Meitner audio Ma3 User manual

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

001

Version 1.8

002

Safety Instructions

Prior to Installing you new Meitner Audio product please read the following

safety instructions:

• Read and follow all instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Do not use or install product near any sources of water, rain and/or

moisture.

• Clean using only a dry cloth.

• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Do not install product outdoors or in direct sunlight.

• Leave at least 10cm or 4 inches around product to ensure proper

ventilation.

• Do not place product near strong electrical or magnetic

radiation/emmissions or near a power amplifier.

This Meitner product must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a

protective earthing connection (grounding pin).

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO WATER OR MOISTURE.

EEC: This product has been designed and tested to comply with the limits

set out in EN55013, EN55020 and EN 60065:2009 (electrical safety).

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

003

Introduction

Welcome and congratulations on purchasing a Meitner Audio product.

We at Meitner Audio have strived to build and perfect the absolute best

product using our award winning technology and decades of experience.

We are confident that our products will bring you musical enjoyment for

many years to come.

This manual provides important information regarding the use, installation

and care of your new Meitner Audio product.

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

004

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions page 02

Introduction page 03

Warranty page 05

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter page 06

Features & Specifications page 07

Front Panel & Functions page 09

Rear Panel & Functions page 11

Connecting and Operating the MA3 page 13

DSD, DXD and MQA®Audio page 16

Network and Streaming page 18

mConnect Control App page 19

Roon Setup page 29

Infrared Remote Control page 30

Appendix (Network Reset + Battery Change) page 31

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Warranty

Meitner Audio warrants the MA3 product against defects in material and

workmanship under normal use and service for a period of time specified by

the product’s serial number from the date of first delivery to the owner. The

warranty time period is 3 years. Warranty is limited to the original owner and

is non-transferable.

Meitner Audio will pay for return shipping charges back to the owner when

the product is sent to Meitner Audio within the first 90 days after purchase

(US and Canada end-users only). Otherwise, owner will be responsible for all

shipping charges to and from Meitner Audio.

For all warranty claims, a copy of the original invoice must accompany the

product.

Opening the product or modifying it in any way by the owner, including but

not limited to cryogenic treatment, will void any warranty.

Please contact Meitner Audio ([email protected]) for RMA number and

shipping instructions before shipping any product to Meitner Audio.

Meitner Audio products are sold worldwide through authorized dealers with

restricted territories. Meitner Audio product purchased from non-authorized

dealers or from a dealer selling outside his/her authorized territory will

automatically void product warranty.

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Warranty MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter

Introducing Meitner Audio’s ground breaking MA3 Integrated D/A

Converter. The first of our next generation products.

The MA3 integrates our 16xDSD DACs and DSP, with our VControl™ high

resolution volume control, and combines this with our network audio

streaming functions based on our popular, and simple to use NS1 Streamer

product.

The MA3 features a multitude of inputs and support for PCM up to

24bit/192kHz, DSD, 2xDSD, DXD. It is also the first Meitner product to have

full MQA®unfolding via USB Audio and Network inputs.

The MA3 is our first product with an integrated streamer to support

streaming services like TIDAL, QOBUZ, SPOTIFY, DEEZER, vTUNER etc.

Along with USB inputs for direct audio file playback, it supports

UPNP/DLNA for connection to NAS devices. ROON READY/ROON

ENDPOINT support is also built in.

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MA3 Integrated D/A Converter MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Features & Specifications

2-Channel Digital to Analog Conversions (All Digital Inputs):

• 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz and DSD

• Word lengths up to 24bit

2-Channel 2xDSD/DSD128 and DXD (352 and 384kHz) Digital to Analog Conversion is

supported using the USB Audio input.

2- Channel full MQA®unfolding supported via USB Audio and Network inputs.

Available Digital Inputs:

• 1x USB Audio

• 1x AES/EBU (XLR)

• 1x COAX (SPDIF RCA)

• 1x TOS (TOSLINK Optical)

• 1x Network (RJ45)

• 2x USB Media (Type A, USB storage and/or WiFi ports)

• 1x Network/Ethernet interface(RJ45)

Output Impedance: 300Ω balanced (XLR), 150Ω unbalanced (RCA)

Output Levels:

Balanced XLR outputs: 7.0V (+19.1dBu)

Unbalanced RCA outputs: 3.5V (+13.1dBu)

System: System control via serial RS-232

Note:

1. XLR analog outputs are balanced with pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold and pin 1 ground.

2. For proper digital audio data transfer (176, 192kHz and DSD) appropriate high

quality AES/EBU, COAX, TOSLINK and USB 2.0 cables recommended.

007

Features & Specifications MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

008

Features & Specifications

Power supply:

• Power factor corrected

• Universal 90V-260V, 50/60Hz operation

• Power consumption: max. 50W

• CE Approved

Remote control: Infrared

Dimensions: W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm

Weight: 7.43kg

MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Front Panel & Functions

1. Display brightness touch button, toggles the display brightness settings between

“Normal”, “Dim” and “Off”.”Off” turns display off. Only the brightness touch guide led

will stay on.

2. Display shows digital input, file/stream and samplerate information and volume setting.

Volume is shown in dB on all inputs, except for the “NET” input (numerical equivalent).

3. Volume control knob.

4. Input touch button, cycles between all available digital inputs:

• AES : Selects AES/EBU (XLR) format digital audio input

• COAX : Selects SPDIF (RCA) digital audio from COAX connector

• TOS : Selects SPDIF (TOSLINK) digital audio from TOS connector

009

Front Panel & Functions MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual









USBaudio 384 kHz

STUDIO -36.0

Brightness touch button

Input touch button

Front Panel & Functions

4. • USB : Selects USB digital audio (USB B Type connector)

• NET : Selects Network/Streaming digital audio (RJ45 connector)

5. The screen saver function engages after 2 minutes of inactivity. It dims the screen for

3 seconds before turning the screen off. Engaging the remote, touch buttons or

volume, returns screen brightness to previous state. Function is disabled when display

brightness is set to off.

6. Enable/disable the screen saver by pressing and holding the brightness touch button

until you see the screen saver function page. Except when NET(network) is selected.

7. Pressing and holding the input touch button, displays the firmware version on the left

display along with copyright notice.

Please note:

1. The Meitner Audio MA3 is a Class 2.0 USB Audio device. Class 2 audio devices

are supported natively in Windows 10 UAC2 and higher, OSX 10.5.7 and higher, and

on Linux with ALSA 1.0.23 and higher.

2. For Windows 7 and higher, Class 2 USB Audio device drivers are included with the

MA3 or you can download it from our website. Page 14 has installation instructions.

3. Please use USB 2.0 compliant devices for maximum high resolution audio

compatibility. Using the MA3 with a USB 1.0 and 1.1 device/interface will limit

digital audio bandwidth to 44.1/48kHz sample frequencies.

4. For proper high definition audio transfer (176.4,192kHz sample rates or DSD) using

the AES, TOSLINK or SPDIF interfaces please ensure that you use high quality cables

and your digital source device supports those sample frequencies using those inputs.

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Front Panel & Functions MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Firmware and Copyright

Screen Saver Enable/Disable

EXIT

CHANGE

1.08

Rear Panel & Functions

1. Main Power connector

2. Main Power Switch.

3. Product VOLTAGE indicator: Indicates working voltage of the MA3.

4. Product model and serial number indicator:

Warranty void if model/serial number indicator is not attached to unit, missing or

damaged whereby serial number cannot be seen.

011

Rear Panel & Functions



MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual







 

Rear Panel & Functions

5. Digital Inputs (All inputs support up to 24bit, 192 kHz and DSD):

• AES/EBU: AES/EBU (XLR) digital audio input

• COAX: SPDIF (RCA) digital audio input

• TOS: SPDIF (TOSLINK) digital audio input

• USB Audio: USB Audio digital input (DSD128, DXD and full MQA®unfolding)

• USB Media: USB thumbdrive/stick direct file playback, supports up to 24bit,

192kHz and accepts AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV, WMA, MQA® and

DSD in DSF or DFF file formats

6. Analog Line Output:

• Left and Right Balanced (XLR) Connectors

• Left and Right Un-Balanced (RCA) Connectors

• Output Levels:

XLR outputs: 7.0V (+19.1dBu)

RCA outputs: 3.5V (+13.1dBu)

7. Network/Ethernet interface(RJ45) for streaming and network media playback using

mConnect Control app. Stream and playback files up to 24bit, 192kHz and DSD plus

full MQA® unfolding. The MA3 is UPnP/DLNA compatible and is Roon Ready/Roon

Endpoint.

Auxiliary USB type A connector located below the Ethernet port is an optional WiFi

port (WiFi adaptor not included)

8. System

Remote:

• Wired RS232 communication port

Service:

• RESET: Factory Reset button (for support purposes only)

012

Rear Panel & Functions MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Connecting & Operating the MA3

Please see page 15 with regards to installing the MA3 USB Audio drivers.

1. Connect the included power cable to the MA3 power connector than to a free

power receptacle.

2. Connect the appropriate digital source connections up to the MA3 digital inputs

using the appropriate high quality digital audio, USB, network cables and USB drive.

3. Connect the appropriate analog outputs of the MA3 to your power amplifier.

4. Turn on the MA3 using the main power switch and select a digital input by

pressing/toggling the input touch button or using the included remote.

5. Once the MA3 receives a valid digital audio stream from the digital source, the

display will show a valid samplerate and you can adjust the volume. If it does not

receive a valid digital audio signal “NO LOCK” is displayed.

6. Please see example above. The USB Audio input is selected. Once the MA3 detects

a valid digital audio stream sample frequency will be displayed. In this case the MA3

has a detected a valid MQA Studio track and has unfolded it to full 384kHz resolution.

7. When streaming from a streaming service, playing files back from a USB thumb

drive or from a networked device like a NAS, information about the stream/file will be

displayed above the input.

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Connecting & Operating the MA3 MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

USBaudio 384 kHz

STUDIO -36.0

Connecting & Operating the MA3

The MA3 has a host of digital inputs :

USB Audio (USB) : USB Audio connection supports up to 24bit, 192kHz PCM, DXD 352

and 384kHz, DSD64 and DSD128 (2xDSD) and MQA®using USB 2.0

cables

AES : Balanced digital interface supports up to 24bit, 192kHz and DSD via

XLR 110Ω digital cables.

COAX : COAX S/PDIF interface which supports up to 24bit, 192kHz and DSD

via RCA 75Ω digital cables.

TOS : TOSLINK optical interface supports up to 24bit 192kHz and DSD via

TOSLINK optical interface.

NET : Ethernet (RJ45) network interface. Networking connection for both

streaming media, network file playback using mConnect Control app.

Stream files up to 24bit, 192kHz and DSD plus full MQA® unfolding.

It is UPnP/DLNA compatible and is Roon Ready/Roon Endpoint.

USB Media : For connection to USB flash drives (FAT32 or NTFS formatted).

Connect USB flash drives to playback audio files using the mConnect

Control app. For Android and IOS tablets use the mConnect Control

HD app to use the landscape interface option. File playback supports

up to 24bit,192kHz and accepts AAC, AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, MP3, WAV,

WMA, MQA®file formats. It also accepts DSD64 playback (via DoP

streaming) in DSF or DFF file formats. The MA3 provides full MQA®

unfolding when playing back MQA® files (up to 192kHz).

014

Connecting & Operating the MA3 MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Connecting & Operating the MA3

8. The MA3 remembers the last digital input it was switched too prior to being

switched off. The volume will also default to -20dB or numerical 60 when it is turned

back on.

USB Audio Input:

1. First, use only well-shielded certified USB 2.0* cables to connect from any USB digital

audio source component (computer, laptop, media server etc.) to the MA3 USB

Audio input.

2. The MA3 USB Audio interface uses the B-type USB connector similar to

connectors used on printers. Please see image below:

3. Select the USB input using the front panel touch button or the remote.

4. For Windows 10 UAC2 and higher, MAC OSX 10.5.7 and higher, and on Linux with

ALSA 1.0.23 and higher, the appropriate USB Audio 2 drivers will be used or

automatically installed.

5. For Windows 7 (32 or 64bit) or higher please install the provided USB Audio driver

located on the included software CD or USB Key, or download it from our website.

6. ASIO, WASAPI and Kernel (Windows 7 and higher) drivers will be installed.

For Windows Media Player playback; set the Windows Control Panel default sound playback

to the listed MA3 USB Audio device as per the installation instructions.

*Not using proper cables will cause audio issues between digital source and DAC.

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Connecting & Operating the MA3 MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

DSD, DXD and MQA®Audio

1. The MA3 supports DSD (DSD64), 2xDSD (DSD128) and DXD over USB

Audio input. DSD streaming uses the DoP specification.

2. The MA3 also supports full MQA®unfolding over USB Audio and Network

(streaming and file playback).

3. DSD and 2xDSD audio files have the extension DFF and DST. DXD files

(PCM 352 and 384kHz) and MQA®are available in standard filetypes like

WAV, FLAC or MQA®. You can use any mediaplayer like JRiver, Roon,

Audivarna or a standalone media/network player to play these files to the

MA3.

4. Every media player will have specific installation and setup procedures

for enabling DSD, DXD and MQA®file streaming. Please consult its specific

setup procedures to properly enable these features.

5. Some software/hardware manufacturers also provide quickstart and

software setup guides. Please consult these prior to installation.

6. When setup correctly samplerate and file types will be displayed on the

MA3 display. Please see guide pictures to the right.

7. Depending on the digital source, when playback of DSD material is paused

or stopped, the display may indicate a PCM samplerate rather than DSD.

This is normal for DoP functionality. Once playback is restarted the MA3’s

display will once again show that it is receiving DSD information.

8. The MA3 supports the full unfolding of MQA®audio files using its custom

implementation of the MQA®decoder and renderer.

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DSD, DXD and MQA®Audio MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Receiving 2xDSD via DoP

Receiving DXD 384kHz

DSD, DXD and MQA®Audio

9. Depending on the media player and source material, the display will show

the type of MQA®file (‘MQA’ or ‘MQA Studio’) and the maximum unfolded

sample rate. ‘MQA’ or ‘MQA Studio’ indicates that the product is decoding

and playing an MQA®stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that

the sound is identical to that of the source material. ‘MQA Studio’ indicates

it is playing an MQA®Studio file, which has either been approved in the

studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner.

MQA®(Master Quality Authenticated) is an award-winning British

technology that delivers the sound of the original master recording.

The master MQA®file is fully authenticated and is small enough to

stream or download.

Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

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DSD, DXD and MQA®Audio MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

USBaudio 192 kHz

STUDIO -25.0

Network and Streaming

1. Connect the MA3 via the ethernet/network (RJ45) port to a network router or

switch using a suitable ethernet cable. Make sure network is working and

enabled.

2. Select the “NET” input on the MA3 either using the remote or the front panel

input touch buttons.

3. You can also install a USB flash drive (FAT32 or NTFS formatted) by

attaching it to the MA3’s USB Media input port for direct audio file playback.

4. Download and install mConnect Control app for mobile Android or IOS. For

tablets and to use the landscape interface install the mConnect Control HD

app. The mobile device or tablet must be connected on the same network as

the MA3. Do not install the mConnect Player Lite, mConnect Player (paid

app) or mConnect Player HD.

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Network and Streaming MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

Network Switch/Router

Network cable

mConnect Control

app Mobile/Tablet for

Playback and Control

mConnect Control

Mobile and tablet/iPad app

019 MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

mConnect Control App

1. Start the mConnect Control app from your mobile phone or tablet. Mobile or

tablet must be connected to the same network as the MA3.

2. Start the mConnect Control app, press the “Play to” button on the bottom

right. Select the device with the EMM icon or named “Meitner_MA3” which

would be the MA3.

3. Select and press the “Browser” button. You can then then select:

• “Internet Music” streaming music services eg. Tidal, Quboz and Spotify

• “Cloud” play files from online storage services eg. Dropbox or OneDrive

• “Local Server” play files from local storage (mobile/tablet), USB drive

connected to the MA3, detected DLNA/UPnP enabled network storage

mConnect Startup Select MA3 from “Play to” Meitner MA3 Selected Browser Page



Internet

Streaming

Services

Cloud

Storage

Local phone

tablet storage,

USB Media,

UPNP/DLNA

network storage

Meitner_MA3

020 MA3 Integrated D/A Converter Manual

mConnect Control App

File Playback and Control

4. In our example we select tracks from the “Local Server” which show audio

files on the mobile/tablet device, USB storage connected to the MA3

or any DLNA/UPnP enabled storage on the network.

5. Select “My Music”, and select how you would like to display the files. Eg. by

artist, by album or by genre. Once a file is selected playback will start.

Playback controls are available below the track art. At the top, the track jump

function, playback status, type of file, bitrate, sample rate, stream rate

and length of file information.

6. On the right is a usage guide with regards to the Repeat and Shuffle

functions. Press the icons to select appropriate function.



Music Selection Artist View Playback

ShuffleRepeat

Playback

Controls

Local

Storage

Music

MA3 Selected

Playback Device

USB Flash

drive storage

Play Through Repeat All Repeat Track

Shuffle off Shuffle on

Repeat and Shuffle Functions

Meitner_MA3 Server

Meitner_MA3

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