MSB Technology Reference Headphone Amplifier User manual

Reference Headphone
Amplier
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user
guides, rmware, and drivers:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
[email protected]
11.14.18

Technical specications
AC Voltage 120/240V (Auto switching)
Optional 100V xed conguration
Dynamic Range
20Hz-20kHz
(Max Power at 45Ω)
>139dB
>141dBA
Frequency Response 5Hz-20kHz ±0.016dB
XLR Input Optimized for 75Ω or 150Ω Balanced Source
Common Mode
Rejection Ratio
> 95dB CMRR @ 60Hz
> 95dB CMRR @ 1kHz
> 80dB CMRR @ 20kHz
Crosstalk > 130dB Crosstalk @ 1kHz
> 110dB Crosstalk @ 20kHz
SMPTE IMD 0dBu 0.0019% @ 45Ω
% THD+N 1kHz 0dBu 0.00065% @ 45Ω
Max Power
@ 1% THD+N
16Ω @ 4.25Vrms (1.12W)
32Ω @ 8.6Vrms (2.3W)
45Ω @ 15.5Vrms (5.3W)
150Ω @ 15.6Vrms (1.62W)
XLR Output Direct connection to input.
When listening to headphones, output is
muted with 75Ω output impedance
Headphone Output 1x Rear 4 Pin XLR
2x Front 4 Pin XLR
Bias Voltage 580Vdc, 5 MΩ
Power Consumption 64W (Less than 2W standby)
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 3 in (79 mm)
Stack height: 3.625 in (92 mm)
Weight: 36 lbs (16 kg)
Shipping Dimensions Width: 25 in (635 mm)
Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
Height: 10 in (254 mm)
Weight: 61 lbs (28 kg)
Included Accessories Ground Cable
IEC Power Cord
4X Spiked Feet
4X Plastic Foot Inserts

Getting Started
When plugging in power, the amplier detects the input voltage and
automatically switches between 120 or 240 volt operation. It is also
available in a non-switching 100 volt permanent conguration.
Amplier Interface
There are two control features just under the front of the powerbase.
Front control White
- Power on.
Red
- Power o / bypass mode.
Amber
- Linked mode, 12 volt trigger controlled.
Flashing Amber
- Over-voltage protection.
‘Display’ wheel This is a rolling wheel to control the brightness of
the power indication light
Function switch Normal
- The front button on the unit switches between on
and o (enables pass through).
No IR
- The front button on the unit switches between on
and o (enables pass through). Remote commands
disabled.
Linked
- The front button on the unit switches between
on and pass through while keeping the unit on.
Remote commands disabled.
Connecting to your Amplier
Connect your headphones to the front or rear headphone jacks.
Connect your MSB DAC XLR Analog Outputs into the amplier Inputs
Connect pass through XLR outputs to your main system ampliers.
**GENERAL WARNINGS**
Only for use with an MSB DAC.
DO NOT open your headphone Amp.
NO SERVICEABLE PARTS.

Ground Jumper - IN - Basic Operation
The Basic Operation does not provide additional isolation. For basic
operation be sure the jumper is in place between the Chassis Ground
and Amplier Ground. This is the shipping conguration.
NEVER OPERATE WITHOUT THE JUMPER OR A GROUND WIRE
ATTACHED.
Ground Jumper - OUT - Enhanced Operation
The Enhanced Operation provides isolation for both the DAC and the
Headphone Amplier.
For use with 2-channel system:
This setup is for a system that includes headphone and loudspeaker
playback.
-Disconnect the DAC powerbase and headphone amplier grounding
bridges.
-Attach a ground wire between the ‘Amp Ground’ lugs on the powerbase
and headphone amplier.
-Attach a ground wire between one of the ‘Amp Ground’ lugs and
only one loudspeaker amplier chassis ground. This connection is
dependent on the amplier so you will have to look for the best place
to attach the wire to chassis ground.
MSB
Amp
Ground
Chassis
Ground
MSB
Chassis
Ground
Amp
Ground
For use as Select Headphone system ONLY:
This setup is for a system that is for headphone playback only.
-Disconnect the DAC powerbase grounding bridge.
-Attach a ground wire between the ‘Amp Ground’ lugs on the powerbase
and headphone amplier.
-Connect the grounding bridge on the headphone amplier.
MSB
Amp
Ground
Chassis
Ground
MSB
Amp
Ground
Chassis
Ground
(Powerbase Connections) (Headphone Amplier Connections)
(Powerbase Connections) (Headphone Amplier Connections)

(Reference Headphone Amplier Jack Panel)
(Reference Headphone Amplier Face Plate)
1Serial Number
2 Balanced Analog Inputs
3 Balanced Analog Outputs
4 Rear Headphone Output
5 Power Input 120-240 VAC
6 5AMP Fuse SLO-BLO
7 12 Volt Trigger
8 Grounding Lugs
9On/O Button
10 IR Sensor
11 Indicator LED
12 Headphone Outputs (2X)
User Interface
RIGHT RIGHT LEFT LEFT
INPUT OUTPUT
OUT
PHONES
SERIAL
AMPG ROUND
12 VOLT
TRIGGER
105-130. 210-260 VAC
5 AMP
SLO-BLO
123 4 5 6 7 8
910 11 12

12 Volt Remote Trigger
This powerbase is equipped with a remote trigger for use with other
MSB products. The trigger uses a 3 pin mini jack. When any MSB
product is turned o, the other products connected will also turn
o and vice-versa. This trigger can also be used with other products.
Products may use this trigger dierently, so you may need to rewire
a cable or use an interface relay. The connector is wired as shown. If
you connect “signal” to “ground”, all MSB products will turn o. If you
connect “signal” to “12 V” or leave it open, all MSB products will turn
on.

Technical Support
If you are experiencing any issues with your MSB product, please contact
your nearest dealer or try our support page at www.msbtechnology.
com/support. Please be sure you have the most current edition of your
products rmware installed. If your issue persists please feel free to
contact MSB directly. Emails are usually responded to in 24 - 48 hours.
Email: [email protected]
MSB Return Procedure (RMA)
If a customer, dealer, or distributor has a problem with an MSB
product, they should email tech support before sending anything
back to the factory. MSB will do their best to respond within 24 hours.
Should it be clear that a product must be returned, tech support
should be informed and all the following relevant information should
be provided:
1Product in question
2Serial number
3Exact conguration when symptom is observed along with a list
with the input used, source material, system connections, and
amplier
4Customer name
5Customer shipping address
6Customer phone number and email
7Special return shipping instructions
MSB will issue an RMA number and create an invoice with all details
outlined except the nal price as the product has not yet been seen.
This invoice will be emailed so all the above information can be checked
and veried by the customer.
The product should be returned with the RMA number present on the
box. Work can then begin immediately and the product can be sent
back quickly.
Any repair that is dicult and cannot be completed in two weeks will be
identied and the customer will be informed when it is to be expected.
Otherwise the majority of repairs should be shipped back within two
weeks if all the required information is present on the invoice.
Link to page:
http://www.msbtechnology.com/faq/msb-product-return-procedure/

The Reference Headphone Amplifier
Limited Warranty
Warranty includes:
• MSB warrantys the unit against defects in materials and workman-
ship for a period of 5 years from the date the unit was originally
shipped from MSB.
• This warranty covers parts and labor only, it does not cover shipping
charges or tax/duty. During the Warranty period, there will normally
be no charge for parts or labor.
• During the warranty period, MSB will repair or, at our discretion,
replace a faulty product.
• Warranty repairs must be carried out by MSB or our authorized
dealer. Please contact your dealer if your unit requires service.
Warranty excludes:
• The Warranty does not cover standard wear and tear.
• The product is misused in any way.
• Any unauthorized modications or repairs were performed.
• The product is not used in accordance with the Operating Conditions
stated below.
• The product is serviced or repaired by someone other than MSB or a
authorized dealers.
• The product is operated without a mains earth (or ground) connection.
• The unit is returned inadequately packed.
• MSB reserves the right to apply a service charge if the product
returned for warranty repair is found to be operating correctly, or if
the product is returned without a returns number (RMA) being issued.
Operating Conditions:
• Ambient temperature range: 32F to 90F, non-condensing.
• The supply voltage must remain within the AC. Voltage specied on
the power base.
• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, air ducts,
power ampliers or in direct strong sunlight.