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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. You may have ripped a CD with a program that does a conversion. This is very bad and you should not
do this. You may have an upsampling transport or have upsampled with software upsampling in your computer. This is also very bad.
Nobody can do as well as we can if we are given the bit perfect original. Turn off the feature and give us the real thing. You will not be
disappointed. For more detailed testing of your source, please refer to the BIT PERFECT SOURCE TESTING section of this manual.
MSB provides test files that the DAC is programmed to recognize and check for bit perfect playback.
Bit-Perfect Source Testing
Perhaps one of the most useful features of the software is the bit-perfect test. The following series of files can be downloaded from the
MSB web site:
16 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate file (CD standard).
24 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate file.
16 bit x 48 kHz sample rate file.
24 bit x 48 kHz sample rate file.
16 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate file.
24 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate file.
16 bit x 96 kHz sample rate file.
24 bit x 96 kHz sample rate file.
16 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate file.
24 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate file.
16 bit x 192 kHz sample rate file.
24 bit x 192 kHz sample rate file.
They are .wav test files that when played, will be identified by the DAC IV and checked, and will be reported on the display if they are
bit-perfect. If there is a problem with the test, it will play but the display will not indicate any change. Be sure upsampling is turned off in
any transport as this prevents a file from remaining bit-perfect. This system will allow you to easily test your source, especially computer
sources to see if all your settings are correct. There are files at all sample rates for both 16 bit and 24 bit operation. The 16 bit 44.1 test
file can be burned to a CD to test transports.
Troubleshooting
No Input Frequency indicated on Display (reads “No Signal”)
- This means no input is detected. Check input select. Change to auto mode to be
sure. Check for bad cable, or cable plugged into the wrong output on the transport.
No Input Bit Depth indicated on Display (reads “0 bits”)
- This means an input is detected but the music is not playing. Check the source to be sure
it is playing.
No sound but Display indicates frequency and bit depth
- Check that power cable is plugged in all the way. You may have digital power but no
analog power. Check that source is valid audio source. Change to a standard CD just to be sure. Check that analog outputs are connected properly.
Check that volume is turned up.
Still no sound
- connect an analog output from the source directly to the preamp input. Verify that the rest of the system is working. Now move the
same analog cable to the DAC and plug in the analog source to the analog inputs. Verify the DAC pass-through is working. Now plug in a digital
source. You should hear a click and the front display should indicate frequency.
Frequency readout is off
- The Diamond shows the actual input frequency. Check your source settings.
High sample rate source indicates 48 kHz on front panel
- Check setup menu of source. Many products downmix to 48 k.
DVD-A source does not indicates 192k
- DVD-A players must be upgraded to provide a true 192K output. Production players downmix to 48K. Many
DVD-A disks are produced in 44.1, 48 and 96 k as well.
DC on output when power is off
- If the second Analog input option has been installed, the output is connected to the 2nd input when the power is
turned off. Terminate the input when not used to avoid an open input to the AMP.
USB input not working right
- Check your computer settings. This is much harder than you would think. With many operating systems you may
need to make small changes to the instructions. As ALWAYS with everything computer - Restart. Power off the computer and DAC and start over if
anything is acting strange. Second thing is to change your USB cable. Audiophile USB cables rarely work at high sample rates. Try a cheap printer cable.
PRO Input is not working
- Make sure you are not mixing a PRO I2S input and a MSB Network input. They are not compatible and will not work.
Make sure you have the latest firmware.
Analog Input not selectable
- This input defaults OFF. Go into the menus and turn on the Analog Input.
Warranty
The SELECT carries a ten year original owner warranty in the country of origin. No returns accepted without an RMA. All units must be returned to the
distributor in the country of origin. You must be the registered owner. The DAC displays the country in the “about” tab of the menu. The power base
has the distributor and country printed on the box. MSB will not make warranty repairs on grey market products. Be sure the product you purchased is
authorized to be in your country. Upon receipt, MSB will repair or replace any defective product. All product shipped FOB Watsonville, CA. Shipping
and shipping damage is the responsibility of the consignee.
