MSB Technology The Reference DAC User manual

The Reference DAC
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user guides,
rmware, and drivers:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
[email protected]
12.10.2020

Technical specications
Supported Formats
(Input depedent)
44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
Digital Inputs 4x Advanced isolated input module slots
XLR Analog Inputs 100K Ohm Balanced
12Vrms Maximum
Isolated when not selected
XLR Analog Outputs 3.57Vrms Maximum (Digital Input)
12Vrms Maximum (Analog Input)
150 Ohm Balanced
Galvanically isolated
Volume Control Purely passive constant impedance analog
attenuation
1dB steps
Display Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous
Adjustable brightness and auto-o feature
Controls Isolated RS-232
IR Remote
Knob + 3 Buttons
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 2.2 in (56 mm)
Stack height: 2.85 in (72 mm)
Weight: 29 lbs (13 kg)
Product Feet: M6x1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions Width: 25 in (635 mm)
Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
Height: 10 in (254 mm)
Weight: 50 lbs (23 kg)
Included Accessories User Manual
MSB Remote
Micro USB Charging Cable
4x Rubber Feet
4x Plastic inserts for feet

Power The DAC comes with a high performance powerbase. The
powerbase automatically detects and switches between
240V and 120V. This is not a switching supply that
works at any voltage, but a linear supply with automatic
switching of the transformer leads. The power supply is
switched on and o with a button on the front or via the IR
remote. Plug in the provided AC cable to the back of the
powerbase, then plug in the provided DC interconnects
from each of the two plugs on each side of the powerbase
to each of the two plugs on each side of the DAC. To
unplug the DC power cables, just pull on the barrel of the
connector housing.
Inputs The DAC comes with the digital input modules of your
choice. Connect any digital input to any active digital audio
source. The frequency and bit depth of the incoming
signal will be displayed on the front panel.
Outputs Connect the balanced analog outputs to any amplier.
The output level is controlled with the knob or remote.
When stacking the units, you will nd enclosed black plastic square
inserts. These inserts t into the square holes in the top of each
chassis. This will allow you to stack the units without scratching the
chassis.
Setup and Quick Start
The interface is quite simple with few user controls. Input source
defaults on to auto switching. The display will let you know if you
have an active input. On power up, the volume is reset to the
programmed startup level. Shipping default is 70. Turn the volume
knob up until you hear music.
Burn-In
The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of
burn-in on this DAC. Customers generally report improvement up to
one month.

User Interface
Menu
Button
The square button is single purpose. It will enter the
setup mode at the top of the menu tree. If in the setup,
and it doesn’t matter where, this button will exit the
setup and return to the normal operational mode.
Input
Selection
The right and left arrows switch inputs. The ‘Auto’
mode will be in the list of inputs. The right and left
arrows switch inputs. If ‘Auto’ is selected, the unit will
automatically switch inputs based on priority (Input slot
B is higher than Input slot A) with the analog input being
lowest priority. When a source with a higher priority
becomes active, the unit will automatically switch to the
new higher priority input. Toggling through the inputs
manually will defeat any auto switching. When in the
setup menu the arrows move right and left through the
menu structure.
Volume
Knob
This knob adjusts the volume between 0 and 106.
Display The display shows the Input, sample rate, bit depth, and
volume.

About the 4 input module slots
The DAC has four input module slots. They are labeled A through D.
There are two classes of input modules, analog and digital. Analog
modules must be placed adjacent to the analog output module.
They can be either be additional analog inputs or a second analog
output module. Digital modules can be placed in any position. Each
module is completely self contained. It is recognized by the DAC
and identied on the display. When the module is not in use it is
disabled.
Available Digital Input Modules
ProI2SMSB’s proprietary interface for use with MSB
transports. This module provides two inputs.
XLR S/PDIF A single XLR digital input with a word sync output.
Optical/Coaxial
S/PDIF
A Toslink and Coaxial digital input with a word
sync output.
MQA USB A single USB interface for playback via a computer
based device. This module provides support for
MQA decoding. (See USB manual for operation
and setup details)
Renderer A renderer interface for use on a home network
or server. (See Renderer manual for operation
and setup details)
Pro ISL MSB proprietary interface for use with MSB
transports. This module provides one input.
Available Preamps
The DAC is available with one output module, but a specialized inline
XLR to RCA adaptor can be ordered.
Balanced
Preamp
Oers one set of balanced analog inputs and outputs.
Provides volume control with our passive constant
impedance volume control technology.
Single-Ended
Adapter
For Single-Ended operation of the product, it is
necessary to buy the XLR to RCA adapters. These
adapters allow for the highest level of quality to be
achieved for your DAC by moving the conversion
components as far from the crucial and sensitive
preamp components of your Preamp module.

Additional Analog Inputs and Outputs
In addition to the primary output module, additional analog inputs
and a secondary analog output can be added.
Isolated
Analog
Output
Provides a second analog output as single-ended or
balanced.
Only one analog output module can be added per
DAC.
Isolated
Sub Analog
Output
Provides an isolated sub-woofer output as single-
ended or balanced. Only one can be added per DAC.
Additional
Analog Input
Provides an extra analog input connection as single
ended or balanced. Multiple inputs can be installed.

Removing and Installing Modules
Removal and installation of modules is a completely tool free process
that is easily performed at the back of the unit. Under the lower lip of
each module is a lever arm. Simply pull the lever out and away until it
is perpendicular with the back of the unit. Then gently, but rmly, pull
the module lip and lever until the module releases and slide it out of
the unit.
Analog output and analog input modules must be installed in a
special fashion. When installing any analog output or analog input
module, you must remove the preamp output module and attach
the analog output or analog input module into the side connector
of the larger preamp module and then slide the connected pair into
the back of the unit as one while making sure both levers are out and
tightened at the same time.
Module Handling
It is important that you refrain from touching the circuit board or
rear connector of any input or output module when removing or
installing any input or output module from your DAC. When handling
these modules it is important that you only contact the metal case
of the module or the front edge of the module where the cam arm is
located. Improper handling of your modules can result in static shock
and damage to the module or DAC.
RCA
WORD
SYNC
OUT
TOSLINK
RS-232
BASE OUTPUT MODULE
RIGHT LEFT
GROUNDING TERMINALS
AMP CHASSIS
POWER 2 POWER 1
12 VOLT
TRIGGER
DESIGNED
AND
MADE
IN
CALIFORNIA
THE REFERENCE
POWERBASE
MSB
TECHNOLOGY
105-130. 210-260 VAC
SERIAL
RP100001
MSB

The Heart of the System - Preamp and DAC
This product is a unique combination of a very high performance
DAC and the ultimate passive preamp. For the best possible sound in
your system, it should be connected directly to your audio ampliers.
Our preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the moment
analog audio is created, every transition that is made degrades the
sound quality. This is why we oer a passive preamp within the DAC,
to achieve the simplest, shortest possible signal path, with the least
possible degradation of the true music. The DAC’s modular design
is very exible with the option for one or more analog inputs, and
many digital inputs. It is designed to be the last component in your
system before the ampliers and replaces the need for a traditional
preamp. The analog input can be enabled in the menu and can be set
to volume control the analog input or bypass the analog input if you
want to use another volume control for your analog source.
Loading new rmware
Always be certain that you are updated with the current rmware by
checking our website. The DACs’ rmware is always updated using a
.WAV le. If you experience issues with playback of the update le, be
sure to check for bit-perfect playback in your system.
All rmware updates can be found at:
www.msbtechnology.com/Support
Bit-Perfect Source Testing
Test samples can be found on our website and downloaded for
playback and testing.
They are .WAV test les that when played, will be identied by the
DAC and checked, and will be reported on the display if they are bit-
perfect. If there is a problem with the test, it will play but the display
will not indicate any change. Be sure upsampling is turned o in
any transport as this prevents a le from remaining bit-perfect. This
system will allow you to easily test your source, especially computer
sources, to see if all your settings are correct. There are les at all
sample rates for both 16 bit and 24 bit operation.

1Indicator LED While in use:
White - Command Sent
Red and White - Command Sent
and Low Battery
Red Flashing - Needs Charging
While charging:
Red - Charging
White - Fully Charged
1 Power Powerbase on and o. When the powerbase
is linked to an amplier or MSB product, this
button will turn o the entire system
(See powerbase manual for details)
3Input Toggles directly through DAC inputs
4 Action 1 Toggles phase invert
5 Action 2 Toggles video mode
6DAC Menu Enter DAC menu
While in menu:
Up - Volume Up
Down - Volume Down
Enter - Mute
Return - DAC Menu
7 Volume The center scroll wheel controls DAC volume
8 Mute DAC mute
9 Track
Backward
Skip/scan backward
(MSB Tranport Only)
10 Play/Pause Play and pause
(MSB Tranport Only)
11 Track Forward Skip/scan forward
(MSB Tranport Only)
12 Eject Eject media disc
(MSB Tranport Only)
13 Stop Stop media
(MSB Tranport Only)
14 Track Repeat Track or album repeat
(MSB Tranport Only)
15 Charging Port Micro-USB to charge the remote battery
The MSB Remote

1
10
3
4
7
9
12
6
11
14
13
8
5
15
2

Saving Menu and Startup Settings
When changing settings in the menu, use the enter button in the
center of your volume wheel on the remote or the right arrow on the
DAC faceplate to conrm settings in the DAC menu. After you have
made your changes in the DAC menu, use the menu button to exit
the DAC menu completely to save the changes you have made in the
DAC menu.
The DAC will not save any of your settings until you exit the menu.
The “Action Buttons” on your remote change certain settings on
your DAC without navigating the DAC menu (Phase Invert and Video
Mode). However, these settings reset every time the DAC is reset or
powered o. If you would like these settings to persist through resets
or power os, you simply have to choose the action button setting
that you wish to be default and then enter and exit the DAC menu by
double clicking the Menu button on your remote or DAC faceplate.
If at any point the DAC seems to be improperly setup or you want to
start fresh with your settings and functions, there is a “Reset” option
near the end of the DAC menu. Simply select this and conrm “YES”
before closing the DAC menu and restarting the unit.
Setup Menu Options
Bright
(Display
brightness)
This can be adjusted from 1 - 10.
Default is 8.
Disp
(Display On/O)
On (Default)
• The display is on continuously.
Auto o
• The display is o but will turn on momentarily when
information changes.
Screen
(Display detail)
Small
• Displays volume, Bit depth and sample rate.
Big (Default)
• Displays large format volume characters only.
Switch
(Input switching)
Manual
• Only allows manual switching between active and
previously active inputs. The ‘Auto’ mode is not available.
Smart (Default)
• Allows manual and auto switching between active and
previously active inputs.
All
• Allows manual and auto switching between all installed
inputs.
Reset Yes
• This restores the DAC to default settings.

Volume
(Startup volume
and DSD
settings)
This can be adjusted from 0 - 100. This is the default
volume the DAC will power up at. If you choose to use the
DAC with a external preamp, we recommend setting the
default volume to 98. (Default is 70)
O Optimized
• Optimized mode. The optimized mode is the DSD
decimation done using a special method developed by
MSB.
O Native
• Native mode. The Native DSD signal is sent unprocessed
direct to the Hybrid DAC modules.
Renderer
Power
Auto (default)
• Renderer is powered o if no connection is found
O
• Renderer always o
On
• Renderer always on
Renderer
Remote
Enable
• The transport buttons on the remote work to control
renderer functionality
Disable
• The transport buttons on the remote only work for the
transport
Analog*
(Analog input)
*Preamp output
only
O (Default)
• Disables the analog input. Leave the analog input
disabled unless you have it connected. This will prevent
the DAC from switching to a oating input.
On
• Enables the analog input and uses the volume control.
Bypass
• Enables the analog input and bypasses the volume
control.
Output**
(Output Level)
**Base output
only
Low
• -6dB output level with a 75 ohm output impedance. This
setting is recommended if you decide to use a external
preamp.
High (Default)
• Standard output level with a 150 ohm output impedance
SN: This screen displays the serial number of the DAC.
Code This screen displays the current revision # of rmware
installed in the DAC.
IN1 to IN4 Lists the installed input module in slot A, B, C, and D
Output Module Displays the current output module installed and the
output impedance.
Setup Menu Continued...

Reference Powerbase
The powerbase contains isolation technology. The powerbase
detects the input voltage and switches to 120 volt or 240 volt
operation. It is also available in a xed 100 volt conguration. All
powerbases have over-voltage protection.
Two fuses are provided:
- 5A 250V SLO BLO - 5 mm x 20 mm miniature fuse (This is the main fuse).
- 100mA 250V SLO BLO - 5 mm x 20 mm miniature fuse
(This is for the standby supply only).
Technical Specications
AC Voltage 120/240V (Auto switching)
Optional 100V xed conguration
Power Consumption 90 Watts with fully congured Reference DAC
Less than 2W standby
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Depth: 17.5 in (444 mm)
Height without feet: 2.2 in (56 mm)
Stack height: 2.85 in (72 mm)
Weight: 45 lbs (20 kg)
Shipping Dimensions Width: 25 in (635 mm)
Depth: 25 in (625 mm)
Height: 10 in (254 mm)
Weight: 65 lbs (29 kg)
Included Accessories 2X Power Cables
Ground Cable
IEC Power Cord
4X Rubber Feet M6X1 Thread

Powerbase Controls
There is one button on the front of the powerbase as well as two
control features just under the front of the powerbase on the
bottom.
LED
indications
White - Power on.
Red - Power o.
Amber - Linked mode, 12 volt trigger controlled.
Flashing Amber - Over-voltage protection.
Display bright-
ness
This is a rolling wheel to control the brightness of
the power indication light
Power control Normal - This sets the powerbase as the 12 volt
trigger master.
Linked - This sets the powerbase as the 12 volt
trigger slave.
The ‘master’ powerbase will control this unit.
LED Indicato r
Power Button
IR Sensor
Display Brightness
BrighterDarker
Front of Powerbase
Power Contro l
Normal Linked
Powerbase - 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.

Ground Jumper IN - Basic Operation
The Basic Operation provides isolation only for the DAC. This gets
you half the protection available. 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
amplier. This gets you the full isolation available. With the jumper
disconnected, connect the supplied ground wire from the AMPLIFIER
GROUND lug to the chassis of the amplier. Note this connection is
dependent on the amplier so you will have to look for the best place
to attach the wire. Generally the easiest place would be to loosen a
screw on the Amplier Chassis and slip the open Spade lug under the
screw head and tighten the screw. The only other place a true ground
may be found is on the ground pin of the power connector to the
AMP but this will not be easy to connect too.

Dual Powerbase Grounding Diagram
In this conguration you will simply lift the grounding lug jumper and
make a connection from the “Amp Ground” lug to either ONE of your
mono-block ampliers or to your single stereo amplier.

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 DAC 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. This may cause the
product to overheat.