Luxman DA-150 User manual

Owner`s Manual
USB D/A CONVERTER
DA-150

Contents
Precautions ············································································································· 1
Features of This Unit································································································ 2
Names and Functions······························································································ 3
Connections ············································································································ 6
Operations··············································································································· 8
Block Diagram······································································································· 11
Specifications ········································································································ 12
Before Asking for Repair Services·········································································· 13

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
1
Precautions
Installation place
Install this unit in a location where good ventilation and heat
radiation are assured.
Especially, the installation of this unit where the direct sun-
light is present, where the temperature rises excessively
high such as close to a heater, or where it is humid or dusty
may cause a malfunction even if heat is efficiently released.
Therefore, do not install this unit in such places.
Note:
For heat dispersal, do not install this equipment in a con-
fined space such as a book case or similar unit.
* Note
Wall
*
* *
Turn off this unit when it is not used.
Depending on the condition of radio waves emitted during
television broadcasting, interference fringes may appear on
the television monitor, but that is not a malfunction. In such
a case, turn off the unit. There may also be a case where
noises are heard on the radio due to radio wave interfer-
ence.
Notice when handling optical digital cables
• Do not fold the cables. For storage, wind each cable to
make a coil whose diameter is approx.15 cm or larger.
• For connection, insert the cable connectors firmly into the
terminals of this unit and the other device.
• Use the cables whose each length is 3 m or less.
• When the cable connectors get dusty, wipe the dust
away with a dry soft cloth before inserting into the termi-
nals.
Cleaning
• Usually, wipe the unit with a dry soft cloth. When the dirt
is hard to remove, dip soft cloth in detergent diluted 5 or
6 times with water, wring it well, and remove contami-
nants. Then, remove the moisture with dry cloth.
• Do not use a solvent like alcohol, benzine, thinner, or
pesticide because such a substance can damage the ex-
terior. In addition, do not let this unit contact a rubber or
plastic form for a long time. That may damage the cabi-
net surface of the unit.
• When using a chemical cloth for cleaning, read the cau-
tion provided with the chemical cloth product.
• Before cleaning, unplug the power cord from the AC out-
let.
Precautions in connecting with other
components
When connecting this unit to input/output devices other
than a PC/Mac such as a CD player, an SACD player, a
DVD player, and a pre-main amplifier, be sure to turn off
the power of this unit and all other connected devices. Fail-
ure to observe this may generate a strong noise resulting in
speaker damage or cause a malfunction.
The pin-plug to be inserted in each input terminal of this
unit shall be pushed in firmly. If the grounding terminal is
inadequately connected, noises including hum may be gen-
erated, resulting in an adverse S/N ratio.
Protection circuit
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit that is activat-
ed upon the detection of overcurrent to protect the head-
phones. When the protection circuit is activated, the output
to the headphones is shut off and the operation indicator
blinks to show that this unit is in the muting state. When
the cause to activate the protection circuit is eliminated, the
blue operation indicator light comes back on and the op-
erating state resumes. If the protection circuit is frequently
activated, please consult your dealer.
Insertion and extraction of headphone plug
When the headphone (unbalanced) plug is inserted or ex-
tracted, a short circuit occurs between the L ch output and
R ch output because of the structure of the headphone jack
(unbalanced).
If the volume of this unit is turned up at this moment, an
overcurrent flows to the headphone amplifier output and the
overcurrent detection circuit becomes activated, which sets
this unit to the muting state and may also cause a malfunc-
tion. Therefore, the insertion and extraction of the head-
phone plug shall be performed when the volume is turned
down to the minimum or when there is no signal after shut-
ting off input signals.
Repair and adjustment
When repairs or adjustments are needed, please ask the
dealer where you bought the unit.

2
Features of This Unit
Compact chassis design
This unit is a D/A converter that has a compact body as
small as B5-paper size.
USB input supports 192 kHz / 32 bit
B-type USB input terminal is installed and makes it possible
to input USB digital audio signal from a PC/Mac.
The sampling frequency of up to 192 kHz and 32-bit quan-
tization are supported.
USB input supports DSD
DSD format data can be entered from PC/Mac, or the like.
Sampling frequencies of 2.8224 MHz/5.6448 MHz is sup-
ported.
Asynchronous communication supported
The USB input with low jitter has been achieved with USB
dedicated IC by asynchronous communication and PLL.
PCM1795 manufactured by Burr-Brown
For the DAC chip, this unit uses PCM1795 manufactured
by Burr-Brown that is used for the LUXMAN SACD player,
D-05u.
Filter selection function
There are two types of filters for PCM playback and DSD
playback respectively. Two kinds of digital filters for PCM
and analog FIR filters for DSD are available.
LECUA (LUXMAN Electric Controlled
Ultimate Attenuator)
An electrically controlled attenuator LECUA, in which atten-
uation is obtained by combining resistances, is used in the
headphone amplifier unit to achieve fresh sound.
Built-in headphone amplifier
A high-grade headphone amplifier circuit with discrete cir-
cuit configuration is equipped.
Low phase noise clock equipped
A clock module with high precision is equipped to reduce
noise near the oscillating frequency.
7-segment LED
The sampling frequency of a digital input can be displayed
on the 7-segment LED with a high level of visibility. The
attenuation amount is displayed during sound volume ad-
justment. The dimmer function allows the brightness of the
LEDs to be changed in 4 levels.
Original technologies
Our traditional round pattern board, OFC internal wiring, and
original custom-made parts are fully and luxuriously used.
*1 Mac and Mac OS are trademarks of Apple Inc., regis-
tered in the U.S. and other countries.
*2 Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Cor-
poration in the United States and/or other countries.
*3 DSD is a trademark.
*4 The described company names and product names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of each com-
pany.

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
3
Names and Functions
1. Operation switch (OPERATION)
This switch turns on and off the power.
When wiring or connection is performed, be sure to turn off
this switch.
2. Operation indicator (OPERATION)
Blinks in the time of muting mode when the operation
switch is turned on and lights up when the operation state
is activated afterward.
3. Input selection display LED
Turns on the input LED selected with the input switch.
When a digital signal input is not provided or the signal is not
synchronized even if the signal input is provided, the LED
blinks to indicate the unlock state.
4. Sampling frequency/
volume level display LED
(SAMPLING RATE/VOLUME)
Displays the sampling frequency of the digital signal con-
nected to the input terminal (USB/OPT/COAX) selected
with the input selector. When a digital input is selected from
USB/OPT/COAX with the input selector and the digital sig-
nal from the digital device is synchronized with this unit, the
sampling frequency of the digital signal is displayed on this
LED.
When a digital input is not provided or the signal is not syn-
chronized even if the signal input is provided, the sampling
frequency is not displayed and the LED of the selected input
blinks to indicate the unlock state.
When playback from a PC/Mac is stopped, the sampling
frequency disappears and the input LED stays on, it indi-
cates that communication with the PC/Mac stays active.
This LED also indicates the current volume level in steps of
1 dB during sound volume adjustment.
• “- - -” shows the mute state. No sound is generated.
• The minimum volume level is shown as “−87 dB”, and the
maximum volume level is shown as “0 dB”.
The following sampling frequencies can be displayed.
Input from the
USB terminal
PCM : 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2 kHz, 96kHz, 176.4 kHz,
192 kHz
DSD : 2.8224 MHz, 5.6448 MHz
Input from OPT/
COAX terminals
: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2 kHz, 96kHz, 176.4 kHz,
192 kHz
First 3 digits are displayed on the LED.
2 5
1 4 6 7 8
3
Front panel

4
Names and Functions
5. Input selection switch (INPUT)
Selects an input device connected to each input terminal
of this unit.
Every time this switch is pressed, a selected device is
changed as “USB →OPT →COAX →USB ...”, and the
LED of the selected device changes at the same time.
Input: Digital output from a PC/Mac, a CD player, an SACD
player, a DVD player, and other such devices
6. Filter/dimmer selection switch
(FILTER/DIMMER)
Selects the digital filter at PCM data playback or the analog
filter at DSD file playback, and adjusts the brightness of the
7-segment LED.
(See how to set the filter and brightness on pages 9 and 10.)
7. Volume control (VOLUME)
Adjusts the sound volume of the headphones. Sound is not
generated when this control is rotated counterclockwise to
the end, and then, the sound volume gradually becomes
higher when the control is slowly rotated clockwise.
The analog output level on the rear panel is fixed, and there-
fore the level is not changed even if the volume control is
rotated.
8. Headphone jack (PHONES)
When listening to the playback sound of this unit with ste-
reo headphones, insert the headphone standard plug in this
output jack.
If the plug of your headphones is mini, use a mini-to-stan-
dard adapter that is an accessory of the headphones or
available on the market.
Caution in using headphones
If the headphones are used for a long time at a high sound
volume level, your hearing may be damaged.
2 5
1 4 6 7 8
3
Front panel

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
5
9. Analog unbalance output terminals
(RCA)
RCA terminals to output unbalanced playback signals from
this unit. (The output level is fixed.)
10. Digital input terminal (COAX)
RCA input terminal used for the digital input signals from
such device as a CD player equipped with digital output
terminals using a coaxial digital cable.
The terminal supports to the following signals.
Sampling frequency: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,
176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Number of quantization bits: 16-bit, 20-bit, 24-bit
11. Digital input terminal (OPT)
TOS-LINK input terminal used for the digital input signals
from such device as a CD player equipped with digital out-
put terminals using an optical digital cable.
The terminal supports to the following signals.
Sampling frequency: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,
176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Number of quantization bits: 16-bit, 20-bit, 24-bit
12. USB digital input terminal (USB)
USB (B-type) input terminal used for the digital input signal
from such device as a PC/Mac to be connected with a USB
cable.
The terminal supports to the following signals.
• PCM signal
Sampling frequency: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz,
88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,
176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Number of quantization bits: 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
• DSD signal
Sampling frequency: 2.8224 MHz, 5.6448 MHz
Number of quantization bits: 1 bit
When the OS is Windows, the dedicated driver software
needs to be downloaded from LUXMAN website and in-
stalled.
Refer to “Driver Installation Manual” on the LUXMAN web-
site for detailed information.
With Mac, this unit is automatically recognized.
Caution:
Connection between a PC and this unit with use of a USB
cable shall not be performed before the installation of this
driver software is completed. Failure to observe this may
cause malfunction.
13. AC inlet (AC IN)
Connects the accessory power cable to supply the power
from the AC outlet on the wall.
13
10 11 12
9
Rear panel

6
Connections
INTEGRATED AMP
HEADPHONE
(To the headphone jack on the
front panel of this unit)
CD/SACD PLAYER DVD PLAYER
PC／Mac
(B)(C)
(A)
(E)
RL

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
7
Before connecting
Before connecting other devices, connect the jack side
(where two holes are provided) of the accessory power ca-
ble to the AC inlet of this unit.
When connecting, turn off the power supply of this unit and
the power supplies of auxiliary devices to prevent unex-
pected accidents that may be caused by noise.
How to connect power supply
Use the accessory power cable to insert the AC plug in an
outlet on the wall in the listening room.
How to connect input devices
1. Digital connection from a PC/Mac (Refer to
the connection diagram (A).)
Connect between the USB (A-type) terminal of the PC/Mac
and the USB (B-type) terminal of this unit with a USB cable.
When the OS is Windows, the dedicated driver software
needs to be downloaded from LUXMAN website and in-
stalled.
Refer to “Driver Installation Manual” on the LUXMAN web-
site for detailed information.
With Mac, this unit is automatically recognized.
Caution:
Connection between a PC and this unit with use of a USB
cable shall not be performed before the installation of this
driver software is completed. Failure to observe this may
cause malfunction.
2. Digital connection from such device as a CD
player (Refer to the connection diagrams (B)
and (C).)
Connect between the (coaxial or optical) digital output ter-
minal of a CD player, an SACD player, a DVD player, and
other such devices and the digital input terminal (COAX/
OPT) of this unit with a coaxial digital cable and an optical
digital cable.
This terminal is a shutter type. Direct the cable connector
correctly when inserting the cable into the terminal. If the
cable connector is inserted forcibly to the wrong direction,
the terminal may be deformed, and the shutter may not be
able to close even after cable disconnection.
Upper side
Lower side
The optical terminal is directed as illustrated.
How to connect output devices
1. Unbalanced connection with such device as
an integrated amplifier (Refer to the
connection diagram (E).)
Connect between the analog unbalanced output terminals
(RCA) of this unit and the unbalanced input terminals of a
sound-volume-adjustable device such as a integrated am-
plifier using two RCA pin-plug cables.
The analog output level of this unit is fixed, and therefore
the volume control on the front side does not function. Be
sure to adjust the sound volume at the connected device
side.

8
Operations
This unit is a D/A converter. Any operations for sound play-
back are performed by such input device as a PC/Mac or CD
player connected to the input terminals.
Before operation
1. Ensure that the connections are correctly performed. (Nor-
mal playback cannot be achieved with wrong connections
of R and L.)
2. After ensuring that the volume control has been rotated
counterclockwise to the end and the sound volume is at
the minimum level, press the operation switch to turn on
the power of this unit.
Sound playback of a device connected to a
digital input terminal (analog output)
1. Select an input device to be played back with the input
selector. (USB/OPT/COAX)
2. When the input device starts playback, the sampling fre-
quency of the playback signal is displayed.
If the digital signals input to the unit are abnormal, the se-
lected input LED bliinks to indicate the unlock state, and sig-
nals will not be output.
3. When an integrated am¬plifier or the like is connected to
the analog unbalanced output terminals (RCA), adjust the
sound volume with the volume control of the output de-
vice.
How to use the headphone output
Insert the standard plug of headphones into the headphone
jack (PHONES) on the front panel of this unit after the volume
control is rotated counterclockwise to the end.
Start the playback of the input device, and rotate the volume
control slowly clockwise to your favorite sound volume.
Whenever the power is turned on and off, the input selec-
tor is changed over, or the headphone plug is connected or
disconnected, be sure to rotate the volume control counter-
clockwise to the end to set the sound volume to the mini-
mum.
If the headphones are used for a long time at a high sound
volume level, your hearing may be damaged.

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
9
Filter/dimmer setting methods
The following settings can be performed with the filter/dimmer switch:
(1) Digital filter at PCM data playback (2 types)
(2) Analog filter at DSD data playback (2 types)
(3) 4-step brightness adjustment of 7-segment LED (dimmer setting)
Each setting mode can be shifted in turn by shortly pressing (less than 1 second) the filter/dimmer switch and then pressing long
(approx. 2 seconds) the switch after the digital filter setting mode is activated.
PCM setting DSD setting
Normal mode
Short pressing
Long pressing
Long
pressing
Long
pressing
DIMMER setting
These settings are stored on the flash memory even when the power is turned off.
(1) Digital filter setting (PCM)
The interpolation function of the 32-bit digital filter can be
changed while the PCM data is played back.
When the filter/dimmer switch is shortly pressed (less than
1 second), the digital filter setting mode is activated and the
current setting is displayed. Then, shortly pressing the filter/
dimmer switch toggles between P-1 and P-2 alternatively.
Select a filter depending on your taste. The sound quality
can be changed.
There are two types of filters, P-1 and P-2, and the impulse
response of the interpolation function is shown in the dia-
grams at right.
Without any operation for 5 seconds after selection, the se-
lection is determined, and the mode returns to normal. If
you want to change the analog filter during DSD playback
and the dimmer after setting the digital filter for PCM, per-
form the long pressing (approx. 2 seconds) to determine the
selection. Then, the setting mode goes to next.
P-1 (sharp roll-off)
P-2 (slow roll-off)

10
Operations
(2) Analog filter setting (DSD)
The analog FIR filter at DSD file playback is set.
When the filter/dimmer switch is shortly pressed (less than
1 second) and pressed long in the digital filter setting mode,
the analog filter setting mode is activated and the current
setting is displayed. Then, shortly pressing the filter/dimmer
switch toggles between d-1 and d-2 alternatively. Select a
filter depending on your taste. The sound quality can be
changed.
There are two types of filters, d-1 and d-2, and the filter
characteristics are shown in the diagrams below.
Without any operation for 5 seconds after selection, the se-
lection is determined, and the mode returns to normal. If
you want to change the dimmer after setting the analog filter
for DSD, perform the long pressing (approx. 2 seconds) to
determine the selection. Then, the setting mode goes to
the next.
d-1 (normal analog FIR filter)
0
0 100 200kHz
−3
−6
Frequency
Gain − dB
d-2 (high attenuation analog FIR filter)
0
0 100 200kHz
−3
−6
Frequency
Gain −dB
Depending on the filter selection, there is a difference in sound
volume. When d-1 is selected, the output voltage is 1.2 Vrms.
When d-2 is selected, the output voltage is 1.7 Vrms.
(3) Dimmer setting
The brightness of the 7-segment LED is adjusted. The
brightness can be adjusted in 4 stages from no light to nor-
mal lighting on.
When the filter/dimmer switch is further pressed long (ap-
prox. 2 seconds) in the analog filter setting mode, the dim-
mer setting mode is activated and the current setting is
displayed. Then, shortly pressing the filter/dimmer switch
changes the brightness as follows: normal (HI) →dim (LO1)
→ very dim (LO2) →no light (OFF) →normal (HI) ...
Without any operation for 5 seconds from selection, the se-
lection is determined, and the mode returns to normal.
HI
(Normal)
LO1
(Dim)
LO2
(Very dim)
OFF
(Off)

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
11
Block Diagram
I-V
Amp
Display
System Control
CPU
Key
Data
Sel.
DAC
PCM1795
Unbal. R
I-V
Amp
DIR / DIT
PCM9211
Analog out
I-V
Amp
I-V
Amp
Unbal. L
L.P.F. L.P.F.
Power
Transformer
Power Regulator
for Audio Circuit
Line
Filter
COAX
D
igital in
USB
USB
Controller
LPC1822
Phones
REG. ±12V
Power Regulator
for Digital Circuit
Volume
Data
Sel.
OPT
H/P
+Amp
H/P
+Amp
REG. ±12V
Tr-
Driver
Tr-
Driver
Clock
Generator
low phase-
noise
32kHz～192kHz 32kHz～192kHz
2.8224/5.6648MHz
FUSEPOWER SW
LECUA

12
Specifications
Format 2-channel, USB D/A converter
Ambient operating
temperature
+5 °C to +35 °C
Audio output
characteristics
Output voltage /
output impedance:
UNBALANCE terminal (RCA terminal) 2.5 Vrms/300 Ω
For DSD (see page 10) 1.2 Vrms (d-1)
1.7 Vrms (d-2)
PHONE terminal (Standard plug) 130 mW + 130 mW (600 Ω)
400 mW + 400 mW (2 Ω)
200 mW + 200 mW (16 Ω)
Frequency response: 4 Hz to 20 kHz (+0, −0.5 dB)
2 Hz to 50 kHz (+0, −3.0 dB)
Total harmonic distortion: 0.0012 %
S/N ratio: 120 dB
Dynamic range: 118 dB
Channel separation: 109 dB
Digital input Coaxial digital input: 0.2 to 2.5 Vp-p
Optical digital input: −14.5 to −24 dBm
USB input:
(Applicable OS)
Microsoft Windows Vista or later, Mac OS X10.7 or later
Sampling frequency: OPT/COAX input: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz,
96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
(16-bit, 20-bit, 24-bit)
USB input PCM: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz,
96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
(16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit)
DSD: 2.8224 MHz, 5.6448 MHz (1-bit)
Supplied functions Front panel • Power switch
• Input LED
• Filter/dimmer setting switch
• Sound volume
• Input selector switches
• Sampling frequency LED
• Headphone output terminal
Rear panel • AC inlet
• Analog output terminals
(UNBALANCE)
• Digital input terminals
(USB/OPT/COAX)
Accessories • Power cable
• Owner’s Manual (This document)
• Safety cautions
Power supply 230 V ~ (50 Hz)
Power consump-
tion
16 W
Weight (Main unit) 3.3 kg
Dimensions 182 (W) x 73 (H) x 277 (Knobs (12mm) and terminals (8mm)
included) (D) mm
* Specifications and the appearance are subject to change without notice.

USB D/A CONVERTER DA-150
13
Before Asking for Repair Services
While the unit is used, an unusual phenomenon may be confused as a malfunction for a certain reason. Prior to asking our official sole
distributor of your country for repair services, please check the table below and read the operating instructions for the subsidiary devic-
es. If the cause of the malfunction cannot be identified, please contact your dealer. When we have once accepted your request for
repair services, inspection fees and traveling expenses may be claimed even though the unit is found to be normal.
Besides, such personal computer as a PC/Mac connected to the unit and the software that operates on the PC/Mac (operations and
settings included) are not supported.
Problem Cause/Solution Ref. page
No power is supplied even
though the operation switch is
pressed.
• Connect the power cable to the AC inlet (AC IN) and the AC outlet
firmly.
7
No sound is generated. / Sound
volume is too low.
• Connect the digital devices, amplifier, speakers, and headphones
correctly.
6 - 7
• Set the input selector to the source to be played back. 8
• When you are listening to the sound of headphones, adjust the
sound volume with the volume control of the main unit.
8
• When you are listening to a sound with the fixed analog output,
adjust the sound volume with the volume control of the connected
amplifier.
8
• If the USB is selected as an input source, select this unit (DA-150)
as the output destination by configuring the sound setting of a PC/
Mac.
Refer to the in-
struction manual of
the PC/Mac or the
software in use.
• If the unit (DA-150) cannot be selected even when trying the solu-
tion above, reconnect the USB cable.
• If the USB is selected as an input source, adjust the sound volume
by configuring the sound setting of a PC/Mac.
• If the USB is selected as an input source, adjust the sound volume
on a player software of a PC/Mac.
• Ensure that this unit supports the sampling frequency and the num-
ber of quantization bits of the played back digital signals.
5
• Check to see whether the selected input LED blinks and the unlock
state is indicated. (When the digital signal from the digital device is
not synchronized with this unit, the source may not be played back.)
5
Hum noises (boon or zzz noise)
are generated.
• Insert the RCA pin-plugs of the line cables firmly. 7
• Induction noise may be picked up from the power transformer of
another device. Install this unit distantly from the other device.
• When you are listening to the sound of headphones, arrange the
headphone cable and the power cable so that they are not laid too
close.
This unit may not work normally when the unit is subject to external influence such as static electricity. In such a case, the unit can
work normally by unplugging the power cable once and plugging it again. If the problem is not solved, please contact your dealer or
our service center.

LUXMAN CORPORATION, JAPAN
AG00987E58A
Printed in Japan
1-3-1 Shinyokohama, Kouhoku-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 222-0033, Japan