Diamond DAC IV SELECT Users Manual Rev 1 (4/2014) 1
DAC IV SELECT Users Manual Unique Product Concept The Diamond DAC IV select is MSB’s reference DAC for the future. The select model started life as a fully loaded Diamond DAC IV in which all the options are included as well as an exciting 10 year warranty and upgrade guarantee. But that is just the beginning. Each month we add new improvements.
The Signature Data CD is a great companion to the DAC IV. It is shown here with the Signature Transport Power Base in Satin Black. MSB offers two Amplifiers, the Stereo S201 and the M203 Monoblocks, available in Matt White or Satin Black. Sign Magnitude Ladder DAC Specifications Inputs: BNC, RCA, Toslink, XLR AES/EBU, USB2, MSB PRO I2S and Balanced Analog Inputs RCA Outputs: RCA Output Impedance: 2.
Unique Technology - the past and the future In the 1980’s early DACs were all 16 bit ladder DACs, with a precision laser-trimmed resistor creating the appropriate analog level for each of the bits. The DACs worked well and sounded good. They were quite expensive as very accurate resistors were required. Then along came the “single bit” DACs. Rather than using a resistor to create an analog level, pulse width modulation was used.
THE DAC STORY How DACs work Delta Sigma DACs (Single Bit) Each sample or jug is filled to the right level with many measuring cups, poured to reach the target level. 010010100011101000110110 A DAC is a circuit that converts digital measures of audio amplitude in discrete steps into a continuous analog electrical equivalent of the sound to be reproduced. The amplitude is a digital number (like a 16 bit word) and the steps occur based on the sampling rate (like 48,000 times per second).
Upsampling Upsampling has been in and out of vogue for many years. Its benefit has been obvious in one DAC and nonexistent in another. We do not do upsampling as such in the SELECT model. We have the accuracy and precision which is compromised with upsampling. Custom MSB Digital Filter The DAC IV has a custom DSP based Digital filter. The sine x function is the ideal shape to apply to the audio filter task, but unfortunately to work perfectly it must sample an infinite number of samples.
Standard Balanced Rear Panel Analog Details - (left to right) Right Analog Single-Ended RCA Output – This is the primary single ended RCA analog output. It is a non-inverted copy of the Balanced out with one bit less resolution than the balanced output. The output impedance is 38 ohms with volume control and output level is 7 Volts PP (2.62 V RMS). Right Analog Single-Ended RCA Alternate Output – This is the alternative single-ended RCA analog output.
Rear Panel Digital Details - (right to left) The MSB PRO I2S Network Power Input – This product must be plugged into a DAC IV SELECT Power Base. It will not work with any previous MSB power supplies. One of the most powerful features of MSB products is the PRO I2S network. Most new MSB products have a PRO I2S connection available. The MSB PRO I2S has the following capability: RS-232 – The RS-232 input is used for controlling the DAC or volume control using a remote system.
Windows OS - USB Setup The amazing thing about the MSB USB 2 input with Windows is that once you get it set up it works completely and absolutely perfectly, with every file playing bit-perfect at its native sample rate up to 384 kHz with no user intervention. Just pick the song and play. The rest is automatic and works perfectly. This is a first for any Windows machine I have seen and a dream come true.
Front Panel Controls Although the user interface is very simple and easy to use, in depth menus allow complete control of the DAC. 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. Input Selection – Each of the six inputs can be selected manually, or the auto mode can be selected.
Operational Menu Options The high level menu options have to do with operation settings. They are things that you may want to change on the fly as you listen to different music or with different equipment. See the Menu tree for details. Phase Invert - Toggling the Phase Invert will change the absolute phase of the output. There are some recordings that “accidentally” swap the phase. For those who are phase sensitive, we always include this option. The phase of the outputs is inverted digitally.
Phase Invert Analog Input Off Disabled Enabled On Video Mode Analog In 1 Volume Audio Controlled Bypassed Video Display Brightness Dislay On/Off Analog In 2 Volume 1-15 Controlled Bypassed DSD Decode On On Off Auto Off Startup Volume Maximum Volume MSB Clock 0 to -69 dB Input No Limit Switching Mode -30 to +6dB Fine Volume Output All Inputs Active Inputs Standard Network Channel 0.5 dB Steps Analog Ground Off Channel 1-4 0.
Upgrades and Modifications Removal of the cover - Unplug the AC power. Work on a clean surface. Start by removing the 14 screws of the cover. Carefully remove and set aside the cover. Removal or Installation of the volume modules - The volume modules can be plugged in, or unplugged from the Diamond mother board. They are held in place with their two connectors. The boards are automatically detected, so when unplugged the DAC will output the same level signal as it would with them plugged in at 0 dB.
Using the DAC IV to test your source The DAC IV is unique in that gives you a precise read out of both the sample frequency and bit depth of the incoming signal as well as performing a test for bit perfect playback. If you are playing a CD, a copy of a CD or a ripped CD file on your computer the display should read 44.1 kHz, 16 bit. Any other output means you are not reading the file bit-perfect and your sound quality will be compromised. This corruption could be accidental.
Warranty Registration The following information must be sent to MSB to register your product: Name:______________________________________ Dealer:_____________________________________ Country: ___________________________________ Purchase Date:_______________ Model Number: DS __________ Email Address: ____________________ (so we can inform you of upgrades) I certify that I am the original owner of this SELECT Signature: ________________________________ Please send this information to us by the easiest way.
