MSB Technology The Discrete DAC User manual

The Discrete DAC
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user
guides, rmware, and drivers:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
[email protected]
01.22.2020

Technical specications
Supported Formats
(Input dependent)
44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
Digital Inputs 1x XLR
1x Coaxial RCA
2x Toslink
1x Word-Sync Output (BNC)
2x Advanced isolated input module slots
XLR Analog Outputs 3.57Vrms Maximum (Digital Input)
12Vrms Maximum (Analog Input)
Galvanically isolated
Base XLR Output 300 Ohm Balanced (High Gain)
150 Ohm Balanaced (Low Gain)
Base RCA Output 120 Ohm
Volume Control 1dB steps (Range 0 - 106).
Volume Control can be disabled in the
menu.
Display Custom discrete LED audio clock
synchronous display
Adjustable brightness and auto-o
feature
Controls Isolated RS-232
IR Remote
Knob + 3 Buttons
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17 in (432 mm)
Depth: 12 in (305 mm)
Height without feet: 2 in (51 mm)
Stack height: 2.65 in (68 mm)
Weight: 18 lbs (8.2 kg)
Product Feet: M6X1 Thread
Shipping Dimensions Width: 22 in (559 mm)
Depth: 18 in (457 mm)
Height: 7 in (177 mm)
Weight: 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
Included Accessories User Manual
MSB Remote
Micro USB charging cable
4x Rubber Feet
4x Plastic inserts for feet

Setup and Quick Start
The interface is quite simple with few user controls. Input source
defaults 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.
Power The DAC comes with a high performance Power Supply.
The power supply can be switched between 240V and
120V. This is not a switching supply that works at any
voltage. The power supply is switched on and o with
a button on the back. The LED in the back of the power
supply indicates green when ON. Always allow three to
ve hours for the DAC to warm up and reach optimal
operating temperature.
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.
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.

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.
Front Panel User Interface
Single Discrete Power Supply Adapter
When using a single Discrete Power Supply, use the supplied power
adapter to ensure both the digital and analog circuitry receive power.
RIGHT LEFT
ANALOG OUTPUTS
DUAL-LINK POWER

About the 2 input module slots
The DAC has two input module slots. They are labeled A and B. 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.
Available Digital Input Modules
ProI2SMSB 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.
Output Modules
Balanced output Oers one set of balanced analog
outputs. Provides volume control.

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. 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.

Brightness
(Display brightness)
This can be adjusted from 1 - 10 (Default 8)
Display
(Display On/O)
On (Default)
• The display is on continuously
Auto o
• The display is o but will turn on
momentarily when information changes
Volume
(Startup volume)
0 - 100 (Default 70)
• The startup volume can be adjusted from 0 -
100 or disabled
O
• In this mode, the volume control is disabled
Note: If you choose to use the DAC with an
external preamp, we recommend turning the
volume control o. To do this, turn the knob
past 100 to “o”
Output
(Output Level)
Low
• -6dB output level with a 75Ω output
impedance. This setting is
recommended if you decide to use an
external preamp
High (Default)
• Standard output level with a 150Ω output
impedance
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
Normal
• Allows manual and auto switching between
all installed inputs
Setup Menu Options

Reset • This restores the DAC to default factory
settings
SN:DI###### This screen displays the DAC serial number
Code This screen displays the currently installed
rmware
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 (continued)

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
2 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
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 Transport Only)
10 Play/Pause Play and pause
(MSB Transport Only)
11 Track Forward Skip/scan forward
(MSB Transport Only)
12 Eject Eject media disc
(MSB Transport Only)
13 Stop Stop media
(MSB Transport Only)
14 Track Repeat Track or album repeat
(MSB Transport 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

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
The following les can be downloaded from the MSB website to verify
bit-perfect playback on any transport:
16 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 48 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 48 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 96 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 96 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 192 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 192 kHz sample rate le.
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 up-sampling 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.

Premier Powerbase Upgrade
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).
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
brightness
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 Indicator
Power Button
IR Sensor
Display Brightness
BrighterDarker
Front of Powerbase
Power Control
Normal Linked

Ground Jumper IN - Basic Operation
The Basic Operation provides isolation only for the DAC. This gets you
half the protection available. For full protection, 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.
Grounding Diagram

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.

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 Discrete DAC Limited Warranty
Warranty includes:
• MSB warrantys the unit against defects in materials and work-
manship for a period of 1 year 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.