Audio Research DAC8 User manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
REVISION 1.3
Model DAC8
DIGITAL to ANALOG CONVERTER
3900 ANNAPOLIS LANE NORTH / PLYMOUTH, MINNESOTA 55447-5447 / PHONE: 763-577-9700 FAX: 763-577-0323.
www.audioresearch.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................................4
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 4
ADDITIONAL FEATURES......................................................................................................................4
DAC8 HD AUDIO DEVICE SOFTWARE DRIVERS.....................................................................................5
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................5
OUTPUT CONNECTORS.......................................................................................................................5
INPUT CONNECTORS ..........................................................................................................................5
DESCRIPTION OF FRONT PANEL CONTROLS.........................................................................................5
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................................6
OPERATING / START-UP PROCEEDURE................................................................................................6
WINDOWS PC SOFTWARE INSTALLATION INSTALLATIONS...................................................................6
MAC SOFTWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................10
SETTING THE SAMPLE RATE ON MAC OS X ........................................................................................12
USING THE DAC8 CONTROL PANEL ...................................................................................................13
SETTING THE SAMPLE RATE OR NATIVE MODE IN WINDOWS ............................................................14
SETTING NATIVE MODE IN MAC OS X................................................................................................16
GETTING THE MOST OUR OF YOUR DAC8..........................................................................................16
S/PDIF, USB 2.0 HS and MUSIC MANAGEMENT .................................................................................16
DAC8 REMOTE CONTROL..................................................................................................................17
MUSIC MANAGEMENT REMOTE CONTROL .......................................................................................17
FCC and SAFETY WARNINGS .............................................................................................................17
PACKAGING .....................................................................................................................................17
SERVICING .......................................................................................................................................18
CLEANING........................................................................................................................................18
WARRANTY .....................................................................................................................................18
SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................................................19
S/PDIF CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................................................20
USB 2.0 HS CONNECTION .................................................................................................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ..............................................................................................................22
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DAC8 FRONT PANEL
DAC8 REAR PANEL
DAC8 REMOTE CONTROL
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PREFACE:
Please take time to carefully read and understand the following instructions before you install or
attempt to operate this equipment. Becoming familiar with the product and its correct operating
procedures will help assure you of maximum musical enjoyment and reliable operation. The effort you
invest now will be well rewarded in the years ahead.
INTRODUCTION:
Thank you for purchasing our new DAC8 Digital to Analog Converter. You will notice we have enhanced
the USB capability in the DAC8 by upgrading to USB 2.0 HS (high speed) which runs at 480Mbps. USB 2.0
HS has a lower jitter specification than USB 2.0 FS (full speed 12mbps), consequently the DAC8 is
capable of reproducing music with higher resolution than products communicating at USB 2.0 FS speeds.
In addition, the DAC8 employs a low jitter Dual Master Oscillator design which will provide superior
digital to analog conversion via the USB 2.0 HS input as well as via the more traditional S/PDIF, RCA,
BNC, OPT and AES inputs. Our USB 2.0 HS audio interface is optimized for all 6 popular sample rates
currently in use; 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz.
In the past, S/PDIF was the default interface mode for High Resolution music files at 176.4 and 192kHz.
But, now, with Audio Research’s Dual Master Oscillator, USB 2.0 HS interface and our Quad D/A
converter design, USB audio is elevated to the status once dominated by S/PDIF.
Consequently, regardless of whichever digital input you select the Audio Research DAC8 promises to
provide a superior listening experience.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
In addition to the High Performance USB design, the DAC8 features:
“DAC8 HD Audio Device” software drivers, which allow listening to your music in its native
sample rate as well as assuring BIT PERFECT, low jitter, data transfer from your PC to your DAC8.
Because PC and Mac operating systems do not adequately support sample rates over 96kHz,
ARC has developed ASIO drivers to make the USB audio experience sonically transparent, at all
sample rates.
Sample Rate measuring function: Measures and displays on the front panel the correct digital
sample rate being sent to the DAC8. This works in USB as well as S/PDIF mode. Consequently,
at a glance, you always know exactly which sample rate is being decoded.
Quad D/A converters: To lower the noise floor and increase the dynamic range, ARC designed in
two D/A converters per channel. Instead of using one D/A in stereo mode we use one D/A in
each channel. Each D/A is in MONO mode improving the stereo separation, lowering the noise
floor and increasing the dynamic range an additional 3dB.
Dual MO’s: When the time base of any DAC is not an integer multiple of the digital music
sample rate, decoding and quantization errors occur. Consequently, the DAC8 uses two low
jitter Master Oscillators; one supporting 44.1, 88.2 & 176.4kHz sample rates and the other
supporting 48, 96 & 192 kHz sample rates. The DAC8 automatically selects the correct MO the
instant digital music is detected at the selected input.
All inputs are galvanically isolated from the source to reduce or eliminate noise and/or jitter
from entering the DAC8.
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The Analog amplifiers in the DAC8 have received the same attention to detail as the digital
section. Each channel of the DAC8 uses a true direct coupled differential amplifier with a
bandwidth in excess of 90kHz.
To lower the noise floor even more and further improve sonics, the DAC8 employs an R-Core
power transformer, sonically superior in this application to its more traditional iron core
equivalent.
DAC8 HD AUDIO DEVICE SOFTWARE DRIVERS:
The DAC8’s USB driver software provides your computer with special high speed audio drivers not
supplied by MS Windows or Mac OS. The ARC USB drivers are specially designed to assure low jitter BIT
PERFECT data transfer between the server/computer and the DAC8 at all sample rates. Our drivers
setup the USB interface to guarantee bandwidth, independent of active bulk transfers from the hard
drive. Using the ARC icon in your PC’s input tray you can set the DAC8 to any sample rate from 44.1 to
192kHz and allow the music server/management software to either up or down convert your music to
the selected sample rate; you can also bypass the sample rate conversion process and play your music in
Native mode.
Audiophiles can use custom sample rate conversion algorithms or other file formats provided by third
party suppliers such as Windows Media Player, Media Monkey, FooBar, iTunes, J Rivers Media Center
and many others to optimize your music experience. Remember, the DAC8 was designed to always be
in “Native” mode so your DAC8 will never modify or re-sample the music files you send it.
COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
The software drivers that shipped with your DAC8 will install on any PC computer or Mac computer with
an Intel processor. On PC’s the DAC8 is compatible with Windows operating systems, XP, Vista or
Windows 7. On the Intel/Mac computers the DAC8 software drivers are compatible with OS 10.4 and
higher. For USB operation, on either platform, the DAC8 requires a dedicated USB 2.0 HS (high speed
480Mbps) port.
OUTPUT CONNECTORS:
RCA connectors: connect to unbalanced (RCA) inputs of your preamplifier or integrated amp.
XLR connectors: connect to balanced (XLR) inputs of your preamplifier or integrated amp.
INPUT CONNECTORS:
USB 2.0 HS, RCA, BNC, XLR, OPT (TOSLINK FIBER).
DESCRIPTION OF FRONT PANEL CONTROLS:
POWER ON/OFF: Supplies power from AC wall outlet to DAC8 when in "On" position, as
indicated by illuminated green "Power" LED. When “Off”the DAC8 is in sleep mode.
INPUT SWITCH: Allows user to select one of five possible digital sources indicated by front
panel input LEDs (USB, RCA, BNC, XLR, OPT).
SAMPLE RATE INDICATOR: When a digital source is properly connected to one of the inputs and
that input is selected, one of the “SAMPLE RATE" LEDs (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz) will
light indicating LOCK. The DAC8 goes into MUTE when an input with no signal is selected.
MUTE:Selecting Mute (indicated by illuminated Mute LED) mutes or unmutes the output of the
DAC8.
INVERT: Inverts absolute phase of output signal when LED is lit.
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
While the DAC8 does not dissipate an unusual amount of heat, it is important that it be provided with
reasonable airflow to assure long, trouble-free operation. In addition, the following installation
guidelines will help insure maximum sonic performance as well as reliable service.
1. Upright and horizontal mounting is suggested if extended operation (longer than one hour)
is contemplated.
2. Do not "stack" the DAC8 on top of a power amplifier.
3. Do not place or operate your DAC8 on a soft or irregular surface such as a rug. This will
prevent proper ventilation.
4. Never operate your DAC8 without the top and bottom covers installed. These are required
both for safety as well as shielding from interference (except in service operations).
OPERATING/START-UP PROCEDURE:
1. Make sure power switch is set to "Off” position.
2. Secure all rear-panel connections between DAC8, preamplifier, and digital input source(s).
Refer to the S/PDIF and USB 2.0 HS CONNECTIONS diagrams at the end of this document for
input and output connection ideas.
3. Plug 3-prong power cord from the rear of the DAC8 into a grounded AC wall receptacle.
4. Turn power switch to "On”. The green "Power" LED will light, indicating your DAC8 is ready
for operation.
WINDOWS PC SOFTWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Installation of the DAC8 HD Audio Device drivers is only necessary if you intend to use the USB 2.0 HS
input on your DAC8. Software installation is not necessary if you only intend to use the S/PDIF or
AES/EBU inputs.
Place the installation disk you received with your DAC8 into your computer and double click the SETUP
icon. The disk should auto load and start the install function; follow the on screen prompts as you install
the DAC8 HD Audio device drivers.
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Press NEXT when the WELCOME window appears.
When asked to accept or decline the License Agreement; check the ACCEPT box and press NEXT.
The installer will automatically place the HD Audio Device Drivers in your Program files. Press the
INSTALL button to continue.
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In several spots the computer may prompt you to “Install, Continue or Don’t Install” the HD Audio
Drivers. Select “allow, continue or Install this driver software anyway” each time you are prompted.
You will be informed when the installation has completed successfully; press NEXT to continue.
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At the end of the installation the install program will ask you to disconnect and reconnect your DAC8 to
the computer via the USB port and turn it on. On Vista and Windows 7, Windows will detect the new
DAC8 hardware and load on the new drivers automatically; on XP, Windows will pop-up with a NEW
HARDWARE FOUND panel; follow the Windows prompt instructions and your new DAC8 HD audio
device drivers will install. The install prompts will occur twice before the install is complete. Now you
can press FINISH and the installation will be complete. Normally restarting your PC at this point is not
required but If you do not see the “DAC8 OUT 1/2" listed in the SOUND panel after installation you
should do a restart of your PC; see page 14 for details.
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MAC SOFTWARE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Installation of the DAC8 HD Audio Device drivers is only necessary if you intend to use the USB 2.0 HS
input on your DAC8. Software installation is not necessary if you only intend to use the S/PDIF or
AES/EBU inputs.
Place the installation disk you received with the DAC8 into your Mac computer and open the install file
on your desk top. Click on the “AUDIO_RESEARCH_DAC8.mpkg” icon in the folder.
Follow the on screen prompts as you install the DAC8 HD Audio device drivers. Press the CONTINUE
button when you see the Welcome panel.
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