MSB Technology The Reference DAC User manual

The Reference DAC
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user guides,
rmware and drivers at:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
[email protected]
04.12.2023

Reference DAC Support Page
All Reference DAC support topics, as well as a full PDF version of this
user guide, can be found online by visiting the URL listed below or by
scanning the following QR Code.
https://msbtechnology.com/dacs/reference-support/
Reference Series Youtube Playlist
Any Reference DAC support videos, as well as other related product
videos, can be found online by visiting the URL listed below or by
scanning the following QR Code.
https://www.youtube.com/
playlist?list=PLA1wHoJozHNeXUpdBSSQEiGtsaQHHggjT
This user guide is modeled after the following rmware revisions:
The Reference DAC: 31.21
The Reference Digital Director: 11.11

Setup and Quick Start
The interface is simple with few user controls. Input source defaults
to auto switching. The display will let you know if you have an active
input. Make the necessary connections, power on your system and
turn the volume knob up until you hear music.
Step 1.
Unbox the units and place the units into their desired locations in
your audio system.
Step 2.
When connecting to the Reference Powerbase, you’ll have two
Hybrid Power cables. Use both cables to connect each of the power
connectors located on the Reference Powerbase to both of the power
connectors located on the back of the Reference DAC.
How to Disconnect Hybrid Power Cables
To disconnect a Hybrid Power cable, simply pinch the collar portion
of the cable where the arrow symbol is located and pull the collar of
the cable directly back from the jackpanel. No twisting or rotating is
required to disconnect the cable.

Step 4.
Connect all of your desired digital audio sources to the matching
digital inputs on your Reference DAC. The DAC will automatically
switch to any active digital input source. The Frequency of the
incoming digital source will be displayed on the unit when a source
has been switched to.
Step 3.
Connect the Analog outputs of your Reference DAC to the power
amplier(s) in your audio system.
Step 5.
Connect the Reference Powerbase using the supplied IEC cable. The
unit will automatically switch to the required mains voltage.
Step 6.
Turn on your DAC using the button on the front of your Reference
Powerbase, play a digital audio le, and slowly turn up the volume on
your Reference DAC until you can hear music.

Menu
Button
The Menu button is single purpose. It will enter the
setup menu at the top of the menu tree. If in the setup
menu (it doesn’t matter where) this button will exit the
setup menu and return to the normal audio listening
function.
Arrow
Buttons
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). 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, bit-depth, sample rate, or
volume.
DAC User Interface

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. The
Reference powerbase has 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).
Reference Powerbase User Interface
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
White/Red - Unit is in “Normal” mode but the 12v
trigger has turned it o.
Display
brightness
This is a rolling wheel to control the brightness for
the power indicator 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.

The MSB Remote
1Power On/O Powerbase on and o. When the
powerbase is linked to an amplier or MSB
product, this button will turn o the entire
system
2Indicator 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
3Input Toggles directly through DAC inputs
4Phase Invert Toggles phase invert (I - on display)
5 Video Mode Toggles video mode (V - on display)
6 Display On/O Toggles Display On/O
7Volume/Scroll The center scroll wheel controls DAC
volume and scrolls when in the menu.
8Mute/Select DAC mute and select when in the menu.
9Track Backward Skip backward
(Renderer only)
10 Play/Pause Play and pause
(Renderer only)
11 Track Forward Skip forward
(Renderer only)
12 DAC Menu Enter DAC menu
While in menu:
Up - Volume Up
Down - Volume Down
Enter - Mute
Return - DAC Menu
13 Stop Stop media
(Renderer only)
14 Track Repeat Track or playlist repeat
(Renderer only)
15 Charging Port Micro-USB to charge the remote battery

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 while
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.
Phase Invert
Phase invert is a button located on the remote to allow the user an easy
way to invert the audio phase. This is a situational based feature that is
not always needed, but can be used to x certain recording or system
setup requirements.
Video Mode
Video mode is a button located on the remote to reduce signal latency
and compensate for lip-sync delays when using your DAC for audio and
video simultaneously. It is best to only use this feature when needed
because the reduced latency causes reduced jitter rejection.

About the Four Input Module Slots
The DAC has four input module slots. They are labeled A through
D. Input 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.
Removing and Installing Modules
Removal and installation of modules is a 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. Slide it out of the
unit. Refer to the “Module Handling” portion of your manual.
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.

Available Digital Input Modules
If the standard digital inputs available on the Reference DAC do
not fulll your full digital input requirements, a list of the currently
available modules and their intended uses are listed below. A full
digital list of these inputs, as well as a comprehensive list of pros and
cons for each input format, can be found on our website by scanning
the QR code or visiting the URL listed below.
https://www.msbtechnology.com/dacs/digital-inputs/
Pro ISL MSB proprietary interface for use
with MSB sources. This module
provides one input.
Renderer A renderer interface for use on
a home network or server. (See
Renderer manual for operation and
setup details)
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)
Optical/Coaxial S/PDIF A Toslink and Coaxial digital input
with a word sync output.
XLR S/PDIF A single XLR digital input with a word
sync output.
ProI2SMSB proprietary interface for use
with MSB transports. This module
provides two inputs.
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.

Updating Firmware
The following rmware instructions are for updating DAC and Digital
Director rmware. If you do not have a Digital Director installed in your
system, then ignore any Digital Director instructions. The rmware
les are .WAV audio les.
Updating DAC Firmware - Before Digital Director Install
To start, if you have not installed your digital director in your system,
rst begin by updating the DAC rmware. This is important; your DAC
will not recognize the Digital Director and the rmware updates will
not work. Your Discrete DAC rmware must be updated to 31.21 or
later. Please check your DAC rmware before installing your Digital
Director. This can be done by scrolling through your DAC’s menu until
you see the “Code” or “DAC Software” screen where the currently
installed revision number will be displayed.
Begin by downloading both the Digital Director Firmware and the DAC
rmware. Add these les to your bit perfect playback software. Please
note, these must be played by a bit perfect source. If the update fails,
it is not being played bit perfect. These updates include two upgrades
within the same le. The le is several minutes long. Please do not
interrupt the process and let the le nish to the end. When you play
the le, you will hear instructions and two upgrade tones. Following
each tone, you will either hear silence for about 30 seconds (this varies)
or you will hear the message ‘upgrade failed’. If all the upgrades fail, it
is because you did not play the le bit-perfect. You may have computer
upsampling on or digital volume control somewhere in your playback
system. The screen on the DAC will conrm when the upgrade is
happening. Contact MSB if you need help.
After the DAC rmware is updated, you can now install your Digital
Director. Please see our other video on Digital Director Setup for more
specic instructions.
Updating Firmware with a Digital Director
For any updates after the initial setup, you will need to follow this
order for updating.
Power on the DAC and the director. Always begin by updating the
DAC rmware rst. The Firmware le will not be able to update the
DAC while Digital Director processing is on. Enter the menu, scroll to
the “Director” screen, then select “passthrough mode” for the Digital
Director. This will allow the rmware update to reach the DAC bit
perfect.

Bit-Perfect Source Testing
Files can be downloaded from the MSB website to verify bit-perfect
playback on any transport. They are .WAV music 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.
Updating Firmware with a Digital Director (cont.)
Now, play the DAC rmware update. After the DAC rmware is installed
and complete, you can now play the Digital Director rmware. Finally,
go back into the menu and enable the Digital Director ltering again.
After the rmware updates are complete, you can check for a
successful connection between the Digital Director and DAC indicated
by a small “+” sign on the display. If you do not see this “+” sign, the
Digital Director is not performing the improved digital ltering. Please
check the menu to see if the ltering is enabled. If it is, please check
and conrm the currently installed rmware numbers reect the new
update les.
If you see an error message with “Err” it means there is an issue with
the quality of the ProISL connection or toslink control cable. Check
your cables and replace them if need be.
If you need further clarication or are encountering issues with your
update, please reach out to our technical support team.
https://www.msbtechnology.com/support/bit-perfect-testing/
https://msbtechnology.com/dacs/reference-support/

Shielding Ground - Basic Operation
The Basic Operation provides isolation only for the DAC. This gets you
half the shielding available. For full shielding, 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.
Powerbase - 12 Volt Remote Trigger
The Reference 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 an MSB
12Volt trigger adapter.
Reference Powerbase - Advanced Setup
The Reference Powerbase comes with a few features that are not
required for basic operation. These features are mainly used for
altering your system setup and slight ease-of-use improvements. The
12-volt trigger is a network of 3.5mm mini-jack connections that can
make your Reference Powerbase power button turn on/o your MSB
amplier(s) using the power button located on the faceplate or the
power button on your remote to create a single power control for your
entire MSB system. The second feature on the Reference Powerbase
is a ground shield network that can oer a slight increase in sonic
performance by connecting all of your MSB products in a chain and
lifting the chassis ground connections.

Shielding Ground - 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 to.
Enhanced Shielding Ground Operation - Diagram

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: 25 lbs (12 kg)
Product Feet: M6x1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions Width: 23 in (585 mm)
Depth: 23 in (585 mm)
Height: 7 in (178 mm)
Weight: 36 lbs (17 kg)
Included Accessories User Manual
MSB Remote
Micro USB Charging Cable
Warranty 3 Years
Reference DAC Specications