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Analog DAC Users Manual
Unique Product - a Preamp or a DAC?
This product has the option to be a unique combination of a very high performance DAC and
the ultimate passive preamp. It is intended to be used as both for the best possible sound in your
system. Our preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the moment analog audio is
created, every transition that is made degrades the quality. That means that an active preamp with
many stages if perfect would have no effect and any imperfection would result in degradation
of the music. That is why we offer a passive preamp within the Analog DAC, to achieve the
simplest, shortest possible signal path, with the least possible degradation of the true music.
The Volume Control Upgrade
The Analog DAC has one analog input and many digital inputs. It is designed to be the last
component in your system before the amplifiers. With its incredibly low impedance, especially
for a passive preamp, it can drive long interconnects and handle any type of amplifier input stage
design with optimum performance.
Depending on how many analog sources you have in your system, you may be able to eliminate
your current preamp. If you currently have only CD and vinyl in your system, you would attach
your CD players digital output to the Analog DAC and the output of your phono preamp to the
analog input. Your system is now complete, with the shortest possible signal path and the best
sound you can achieve. The same idea applies to use with an SACD or Universal player. The
MSB Universal Player provides the highest quality SACD playback via the MSB Network.
If you have a complex system with a preamp with many analog inputs, attach the outputs of
your preamp to the input on the Analog DAC. Shift any digital sources over to digital inputs
on the Analog DAC and again, you will achieve optimum results. Set your preamp to a volume
that matches the Analog DAC output and use nothing but the Analog DAC volume control in
your system.
The volume control cannot be added once the DAC is built.
Setup and Quick Start
The front panel is quite simple with few user controls. Input source select
defaults to auto. On power up, the volume is reset to -30 dB. Turn the volume
wheel up until you hear music. Press the button to change inputs.
Power - The Platinum comes with a range of outboard power supplies. This
is not a switching supply that works at any voltage, but a linear supply with
manual switching of the transformer leads. Always allow three to five hours
for the DAC to warm up and reach thermal equilibrium.
Inputs - The DAC comes with up to three inputs as ordered. They can be
changed at any time.
Outputs
Connect the balanced or single-ended analog outputs to any amplifier and audio
should be present. The output level is controlled with the knob or remote. For
best sound quality use the single-ended outputs.
Burn-In
The concept of burn-in is little understood. Does it take your ears some time to get used to the
incredibly detailed and life-like sound of an MSB product or is something actually changing?
The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of burn-in on this DAC.
Customers generally recommend one month.
Warning: Please verify that the Analog DAC you just purchased is covered under warranty.
This DAC was sold to the Distributor named on your box label. The display will flash the
country code of your DAC when powered up. If the country does not match your purchase
location, your warranty may be invalid. Check with MSB.
Analog DAC
Phono
Preamp
CD, DVD-A
Transport
AMPs
Analog
R/L
Digital
Analog DAC
Universal Media
Transport UMT
AMPs
MSB PRO I2S
Analog
R/L
Analog
R/L
Analog DAC
Computer
AMPs
USB
Analog
R/L