Output driving unbalanced destination
Stereo96 DAC is equipped with 2 XLR analog outputs. For best signal to
noise performance it is recommended the signal destination has a typical
kOhm impedance (1-20kOhm) input with st4dB line level
balanced signal. It might be desirable to use a superior sounding
amplifier equipped with unbalanced ins to an inferior one which has
balanced inputs. The DAC can drive unbalanced inputs as easily as
balanced ones. Pin 2 of output XLR should be feeding “signal” of the
RCA, pin “1” should be connected to “shield” and pin “3” should be
disconnected. If a ready made XLR to RCA adapter is used, make sure
pin 3 is disconnected inside (typically it’s shorted to gnd). Additionally,
since typical unbalanced input is more sensitive at -10dBV, it might be
necessary to lower the output gain using internal trimpots (see
“alignment”).
Typically the DAC runs on its internal clock in Superclock (tm) mode. In
this mode Mytek DAC serves as a very stable low jitter clock source
which enables TOTAL jitter immunity which means that any jitter at the
DAC digital in is completely removed. In this mode all digital input
formats sound exactly the same with no jitter distortion due to jittery
source, jittery CD or long input cables. Because of careful design this
clock is as good or better than dedicated studio clock generators.
Additionally in Superlock(tm) mode signal of any format (any FS, 16, 20
or 24 bit) is upsampled to 192k/24 bit resulting in overall more realistic
and accurate sound. When synced to “digital input” the DAC works as a
typical CD Player DAC where jitter is attenuated but its effects can be
heard. This second mode is provided for comparison purposes- it allows
mastering engineer to assess how the program will sound when played by
consumers on their typical DACs.
Setup for typical unbalanced operation includes following steps:
1. Setup internal jumpers to desired mode of knob operation. Setup all
other connections. Set sync to Superlock(tm). Alternatively for testing
purpose set sync to external input.
2. Select desired signal source. Solid selector led at given input means
proper input lock. If input led is flashing there is either no signal or a
problem with locking to it. The DAC will automatically sync to any
frequency between 32-96k (external sync) or 32-192k (Superlock(tm))
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