exaSound e22 Mark II User manual

e22 Mark II Digital to Analogue Converter
DSD 256 Fs / 12.288 MHz
DXD 32bit / 352.8 kHz
PCM 32 bit / 384 kHz
Owner’s Manual (Mac OS X)
PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATION
REV. 1.0.0e – 04/2015

Table of Contents
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................... 2
Safety Information ....................................................................................................... 4
Explanation of Graphical Symbols ............................................................................................................ 4
Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................... 4
Precautions ............................................................................................................................................... 4
Welcome.......................................................................................................................... 7
e22 Mark II New Features........................................................................................................................ 7
Quick Start ...................................................................................................................... 8
Package Contents...................................................................................................................................... 8
Proper Device Placement.......................................................................................................................... 8
Front Panel Controls ................................................................................................................................. 8
Rear Panel Connectors.............................................................................................................................. 9
Infrared Remote Control........................................................................................................................... 9
Driver Setup ............................................................................................................................................ 10
exaSound Menu Icon .............................................................................................................................. 10
Audio-MIDI Setup.................................................................................................................................... 10
Features.........................................................................................................................11
Mac OS X High-Performance Driver.................................................................................................... 11
Proprietary Mac ASIO Drivers ............................................................................................................. 11
Automatic PCM / DSD Switching......................................................................................................... 11
Asynchronous USB mode.................................................................................................................... 11
Hardware Volume Control and Volume Bypass.................................................................................. 11
Connecting and Powering the e22 DAC...............................................................12
Connecting the Digital Inputs.................................................................................................................. 12
Connecting the Line Outputs .................................................................................................................. 12
Trigger Output......................................................................................................................................... 12
Direct Connection to Analogue Power Amplifier.................................................................................... 12
Analogue Interconnect Recommendations ............................................................................................ 13
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Connecting the Power Adapter............................................................................................................... 13
Surge Protectors ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Isolating the Cable TV Ground ................................................................................................................ 14
Remote Control Setup...............................................................................................15
Setup of exaSound e22 Driver and Dashboard for OS X................................16
System Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 16
Software Installation............................................................................................................................... 16
Using the e22 DAC ......................................................................................................19
Using the Asynchronous USB Input ........................................................................................................ 19
Power On/Off.......................................................................................................................................... 20
Volume Control....................................................................................................................................... 20
Volume Bypass........................................................................................................................................ 20
Settings Menu ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Using the exaSound ASIO Drivers for OS X ............................................................................................. 21
Step-By-Step Player Configuration Instructions ..................................................................................... 21
Playing Music from SPDIF Sources .......................................................................................................... 22
Specifications...............................................................................................................23
Limited One Year Warranty....................................................................................25
Copyright © 2011-2015, exaSound Audio Design. All rights reserved.
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Safety Information
Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the Device.
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two
blades with one 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
into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plug, receptacle, and the
point where it exits from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the device has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the device, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
Precautions
•Before connecting the AC power adapter cord to the device, make sure the voltage designation of
the power adapter corresponds to the local electrical supply. If you are unsure of your power
supply, contact your local power company. The acceptable power input range is AC ~ 100V-240V,
50/60Hz
•The device is still receiving power from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall
outlet, even if the device itself has been turned off.
•Unplug the power adapter if you are not going to use the device for an extended period of time.
Hold the power adapter when unplugging. Do not pull on the cord.
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•The power adapter is used as the mechanism for cutting off power, therefore make sure it is easy to
unplug.
•To ensure proper ventilation around this product, do not place this product on a sofa, bed or rug.
•High temperature will lead to abnormal operation of this device. Do not expose this device or
batteries to direct sunlight or near other heating objects.
•When moving the device from a cold location to a warm one, or vice versa, moisture may condense
on components inside the device. Should this occur, the device may not operate properly. In such a
case please turn the device off for 1-2 hours to facilitate moisture evaporation.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGES MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE THE ENCLOSURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. THE DEVICE SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR
SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES SHALL BE PLACED ON THE
APPARATUS.
WARNING:
CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER CAN INVALIDATE THE
COMPLIANCE TO REGULATIONS AND CAUSE THE UNIT TO BE NO MORE SUITABLE TO USE. THE
MANUFACTURER REFUSES EVERY RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING DAMAGES TO PEOPLE OR THINGS DUE TO
THE USE OF A UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS OR TO MISUSE OR
TO MALFUNCTION OF A UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS.
FCC
Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user’s authority
to operate this device. 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.
This unit is compliant with the following CE regulations when an USB cable less than 3m is
used: CEI EN 55022:2009 Class B (Radiated Emissions), CEI EN 55024:1999, CEI EN
55024:A2/2003, CEI EN 55024:IS1/2008 (Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 50Hz
Magnetic Field Immunity Test and Electrostatic Discharges – ESD).
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This product, when no longer usable, can’t be treated as generic garbage. It must be disposed
of at a collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in compliance with
the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential damage to
environment and human health, which could be caused by the incorrect treatment of this
product as generic garbage. Materials recycling helps conserving natural resources.
We use our best efforts to ensure that information in this document is complete, accurate and
current, but otherwise we make no representation concerning the same. We reserve the right
to change or modify the information any time, without prior advice. It’s up to the customer to
ensure that the manual being consulted is the latest version.
ASIO is a registered trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH
Trade
marks
Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
Designed for Windows Media, Microsoft, HDCD, and the HDCD logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.
Apple, Mac and OS X are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.
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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the exaSound e22 DAC!
The e22, a third generation DSD 265 DAC offers the highest digital audio resolution available on the
market today. e22 has vanishingly low jitter, distortion and noise levels, and astonishingly clean analog-
like sound.
We hope that the e22 DAC will help you to enjoy world-class music experience for years to come. Please
take a few minutes to read right through this manual. Investing a little time now is the best way to
ensure that you make the most of your investment.
Your satisfaction is our highest priority.
Happy listening,
exaSound Audio Design
www.exaSound.com
[email protected]m
e22 Mark II New Features
New e22 Mark II features include:
•Redesigned, more substantial and deeply sculpted front panel
•Auto–power up after sleep
•User adjustable power down after inactivity
•Maximum volume limiter allows the e22 to directly drive a power amplifier while protecting your
loudspeakers from damaging overloads
•MP3Safe™ software protection against clipping caused by faulty or erroneous signal processing and data
manipulation. MP3Safe analyzes incoming musical information, and safeguards against poorly formed
data words caused by errors in lossy encoding and digital signal processing. MP3Safe takes the crunch out
of your lower resolution music.
•The ability to extinguish the display light via the e22’s included IR remote for no visual distractions while
listening
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Quick Start
Package Contents
The following items should be in the box:
•e22 DAC
•Power supply
•A-B USB cable
•IR Remote Control
Proper Device Placement
Place the device on a stable solid base, far from heat sources. Do not expose the device to direct
sunlight. Allow at least 2.5 cm (1'') around the device for ventilation. Do not place the device on fabrics,
inside enclosed space, or in contact with curtains. Do not place the device on top of power amplifiers or
any other equipment that emits heat. Do not expose the unit to smoke, humidity, moisture and water.
Keep the length of analogue interconnects and speaker cables short for optimal sonic performance.
Remember that cables act as filters. Shorter cables have less impact on sonic performance. The shorter
cables, the more transparent they become.
Front Panel Controls
Headphones accepts a standard 1/4-inch stereo single-ended phone plug. Use a suitable
adapter for headphones equipped with a different plug.
Volume Up
Setup
Volume Down
Input Select
Power Button
Headphones
Display
IR Remote Sensor
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Rear Panel Connectors
SPDIF IN1 - Coaxial SPDIF Input
SPDIF IN2 - Optical TOSLINK SPDIF Input
DC 12V / 1.67A- Power Adapter
Connector 5.5mm O.D. by 2.5mm I.D.
USB - Classic USB connector
RCA Line Outputs -Left / Right
Analogue Outputs
XLR Line Outputs -Balanced
Left / Right Analogue Outputs
12V Trigger Output - use to activate trigger-
enabled equipment
Infrared Remote Control
Your unit is programmed to work with the supplied remote control.
The e22 DAC can be re-programmed to work with most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR
protocols, for example the Sony RM-EZ4 Universal Remote, or the Apple Remote Control. See the
XLR Line
Outputs
Optical
SPDIF IN 2
Coaxial
SPDIF IN 1
Power Adapter
Connector
USB
IN
RCA Line
Outputs
XLR Line
Outputs
12V Trigger
Output
Volume Up
Next Input
Volume Down
Previous Input
Mute
Power
Display Light On/Off
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Remote Control Setup section for instructions on how to change button assignments and how to pair a
different remote control with your e22 DAC.
Driver Setup
1. Login to http://support.exasound.com. Download and install the latest exaSound-OS-X-Drivers.
Step-by-step setup instructions are available on page 16 of this guide.
2. When the installation is complete, your Mac will reboot. You will see the exaSound driver in the
Audio MIDI Setup.
3. Select the exaSound driver in the settings window of your player application. Check the Guides
section of the exaSound blog for step-by-step player configuration instructions:
http://exasound.com/Blog.aspx.
4. The e22 DAC has an automatic power-on function and it will turn itself on when playback is
detected.
exaSound Menu Icon
Audio-MIDI Setup
Select the exaSound
Core Audio Driver as
device for sound
output
Use Stereo Mode
Master Volume
Select Output
Channel Volume
Use built-in output for
alerts and sound
effects
exaSound Icon
Select Driver
Settings
Settings
Maximum Volume Limit
Inactivity Auto Power Off
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Features
The e22 DAC is based on the ES9018 Sabre32 reference DAC chip. It delivers 32-bit precision capable of
resolving the smallest signal details. The chip features patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ architecture and
Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. ES9018 delivers the industry’s highest performance levels that will
satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts.
Mac OS X High-Performance Driver
We offer a custom high-performance OS X driver supporting standard PCM sampling rates from 44.1kHz
to 384kHz at full 32bit resolution. We support DSD over PCM 1.0 standard, for DSD64 (2.8224 / 3.72
MHz), DSD128 (5.6448 / 6144 MHz) and DSD256 (11.2896 / 12.288 MHz).
Proprietary Mac ASIO Drivers
Using ASIO brings unique advantages that are hard to achieve with the Mac Core Audio system. Our
proprietary ASIO implementation is completely independent from the Core Audio sound system and
always operates in Integer / Exclusive Mode. ASIO supports native DSD, while Core Audio drivers rely on
the DoP workaround (DSD over PCM). ASIO is more efficient and causes a lower CPU load.
Automatic PCM / DSD Switching
Audio data is always streamed in its native format. e22 switches automatically between PCM and DSD
modes. DSD streams are processed in their native format without conversion to PCM.
Asynchronous USB mode
Asynchronous USB mode eliminates jitter caused by the computer and the USB interface. Asynchronous
USB is a two-way communication method between a computer and an external USB DAC. In this
method, the DAC is running as a master, and the computer is acting as a slave that delivers data only
when requested by the master.
In the case of the e22 DAC, sound data is requested by the FPGA core and stored in the device FIFO
memory buffer. The FPGA core makes sure that the buffer never gets empty during playback. Data from
the buffer is streamed to the DAC chip. The precision of the timing of the output stream is determined
only by the DAC oscillators and it is not degraded in any way by the computer clocks or by delays caused
by the USB interface.
Hardware Volume Control and Volume Bypass
The e22 DAC volume is controlled by the ES9018 DAC chip. It is completely independent from the Mac
software volume control. Audio data is always bitstreamed over the USB interface at full scale
0db/32bit resolution. Volume processing is performed by the DAC chip right at the border between the
digital and the analogue domains. This architecture offers signal to noise ratio comparable to the best
analogue volume controls and virtually no loss of digital resolution. Setting the volume to 0dB turns all
volume processing off and sets the device in volume bypass mode.
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Connecting and Powering the e22 DAC
Before connecting, turn off the power to all the components in your system.
Connecting the Digital Inputs
All digital inputs are galvanically isolated to eliminate ground loop noise. The e22 DAC accepts three
digital inputs:
•USB - This is the recommended and most capable input. It supports 2 channels PCM up to 32 bit
resolution at standard sampling frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz, and DSD up to 12.288
MHz.
Connect the e22 DAC to your computer using the supplied A-B USB cable. Most standard A-B
USB cables with length up to 6 ft (2m) can be used.
•SPDIF IN1 - SPDIF Input, 75-ohm RCA. Supports 2 channels PCM up to 24 bit resolution at
standard sampling frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
•SPDIF IN2 - SPDIF Input, TOSLINK, Optical. Supports 2 channels PCM up to 24 bit resolution at
standard sampling frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz.
Connecting the Line Outputs
The e22 DAC offers two types of analogue line outputs - unbalanced (RCA) and balanced (XLR).
•Make sure that your analogue power amplifier is turned off.
•RCA Line Outputs - Left / Right - Connect the Left and Right RCA line outputs of the e22 DAC to
the amplifier line inputs.
•XLR Line Outputs - Left / Right - Connect the Left and Right XLR line outputs of the e22 DAC to
the amplifier line inputs.
•XLR and RCA can be used simultaneously.
Trigger Output
When the e22DAC is on, a 12 VDC signal is sent from the Trigger Output to control other devices. When
the e22 returns to Standby, the trigger signal is discontinued.
Direct Connection to Analogue Power Amplifier
If your music sources are digital, you don't need a preamplifier. The built-in volume control allows
analogue power amplifiers to be connected directly to the e22 DAC. Amplification always brings some
level of noise and distortion. Eliminating unnecessary amplification helps to achieve higher level of
transparency.
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Avoid connecting the e22 DAC to receivers and any other sound processing equipment
that performs analogue to digital (ADC) conversion. Digitizing the analogue output signals
back to the digital domain for processing will undo some of the benefits that e22 brings to
you. Remember that your sound system is as good as the weakest link in the sound
processing chain.
Analogue Interconnect Recommendations
Over-engineered interconnects made from exotic materials are unnecessary. When selecting cables, the
following characteristics are important:
•Reliable electrical contact
•Low resistance
•Robust mechanical design
Remember that cables act as filters. The shorter the cable, the more transparent your system will be.
Connecting the Power Adapter
To minimize ground noise and hum, it is recommended to connect the power cords of all components to
a single point - usually a single surge protector with multiple outlets. Connecting all components to a
single point, as close as it is practically possible minimizes the differences in ground potentials among
the components.
Using an Upgraded Power Supply
The e22 DAC comes with a 12V/1670mA power adapter. This power adapter has been
tested to comply with the DAC’s power supply and quality requirements and allows for
very high performance. A better unit may allow you to release the last bit of performance
from the e22 DAC.
If you decide to use another power supply, the specifications marked on the back of the
e22 DAC must be observed.
Surge Protectors
We strongly recommend the use of surge protectors for all of your audio and video components.
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Isolating the Cable TV Ground
If you have a cable TV connected to your audio system, ensure that the TV cable ground is galvanically
isolated from the audio system ground. The TV cable ground, usually connected to the earth outside
your home, can have a significantly different potential than the audio ground. This condition can cause
audible hum. If you suspect this is the case, use a cable TV ground isolator just before the cable set-top
box or at the RF TV input.
When turning on and off your sound system, the power amplifier should be the last
component to be turned on and the first component to be turned off. This prevents
power on/off transients from being transmitted to the loudspeakers.
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Remote Control Setup
The e22 DAC is programmed to work with the supplied remote control. If you like, you can reprogram
the e22 DAC to work with a different IR remote control. The exaSound e22 DAC can be trained to
recognise commands from most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR protocols.
Use the following procedure to change remote control button assignments or to pair the e22 DAC with a
different remote control:
1. Power on the e22 DAC. Make sure that the unit is not in
playback mode.
2. Press the Setup button.
3. Press the Volume Up button to confirm the remote control
programming mode, or press the Volume Down button to
cancel the operation.
4. Point the remote control to the e22 DAC display. Press and hold
down the remote control buttons for about one second during
each step below to assign functions to them.
5. Press the remote control button for increasing the volume.
6. Press the remote control button for decreasing the volume.
7. Press the remote control button for selecting the next input.
8. Press the remote control button for previous input.
9. Press the remote control button for turning the unit on and off.
10. Press the remote control button for mute.
11. Press the remote control button for turning the display light on
and off.
12. Wait until the remote control configuration is saved. Your e22
DAC is now paired for use with the new IR remote control.
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Setup of exaSound e22 Driver and Dashboard for OS X
System Requirements
Software Installation
1. Don’t connect the e22 DAC to your Mac until the driver is installed. Don’t worry if you’ve connected
the device already. Just disconnect it.
2. You should have received an email from us with username and password. Please login on our
support website at http://support.exasound.com. Don't use setup packages downloaded from other
websites.
3. Download the latest version of the exaSound Drivers Installer for OS X:
•Locate the installation package exaSound-OS-X-Drivers-5-1-3.pkg in your Downloads folder.
(The version number at the end of the file name may be different.)
•Double-click it and follow the prompts. You just need to accept the defaults on the following
screens. At the end of the installation your Mac will reboot.
4. Locate the exaSound Dashboard icon on the menu bar. The red exclamation mark indicates that the
USB cable is disconnected:
Operating System
OS X Mavericks
OS X Yosemite
Recommended CPU for operating
at 352.8 and 384 kHz 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or better
Disk Space
10 GB mainly for music files
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5. Connect the USB cable of the exaSound DAC. The red exclamation mark should disappear from the
exaSound Dashboard icon.
6. Power on the DAC. The red square overlay on the exaSound Dashboard icon indicates that the
device is On and in Stop mode. During playback the red square changed to a green triangle.
7. Click on the exaSound Dashboard icon and make sure that Core Audio is checked.
8. Go to Applications -> Utilities and open Audio MIDI Setup. Select the exaSound driver. By default the
driver is set to 2-channel (Stereo) mode.
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9. Make the exaSound driver the default sound output device.
10. Make sure that the volume is set to less than -25db. At this point you can play some music with
iTunes.
Note: Configuration instructions for Audirvana Plus and JRiver are available in the Guides section of the
exaSound Blog:
http://www.exasound.com/Blog/tabid/74/articleType/CategoryView/categoryId/10/Guides.aspx.
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Using the e22 DAC
Using the Asynchronous USB Input
Before turning your amplifiers ON, always check the e22 DAC front panel to make sure
that the volume level is below -25dB.
Please follow the safety measures below strictly. It is quite common to set the volume on
your Mac to maximum. You should never do this when your e22 DAC is connected to
powerful amplifiers and speakers. Playing music or sound effects at maximum level is
dangerous for your health and may damage your audio equipment.
Please note that the e22 DAC will match the volume level of your Mac when it is turned
on. Higher volume from previous use will result in the e22 volume level rising.
•The e22 DAC can be controlled from the front panel buttons, using an IR remote control or from
the Mac screen.
•Make sure that your power amplifier is turned off.
•Make sure that all cables are connected.
•Turn on the unit using the Power button on the front panel of the remote control. The front
panel display will light up. After powering on the USB Input is selected by default.
•Lower the volume to at least -25 db. The volume on the e22 DAC can be controlled from the
Mac screen, from the device front panel, or with the remote control.
•Make sure that the desired volume level is displayed on the DAC front panel.
•Turn on your power amplifier.
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Power On/Off
•The e22 DAC has an automatic power-on function and it will turn itself on when playback is
detected.
•The e22 DAC automatically turns itself off after a period of inactivity. Use the Power Off Timeout
setting to adjust the inactivity time interval before shutdown.
Volume Control
The e22 volume is controlled by the ES9018 DAC chip. It is independent from the Mac software volume
control and it preserves the maximum possible signal to noise ratio.
The volume level changes in steps of 0.5 dB. At first power on, the volume level is set to match the
volume level of your Mac. If the DAC is not connected to your Mac, when turned on the volume level is
set to -40 dB.
Use the volume sliders in the Audio MIDI Setup window to control the volume for individual channels
and the master volume.
The master volume can also be controlled from the device front panel or using a remote control. When
the master volume level is changed, the value displayed on the Mac screen and on the device front
panel display are synchronised.
Volume Bypass
When the volume sliders for the exaSound driver in the Audio MIDI Setup application are set to 0dB, the
hardware volume control is turned off and the e22 DAC operates in Volume Bypass Mode.
To activate Volume Bypass:
•Set the master volume slider to 0dB.
•Set the left and right volume sliders to 0dB.
•Make sure that your player is not changing the volume level.
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