Sugden Masterclass DAC-4 User manual

SUGDEN
Masterclass DAC-4 Converter
Instruction Manual
Masterclass DAC-4 Digital Converter
Designed and manufactured by
J E Sugden & Co LTD
Valley Works
Station Lane
HECKMONDWIKE
West Yorkshire
WF16 0NF
ENGLAND
www.sugdenaudio.com

Installation
The Masterclass DAC-4 converter is suitable for free standing on a shelf or in a cabinet. Do
not stand the unit in direct sunlight or near a heat source. It is not recommend that the
converter sits directly on top of a power amplifier.
Accessories Supplied in the Carton
•IEC straight connector with moulded mains plug. This should be suitable for your country.
To check that the converter is the correct voltage, examine the carton, the assembly ticket
attached to the rear of the unit and the legend on the rear of the unit.
•Guarantee card (please complete and return)
Connecting your converter to the Mains Supply
Use the IEC power chord supplied, as this has been properly tested and CE approved to be
used with your converter. The mains input socket is located at the rear of the unit and is
clearly marked 'Mains power inlet & fuse'
Connecting your converter to a Pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier
The Masterclass DAC-4 has one stereo pair of output phono sockets called analogue output.
The phono sockets are standard type RCA connectors of high quality with Teflon inserts and
gold plated contacts. It is advisable to make sure your interconnect leads have similar quality
plugs that fit securely. The phono sockets are clearly marked right (red) and left (black or
white) for identical connection to your amplifier line level input.
Digital Output
In addition to the stereo analogue output there is a SPDIF coax digital output. The signal from
this is native so it is the same frequency and bit rate as the selected digital input. This is live
all the time and available when using the analogue outputs. The digital output passes through
the special digital interface of the DAC-4 which re-clocks and de-jitter the original digital
signal. This feature provides a very high quality digital output.
Input Selector Switch
The Input selector switch is located in the centre of the front panel and controls which input is
to be selected. The large knob has an indicator that corresponds with the input legend. The
input selector switch is a precision component and requires the minimum of effort to rotate.
Never force the switch as this could result in damage or loosening of the control knob. The
DAC-4 circuit uses gold contact relays which cause the signal to cut off when moving
between inputs. This suppresses noise such as clicks or pops.
Rear Panel inputs and outputs
1 x Mains input
1 x Analogue output (fixed)
1 x Digital output
3 x Coax SPDIF digital inputs
2 x Optical SPDIF Inputs
1 x USB type B input
Power Switch
This is located on the front panel and turns the converter on and off by way of a push switch.
When the switch is pushed in the converter is on and the lamp next to the power switch
should illuminate.
Digital Lock
When a digital input source has been connected to the DAC-4 successfully the digital lock will
illuminate. If this does not appear it is an indication that a digital signal is not available, or it is
incompatible.

Digital Inputs
The DAC-4 has a selection of inputs and is compatible with the majority of digital source
components currently available. The standard specification for all Coax and optical inputs is
16-24 bit word length and 32-96ks/s sample rates. The USB input has been designed to offer
plug and play set up with most computer operating systems. It is ideal for listening to internet
streaming services that provide lossless quality at 16 bit 44.1ks/s. To obtain the best sound
quality from a computer we recommend introducing a dedicated high quality USB to SPDIF
converter. The use of such a device will provide future software upgrades and superior
compatibility with dedicated music software for stored music files.
The DAC-4 has the ability to accept 24bit/192k word length. This however is not available
without resetting the input transceiver and therefore unavailable when using a playlist of
mixed resolution audio files. To reset the transceiver the DAC-4 must be disconnected from
the mains supply and reconnected with the data source set to 24bit/192k output. Your
computer of streamer may require rebooting before the DAC-4 will lock. If the transceiver
does not lock to the correct frequency a breakup of sound may be experienced.
Replacing Fuses
There are two internal power supply fuses and one mains fuse in the DAC-4; these are to
protect the unit in case of a failure. If a fuse does require replacing, this is usually an
indication that a fault exists. However, it is not always an indication that the DAC-4 is at fault
so it is important to determine the cause before replacing any fuses. Please consult your
dealer for advice. The mains input fuse is located in a draw withing the IEC mains input
socket. A spre fuse is also supplied in the draw.
•Always replace fuses with the same type and rating
Looking After Your Masterclass
The case construction of your Masterclass is made from durable traditional materials carefully
chosen for their none intrusive electrical properties. The front plate is solid machined
aluminium plate that has been carefully anodised to a high finish. The legend is ink based and
as with the rear panel, this should not be cleaned with any type of solvent. The rest of the
case is powder coated and should only be cleaned with a soft slightly damp cloth.
.
Designed & Manufactured By
J. E. Sugden & Company Limited
Valley Works Station Lane Heckmondwike
West Yorkshire WF16 0NF
ENGLAND
www.sugdenaudio.com
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter specification without notice