cec DA5 User manual

D/A CONVERTER
Owner's Manual
FLAT USB COAX PCM
PULSE AES TOS DSD
D/
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Thank you for purchasing a DA5.
Please read through and refer to this Owner's Manual to use your DA5
safely and adequately.
It is recommended to keep the packaging available for future transport-
ation needs.
USB Sound Systemᴾᴾ
DA5

D/A CONVERTER / USB SOUND SYSTEM DA5
2
Features………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2
Important Safety Instructions ………………………………………………………………………… 3
Handling Precautions ………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Accessories …………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Front Panel Functions ………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Dimmer ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Digital Volume ……………………………………………………………………………………… 10
Digital Filter ………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
Rear Panel Functions and Connections ………………………………………………………… 12
Remote Control unit………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Basic Operation …………………………………………………………………………………… 16
Maintenance ………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Troubleshooting …………………………………………………………………………………… 19
Service Contact Preparation ……………………………………………………………………… 20
Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………… 21
USB Driver Installation and Setup for Windows ………………………………………………… 22
Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
USB Driver Installation …………………………………………………………………………… 23
1. BRABO-HD Installation ………………………………………………………………… 23
Installation and Setup for DSD Playback ………………………………………………………… 27
2. ASIO Driver Installation on foobar2000 ……………………………………………… 27
3. ASIO Proxy Installation on foobar2000 ……………………………………………… 29
4. DSD Driver Installation on foobar2000 ……………………………………………… 31
5. DSD Playback Setup on foobar2000 ………………………………………………… 33
BRAVO-HD Control Panel ………………………………………………………………………… 36
Contents
Features
ṳDA5 is a high fidelity digital to analog converter which precisely converts the signal and
transmits the converted signal to the amplifier in high quality.
ṳFour digital inputs are available. Balanced ASE/EBU, standard COAXIAL and optical
TOSLINK to be connected with digital audio players like CD transport support the PCM
signal up to 24bits/192kHz. USB allows a PC-music player to playback high-resolution files
up to DSD256/11.2MHz and PCM 32bits/384kHz.
ṳDA5 uses the ESS HyperstreamTM ES9018K2M DAC chip, which performs up to 32 bits.
Highly qualified signal after digital to analog conversion backed up by superior engineering
and performance realizes delicate and accurate music reproduction. The CEC's original full-
balanced circuit design achieves the high quality signal path keeping the sound quality very
natural and clear.
ṳDA5 has a digital volume function which changes the analog outputs level in the digital
domain without any sound deterioration. It is possible to connect DA5 to a power amplifier
directly and control the system volume through DA5.
ṳHeadphone output enables listener to enjoy various music sources at high quality standard
even without amplifier and speaker system.
ṳDIMMER function changes the display brightness in different 3 levels.

DA5 User's Manual
3
Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR REAR PANEL. IT DOES
NOT CONTAIN ANY USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to notify the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the accompanying documentation.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to potential electric shock hazards within the product’
s enclosure.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this appliance near water.
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8) Do not install this appliance near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) (For USA, Canada: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one blade wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong is
provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician

D/A CONVERTER / USB SOUND SYSTEM DA5
4
for replacement of the obsolete outlet. (For European Countries: ) Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding-type plug. This plug has two poles and a third grounding hole.
The third hole is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10) Protect this appliance’s power cord from being walked on or pinched, especially around
the plugs, convenience receptacles, and where it exits from this appliance’s casing.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12) Only use this appliance with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer or sold with the appliance. If using a
cart, exercise caution when moving the cart/appliance combination
to avoid injury from it tipping over.
13) Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or when leaving it
unused for extended periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when this appliance
itself, its power-supply cord, or plug has been damaged in any way, when liquids have
been spilled onto this appliance, when foreign objects have fallen into this appliance, when
this appliance has been exposed to rain or moisture, when this appliance does not operate
normally, or when this appliance has been dropped.
CAUTION:
ṳDO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO DRIPS OR SPLASHES.
ṳDO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, ON THIS
APPLIANCE.
ṳDO NOT INSTALL THIS APPLIANCE IN A CONFINED SPACE, SUCH AS WITHIN A
BOOKCASE OR SIMILAR PIECE OF FURNITURE.
ṳPLUG THE AC POWER CORD INTO AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE AC WALL OUTLET,
SO IT CAN BE QUICKLY UNPLUGGED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.
ṳDO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING WITH A SCREWDRIVER.
ṳUSE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES
OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS
RADIATION EXPOSURE.
ṳIF THIS APPLIANCE SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING, CONTACT A QUALIFIED
SERVICE STATION. DISCONTINUE USE OF ANY MALFUCTIONING UNIT.
Important Safety Instructions

DA5 User's Manual
5
AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH THE BLADE WIDTH
OF THE PLUG TO THE SLOT WIDTH. THE PLUG MUST BE
FULLY INSERTED TO THE SLOT.
For CANADA
Handling Precautions
䆨Connecting Other Devices
Unplug the AC power cord from the outlet before connecting or disconnecting other
devices. Exercise caution when handling the AC power cord. When disconnecting the
AC cord from a socket, make sure you pull the plug, and not the cord itself.
䆩Turning Power On/Off
Your system components should be turned on/off in the following order to avoid
generating noise from your speakers and damaging the speakers themselves or other
devices:
ṳ
Turning power on: Turn on this appliance before turning on the amplifier connected
to this appliance.
ṳTurning power off: Turn off the amplifier before turning off this appliance.
䆪Handle With Care
Avoid exerting excessive force on the cabinet, the switch, the knob and the terminal
on this appliance.
䆫Installation
Use of an audio rack is recommended to maximize the sound quality and performance
of this appliance. Installation and use of this appliance in the locations described below
may cause deterioration in sound quality or malfunction:
ṳLocations exposed to direct sunlight, such as windowsills, and other
exceptionally warm locations, such as near heating appliances (surrounding
temperature higher than 35 °C), or exceptionally cold locations (surrounding
temperature lower than 10 °C), may prevent this appliance from functioning
adequately.
ṳDamp locations exceeding 90% humidity may cause this appliance’s metal
Important Safety Instructions

D/A CONVERTER / USB SOUND SYSTEM DA5
6
parts to rust, causing this appliance to malfunction.
ṳDusty locations may cause this appliance to malfunction. The accumulation of
dust inside the CD tray may lower the performance of music signal reading. It
may also cause contact failure of the switches, and/or noise.
ṳOtherwise, avoid installing this appliance close to other transformers and
electrical motors, so as to prevent the pickup of induction hum. Also, avoid
mounting this appliance on surfaces that may be affected by vibration.
䆬Avoid lightning strikes
Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet when there is a thunderstorm in
your vicinity.
䆭Condensation
When this appliance is brought into a warm room when the exterior temperature is
cold, or when the room temperature rises sharply from using a heater, condensation
may form both inside and outside this appliance, hampering its performance. If this
happens, leave this appliance unused in the room for 1 to 2 hours (depending on the
amount of condensation), so as to bring the temperature of this appliance closer to the
room temperature. The condensation should go away gradually.
䆮Listening etiquette
Make sure your playback sound, ex. due to too big sound, does not disturb other
people and your neighborhood.
Handling Precautions

DA5 User's Manual
7
Accessories
DA5 should contain the following:
䆨DA5 unit
䆩AC Power Cord
䆪Remote Control unit
䆫Owner's Manual
ṳKeep the packaging available for future transportation needs.
ṳThe delivered AC power cord should not be used for any other device than DA5.
USB SOUNDSYSTEM
DA5
D/A Converter
ขᛒ⺑᣿ᦠ
FLATUSBCOAX PCM
PULSEAESTOSDSD
D/ACONVERTER DA5
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DA5
D/A CONVERTER
CEC Holdings Co., Ltd.
Madein Japan
D/A CONVERTER
DA5
USB Sound System

D/A CONVERTER / USB SOUND SYSTEM DA5
8
Front Panel Functions
䆨POWER button
Press to turn the power ON or OFF. When DA5 is turned on, digital volume ex. "0"
(initial setting = maximum 0 dB) will blink at 䆮㽵 Sampling frequency indicator in the
display. Approximately 5 seconds later the display will change to indicate the current
function settings and now DA5 is ready for playback.
䆩FILTER button
Press to select a digital filter type "FLAT" or "PULSE". The selected filter type will light
up at 䆮㽲Digital Filter indicator. Refer to "Digital Filter" on page 11 for details.
䆪INPUT button
Press to select an input from USB being connected with a personal computer, or
COAX, TOS(optical) or AES(balanced AES/EBU) being connected with a digital music
player like CD Transport. Pressing the button will change the input in an order described
in the right figure, and the relative input name will light up at
䆮㽳INPUT indicator.
The selected digital input signal is converted and transferred
to the analog and headphone outputs.
The last input has been memorized after power off.
䆫HEADPHONE jack
Headphone output jack for a standard 6.3mm plug.
For using a headphone with 3.5mm mini plug, purchase a 6.3mm conversion plug
from a dealer.
Before using your headphones for listening, minimize the volume and then
insert the headphones plug into the jack. Excessive sound pressure from the
headphones may cause hearing loss to your ears.
䆬VOLUME knob
Turn clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the headphones volume.
For headphones listening, in addition to this analog volume operated by the knob,
adjust the digital volume through the remote control unit as well. Refer to "Digital
Volume" on page 10 for details.
䆭Remote sensor
The remote sensor, which receives signals from the remote control unit, is located at
the right side of the display window. Aim for the sensor when using the remote control
unit. The remote control may malfunction if there are any obstacles between the remote
control unit and the remote sensor.
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DA5 User's Manual
9
Display brightness can be changed in different three levels.
䆨䎃
Press the DIMM key on the remote control
unit to dim the display. The display brightness
will toggle through "brighter"(default), "off"
and "lighter".
䆩When the display is "off" pressing once a
function button on the front panel or remote
control unit relating to the input, digital filter or
volume the display will return to "brighter" and
show the current setting. Press the function
button successively to change the setting.
5 seconds later the display brightness will
return to "off" automatically.
䆪Regardless of any DIMMER setting the brightness will return to the default whenever
the power is turned on again.
䆮Display
㽲Digital Filter indicator
A selected digital filter type
PULSE or FLAT lights up. Pressing
the 䆩FILTER button on the front
panel or D.FILTER button on the
remote control unit will change the
filter.
㽳INPUT indicator
A selected input USB, COAX, TOS or AES lights up. Pressing the 䆪INPUT
button on the front panel or the remote control, or direct input selector buttons on
the remote control unit will change the input.
㽴Digital Signal Format indicator
A digital signal format PCM or DSD is displayed. This depends on the input
signal being played. When an input without signal or connection is selected, or
any digital signal is not detected properly the indicator won't light up.
㽵Sampling Frequency / Volume indicator
A sampling frequency of a selected input signal being played is displayed.
When an input is selected without any connection or without any input signal,
or when any input signal can not be detected properly, three bars "- - -" will be
displayed instead of sampling frequency.
Pressing the D.VOL-UP/DN buttons on the remote control unit to adjust the
volume (analog outputs level) will change to indicate the volume level. Refer to
"Digital Volume" on page 10 for details. 5 seconds later the display will return to
show a sampling frequency.
DIMMER
brighter (default)
off
lighter
FLAT USB COAX PCM
PULSE AES TOS DSD
FLAT USB COAX PCM
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FLAT USB COAX PCM
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Front Panel Functions

D/A CONVERTER / USB SOUND SYSTEM DA5
10
Digital Volume
DA5 has a digital volume function which changes the analog outputs level at XLR, RCA and
headphones in the digital domain. Press the D.VOL-UP/DN buttons on the remote control
unit to change the volume between minimum -99(dB) and
maximum 0(dB). The last setting has been memorized after
power off.
Level indicator
Pressing the D.VOL-UP/DN buttons the sampling
frequency indicator will change to show the volume
level. Pressing once the button will jsut show the
current volume setting. Press successively to
change the volume. Press and hold the button for
fast changes.
Approximately 5 seconds later the display will
return to indicate the sampling frequency
Change rate
The volume change rate varies by the volume level. 6dB changes between -99(dB)
and -75(dB), 3dB between -75(dB) and -60(dB), 2dB between -60(dB) and -40(dB), and
1dB between -40(dB) and 0(dB).
Pressing the D.VOL-DN button at -99(dB) the volume will go to MUTE " - -".
Connect to pre-amplifier
When connecting with an amplifier with a volume control function, set the DA5 digital
volume at maximum 0(dB) which is the same output level as standard CD players.
Connect to power amplifier
When connecting with a power amplifier, the DA5 digital volume function controls the
amplifier volume. Make sure that the DA5 digital volume is set to minimum or MUTE
before the amplifier is turned on.
The last volume setting has been memorized after power off. It is
recommended to always minimize the volume when DA5 is powered off.
Bigger volume setting would cause an unexpected huge sound. Danger!
Headphones Listening
Adjust the headphones volume through the both of the digital volume operated by the
remote control unit and the analog volume operated by the volume knob on the front
panel.
In case that the XLR or RCA output is connecting to a power amplifier, after
the headphones listening make sure to minimize the digital volume before
turning on the power amplifier to avoid a sudden huge sound.
FLAT USB COAX PCM
PULSE AES TOS DSD
INPUT
FILTER
1dB 40 times2dB 10 times3dB 5 times6dB 4 times
maximum
MUTE minimum