11
Using the Analog DAC to test your source
The Analog DAC is unique in that gives you a precise 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 DAC should be receiving the file bit-perfect and it it is not, 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 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 our DAC 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 Analog DAC 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
Power UP and immediate shut down
- Check that the voltage switch is set correctly on the power supply.
No sound but Display indicates power is on
- 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 hear music.
MSB Transport Not working
- You probably have the MSB Network and PRO I2S inputs mixed up. PRO is Green and works with the Signature
Data CD.
You hear audio clipping (with outboard preamp)
- the output level may be too high for your preamp. Check the input specifications on your preamp.
(See DAC specs). If you do not have the volume option, go to the DAC LEVEL setup menu and reduce the DAC output to -9 dB. This reduced level
should solve the problem.
DC on output when power is off or when switching inputs
- Terminate the analog input when not used to avoid an open input to the AMP.
USB input not working right
- Our USB2 works up to 384K. Check your cable. MANY AUDIOPHILE USB CABLES DO NOT WORK AT 384 kHz.
Try a cheap printer cable. It will probably work fine. 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.
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.
Warranty
All MSB products carry a one year warranty in the country of origin although extended warranties are offered in many countries. No returns accepted
without an RMA. All units must be returned to the distributor in the country of origin. The DAC displays the distributor 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 Aptos.
Shipping and shipping damage is the responsibility of the consignee.