Astell & Kern L1000 User manual

INSTRUCTION BOOK
L1000
User Guide

1 9
Package
Contents
Components may be changed without prior notice to improve the performance
or quality of the product.
L1000
Power Cord &Adapter: Connect to the product and wall outlet to supply power.
Micro-USB Cable: Use to connect to a computer or compatible music source.
User Guide: Overview of product functionality.
Warranty: Please keep the product warranty in case warranty service is needed.
AdapterPower Cord
Micro-USB Cable User Guide
& Warranty
ENGLISH

21
Power
Cable
Manage-
ment
1. Connect the adapter to power cord.
2. Connect the adapter cable to [Power] on the back of the product.
3. Connect to power plug and press [Power].
4. When volume and filter LED lights are on, the product is booted.
5. Long-press (4 seconds) the [Power] button to turn the device OFF when it is turned on.
Be sure to only use an officially-certified 12V 5A adapter.
Using an adapter with specifications lower than 12V 5A may damage the product.
After connecting the adapter and power cord to the product, insert the power plug into an
available outlet.
To avoid malfunction or damage to the device, only use the power cord and the adapter supplied
with the product.
Unplug the power supply from the outlet when the device is not in use for an extended period.
Be sure to check nearby outlets and use the proper power plug.
Power ON/OFF
20
Descrip-
tion of
Each
Part
The appearance of the product as well as the
printed and engraved information may vary
depending on the model.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Filter LED
Volume LED
Volume Wheel
Headphone and
Earphone Port
Balanced Audio
Port
Filter button
Power button
XLR Balanced
Port
Speaker Port
Micro USB Port
Speaker switch
Power Port
Indicates the selected filter.
Blue LED-Neutral Filter
Green LED - Bass Sound
Filter
Red LED - Boosted Gain
Filter
Volume level indicator.
Turn the wheel to adjust
sound volume.
Connect earphones and
headphones with 3.5mm/6.3
mm terminal for audio output.
Connect earphones or
headphones with 2.5mm
balanced jack for audio output.
Press to select filters.
Turns power ON/OFF.
Connect earphones or
headphones with 4-pin XLR
balanced jack for audio output.
Output sound by connecting
the product to speakers.
Transmit data by connecting
the product to a computer or
music source device.
Turn ON/OFF the output
function of a connected
speaker.
Connect power adapter.
Balanced
Audio Pin Map
R- R+ L+ L-
1
8
9
10
2
3
11
4 5 6 7
12

23
Connecting Speakers
Connect the speaker cables to L/R(+/-) Port on the back of the product.
Only connect to the speaker when the product is turned off.
We recommend the use of an audio connector cable of good quality. Use of an ordinary cable or
unauthorized cable may cause the speaker to malfunction. Standard thickness audio-only cables
are recommended.
Maintain low to moderate volume levels when connecting to speakers. High volume levels distort
sound and may damage the speaker.
Avoid excessive force when connecting a speaker cable to a terminal. Doing so may cause damage
to the device.
Be sure that the speaker cable is securely connected to the terminal.
When connecting speakers, set the [Speaker] switch on the rear of the device to ON.
22
Earphones/Headphones
Connect earphones or headphones to [BAL], [PHONES], [BAL,-XLR] Port on the side or back
of the product.
Connect earphones or headphones that have 2.5mm balanced port to [BAL] Port on the side
of the product.
Connect headphones that have 4-pin XLR balanced jack to [BAL.-XLR] Port on the back of
the product.
You can use a variety of earphones/headphones that suit 2.5Φ, 3.5Φ, 6.5Φ, 4-pin XLR Balanced.
Maintain low to moderate volume levels when connecting earphones or headphones.
Exposure to high volume levels for extended periods may damage your hearing.
When connecting earphones/headphones, set the [Speaker] switch on the rear of the device to OFF.
When connecting more than two earphones/headphones, the sound is output to the earphones/
headphones of the last connected terminal.
When connecting to the XLR balanced terminal, all earphone/headphone jacks on the side of the
product should not be connected.
Connec-
ting
Output
XLR Balanced Cable Pin Map
Balanced cable used for professional audio interface
has a better capability for dealing with noise and
transmits sound a long distance.
1
Male
2
3
4
1
Female
2
3
4L+
L-
R-R-
R+
R+

25
For instructions on OTG cable, please refer to the cable manufacturer’s manual.
OTG cable is not included in the product package. Please purchase it separately.
Connections may be unstable, depending on which OTG cable is used.
For instruction on how to use USB audio, refer to the manual of the AK player you are trying to
connect.
When connecting an AK portable player to USB audio output, the volume should be fixed at the
MAX and you can adjust the volume with the volume wheel on L1000. Please see Line Out feature
on AK player.
Connecting an AK Portable Player
1. Connect [USB] Port on the back of the product and AK Portable Player with OTG cable.
2. Connect by clicking External USB icon on AK Portable Player.
24
Connecting to a Computer
1. Connect [USB] Port on the back of the product to a computer with the supplied Micro USB
cable.
Disconnecting from a Computer
1. Disconnect the Micro USB cable only after the transfer between the product and PC has
completed.
Only use the USB cable supplied with the product for data transmission. Using an unauthorized
cable may cause malfunction.
Stop all functions before connecting the computer and USB cable for data transmission.
Please connect the product to the high-power USB 2.0 port. Connecting to a keyboard or USB hub
without its own power supply may not be a satisfactory connection with the computer.
Disconnecting the USB cable for data transmission from the computer during an operation may
corrupt data stored on the product.
When the product is disconnected from the input source device (PC or AK Portable Player), the
power automatically turns off after about 10 minutes.
Connec-
ting
Input

27
USB DAC Installation
1. Run 'Setup.exe' from Drivers.
3. When the following screen is displayed, click [Finish]
to complete the installation.
2. Click [Browse] to select the driver destination folder
and click [Install].
< After driver installation >
26
USB
DAC
Installa-
tion
The USB DAC functionality allows L1000 to be recognized as the computer’s sound card.
Music from the computer is played through the product’s earphone/headphone/speaker
port for an enhanced listening experience.
USB DAC Specifications
- USB DAC Supported OS
+ Windows 7 (32/64-bit) / Windows 8 (32/64-bit) / Windows 10 (32/64-bit) /
Mac OS 10 7 (Lion) or higher OS version
- USB DAC Support Specifications
+ Supported formats: PCM [8 ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bit)] / DSD [2.8/5.6/11.2MHz]
- Adjust the sound volume output by using the L1000’s volume wheel.
Sound will not play back for files that exceed the supported formats.
Playback may stutter when computer performance is slow or the USB connection is experiencing
heavy usage.
There may be issues with audio-to-video synchronization during video playback depending on the
sound quality and operating environment.
Volume cannot be adjusted via the Windows volume control during native DSD playback. The
volume wheel on the product must be used to adjust the volume.
Install a dedicated driver to use the L1000 as a USB DAC.
The driver file can be downloaded from the Astell&Kern website: [http://www.astellnkern.com >
Support > Download].

29
Trouble-
shooting
Check for solutions to common problems.
1. The product won't turn on.
Check whether the power adapter is properly connected.
Please use 12V 5A adapter.
You are recommended to use the supplied adapter and power cord.
2. There is no sound, or there is static/interference.
Check whether the volume is set at [0].
Check whether the earphones/headphones/speakers are plugged in properly, and make
sure the port connection is not obstructed by dust or debris.
Check the volume of the product to which it is connected.
Verify that the music file is not corrupted.
Please check whether there is any device causing frequency interference nearby.
Check the speaker ON/OFF switch direction.
28
4. Change the default ‘Sound Output' product according
to the operating system as seen in the images below.
- XP: Control Panel > Sound and Audio Devices >
Audio tab > Change the default audio device under
'Sound playback' to [L1000 USB DAC].
- 7/8/10: Select [L1000 USB DAC] under Control Panel>
Sound > Playback tab and select [Set as default device].
- MAC OS X: System Preferences > Sound > Output tab >
Select [L1000 USB DAC].
This step is necessary only when using L1000 with USB DAC for the first time. No follow-up
measure needs to be taken to select L1000 for sound output.
For high-quality audio playback on Windows 7/8/10, it is
recommended to click [Properties] in [L1000 USB DAC] under
Control Panel > Sound tab and change the basic mode to [24bit,
192kHz (studio quality)] under Advanced tab.

When inserting a cable into any audio connection port, do not apply excessive force or
impact to the plug.
- This may damage the audio ports.
When connecting the USB cable, use a USB port on the back of the PC. Connecting to a
poorly assembled or defective USB port may damage the product.
Never use chemicals or cleaning products on the product since they can damage the
paint and surface coating.
31
Do not stand on the product.
Do not place heavy objects on the product.
Never attempt to insert an unauthorized cable into a connector.
Maintain low to moderate volume levels when connecting earphones or headphones.
- Exposure to high volume levels for extended periods may damage your hearing.
CAUTION
30
Safety
cautions
To ensure safe product usage, check the [Safety Precautions] before using the product.
WARNING indicates a serious risk. CAUTION indicates a potential hazard.
Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the product.
- iriver does not assume any responsibility for problems that arise due to unauthorized
product disassembly, repair, or modifications.
Do not insert any metal objects (coins, hairpins, etc.) or flammable material into the product.
Avoid touching the power cord during lightning strikes or thunderstorms.
- This may cause a fire or electric shock.
Discontinue use of this product immediately if it does not operate normally or a failure
occurs.
If water or other liquids enter the product, immediately disconnect the power cord from
the outlet, wipe with a dry cloth, and then refer to the nearest Service Center for customer
support. If water-damage occurs please consult with the Service Center to determine if
the product is deemed repairable. Regardless of current warranty status, repair will be
considered as an out of warranty service.
Explanations for symbols: The safety precautions are divided into "Warning" and "Caution"
as follows:
WARNING
indicates “prohibited” or “matters that should not be done.”
indicates “necessary steps” or “perform as instructed.”
Safety symbols
Use

33
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this product to rain or moisture.
Avoid exposing the product to water, and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on top of the product.
Do not place the product in the following locations:
(Doing so may cause a fire or electric shock.)
locations where water can splash or humid locations such as bathroom /
locations where rain or fog can permeate / outdoor locations in the rainy season /
locations with high temperature such as near fireplace or heaters /
locations with direct sunlight / locations with dust, oil or lots of smoke (e.g,: kitchen) /
locations with too high or too low temperatures (-5℃~ 40℃) or locations experiencing
abrupt changes in temperatures /
locations with strong vibrations unstable conditions, such as a shaky table or sloped surface /
locations with magnetic objects, such as magnets, TV, monitors, and/or speakers /
locations with corrosive gas (e.g.: sulfite, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia)
Installation
If you notice any color changes on a TV in the vicinity of this product or audio interference from the
TV, relocate the product farther away from the TV.
WARNING
32
Do not use any power cords other than the one supplied with the product.
Do not use the supplied power cord with any other products.
- Doing so may cause a fire or electric shock.
Plug the power cord into a grounded power outlet.
Hold the power plug firmly when disconnecting it from the outlet.
Disconnect the power cord from the outlet when the product is not being used for an
extended period.
- Doing so may cause a fire or electric shock.
Power Cable and Plug
Do not connect/disconnect the power plug with wet hands.
Plug the power plug into a 110V ~ 220V (50Hz ~ 60Hz) AC outlet.
Unplug the power plug from the outlet before attempting to clean the power plug pins or
mounting surface.
Observe the following when handling the power cord:
Do not damage or modify it. (e.g.: extension) /
Do not subject the cord to excessive heat or heavy weight. /
Do not pull the cord. / Do not attempt to jam the cord into a tight space. /
Do not forcibly bend the cord. /
Do not twist the cord. / Do not tie multiple power cords together.
- Doing so may cause a fire or electric shock.
WARNING
CAUTION

35
Disclai-
mer
The manufacturer, importer, and distributor shall not be liable for any damage including
accidental and/or personal injury due to the improper use or operation of this product.
The information in this user manual was written based on current product specifications. The
manufacturer, iriver Limited, is adding new complementary features and will continue to
apply new technologies in the future.
All specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
There is no warranty against data loss due to the use of this product.
Regis-
tered
Trade-
marks
Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows Media Player
are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.
34
Copy-
right
iriver Limited retains the rights to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other intellectual
property rights related to this manual. This manual may not be copied or duplicated in any
form or by any means without the prior written consent of iriver Limited.
Using or reproducing, in whole or part, the contents of this document is subject to penalties.
Software, audio, video, and any other copyrighted contents are protected in accordance with
relevant copyright laws. The user accepts all legal responsibility for the unauthorized
reproduction or distribution of the copyrighted contents from this product.
Companies, organizations, products, people, and events used in the examples are not based
on actual data.
iriver has no intention to be associated with any company, institution, product, person, or
incident through this instruction manual, and no such inference should be made. It is the
responsibility of the user to comply with applicable copyright laws.
©1999 ~ 2017 iriver Limited. All rights reserved.
L1000 was designed and audio-tuned under the advice of MSD.
Certifi-
cations
KCC / FCC / CE / CCC
Class B Device (Communication equipment for residential use): This is a Class B Device and
is registered for EMC requirements for residential use. This product can be used in
residential and all other areas.
FCCID : QDMDAM11
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

3 6
Specifi-
cations
Device specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
General
Product Name
DAC
Inputs
Outputs
Sample Rate
Output Level
Power Supply
Material
Weight
Dimension
Audio
Headphone
/Earphone
Speaker
L1000 / DAM11
AK4490 x2 (Dual DAC)
USB Micro-B input (PC&MAC)
PHONES Out (3.5mm, 6.3mm), Balanced Out
(2.5mm-only 4-pole supported, 4-pin Balanced XLR),
Speaker out (L/R binding posts x2)
PCM : 8kHz ~ 384kHz (8/16/24/32bits per Sample)
DSD Native: DSD64(2.8MHz), Stereo / DSD128(5.6MHz), Stereo /
DSD256(11.2MHz), Stereo
Unbalance 6Vrms / Balance 8.5Vrms (Condition No Load)
12V adaptor
Aluminum
32.45oz(920.7g)
4.44”(112.87mm)[W] x 6.29”(160mm)[D] x 4.43”(112.75mm)[H]
Frequency Response
Signal to Noise Ratio
Crosstalk
THD+N
Output
Frequency Response
Signal to Noise Ratio
Crosstalk
±0.064dB(Condition: 20Hz~20kHz) Unbalanced & Balanced /
±0.73dB(Condition:10Hz~70kHz)Unbalanced & Balanced
115dB @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 116dB@1kHz, Balanced
108db @ 1kHz, Unbalanced /138dB @ 1kHz, Balanced
0.003% @ 1kHz, Unbalanced / 0.001%@1kHz, Balanced
15W x2 (4ohm)
±0.32dB(Condition:20Hz~20kHz, 4ohm, 1kHz, 10%THD)
95dB (Condition: 4ohm, 1kHz, 10% THD)
110dB (Condition: 4ohm, 1kHz, 10%THD)