7
Audio Output Connections
CAUTION! When Connecting Direct to a Power Amplifier
Before you connect the Zdac v.2 directly to a power amplifier make certain the Volume
Control Lockout switch is set to Variable. When it set to Fixed the output jacks are at
full volume and this could damage a loudspeaker and, at the very least will startle you.
Balanced (XLR) Out
The balanced output uses two XLR jacks. Connect these to the balanced XLR inputs on your
preamplifier or directly to a power amp if you prefer to use the volume control built into the Zdac v.2.
The XLR connectors in the Zdac v.2 follow audio industry convention: Pin 2 is +, Pin 3 is -, Pin 1 is
ground.
Unbalanced (RCA) Out
The RCA jacks connect to any line level input jacks on your preamplifier or directly to a power amp if
you prefer to use the volume control built into the Zdac v.2.
Note:
The Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs are “live” simultaneously and you can connect them to
different preamps or controllers. For example, you can connect the XLR out jacks to the XLR
balanced inputs on your music system’s stereo preamplifier. Then you can connect the RCA jacks to
the input jacks on a multi-room audio system to enjoy music in other rooms of your house.
Volume Control Lock Out Switch
The Volume Control Lock Out Switch is located on the rear panel next to the RCA outputs. This switch
affects both the RCA and Balanced (XLR) outputs. There are two positions for this switch:
Fixed:
When set to Fixed the front panel Main Volume control will be disabled so that the output
level will be “fixed” at maximum. This setting should be used if you are using a separate
preamp, integrated amp or receiver to control the volume level of your stereo system. The
Fixed setting can also be used if your source components have their own volume controls.
Variable:
When set to Variable the front panel Main Volume control is engaged. The RCA and
Balanced (XLR) output level will be determined by the position of the Zdac v.2’s Main
Volume control knob. This setting should be used if your Zdac v.2 will be connected directly
to your power amplifier.
Using The Zdac v.2 without a Preamplifier
The Zdac v.2 can be connected directly to a power amplifier without using a separate preamplifier for
volume control. If you want to use the Zdac v.2 this way you must first ensure that the Volume Control
Lock Out Switch is set to Variable. Also make sure to turn down the Main Volume control before turning
on your equipment.
Failure to ensure these steps could result in a blast of sound that could
damage your speakers or hearing!
Once you have turned down the
Main Volume control and set the Lock Out Switch to Variable, connect
either the RCA or Balanced (XLR) outputs to your power amplifier. The Zdac v.2’s Main Volume control
will now control the playback level of your stereo system.
Since the Zdac v.2’s volume control operates purely in the Analog domain its audio performance is
superior to a digital volume control which can reduce audio resolution. When using the USB input,
setting your computer’s volume control to 100% will result in the highest sound quality. Some COAX
and OPT digital sources such as the Sonos
®
Connect
®
also have a digital volume control. For the best
results you should set the digital volume control of your source component to “fixed” or set the volume
to maximum.
