2
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. Not only does it have the very best diamond DAC modules, Galaxy
Femtosecond Clock, EURO heatsinks, 384 kHz USB input and Diamond Volume controls
-- but now has a number of major improvements including a new heavy duty power link with
additional power supplies to further isolate the clock. It also has lots of hardware improvements
including some new technology we are not even talking about. Its all included, burned in and
carefully tested, including actual listening tests in our reference system. As we are developing
improvements and new ideas, they are immediately incorporated into this DAC, so unlike
normal products, each month the select model will be different, and from time-to-time the
cost may increase. But don’t worry, you can upgrade as often as you want, so you will never
be left behind. The select model comes with a 10 year warranty and upgrade guarantee so as
we make improvements, you can return your DAC and get the latest performance without
having to worry about selling the old model and buying the new one. These upgrades are free
for the first year and simply the difference in cost between your DAC and the current select
DAC for the remaining years. Guaranteed, no questions asked. Upgrade as often as you like.
DAC and PREAMP Together
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. 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.
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 Diamond comes with a high performance outboard power supply. 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. The power supply is switched on and off with a toggle switch on the
back. It can be remotely controlled when the front panel control option was installed. Always allow three to five hours
for the Diamond to warm up and reach thermal equilibrium.
Inputs - The Diamond comes standard with one MSB PRO I2S (CAT6), USB2, 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 will be found on both balanced and single-ended analog outputs.
Outputs - Connect the balanced analog outputs to any amplifier and audio should be present. If you ordered your
SELECT for single-ended use, there will be no balanced outputs. The output level is controlled with the knob or remote.
Burn-In
The concept of burn-in is little understood. The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of burn-in on this DAC.
Customers generally report improvement up to one month.
Warning: Please verify that the DAC IV you just purchased is covered under warranty. This DAC was sold to the Distributor named
on your box label. The country and date of manufacture is also specified. If the country and year do not match your purchase
location, your warranty may be invalid. Check with MSB.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION CARD
The 10 year warranty and UPGRADE Guarantee is ONLY extended to the original owner as registered.
Failure to register puts your warranty at risk!
The card is in the back of this Manual.
DAC IV
Phono
Preamp
CD, Universal
Transport
AMPs
Analog
R/L
Digital
Analog
R/L
