at all good.
In sum, these deficits conspire to produce inferior sound. Far better to send the digital signal
to an external digital-to-analog converter (DAC). NuForce Desktop products employ quality