Perreaux SILHOUETTE SXD2 User manual

Silhouette SX
D
2
USB DAC
Owners Manual

1
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other
than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company
assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document,
reserves the ri ht to chan e products or specifications detailed herein at any time
without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information
contained herein. No licenses to patents or other intellectual property of Perreaux
are ranted by the Company in connection with the sale of Perreaux products,
expressly or by implication.
mboob^ru
®
is a re istered trademark of Perreaux Industries Ltd.
Terms and product names in this document may be trademarks of others.

2
This pa e has intentionally been left blank.

3
i
ii
i Introducing the
Perreaux Silhouette Series
Desi ned as a ran e of hi h quality, yet affordable modules; the
‘Silhouette’ series will compliment and enhance your existin
system.
Drawin on our extensive knowled e ained from more than a
quarter of a century of developin hi hest quality audio products,
the ‘Silhouette’ concentrates our le endary desi n and build
quality into a compact packa e without sacrificin performance.
The Perreaux ‘Silhouette’ series provides performance levels
never before seen in its class.
SXD2 USB
DAC
The Perreaux Silhouette series SXD2 is a sophisticated stand-
alone Di ital to Analo Converter (DAC) module with Universal
Serial Bus (USB) functionality. Desi ned to offer up-samplin
to 192kHz with 24-bit resolution, the SXD2 is an effective way
to improve the performance of your CD player. The SXD2
accepts a coaxial SPDIF di ital output directly from the transport
of the CD player (di ital out). Alternately, Hard Disc Drive
(HDD), computer based, stored music files can be played-back
usin the SXD2 via the USB connection.
The heart of the SXD2 comprises of a hi h-resolution 24-bit
Texas Instruments DAC and features other devices capable of
automatically up-samplin a 48kHz/16-bit di ital si nal to a
maximum of 192kHz/24-bit.
CD players with an onboard DAC of inferior quality can be
enhanced by the increased resolution and automatic up-samplin
functionality of the Perreaux SXD2. In addition, the SXD2
features Plu & Play USB technolo y providin a convenient
method of accessin your HDD stored music files.
The Perreaux SXD2 appeals to a new eneration of music lovers,
namely those that appreciate the increased resolution that the unit
can provide to their existin CD player based system and
additionally enablin access to the convenience of HDD
computer based music stora e systems. With the SXD2 you can
now enjoy the best of both worlds.

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Key Features
 USB connectivity
 Up-samplin to 176.4kHz/192kHz
 24-bit output resolution
 Compatible with hi h resolution di ital audio formats
(SACD and DVD-A)
 Internal power supply featurin a custom desi ned, fully
shielded toroidal transformer
 Multiple re ulated supplies, includin separate analo and
di ital supplies
 Optimal internal layout for increased channel separation
and isolation of di ital sta es from the analo sta e
 Enhanced audio desi n featurin hi hest quality PCB and
minimal internal wirin
 Balanced current to volta e conversion in analo output
sta e
 Low output impedance
 Compact
 Stylish
The Perreaux “Silhouette” series takes you even closer to the
elusive goal of “The Perfect Re-Creation of a Musical
Event”.
From all of us at Perreaux Industries Limited, thank you for
choosin the Perreaux Silhouette Series SXD2 USB DAC.

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ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions
Note:
Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to
operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SXD2 US DAC.
ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attemptin to
connect or disconnect cables.
ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before
attemptin to clean your unit.
ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
ALWAYS unplu sensitive electronic equipment durin
electrical storms.
NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.
NEVER operate the SXD2 with the cover removed.
NEVER use any liquid inside the SXD2.
NEVER bypass any fuse.
NEVER attempt to repair the SXD2. In the event of a problem,
please contact your Perreaux dealer.
NEVER expose the SXD2 to extremely hi h or low
temperatures.

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iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents
i
ii
i Introducin the Perreaux Silhouette Series .................................... 3
ii
iiii
ii Important Safety Instructions............................................................. 5
iii
iiiiii
iii Table of Contents .................................................................................. 6
1
11
1 Unpackin and Placement .................................................................. 7
2
22
2 Instant Install .......................................................................................... 8
3
33
3 Front Panel Functions ........................................................................10
4
44
4 Rear Panel Functions ..........................................................................11
5
55
5 Special Desi n Philosophies..............................................................13
6
66
6 Special Desi n Features .....................................................................15
7
77
7 Care and Maintenance .......................................................................18
8
88
8 Warranty Information ........................................................................19
9
99
9 Extended Warranty Re istration Form..........................................20
10
1010
10 Troubleshootin Guide ......................................................................21
11
1111
11 Specifications........................................................................................23
12
1212
12 Physical Dimensions............................................................................27
13
1313
13 Contact Details .....................................................................................28

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1
11
1 Unpacking and Placement
Unpackin
Procedure
The SXD2 is packa ed for maximum protection. To open, sit the
box upri ht and cut the reinforced tape at the top of the box. The
product can now be removed.
Pull the foam protectin end-caps off either side of the unit and
remove the black material coverin .
The SXD2 USB DAC is now unpacked and ready for further
installation.
Note:
Please retain all packaging material for future transport.
Box
Contents
1 x SXD2 USB DAC
1 x Product manual
3 x Performance analysis charts
1 x USB cable
1 x BNC to RCA adaptor
1 x Detachable AC power cord
Placin Your
SXD2
The SXD2 should enerally be placed close to your source or
input equipment, thus keepin interconnect cablin between the
SXD2 and input component as short as practical. This will
reduce the inputs susceptibility to radio frequency interference
and the ne ative effects associated with lon cables.
Ventilation
Requirements
The SXD2 is a di ital device incorporatin a low power
amplifier. Ventilation requirements are not considered an
important factor in product placement.
In the event that the SXD2 is to be incorporated into custom
cabinetry, please refer to the dimensional information provided in
the Physical Dimensions section of the manual (Chapter 12).

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2
22
2 Instant Install
If you are like us, the first thin you will want to do is to play
your favourite piece of music throu h your new SXD2. The
followin instructions are written to enable you to achieve this as
quickly as possible. These are not comprehensive instructions,
but are desi ned to enable you to play music now!
Note:
Please take the time to read the SXD2 manual thoroughly
as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its
operation.
Placement
The SXD2 is a sensitive di ital device with a low power
amplifier and best results will be achieved when placed away
from potential interference from other components and electrical
devices, for example AC mains cords/outlets, transformers, hi h
power amplifiers, etc.
Place the SXD2 close or near the source or input component in
order to make as short a connection as possible.
Turn off associated components
This minimises the potential to dama e any other components
when connectin your SXD2 into the system. It is OK to leave
your computer runnin , althou h make sure your application
software is not open.
Switch on SXD2
Insert the power cord supplied into the rear of the SXD2 and into
the wall. Switch on the socket at the wall and turn on the power
of the SXD2 by settin the power switch down.
Caution!
Prior to connecting the AC mains, please check the voltage
label on the rear panel to ensure that your unit conforms to
the power supply in your area. Never attempt to connect
the unit to the incorrect voltage.
Select USB input on SXD2
Set the to le switch at the rear of the SXD2 to select the USB
input. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel information.

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Connect computer to SXD2 via USB
Connect the USB output from your computer to the USB input at
the rear of the SXD2 (the computer will automatically detect and
install the necessary drivers). Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel
information.
Connect SXD2 output to preamplifier
Connect the outputs of the SXD2 to the unbalanced input of your
preamplifier, inte rated amplifier or powered speakers. Refer to
Chapter 4 for Rear Panel information.
Play your favourite playlist
Open your preferred application software (e . iTunes, WinAmp,
Windows Media Player, etc.) and play your favourite playlist.
Switch on preamplifier
Turn on your preamplifier and power amplifier or inte rated
amplifier. Slowly increase the volume to achieve a comfortable
listenin level.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Now that you have achieved your first objective, sit back, relax
and please read the rest of the manual at your own pace, in your
favourite armchair, whilst sippin a hot cup of coffee. You’ll
find the whole experience much more pleasurable whilst
listenin to music.

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3
33
3 ront Panel unctions
Power LED
This blue LED indicates the power status of your SXD2 USB
DAC.

11
4
44
4 Rear Panel unctions
Analo Outputs
These sin le-ended (RCA) outputs provide line-level analo
audio, via suitable RCA interconnect cables, to a preamplifier or
inte rated amplifier.
For more information on output specifications, please refer to
Chapter 11.
Di ital Input
The sin le-ended (BNC) input accepts a Sony/Philips Di ital
Interface Standard (SPDIF) di ital audio si nal from a source
component (e. . Perreaux SXCD CD player, Apple AirPort
Express, Sony PlayStation).
The SPDIF standard dictates 75Ω transmission of the di ital
audio si nal. Use a di ital interconnect cable specifically
desi ned with a characteristic impedance of 75Ω.
A BNC connector has been used in place of the “standard” RCA
type, because desi n limitations mean RCA connectors can never
achieve a characteristic impedance of 75Ω. Refer to Chapter 6
‘Special Desi n Features’ for more information on why a BNC
connector is used.
If you already have a suitable hi h-quality di ital interconnect
equipped with RCA connectors, please use the supplied adaptor
to convert the BNC output to RCA.
For more information on input specifications, please refer to
Chapter 11.

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Note:
Use a 75Ω digital interconnect cable equipped with NC
connectors to get the best possible digital performance.
Using the supplied adaptor to convert the NC output to
RCA will not degrade the signal any more than if an RCA
connector was fitted by default.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Input
USB input from computer, accepts a standard Type B USB
connector. For more information on input specifications, please
refer to Chapter 11.
Input Selector Switch
Selects between the coaxial di ital input and USB input.
Serial Number/Volta e Label
The serial number is unique to your SXD2. Please record this
number and store it in a safe place. For any service related
enquiry, please be prepared to quote the product serial number to
Perreaux personnel or their authorised service representative.
The volta e displayed in this area is the ONLY
ONLYONLY
ONLY volta e
that can be accepted by the unit.
Caution!
Never attempt to connect the unit to the incorrect voltage.
AC Mains Input
An IEC-standard mains input is provided at the rear of the unit.
The AC cord set is removable, allowin it to be up raded at your
will.
On/Off Switch
When operatin the switch down, power is applied to the SXD2.

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5
55
5 Special Design Philosophies
Perreaux has been desi nin and manufacturin only the hi hest
quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century.
Technolo y has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and
our knowled e and application of desi n, materials and
manufacturin techniques has advanced in tandem with this.
Today’s Perreaux ran e comes closer to fulfillin our shared
vision than at any other time in the past.
The SXD2 has been developed to meet customer demands for
compact hi her quality products. Careful attention has been
taken throu hout the development phase, not to make
compromises that would de rade the hi h quality of reproduction
that the unit is capable of deliverin .
To follow is a discussion on some of Perreaux desi n
philosophies that have been incorporated into the entire ran e.
Minimalist
Desi n
Leadin British architect, John Pawson, writes:
“The Minimum can be defined as the perfection
that an object achieves hen it is no longer
possible to improve it by subtraction. This is the
quality that an object has hen every component,
every detail, and every junction has been reduced
or condensed to the essentials. It is the result of
the omission of the inessentials”.
Perreaux has historically embraced the minimalist ethic from an
audio desi n perspective only. The concept of “less equatin to
more” has been at the heart of all Perreaux audio desi ns for
more than a quarter of a century. Our current product offerin
takes the minimalist ethic to new levels by totally embracin the
concept.
Minimalist Electronics
We wish to maximise the quality of your listenin pleasure by
keepin the componentry and si nal path as uncluttered, short
and clean possible. All components in the si nal path, even those
of the hi hest quality have an effect on the si nal, thereby
alterin the quality of the reproduction in some way. Our aim is
to recreate in its entirety, the ori inal performance by not addin
or subtractin anythin , irrespective of the source.

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Minimalist Aesthetics
Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio
exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”.
“Form and function” are both tou h masters. We make no
excuses for producin some of the most distinctive hi h-end
audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend
to ether in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true
minimalist utilisation.
Minimalism in a Wider Context
John Pawson writes:
“Clearly simplicity has dimensions to it that go
beyond the purely aesthetic: it can be seen as the
reflection of some innate, inner quality, or the
pursuit of philosophical or literary insight into the
nature of harmony, reason, and truth”.

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6
66
6 Special Design eatures
Construction
The beautifully styled curvin front panel is milled from solid
6.0mm (0.2”) thick aluminium extrusion and finished in a satin
chrome electroplate. The front panel also features the
mboob^ru
®
lo o machined into the solid aluminium. The
chassis and cover are both manufactured from heavy au e steel.
No cover fixin screws are visible. The “Silhouette” SXD2 is
stylish yet functional and exhibits typical hallmarks of the
Perreaux brand.
Circuit
Topolo y
The Power
Supply
The SXD2 has an internal power supply. These desi ns are
invariably more sophisticated than those featurin external plu -
in power packs. Special attention must be paid to shieldin ,
transformer desi n, capacitance and earthin .
Separate
Analo and
Di ital
Supplies
We have specially developed a fully shielded, toroidal
transformer with three separate secondary windin s. Five
re ulated power supplies are employed, three analo and two
di ital. This ensures the analo circuitry has maximum isolation
from any di ital power supply artefacts and noise.

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Block
Dia ram
USB
Connectivity
The SXD2 is fully compliant with USB 1.1 specification and
utilises ‘Full Speed’ (12Mbps) transceivers. The bandwidth
offered by ‘Full Speed’ USB is more than sufficient to stream
di ital audio.
Plu and Play
Desi ned to bypass the inherently flawed soundcards internal to
computers, the SXD2 offers plu and play convenience when
connected via the USB port.
BNC Di ital
Input
Connector
RCA connectors are inherently disadvanta ed for use with the
hi h frequency (1.4MHz-2.8MHz) si nals associated with
44.1kHz/16-bit di ital audio. Desi n limitations mean RCA
connectors can never achieve a characteristic impedance of 75Ω,
resultin in reflections and si nal loss due to impedance
mismatch. In contrast, BNC connectors are purposely desi ned
to carry hi h frequency si nals, up to 2GHz for 75Ω – therefore
overcome the problems exhibited by RCA connectors.
Up-Samplin
The SXD2 automatically up-samples the di ital si nal 4x the
input sample frequency, up to a maximum of 192kHz. For
example, if the di ital input is 44.1kHz (CD), the SXD2 will up-
sample to 176.4kHz (4x 44.1kHz).
Rather than offer constant up-samplin to 192kHz, we have
purposely decided to use a multiple of the input frequency (4x).
This uarantees that every 4
th
sample will be true. Usin
44.1kHz sample frequency as an example, if it were up-sampled
to 192kHz, then only every 640
th
sample would be true to the
ori inal 44.1kHz si nal.
24-bit
Resolution
Red Book Audio CDs have a samplin rate of 44.1kHz and 16-
bit resolution. This results in a maximum possible Si nal-to-
Noise Ratio (SNR) of around 96dB. Increasin the resolution to
24-bit not only reduces quantization error in si nal amplitude,
but also increases the maximum possible SNR to around 144dB.

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Hi h
Resolution
Formats
Acceptin PCM di ital streams up to 192kHz and 24-bit, via the
coaxial SPDIF input, allows the SXD2 to be compatible with
hi h-resolution formats such as DVD-A.
PCB Layout
Special attention has been paid to the PCB layout to ensure
maximum isolation between the analo and di ital sta es.
Ground planes and earth returns have been meticulously
desi ned to provide optimal current paths, so as not to interfere
with the delicate analo section. Careful layout of the analo
output uarantees that crosstalk is kept to an absolute minimum.
Localised
Supply
Filterin
All inte rated circuits (ICs), both analo and di ital, have
localised inductor-based supply filterin . Even thou h volta e
re ulators are used for all supply rails, they can be susceptible to
pickin up noise on their way to the ICs, especially with hi h
frequency clockin and data lines present. By filterin locally,
we are makin absolutely certain that every last ounce of noise is
removed from the supply rails.
Localised filterin , alon with meticulous PCB layout, paves the
way for the SXD2 to utilise the hi her si nal-to-noise ratio
(SNR) performance offered by 24-bit resolution.
Balanced I-V
Conversion
Balanced current to volta e conversion is utilised in the audio
output sta e. This ensures that any common-mode noise and
artefacts are removed before amplification and the analo filter.

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7
77
7 Care and Maintenance
Note:
Please switch the unit off and remove the cord set from the
rear of the US DAC before attempting to clean your SXD2
in the manner described below.
Never apply liquid directly to the SXD2.
Never use abrasives.
Never rub in a circular motion.
Cover
The cover features a durable hi h quality powder coat finish. To
remove fin er marks and dirt, li htly rub the surface with a soft
cloth.
If the dirt is not removed, dip your cloth in a mild solution of
soap and water, squeeze excess moisture from it and then ently
reapply to the surface.
Stubborn dirt may be removed by the application of a small
quantity of isopropyl alcohol, applied directly to the cleanin
cloth only, and reworkin the effected area.
Front Panel
The SXD2 front panel features a hi h quality electroplate finish.
Over time the surface may retain fin er marks and may need to
be cleaned to restore it to ori inal condition.
Regular Cleaning
Gently wipe the front panel with a very clean cotton cloth. Wipe
across the surface and never in a circular motion.
Removing Stubborn Marks
Only attempt this infrequently, as too re ular or vi orous
application may dama e the surface.
Apply a small quantity of any car polish containin carnauba
wax to a very clean cotton cloth.
Note:
The car polish must state “Safe for Clear Coats” as the polish
will therefore contain the absolute minimum amount of
abrasive compound.
Gently wipe over the front panel in lateral motion, allow to dry
then ently wipe off with a very clean cotton cloth.

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88
8 Warranty Information
1 Year
Limited
Warranty
The Perreaux SXD2 is warranted free from defects in material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1-year (365
days) from the date of purchase.
To extend the warranty of the Perreaux SXD2 to three (3) years
from date of purchase, please return a fully completed warranty
re istration form alon with a copy of the ori inal receipt of
purchase to:
Perreaux Industries Ltd
PO Box 305
Mos iel
Dunedin 9053
New Zealand
For the Extended Warranty Re istration Form, please refer to
Chapter 9.
3 Year
Extended
Warranty
The extended warranty for the Perreaux SXD2 is three (3) years
from the date of purchase. If durin the warranty period the
SXD2 exhibits defects in materials and/or workmanship, it will
be repaired or replaced, at our option, without char e for either
parts or labour, at our factory in New Zealand. The warranty
does not apply to any unit that has been misused, abused or
altered.
Any unit that is not performin satisfactorily may be returned to
the factory in New Zealand for evaluation. Return authorisation
must first be obtained by either callin or writin to Perreaux
prior to shippin the unit. Perreaux Industries Ltd and its
authorised distributors and dealers shall not be held liable for any
frei ht or insurance char es. Frei ht and insurance char es to
and from the Perreaux factory will be the sole responsibility of
the owner of the unit.
There is no other express warranty on the SXD2. Neither this
warranty nor any other warranty, express or implied, includin
any implied warranties of merchantability of fitness, shall extend
beyond the warranty period. No responsibility is assumed for
any incidental or consequential dama es.
Obtainin
Service
In the event that you are experiencin difficulty with your SXD2,
please as a first step consult the troubleshootin uide in Chapter
10. For further assistance, please contact your Perreaux dealer.