Parasound D/AC-2000 User manual

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O W N E R ' S M A N U A L
D/AC-2000 Ultra Digital toAnalog Converter
Congratulations on the purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. Your new D/AC-2000 features a state-of-the-art 20 bit D20400A dual digital to analog
converter and custom AES 21 digital interface receiver designed and manufactured by UltraAnalog, Inc. The
D/AC-2000 also incorporates the High Definition Compatible DigitalPMD-100 HDCDprocess decoder
developed by Pacific Microsonics. This 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
performancecapabilitiesofyournewdigital to analog converter.
Unpacking and Placement
Open the carton of your D/AC-2000 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 your plastic bag, inserts, and carton. You may need these later for transporting the D/AC-2000 or for
shipment in the event it ever requires factory service. Record the serial number (on rear panel) here for future
reference:____________________
Place your D/AC-2000 as close as possible to your digital source. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and away
from heat sources such as a hot air vent or radiator. If you are stacking your components, avoid placing your
D/AC-2000 on top of heat producing components, such as power amplifiers or tube-type preamplifiers.
Keep it as far away from your tuner or receiver as possible to avoid RF interference.
D/AC-2000 Ultra Digital/Analog ConverterD/AC-2000 Ultra Digital/Analog Converter
Power
Power Polarity
Polarity
Invert
Invert
SamplingFrequency
Sampling Frequency HDCD
HDCD De-Emphasis
De-Emphasis Coaxial
Coaxial
STOptical
ST Optical AES/EBU
AES/EBU
44.1kHz
44.1kHz 48kHz
48kHz
32kHz
32kHz
Toslink
Toslink
HDHD

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D/AC-2000 Front and Rear Panel Drawings
D/AC-2000 Ultra Digital/Analog Converter
Power Polarity
Invert
Sampling Frequency HDCD Digital Input
ST Optical AES/EBUCoaxial
44.1kHz48kHz
32kHz Toslink
De-Emphasis
Power Switch Sampling
Frequency
Indicators
HDCD
Indicator Polarity Invert
Switch
De-emphasis
Indicator
Digital Selection
Switches
PARASOUND D/AC-2000
Ultra Digital to Analog Converter
Parasound Products, Inc.
San Francisco, CA. U.S.A
Made in U.S.A.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Power Consumption: 20W
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Analog Outputs
AC 120V 60 Hz
AES/EBU ST OpticalCoaxial Toslink
Left
12
3
+Ground
Right
Bal UnbalBal Unbal
Digital Inputs
Analo
g
Output Connectors Di
g
ital Input Connectors AC Cord Connector
Figure #1 D/AC-2000 Front Panel Controls
Figure #2 D/AC-2000 Rear Panel Connections

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Connecting Your D/AC-2000
When you make connections, be careful to avoid tension on digital and audio interconnects that might
cause damage to the connectors or cause them to pull loose. Do not 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
andpower amplifierwhile makingconnections. As anadditional safeguard,turn yourpreamplifier’s
volumecontroltominimum.
DigitalInputs
Your D/AC-2000 has four digital inputs: Coaxial, AES/EBU, ST Optical, and TOSlink. It is possible to
connect four separate digital sources to your D/AC-2000 and select among them from the front panel.
However, radiation from 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 until you are ready to listen to it.
Coaxial: RCA Connector - 75 ΩΩ
ΩΩ
Ω Unbalanced
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 such as the Stereophile
recommended Parasound DataBridge. Cables designed for audio frequencies are not suitable for digital
signalsand will notgiveyou satisfactory results.
AES/EBU: XLR Connector - 110 ΩΩ
ΩΩ
Ω Balanced
AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union) 110 Ωbalanced connections have
becomethestandarddigitalconnection for professional digital audioequipmentandarebecoming
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 such as the
recommended Parasound Balanced DataBridge. Cables designed for audio frequencies are not suitable
andwill notgive you satisfactoryresults.
Optical: ST Fiber Optic
The ST module employs the AT&T data transmission standard. ST fiber optic connections are considered
by some to be superior to either TOSlink or coaxial connection for data transmission. Use care when
connecting the ST connector to the D/AC-2000. ST connectors are more fragile than other connectors.
Pay special attention to the guide pins when making an ST connection; never try to force the connector.
Optical:TOSlinkFiberOptic
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 in selecting an
appropriateopticalcablewithTOSlinkconnectors.

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Analog Output Connections
Analog output jacks connect to any line level input on your preamplifier or even directly to your power
amplifier,provideditisequippedwithlevel controls. Use only high-quality interconnectstopreservedetail
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: RCA jacks for unbalanced line output and
XLR connectors for balanced line output. The pin configuration for the XLR connector is: Pin 1 Ground, Pin
2 + signal, and Pin 3 - signal.
AC Power Cord
Your D/AC-2000 has an IEC standard detachable power cord especially selected for its contribution to the
sound quality of this unit. Try to connect this cord directly to a nearby AC wall outlet and avoid extension
cords or connection to accessory outlets on your preamp.
Operating Your D/AC-2000
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: ST, TOSlink,
AES/EBU and Coaxial. Press one of these buttons to select the desired digital source. An LED will
illuminatetoindicatewhichdigitalsourceisselected.
Polarity Invert Button and LED
This button allows you to select between 0° normal operation and 180° inverted polarity. Absolute polarity
meansthe compressionfrom aninstrument orvoice inthe originalrecording correspondsto acompression
from the loudspeaker. Conversely, a rarefraction from an instrument or voice in the recording should
correspond to a rarefraction from the loudspeaker. 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
and not every recording will reveal it.
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, but the HDCD PMD-100 will continue to operate as a superior digital
filterand improvethe soundof standardrecordings.
Sampling Frequency LEDs
Your D/AC-2000 will recognize the digital signal of whatever type of digital source you connect and will
automaticallyswitch to thecorrectsampling rate automatically.The 44.1 kHzsamplingrate is standardfor
compact discs. 32 kHz is for digital broadcast; 48 kHz is for DAT.
De-Emphasis LED
Somedigitalrecordings are encodedwithpre-emphasis contouring. YourD/AC-2000automatically
recognizes and processes them. This LED will indicate that the recording is being de-emphasized.

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“Burning-In” Your D/AC-2000
Like most other great audio components, your D/AC-2000 will start sounding its best after having music
played through it for at least 72 hours. 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-2000
Your D/AC-2000 requires no routine maintenance. We do recommend that you remove and clean the various
connections once a year to remove any corrosion buildup on plugs and jacks. Make sure the power is turned
off before attempting this. 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.
In Case of Trouble
If you suspect a problem with your unit, turn off your audio system and recheck all your connections. If one
channel is inoperative, the trouble may be caused by another component or a defective hookup cable. If only
one channel remains inoperative, try reversing the left and right cables to your preamplifier. If the same
channel stays out, it indicates the trouble could be other than your D/A converter. We suggest you contact
your authorized Parasound dealer or call Parasound Technical Services if you suspect a problem. We will
suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform that may save you a lot of trouble.
If we determine that your D/AC-2000 requires service, we will refer you to your local Authorized Parasound
Warranty Center. If you choose to return the unit to Parasound, we will give you a 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
with evidence of improper internal packing 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-2000 Special Features
· Four Digital Inputs · Gold-Plated Audiophile Jacks · De-Emphasis Circuit
· Balanced Analog Outputs · Gold-Clad Contact Precision Relays · FR4 Glass Circuit Boards
· Low Jitter UltraAnalog Receiver · Two Separate Power Transformers · Heavy-Duty Chassis
· UltraAnalog 20 Bit DAC · Regulated Power Supplies · Precision Resistors
· HDCDProcess Decoder · Polarity Inversion Switch · Precision Capacitors
· Made In the U.S.A. · Switchcraft XLR Connectors · Removeable IEC AC Cord

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D/AC-2000 Specifications
Frequency Response: DC - 20 kHz, +0/-.5 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio: > 108 dB
Channel Separation: > 104 dB @ 20 kHz; > 110 dB @ 1 kHz;
Total Harmonic Distortion: < 0.0015% @ 1 kHz Full Scale Output
< 0.0008% @ 1 kHz -20 dB Output
Phase Linearity: +/-0.1° Typical
MaximumJitter: < 40 picoseconds RMS, (10 Hz - 40 kHz) using
selectedlow jitter CustomUltra Analog
AES 21 Digital Interface Receiver
D-A Converters: Ultra Analog DAC 20400A Dual 20 Bit
Digital to Analog Converter
Oversampling Rate: 8 X (352.8-kHz @ 44.1 kHz)
DigitalInput: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz; SP/DIF and AES/EBU
DigitalFilters: PMD-100 High Definition Compatible Digital Process Decoder
Absolute Polarity: 0° or 180° switchable
DigitalInputs: Coaxial: 75 ΩRCA (unbalanced)
AES/EBU: 110 Ω XLR (balanced)
ST Fiber Optic: AT&T Standard (820 nm typical wavelength)
TOSlink FiberOptic: EIAJ Standard (660 nm typical wavelength)
Outputs: Unbalanced Analog Line Out: 2.75 V nominal, 600 Ω
Balanced Analog Line Out: 5.5 V nominal, 1.2 k Ω
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.
Featuresandspecificationssubjecttochangeorimprovementwithoutnotice

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Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111
415-397-7100 / FAX [phone]
For Returns: Contact 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
defectshould accompany theunit.Units that arrivewithevidence of mispacking(internal rattling, damaged
carton) will be refused by Parasound.
HDCDandHigh DefinitionCompatible Digitalare registeredtrademarks of PacificMicrosonics, Inc.
ST’ is a registered trademark of AT&T Corporation