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F r e q u e n c y A s k e d Q u e s t i o n s .
Balanced or Unbalanced connection?
If your amplifier has a true balanced input, we
recommend to use the balanced analog output from
your New DAC. All things beingequal, properly
implemented balanced (also called differential) circuitry
sounds better than unbalanced circuitry. The DAC unit is
a true balanced design. It generates the inverted signal
in the digital domain and all subsequent processing is
done in balanced mode. The DAC is designed to
maintain many of the advantages of true balanced
design when using the unbalanced outputs. In addition,
the DAC analog output stage is capable of driving both
types of outputs simultaneously.
Because the Digital Volume control does not include any
analog circuitry, there is none to be bypassed. Even the
mathematical program step that performs the Digital
Volume Control calculation is an integral part of the HQ
Reference DAC filter algorithm and therefore cannot be
bypassed. If you do not need the Volume Control, set it to
its maximum level of -0dB on the display. and save this
level for the next switch-on using the remote command
Bypass the Preamplifier?
A preamplifier is unnecessary when using your DAC unit.
The DAC Unit provides all the necessary control functions
of a preamp while the signal is still in the digital domain.
This avoids the sonic degradation caused by analog
circuitry, switches, and wire. The DAC units Analog output
stage can drive any power amplifier and any
interconnects, even at very long lengths.
Leave the DAC unit with the power on?
The DAC unit is designed to be left with the power on with
noharm or wear to the unit. If desired, the front display
can be turned off (see Turning off the Display under
Remote Operation). Leaving the power on allows the
circuitry to remain in thermally stable, which provides
better performance and longer life.
Careful listeners will notice that the sound of the DAC unit
will improve steadily after the unit is powered up. A new
unit will undergo more dramatic changes when power is
applied for the first time. If you turn off your DAC unit for
more than an hour, you will find that the unit will undergo
similar, but less dramatic improvement once power is
Bypassing the Volume Control?
The unit uses the latest generation proprietary digital
The volume level can be varied in the digital domain by
means of mathematical manipulation of the signal,
eliminating the distortion and noise that are inevitable
with even the best analog volume controls. While
conventional thinking indicates that reducing the volume
digitally can sacrifice low level resolution, the DAC unit
uses an innovative digital filtering algorithm produces a
32 bit output rather than the 16 bits stored on the CD. This
high-resolution signal is then used in the computations
which in turn reduce the volume level. This new signal is
fed directly to the DAC inside the chip. Through this
innovative method, the DAC unit maintains high
resolution even at the lowest volume control settings.
Does the Volume Control compromise resolution?
