MSB Technology DAC IV User Manual Download Page 2

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DAC IV 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 DAC IV, to achieve the simplest,

shortest possible signal path, with the least possible degradation of the true music.

The Volume Control Upgrade

The DAC IV has one analog input with the option for a second, 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 DAC IV 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 player. Since SACD does not

normally come out the digital output, the analog SACD is attached to the analog input on the

DAC IV and the digital output for CD playback. The MSB XPORT upgrade will allow SACD

and Bluray to be output via the MSB network directly to the DAC IV.
If you have a complex system with a preamp with many analog inputs, attach the outputs of your

preamp to the input on the DAC IV. Shift any digital sources over to digital inputs on the DAC

IV and again, you will achieve optimum results. Set your preamp to a volume that matches the

DAC IV output and use nothing but the DAC IV volume control in your system.
The volume control modules can be easily installed or removed by your dealer.

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

knob up until you hear music.
Power - The Platinum comes with a range of outboard power supplies. The

supply 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. Always allow three to five hours for the

Platinum to warm up and reach thermal equilibrium.
Inputs - The Platinum comes standard with one MSB Network (CAT5), AES/

EBU balanced, coaxial (RCA and BNC) and optical digital audio inputs, as

well as a balance analog input, ranked in order of performance. Connect any

digital input to any active digital audio source. The frequency and bit depth

of the incoming signal will be read out on the front panel and analog audio