Sony UDA-1 Operating instructions

USB DAC AMPLIFIER UDA-1
How to Use
About the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
Features of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
Features of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER [1]
Supported environment
System requirements for computers connected to the USB DAC AMPLIFIER [2]
Supported driver and application
Driver for the USB DAC AMPLIFIER [3]
Hi-Res Audio Player [4]
Preparations and connections
Preparations
What you need to do before starting to use the USB DAC AMPLIFIER [5]
Prep 1. Connecting speakers [6]
Prep 2. Connecting to a computer [7]
Prep 3. Turning on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER [8]
Prep 4. Installing the driver on a computer [9]
Hi-Res Audio Player [10]
Supplied accessories [11]
Preparing the remote control [12]

Standby mode [13]
Connections
Connecting speakers [14]
Connecting to a computer [15]
Connecting a smartphone [16]
Connecting a Walkman that supports High-Resolution Audio [17]
Connecting other playback equipment [18]
Connecting headphones [19]
Playing audio files
Playback
Compatible audio formats [20]
Enjoying music [21]
Sound quality settings
Using the DSEE function [22]
Setting the equalizer [23]
Parts and controls
Main unit
Names and descriptions of parts of the front panel [24]
Names and descriptions of parts of the rear panel [25]
Remote control
Names and descriptions of parts of the remote control [26]
Announcements
Specifications
Compatible audio formats [27]
Specifications [28]

Supported devices [29]
Notes
About the Protector function [30]
Precautions for use [31]
Trademarks
Trademarks [32]
Inquiries
Customer support websites [33]
Troubleshooting
Dealing with problems
General
The power is automatically turned off. [34]
The remote control does not work. [35]
The lamps on the front panel of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER flash. [36]
Sound input from the LINE IN jacks of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER does not output through the LINE
OUT jacks. [37]
Sound
No sound is output. [38]
There is severe humming or noise. [39]
DSD audio files cannot be played on a Mac. [40]
There are turn on/off pops or noise. [41]
If the problem is not solved
Customer support websites [42]

[1] How to Use About the USB DAC AMPLIFIER Features of the USB DAC
AMPLIFIER
Features of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
Easy playback of music on your computer
Just complete Preps 1 to 4 in this Help Guide to connect your computer to the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
Then you are ready to enjoy music on your computer.
Playback of high-quality sound
The USB DAC AMPLIFIER can play High-Resolution Audio files such as PCM 192 kHz/32 bit and DSD
(Direct Stream Digital) audio files.
Furthermore, the USB DAC AMPLIFIER gives a more natural and expansive sound to compressed audio
files, such as MP3s, by restoring high-frequency sound and almost imperceptible sounds during fade-
out, which are usually lost due to compression.
Playback of music on a smartphone or Walkman that supports
High-Resolution Audio
Audio file formats for Android devices and smartphones such as iPhone or for Walkman devices that
support High-Resolution Audio are also supported by the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.

[2] How to Use About the USB DAC AMPLIFIER Supported environment
System requirements for computers connected to the
USB DAC AMPLIFIER
To output sound played back on a computer via the USB DAC AMPLIFIER, download the required
driver, then install it on your computer.
Note
When you use Mac OS X, if you want to play back DSD audio files, you must install the required
driver.(*)
To play back only PCM audio files, the driver is not required.
*To play back DSD audio files (DSD Native playback), Hi-Res Audio Player (version 1.1.0 or later) is also
required.
OS
Windows 8.1 (32 bit/64 bit)
Windows 8 (32 bit/64 bit)
Windows 7 (SP1, 32 bit/64 bit)
Windows Vista (SP2, 32 bit/64 bit)
Mac OS X v10.7, 10.8, 10.9, 10.10
Device
USB port (USB 2.0 compliant)
Note
One of the above operating systems should be installed by default. Upgraded operating systems and
multi-boot environments are not supported.
We do not guarantee operation for all computers even if they meet the above system requirements.
Furthermore, the following systems are not supported:
Personally constructed computers or operating systems
Upgraded operating systems
Multi-boot environments
Multi-monitor environments
[3] How to Use About the USB DAC AMPLIFIER Supported driver and application
Driver for the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
Install the required driver on your computer, then you can output sound played back on the computer via

the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
Note
When you use Mac OS X, if you want to play back DSD audio files, you must install the required
driver.(*)
To play back only PCM audio files, the driver is not required.
*To play back DSD audio files (DSD Native playback), Hi-Res Audio Player (version 1.1.0 or later) is also
required.
Downloading the required driver
Download the driver from the following websites:
Models for the USA and Canada:
http://esupport.sony.com/swu/8757
Models for Europe:
www.sony.eu/support
[4] How to Use About the USB DAC AMPLIFIER Supported driver and application
Hi-Res Audio Player
“Hi-Res Audio Player” is player software that allows you to play back high-quality audio files with just a
simple operation. You can play back High-Resolution Audio files, such as DSD files, purchased in music
distribution websites, etc., simply by connecting the USB DAC AMPLIFIER to your computer, and
making simple software settings.
Downloading Hi-Res Audio Player
Download Hi-Res Audio Player from the following websites:
Models for the USA and Canada:
http://esupport.sony.com/swu/8810
Models for Europe:
www.sony.eu/support
Hint
You can also playback audio files other than High-Resolution Audio files using “MediaGo.”
[5] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
What you need to do before starting to use the USB
DAC AMPLIFIER
After you purchase the USB DAC AMPLIFIER, you must connect any external equipment and install the
required driver on your computer before you listen to music.

1. Prep 1. Connecting speakers
2. Prep 2. Connecting to a computer
3. Prep 3. Turning on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
When you have made all connections with other devices, then turn on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
4. Prep 4. Installing the driver on a computer
Install the required driver on your computer, then you can output sound played back on the
computer via the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
5. Enjoying music
Play back music files stored on the computer.
[6] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Prep 1. Connecting speakers
Connect speakers to the USB DAC AMPLIFIER, then connect the supplied AC power cord (mains lead).
Note
Make sure that the AC power cord (mains lead) of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER is unplugged when
connecting any other cord.
1. Connect speakers to the SPEAKERS terminals on the rear panel of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER as
shown in the illustration below.
: SPEAKERS terminals
: Speaker cords (not supplied)
: Speaker (R)
: Speaker (L)
2. Firmly connect the supplied AC power cord (mains lead) to the AC IN jack on the rear panel of the
USB DAC AMPLIFIER, then connect the plug to a wall outlet (mains).

Note
Switch the EQUALIZER switch to “BYPASS” when you use speakers other than the recommended
SS-HA3 speakers (not supplied).
[7] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Prep 2. Connecting to a computer
Connect a USB port of your computer to the (USB) port on the rear panel of the USB DAC
AMPLIFIER using the USB cable (supplied), then start up your computer.
Note
Make sure that the USB DAC AMPLIFIER is turned off when you connect a USB cable.
When a signal of a format not supported is input, the USB REAR lamp flashes. Inputting such a signal
may produce noise or even damage the speakers or headphones if played at a high volume.
: USB port of a computer
: USB cable (supplied)
: (USB) port of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER
[8] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Prep 3. Turning on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER

When you have made all connections with the other devices, then turn on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
1. Press the button to turn on the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
The lamp lights up in green.
[9] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Prep 4. Installing the driver on a computer
Install the required driver on your computer first, then you can output sound played back on the
computer via the USB DAC AMPLIFIER.
By connecting your computer to the (USB) port on the rear panel of the USB DAC AMPLIFIER using
the USB cable (supplied), and playing back various sound files stored on your computer with the music
player software you are currently using, you can play back and enjoy sound with high quality.
1. Download the required driver from the following websites:
Models for the USA and Canada:
http://esupport.sony.com/swu/8757
Models for Europe:
www.sony.eu/support
2. Install the required driver on your computer.
Install the driver by following the instructions provided on the download websites above.
Note
While installing the driver, do not disconnect the USB cable, and do not turn the USB DAC
AMPLIFIER off.
[10] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Hi-Res Audio Player

“Hi-Res Audio Player” is player software that allows you to play back high-quality audio files with just a
simple operation. You can play back High-Resolution Audio files, such as DSD files, purchased in music
distribution websites, etc., simply by connecting the USB DAC AMPLIFIER to your computer, and
making simple software settings.
Downloading Hi-Res Audio Player
Download Hi-Res Audio Player from the following websites:
Models for the USA and Canada:
http://esupport.sony.com/swu/8810
Models for Europe:
www.sony.eu/support
Hint
You can also playback audio files other than High-Resolution Audio files using “MediaGo.”
[11] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Supplied accessories
Main unit (1)
AC power cord (mains lead) (1)
Remote control (1)
USB cable (1)
Quick Start Guide (1)
Reference Guide (1)
[12] How to Use Preparations and connections Preparations
Preparing the remote control
Before using the remote control for the first time, remove the insulation film.
The battery is installed in the remote control at the factory.
Replacing the lithium battery
The working distance of the remote control shortens as the battery becomes exhausted.
Replace the battery with a new one following the procedure below.
1. Take out the battery case as shown below.