lab12 DAC1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
DAC1
Special Edition
Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
www.lab12.gr
v1.2

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Table of Contents
It is yours
Unpacking and Warnings
Features
Installation & Placement
Front Panel Indicators
Rear Panel Connections
For the safety of your equipment
Specifications
Your DAC id

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
IT IS YOURS!
Thank you for selecting the LAB12 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). Every component on it is
designed to provide smooth and untreated sound. Pure analogue sound with non oversampling conversion by 8
matched parallel Phillips TDA1543 in sophisticated configuration and smooth output through Dual triode tube I/V
stage. All components are carefully chosen after hours of listening and testing, while paying great attention to
every detail affecting the final outcome. Ultra solid construction with handcrafted finishing, luxury automotive
metal paint and retro analogue V/U meters.
Do not forget that your DAC is totally handcrafted with perfectly matched parts of the finest selections. You have
to know that to reach the optimal performance your DAC1 need at least 200 hours of listening. In this time all
components go from “burn in” period to stable.
Before setting up your new DAC1 Special Edition, we encourage you to read this manual thoroughly to properly
acquaint yourself with its features. We love music and audio devices, we build your new device with emotion and
personal treatment.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. The most current version of this
manual is available on our official website at http://www.lab12.gr
Unpacking
The LAB12 DAC1 should be removed from its box with care.

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Features
Coaxial spdif and USB2 input 24/96Khz
8xTDA1543 in Non Oversampling Mode (accurate matched)
New Old Stock SQ Tube I/V analog output stage
6 Separate Regulated Power Supplies With Gold Nichicon Capacitors
Dale 1% (digital stage) and AB carbon Resistors (analog stage)
Jantzen Superior-z Coupling Capacitors
Double chassis with dedicated vibrate isolation
Gold plated RCA Teflon (input, output)
Analog retro VU meters for output signal
Metallic color finish (Lexus white, Etna black, Custom colors)
Installation & Placement
The LAB12 DAC1 Special Edition should be placed on a solid flat surface. You should avoid placing it near a heat
source as this could compromise the DAC’s performance and reliability. You should never place another
component directly on top of this DAC. Take care of the finest luxury finish of front panel with a soft cloth.

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Front Panel Indicators
DAC1 Front pane l
In front panel you will see three indication LEDs and two VU meters.
The center LED (A) indicates that the device is powered on.
The LEDs (B and C) indicates that the DAC1 Special Edition has successfully locked onto an input signal.
To the left and right of the 3 LEDs you see two retro analog VU meters (Dand E). You can accurately monitor the
output level of each channel on dB scale.
Rear Panel Connections
DAC1 Rear panel
In rear panel you will find the connection inputs and outputs.
On the left side is a pair of single-ended RCA analog audio output connectors (Aand B).
In the middle of rear panel you will also find the digital inputs. You can select RCA coaxial 75 ohm spdif (C) input
or USB2 (E) input with the selector switch (D). Both inputs can receive up to 96 Khz/24bit.
To the right side you will find an IEC AC input (F). Below IEC input is located the main fuse holder (G) and the
Power switch (H).

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Main connections
Connect a High Grade Power cable to the IEC input and to your wall socket. Make sure that your wall socket
provides a good ground before connecting the power cable.You can supply 230 to 240 Volts AC (50Hz).
(Every DAC1 Special Edition is tuned and calibrated using the LAB12 Knack Power Cable)
Connect to your Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier
Connect the analog output to an analog line level input to your Preamplifier or Integrated Amplifier. Make
sure about the correct channel connections. We suggest to use a good quality interconnect cable pair.
Connect a Digital Output Source
Make sure that your Source has a spdif 75ohm digital output. Connect the digital interconnect cable from
the source output to the coaxial input of DAC1 Special Edition. Select Coaxial with the selector switch in the
rear panel of your DAC. Turn on your DAC1 Special Edition and then your digital source and activate the
audio output on it. The led (B and C) will be turn on.
Use a high quality digital 75 ohm interconnect cable to ensure the best transfer of your digital signal.
Connect a PC
Always use a high quality audio grade USB cable to achieve ideal performance. Before connecting your PC
to USB input of DAC1 Special Edition you have to install the Drivers of the device. You will find those on the
provided CD-ROM. Follow the instructions and connect your dac when the installation is completed. After
the installation and connection you need to select the USB output to your playback devices (maximum 96
Khz/24bit). Select the USB input with the selector switch on your DAC1 Special Edition. If everything is ok
led (B and C) will turn on.
For the safety of your equipment
! Make sure that all of your equipment is turned off before any connection.
! Please keep in mind that you have to turn on the DAC1 Special edition some seconds before
turning on your amplifier and turn it off some seconds after turning off your amplifier.

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Specifications
DAC: 8x TDA1543
Power : 230/240 Vac 50Hz
Power consumption: 80 watt max (1A fused)
Inputs: 1xSPDIF (Coaxial RCA), 1xUSB2
Frequency response: 20Hz to 20 KHz +0dB/-1dB
Rated output level: 2.2Volt RMS
THD @1Khz (0dBfs): < 0.09%
Dimension (WxHxD): 43cm x 11cm x 29cm
Weight: 6 Kg
Warranty
This device has 5 years warranty from the day of purchase for all parts exclude valve tube.

LAB12 DAC1 Handcrafted Digital to Analog Converter
Your Special Edition DAC id
Coupling Capacitors ________Jantzen Superior-z__________
Output Tube _________________Philips Jan 6922___________
Max output at 1Khz 0dB ________2.15 Volts________________
Frond Panel Color _______________Gray Matt _ ______
Manufacturing Day ____________19/06/2015______________
Serial Number _________________4210035 ______ ________
With best Regards,
Stratos Vichos
Lachana 12, Neo Irakleio
14121, Athens, Greece
0030 6972-234-227 ____________
[e-mail]