Parasound D/AC-1100 HD User manual

-1-
O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
D/AC-1100
HD Digital to Analog Converter
Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. The D/AC-1100 HD is designed to deliver incomparable musical detail from any digital
source. You will enjoy the warmth and depth that are usually associated only with the finest analog
sources.
In addition to its high-quality components, triple power supplies and high current analog drive stages,
your D/AC-1100 HD incorporates the High Definition Compatible DigitalPMD-100 HDCDprocess
decoder developed by Pacific Microsonics. This state-of-the-art decoder performs precise decoding of
HDCD encoded recordings and also functions as a superb digital filter that will enhance the sonic
quality of non-HDCD encoded recordings.
Please take a few moments to read these instructions so you may fully understand how to maximize the
performance capabilities of your D/AC-1100 HD.
Unpacking and Placement
Open the carton of your D/AC-1100 HD carefully and inspect the unit for possible shipping damage.
Report any damage to your dealer immediately. You will find the detachable AC line cord packed
separately inside the carton.
Save the plastic bag, inserts, and carton. You may need these later for transporting the D/AC-1100 HD
or for shipment in the event it ever requires factory service. Record the serial number (on rear panel)
here for reference: ____________________
Place your D/AC-1100 HD as close as possible to your digital source. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and
away from heat sources such as a hot air register or radiator.
If you are stacking your components, avoid placing your D/AC-1100 HD on top of heat producing
components, such as power amplifiers or tube-type preamplifiers. Keep it as far away as possible from
your tuner or receiver as possible to avoid RF interference.
D/AC-1100 Digital/Analog ConverterD/AC-1100 Digital/Analog Converter
Power Power Polarity
Polarity
Invert
Invert
SamplingFrequency
Sampling Frequency HDCD
HDCD De-Emphasis
De-Emphasis Coaxial
Coaxial
AES/EBU
AES/EBU 1
44.1kHz
44.1kHz 48kHz
48kHz
32kHz
32kHz
Toslink
Toslink 2
HD

-2-
Connecting Your D/AC-1100 HD
When you make connections, be careful to avoid tension on digital and audio interconnects which might
cause damage to the connectors or cause them to pull loose. Do not attempt to bend either coaxial or
optical digital cables at an angle; this could permanently damage them. Be sure to turn off the power of
your preamplifier and power amplifier while making connections. As an additional safeguard, turn your
preamplifier’s volume control to minimum.
Digital Inputs
Your D/AC-1100 HD has four digital inputs: 2- 75 ΩCoaxial, TOSlink, and AES/EBU. It is possible to
connect four separate digital sources to your D/AC-1100 HD and select among them from the front
panel. However, radiation from the unused digital inputs may “contaminate” the sound of the selected
input source. If you have more than one digital source connected, make sure you turn off the power of
the unused source(s) until you are ready to listen to it.
Coaxial: RCA jack - 75 ΩΩ
ΩΩ
Ωstandard
75 ΩCoaxial output connections are provided on many high quality CD players. You should use only
good quality cables which have been designed for digital data transmission. Cables designed for audio
frequencies are not suitable and will not give you satisfactory results.
Optical: TOSlink Fiber Optic
TOSlink fiber optic connections are also popular and are found on most high-quality video laser disc
players as well as older CD players and CD transports. Your dealer can assist you to select an
appropriate optical cable with TOSlink connectors.
AES/EBU: Balanced XLR Connection
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union) balanced connections have become
the standard digital connection for professional digital audio equipment. Balanced AES/EBU XLR
connectors are also becoming increasingly popular with high-end consumer equipment. AES/EBU
connections are thought to be superior to coaxial, TOSlink, and even ST connections because of their
inherent noise rejection capability. When you use the AES/EBU connection, be sure to use one
designed for digital transmission. Cables designed for audio frequencies are not suitable and will not
give you satisfactory results.
Analog Output Connections
Analog output jacks connect to any line level input on your preamplifier or even directly to your power
amplifier provided it is equipped with level controls. Use only high-quality interconnects to preserve
detail and clarity. Make sure your preamplifier is either turned off or its volume is set to minimum
whenever making connections. There are two analog output connections: Unbalanced RCA jacks for
unbalanced line output and balanced XLR connectors for balanced line output- Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: +
signal, Pin 3: — signal
Digital Output Connection
The digital output jack passes your digital source’s data stream directly to a digital recorder like a Mini
Disc, DAT, DCC or CD-R. Use only digital quality cable for this RCA connection.
AC Power Cord
Your D/AC-1100 HD has an IEC standard detachable power cord that has been specially selected for its
contribution to the sound quality of this unit. Try to connect only this cord directly to a nearby AC wall
outlet and avoid extension cords or connection to accessory outlets on your preamp.

-3-
Operating Your D/AC-1100 HD
Power Switch
Push the upper section of the button to turn on; lower section for off.
Input Select Buttons and LEDs
The four input select buttons correspond to the four input connectors on the rear panel: Coaxial, ST,
TOSlink, and AES/EBU. Press any of these buttons to select the desired digital source. An LED will
illuminate to indicate which digital source is selected.
Polarity Invert Button and LED
This button allows you to select between 0° normal operation and 180° inverted polarity. Even if you
know if your preamplifier and power amplifier are inverting or non-inverting designs, you have no way
to know which of your CD’s may have been recorded with inverted absolute polarity. Absolute polarity
means the + and — of both channels are reproduced so the compression wave of an initial musical
attack correlates to the compression wave (+) from outgoing speaker diaphragm motion rather than
rarefaction (—) of in-going speaker diaphragm motion. Your choice of 0° or 180° polarity will be
strictly a matter of taste. It may be easier to detect differences between 0° and 180° polarity with some
recordings than with others. Don’t be discouraged if you cannot hear the difference; not everyone can
identify absolute polarity.
HDCD LED
If you play a CD that has been encoded with the HDCD process, this LED will illuminate. This LED
will remain off on standard recordings.
Sampling Frequency LEDs
Your D/AC-1100HD will recognize the digital signal of whatever type of digital source you connect and
will switch to the correct sampling rate automatically. The 44.1 Hz sampling rate is standard for
compact discs. 32 Hz is for digital broadcast; 48 Hz is for DAT.
De-Emphasis LED
Some digital recordings are encoded with pre-emphasis contouring. Your D/AC-1100 HD automatically
recognizes and processes them. An LED will indicate that the recording is being de-emphasized.
“Burning-In” Your D/AC-1100 HD
Like most other great audio components, your D/AC-1100 HD needs to operate for at least 72 hours
before it will start sounding its best. This allows the materials of various internal parts to “form” so they
can better process the complexities of musical waveforms. While your unit will sound spectacular right
out of the carton, you will find it worthwhile to listen again after a few days. You will discover details
in your music you may not have guessed were there.
Maintaining Your D/AC-1100 HD
Your D/AC-1100 HD requires no routine maintenance. We recommend that you remove and twist the
various RCA connections once a year to remove any corrosion buildup on plugs and jacks. Make sure
the power is turned off before attempting this. It’s not a bad idea to do this to each of your other
components while you are at it. Never use any abrasive cleaner on the front panel or top cover that may
scratch or disfigure them. Use only a soft cloth moistened with clear water or Windex to remove
fingerprints.

-4-
In Case of Trouble
If you suspect a problem with your unit, first recheck all your connections. If one channel is inoperative,
the trouble may be caused by another component or even a defective hookup cable. If only one channel
remains inoperative, try reversing the left and right cables to your preamplifier (turn it off before moving
wires). If the same channel stays out, it indicates trouble could be other than your D/A converter itself. We
suggest you contact your authorized Parasound dealer or call Parasound Technical Service if you suspect a
problem. We will suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform and which will save you a lot of
trouble.
If we determine that your D/AC-1100 HD requires service, we will recommend a local Authorized
Warranty Center. If you choose to return the unit to Parasound, we will give you Return Authorization
Number. You will be asked to carefully pack the unit in its original carton and cardboard packing plus an
additional outer box for protection in transit. The Return Authorization number must be clearly marked on
the outer carton only. You should ship the unit by UPS with adequate insurance specified. You must
include a copy of your purchase receipt to validate your ownership.
Units that arrive without your specific Return Authorization number, without a suitable shipping carton or
evidence of improper internal packing or collect will be refused. We do not accept collect shipments. After
repair under warranty, the unit will be returned to you via prepaid UPS.
D/AC-1100 HD Special Features
• Four Digital Inputs • Gold-plated audiophile jacks • De-Emphasis Circuit
• Balanced Analog Outputs • Gold-clad precision relays • FR4 glass circuit boards
• Low Jitter Crystal Receiver • Three Separate Power Transformers • Digital Record Output Jack
• HDCDProcess Decoder • Regulated Power Supplies • Precision Resistors
• 4 Burr-Brown PCM 63-K DACs • Polarity Inversion Switch • Precision Capacitors
• IEC removable AC cord • Silver-plated wiring • Heavy-duty chassis
Notes:

-5-
D/AC-1100 HD Specifications
Frequency Response: 2 Hz - 20 kHz, I0.25 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: > 108 dB, 113 dB typical
Channel Separation: > 100 dB @ I kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0015% @ 1 kHz
Amplitude Linearity: >100 dB; 102 dB typical
Phase Linearity: +/- 0° @ 20 kHz
Maximum Jitter (HF): < 50 picoseconds RMS, using selected low jitter Crystal
8412 Digital Interface Receiver
D-A Converters: Two Burr-Brown PCM 63P-J 20 bit, push-pull for each
channel and fully balanced digital operation
Oversampling Rate: 8 X (352.8-kHz)
Digital Input: 32 kHz, 4.1 kHz, 48 kHz; Consumer standard SPDIF
Digital Filters: PMD-100 High Definition Compatable Digital
Digital Process Decoder
Absolute Polarity: 0° or 180° switchable
Digital Inputs: Coaxial: 75 ΩRCA
TOSlink fiber optic: EIAJ Standard CP-340/RC-5720,
660 nm typical wavelength
AES/EBU Balanced XLR
Outputs: Unbalanced Analog Line Out: 3.0 V nominal, 600 Ω,
Digital: 75 ΩRCA coaxial, 0.5 V peak-to-peak
Power Supplies: 3 separate transformers and nine regulators for digital
circuits and for each analog channel
Power Requirement: 120 V, 60 Hz, 18W; may be re-wired for 220-240 V, 50 Hz
Dimensions: 19” W x 3” H (3 5/8 with feet) x 13 1/8" D
Net Weight: 12.5 lb.
Specifications subject to change or improvement without notice

-6-
Rewiring for 220-240 V 50 Hz Operation
The D/AC-1100 HD can be rewired for operation abroad. Please refer this conversion to a skilled
electronics technician to avoid injury or possible harm to the unit.
The main power supply printed circuit board has three separate power transformers. Nearby the
transformers you will find jumper wires that correspond to the various primary windings of each power
transformer.
A total of six jumper wires are connected to the circuit board for 120 V operation. Two jumpers are
connected near each transformer; each jumper has 120 V printed alongside it on the circuit board.
Only 3 jumpers are connected to the circuit board for 220-240 V operation One jumper is connected
near each transformer; each jumper has 220 V printed alongside it on the circuit board.
For 220-240 V operation, you must also disconnect the six 120 V jumpers.
Parasound Limited Warranty (USA only)
Parasound Products, Inc. warrants products purchased from authorized Parasound Dealers and Custom
Installers to the original owner for two years from the date of purchase. In the event of a defect in
materials or workmanship, the product will be repaired promptly without charge. At Parasound’s option,
product may be replaced with new product of equal or superior value to the defective product according
to the condition that it was received by Parasound.
The warranty excludes parts subject to normal wear such as fuses, laser pickups, or cosmetic parts.
The warranty also excludes damage resulting from abuse, shipping damages, failure to use products
within specifications or instructions.
The warranty is void in the event of unauthorized repair or modification, removal or defacing of the
serial number.
Dealer stock will be warranted to a maximum of 2 years from date of purchase.
In no case will Parasound accept warranty claims for any purchaser’s unit after 38 months from date of
original dealer’s purchase from Parasound.
For Returns: Call, write, or fax Parasound’s Technical Services Department. If it is decided that the
unit should be returned for inspection at Parasound, it must be packed in its original carton as well as an
additional outer carton. An RA number will be issued which must appear on the outer carton. A note
stating the nature of the defect should accompany the unit. Units that arrive with evidence of
mispacking (internal rattling, damaged carton) will be refused by Parasound.
HDCDand High Definition Compatible Digitalare registered trademarks of Pacific Microsonics, Inc.
ST’ is a registered trademark of AT&T Corporation
Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-7100 / FAX [phone]