NuForce DDA-100 User manual

NuForce
DDA-100

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FCC Notice - Declaration of Conformity Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
•Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING: Only peripherals complying with the FCC class B limits may be attached to this equipment.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment, not expressly approved by us or parties authorized by
us could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC
Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
There are two categories of Safety Instructions included in this manual:
•Product Warnings, (i.e., what must never be done to assure avoiding those hazards that could
cause bodily injury or property damage); and
•User Directions (i.e., what must always be done to assure the safe use of your device).
The Safety Instructions contained in this manual have been categorized in accordance with the
seriousness of the potential hazards through the use of Signal Words. Those Signal Words, and their
intended meanings, are as follows:
DANGER: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in death or catastrophic
bodily injury.
WARNING: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in serious bodily injury.
CAUTION: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in minor bodily injury or
property damage.
NOTE: Designates important information that relates to activities and/or conditions that might result in
loss of data and/or damage to your device.
Safe Use and Operation of Your Device
This equipment emits stray RF energy and will interfere with the reception of signals by airborne
electronic navigational devices or medical devices. Do not operate this equipment near any sensitive
medical devices.
WARNING: Use only grounded AC power cords.
Always immediately disconnect the power to the equipment in the event the device emits an unusual odor
or sound or generates smoke.
WARNING: Never attempt to disassemble, repair or make any modification to your device. Disassembly,
modification or any attempt at repair could cause bodily injury or property damage, as well as damage to
the device itself.

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WARNING: Your device is not a toy. Never allow children to play with your device. Misuse, rough or
improper handling of your device by children could result in serious bodily injury for any of the
enumerated safety warnings in this manual. In addition, always keep all accessories and components out
of the reach of small children as small parts might present a choking hazard. Seek immediate medical
attention if choking occurs or if any small part has been swallowed.
CAUTION: Never raise the sound volume level too high when using your device with earphones. An
excessive sound volume level could cause damage to your hearing.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or water.
Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign
object gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit to a
qualified service person for inspection and necessary repairs.
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component.
Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions.
Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions and on the product itself. Follow all
operating instructions.
Do not use this unit near water.
You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the unit. Do not place the
unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in
a bookcase or cabinet, there must be ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the
component away from radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.
The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage specified on the rear panel.
Connect the component to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable or an exact
equivalent. Do not modify the supplied cable.
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent, exposed to heat, or damaged in any
way. Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where the cord exits the back of the unit.
The power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet during a lightning storm or if the unit is to be left
unused for a long period of time.
Immediately stop using the component and have it inspected and/or serviced by a qualified service
agency if:
•The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
•Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
•The unit has been exposed to rain.
•The unit shows signs of improper operation.
•The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way.

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Introduction
The NuForce DDA-100 is a Direct-Digital Integrated Amplifier that marks a new juncture in digital sound.
The innovative new design converts the digital audio signal into analog form at the last possible stage—
the PWM amplifier output—giving listeners the same level of performance as far much more expensive
audio gear. The DDA-100's inherently low distortion and noise floor remain in the digital domain from
beginning to end, resulting in a remarkably wide dynamic range, crystalline clarity and amazing detail—all
for an affordable price.
The DDA-100 doesn't require the typical DAC stage found in most of today's digital audio
products. Rather, its PWM power amplifier stage is modulated directly by the incoming signal, and the
digital-to-analog conversion takes place at the speaker outputs. In effect, the PWM power amplifier stage
operates as a power DAC.
This effectively eliminates the DAC-related problems that have plagued serious listeners in the
past. Fewer parts result in a more direct signal path, resulting in benefits passed along to you: exquisite
sound at an affordable price.
Features:
!96kHz input sampling rate.
!3GB/s over-sampling rate for smoother, more natural reproduction.
!An on-chip clock reference signal for synchronizing incoming digital audio data. Data re-clocking
results in ultra low jitter performance.
!100% linear frequency and phase response (+/- 0.1dB from 20 to 20kHz).
!Signal-to-noise ratio > 95dB A-weighted
!High-quality, audio-grade parts throughout.
!Accepts four digital sources via one USB, one coaxial and two optical inputs that provide exceptional flexibility
for your home audio and A/V needs.

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Quick Start Guide:
"Turn on the AC switch on the back of the unit
"Power On: Push the knob once and release.
"Input Select: When the DDA-100 is On, pushing the knob cycles between Input C1, U2, O3, O4
"Volume: Rotating the knob clockwise raises the volume.
"Power Off: Push and hold down the knob for 3 seconds.
Note: there is no memory. Once the power cable is removed and turned back on, it reverts to the
factory default volume and input C1
Connections:
"The DDA-100 has 2 optical (Toslink), 1 Coaxial SPDIF and 1 USB digital inputs. Connect your
digital sources to one or more of the inputs. The DDA-100 accepts normal PCM signal (also
referred to as LPCM). It does not recognize encoded bit streams (i.e., Dolby or DTS digital
signals).
"Speaker Output: Connect the left and right speaker cables to the output terminals. In order to
avoid shorting out the DDA-100, before turning on the power, please make sure that the polarity
of the speaker cables is properly terminated to the loudspeakers and the DDA-100
"Inputs:
The DDC-100 provides for connecting up to four digital sources. They are selected in the following
order:
Input C1 - Coaxial
Input U2 - USB
Input O3 – Optical Input #3
Input O4 – Optical Input #4
To select the desired input, simply press the Input button it cycles through all 4 inputs sequentially.

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Using the Remote Control:
"Power On turns on the DDA-100
"Power Off turns off the DDA-100
"Input cycles through the DDA-100’s 4 inputs
"Vol + raises the volume
"Vol - lowers the volume
To Enable Dim Mode
Dim Mode:
In the Dim Mode, when the unit idles for three seconds or more, the front LED
turns off.
Note: When the LED is off, the unit is still operating. The LED will turn back on
when the remote or knob are being employed
To Enable Dim Mode:
"Press and hold Power On button while pressing the Input button
DDA-100 Hardware Specifications:
"Input
!Digital: 2 x TOSLINK, 1 x RCA Coaxial 75-Ohm, 1 x USB2.0 adaptive mode
!Maximum sampling rate: 96kHz
!Resolution: 24-bits
"Output
!Output Power: 75W x 2 (4 Ohm)
"THD+N
!0.07% at 15W
"Frequency response
!20 to 20kHz +/- 0.1dB
"SNR > 95 dB A-weighted
"Dimensions
!9” x 8.5” x 2”
"Weight
!2.64 lb. Shipping weight 5 lb.

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NuForce’s Limited Warranty and Limitation of Liabilities
ADDITIONAL RIGHTS
FOR CONSUMERS, WHO ARE COVERED BY CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS OR REGULATIONS IN THEIR COUNTRY OF
PURCHASE OR, IF DIFFERENT, THEIR COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE, THE BENEFITS CONFERRED BY THIS WARRANTY ARE IN
ADDITION TO ALL RIGHTS AND REMEDIES CONVEYED BY SUCH CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS AND REGULATIONS. THIS
WARRANTY DOES NOT EXCLUDE, LIMIT OR SUSPEND ANY RIGHTS OF CONSUMERS ARISING OUT OF NONCONFORMITY WITH A
SALES CONTRACT. SOME COUNTRIES, STATES AND PROVINCES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OR CONDITION
MAY LAST, SO THE LIMITATIONS OR EXCLUSIONS DESCRIBED BELOW MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU
SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS THAT VARY BY COUNTRY, STATE OR PROVINCE. THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY IS GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PRODUCT
PURCHASE TOOK PLACE.
LIMITED WARRANTY
For a period of TWO (2) YEARS from the date of retail purchase by the original end-user purchaser (“Warranty Period”), NuForce
warrants (i) this product against defects in materials and workmanship, and (ii) that each Product, unmodified and under normal use
and conditions, will substantially comply with NuForce’ applicable written technical documentation for the Product. NuForce
reserves the right to make substitutions and modifications from time to time in the specifications of Products sold by NuForce,
provided that such substitutions or modifications do not materially affect overall Product performance.
If a hardware defect exists and a valid claim is received within the Warranty Period, at its option and to the extent permitted by law,
NuForce will (1) repair the hardware defect at no charge, using new or refurbished replacement parts, (2) exchange the product with
a product that is new or which has been manufactured from new or serviceable used parts and is at least functionally equivalent to
the original product, or (3) refund the purchase price of the product. NuForce may request that you replace defective parts with user-
installable new or refurbished parts that NuForce provides in fulfillment of its warranty obligation. A replacement product/part
assumes the remaining warranty of the original product or ninety (90) days from the date of replacement or repair, whichever
provides longer coverage for you. When a product or part is exchanged, any replacement item becomes your property and the
replaced item becomes NuForce's property. When a refund is given, your product becomes NuForce's property.
OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE
If you purchased the product in the U.S., deliver the product, at your expense, to any NuForce Service Center located in the U.S. If
you purchased the product outside of the U.S., deliver the product to any NuForce Authorized Importer in the country where you
purchased the product. Be aware, however, that not all countries have NuForce Authorized Service Providers (‘NASP’) and not all
Authorized Service Providers outside the country of purchase have all parts or replacement units for the product. If the product
cannot be repaired or replaced in the country it is in, it may need to be sent to a different country or returned to the country of
purchase at your expense for repair or replacement. If you seek service in a country that is not the country of original purchase, you
will comply with all applicable import and export laws and regulations and be responsible for all custom duties, V.A.T. and other
associated taxes and charges. Where international service is available, NuForce may repair or exchange defective products and
parts with comparable products and parts that comply with local standards.
You can always deliver the product to NuForce’s U.S. main service center for obtaining warranty service, however, you may have to
pay for return shipping cost.
NuForce may send you user-installable new or refurbished replacement product or parts to enable you to service or exchange your
own product (“DIY Service”). Upon receipt of the replacement product or part, the original product or part becomes the property of
NuForce and you agree to follow instructions, including, if required, arranging the return of original product or part to NuForce in a
timely manner.
When providing DIY Service requiring the return of the original product or part, NuForce may require a credit card authorization as
security for the retail price of the replacement product or part and applicable shipping costs. If you follow instructions, NuForce will
cancel the credit card authorization, so you will not be charged for the product or part and shipping costs. If you fail to return the
replaced product or part as instructed or the replaced product or part is not eligible for warranty service, NuForce will charge the
credit card for the authorized amount.
EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This Limited Warranty applies only to hardware products manufactured by or for NuForce that can be identified by the "NuForce"
trademark, trade name, or logo affixed to them. The Limited Warranty does not apply to any non-NuForce hardware products or any
accessories, even if packaged or sold with NuForce hardware. Non-NuForce manufacturers, suppliers, may provide their own
warranties. Other accessories distributed by NuForce under the NuForce brand name are not covered under this Limited Warranty.
This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, misapplication, liquid contact, fire, earthquake, non-
NuForce products, or other external causes; (b) to damage caused by service performed by anyone who is not a NASP; (c) to a
product or a part that has been modified without the written permission of NuForce; (d) to consumable parts, such as batteries, or
protective coatings designed to diminish over time unless failure has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; (e) to
cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents, and broken plastic on ports; (f) to defects caused by normal wear
and tear or otherwise due to the normal aging of the product; or (g) if any NuForce serial number has been removed or defaced.
Important: Do not open the hardware product. Opening the hardware product may cause damage that is not covered by this warranty.
Only NuForce or a NASP should perform service on this hardware product.
THIS WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, REMEDIES
AND CONDITIONS, WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. NUFORCE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A

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PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IF NUFORCE CANNOT LAWFULLY DISCLAIM IMPLIED WARRANTIES UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY,
ALL SUCH WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE
LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY. No NuForce reseller, agent, or employee is authorized to make any
modification, extension, or addition to this warranty.
NUFORCE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION, OR UNDER ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST
PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL, DAMAGE TO OR REPLACEMENT OF EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY, ANY COSTS OF
RECOVERING, REPROGRAMMING, OR REPRODUCING ANY PROGRAM OR DATA STORED IN OR USED WITH NUFORCE
PRODUCTS, AND ANY FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF DATA STORED ON THE PRODUCT. NUFORCE
SPECIFICALLY DOES NOT REPRESENT THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO REPAIR ANY PRODUCT UNDER THIS WARRANTY OR MAKE A
PRODUCT EXCHANGE WITHOUT RISK TO OR LOSS OF PROGRAMS OR DATA.
Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or exclusions or
limitations on the duration of implied warranties or conditions, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary by state or province.
Proof of purchase in the form of a bill of sale or receipted invoice which is evidence that the unit is within the Warranty period must
be presented to obtain warranty service.
REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE CONSUMER.
NUFORCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF ANY EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTY ON THIS PRODUCT. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ON THIS PRODUCT IS LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE
DURATION OF THIS WARRANTY.