Taga Harmony DA-400 User manual

DA-400
DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER
Instruction Manual
Edition 08-2022

2
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this TAGA Harmony Digital to Analog Converter.
TAGA Harmony DA-400 is a Digital to Analog Converter, which converts digital audio
signal from any digital source to high class analog audio with clearer, richer and more
powerful sound.
The DA-400 can be quickly and easily connected to your existing audio system and
transform it to a thrilling digital audio system!
KEY FEATURES:
• Support of digital audio les up to 32bit/768kHz or up to DSD512 to play music
stored on computers, CD players, smartphones and other le storage devices.
• Support of MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) to provide studio audio quality.
• Extremely high quality sound utilizing the critically acclaimed ESS SABRE
ES9038Q2M Reference DAC with Hyperstream™ II architecture and Time Domain
Jitter Eliminator.
• Digital engine based on ultra-performance 32-bit 16-core XMOS microcontroller.
• Support of a wide range of formats including high-resolution lossless FLAC and
ALAC, and uncompressed WAV to get the most natural and detailed sound.
• Outputs: digital Optical and analog Line Output with gold-plated high-end solid
machined brass RCA sockets ensures the best signal transfer.
• Inputs: USB, digital Optical and digital Coaxial with a gold-plated high-end solid
machined brass RCA socket ensures the best signal transfer.
• Crystal clear OLED display to show information about the processing signal.
• Compact size and elegant design utilizing aluminum housing to match with any
device.
The powerful, slim and elegant piece of art delivering best music directly from your digital
source!

3
Cleaning
Do not use strong or abrasive cleaners. Use a damp, soft cloth for cleaning.
Specications and the latest instruction manual edition
Full technical specications and the latest edition of the instruction manual are available
on www.TagaHarmony.com
Introduction

4
Contents
Safety Instructions 5
Front and Rear Panel 8
Hooking Up the Converter 10
Display 13
Operation 14
Connecting a Computer to the USB port 15
Connecting a Mobile Device to the USB port 21
Trademark Notice 22
Kit Content 22
Serial Number 22
Specications 23

5
IMPORTANT
READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS OR THE POWER ADAPTER TO RAIN OR MOISTURE,
AND OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE
PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS OR ON THE POWER ADAPTER.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, FULLY AND SECURELY INSERT
THE POWER PLUG INTO THE POWER OUTLET, AND THE POWER CABLE
CONNECTORS INTO THE UNIT AND THE POWER ADAPTER SOCKETS (IF THE
POWER ADAPTER IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN INTEGRATED [ATTACHED] POWER
CORDS).
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
THE FUSE (IF THE UNIT OR THE POWER ADAPTER IS EQUIPPED WITH A USER
REPLACEABLE FUSE) ONLY WITH THE SAME AMPERAGE AND VOLTAGE TYPE.
IN CASE WHEN THE UNIT OR THE POWER ADAPTER IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH
A USER REPLACEABLE FUSE - REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL.
WARNING: THE UNIT AND THE POWER ADAPTER MAY BECOME HOT. ALWAYS
PROVIDE ADEQUATE VENTILATION TO ALLOW FOR COOLING. DO NOT PLACE
THE UNIT AND THE POWER ADAPTER NEAR A HEAT SOURCE, OR IN SPACES
THAT CAN RESTRICT VENTILATION.
Safety Instructions
An exclamation mark in a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
EN_safety_adapter_10-21

6
Safety Instructions
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the product is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should
be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the product and in the operating
instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the power outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners.
6. Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water - for
example, near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub;
in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like. These
precautions also apply to the power cords and power adapter.
7. Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart,
stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall, causing seri-
ous injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the product.
Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table recommended
by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Any mounting of
the product should follow manufacturer’s instructions and should
use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - This unit may be equipped with slots and openings
in the cabinet (housing) which are provided for ventilation and
to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from
overheating and these openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by placing the product
on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface. This product should
be not placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or
rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to. For products equipped with
separate power adapters, leave at least 5cm (2in.) of free space
on all sides and the top of the power adapter.
9. Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking label (placed on
the product and / or, if applicable, on a separate power adapter
unit). If you are not sure of the type of power supply in your home,
consult your product dealer or local power company. For products
intended to operate from battery power or other sources, refer to
the operating instructions.
10. Grounding and Polarity - some units for proper operation or
to take full advantage of their capabilities may require to be
connected to a grounded power outlet – refer to the user manual
for more information.
Some units or power adapters may have markings for the live
(L) and neutral (N) conductors for power - in order to take full
advantage of capabilities of such products, it is recommended to
properly connect the polarity according to the markings on the
unit - refer to the user manual for more information. Connecting
the polarity not in accordance with the markings will not aect
the durability and reliability of the device.
11. Power-cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed
so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit
from the product or the power adapter.
12. Lighting - For added protection for this product during a lighting
storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods
of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna
or system cables. This will prevent damage to the product due to
lighting and power-line surges.
13. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or
integral convenience receptacles as this can result in a risk of fire
or electric shock.
14. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage
points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric
shock. Do not expose this apparatus and the power adapter
to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with
water, such as vases are placed on the apparatus or on the power
adapter.
15. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as
opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous
voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
EN_safety_adapter_10-21

7
16. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from wall outlet
and refer servicing to qualified personnel under the following
conditions:
• when power supply cords or plugs are damaged;
• if liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product;
• if the product does not operate normally by following the oper-
ating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by
the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will require extensive work
by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal
operation;
• if the product has been dropped or damaged in any way;
• if the product exhibits a distinct change in performance - this
indicates a need for a service.
1 7. Replacement Parts - when replacement parts are required, be
sure the technician has used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or with the same characteristics as the original
part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock
or other hazards.
Safety Instructions
EN_safety_adapter_10-21
18. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety check to
determine that the products is in proper operating condition.
19. Wall of ceiling mounting - The product should be mounted to a
wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
20. Heat - The power adapter should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other prod-
ucts that produce heat.
21. [Refer to products equipped with vacuum tubes] Tube Cage or
cover - For your safety and to protect the vacuum tubes this
product may be equipped with the factory installed vacuum tube
cage or cover.
It is not recommended to remove the cage or cover unless it is
required to change the vacuum tubes.
When the cage or cover is removed - do not touch the vacuum
tubes - they may be hot and burn the skin!
22. Operating Environment - Operating environment temperature and
humidity of the unit: +5°C to +35°C (+41°F to +95°F); less than
85% RH (cooling slots not blocked).

8
Front and Rear Panel
Front Panel:
1. Standby LED Indicator
2. Display
3. Touch 2-function Button:
- Standby Button
To turn the unit ON (when it is OFF) - press once
To turn the unit OFF - long press
- Input (Source) Selection Button - short press to select inputs
- Installed rmware version - rapidly press 3 times to display
Note! The Touch 2-function Button is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation from external
electrical appliances. If you encounter any problems with its operation: disconnect the
power adapter and place the Converter away from potential sources of interferences.
231

9
Front and Rear Panel
Rear Panel:
4. Analog Stereo RCA Output (R and L)
5. Digital Optical Output
6. Digital Coaxial Input
7. Digital Optical Input
8. USB Port
9. DC Power Input
6895 74

10
Hooking Up the Converter
Digital
optical
cable
Digital
coaxial
cable
RCA-RCA
interconnect
Amplier, receiver, powered
speakers etc.
Amplier, receiver, powered
speakers etc.
CD player etc.
Digital
optical
cable
Video game
console etc.
Computer
Smaptphone,
tablet, etc.
A-to-B
USB 2.0
digital cable
OTG USB
adapter
Power
adapter
Electrical
outlet

11
Hooking Up the Converter
1. Make sure the Converter is turned off (the power adapter is disconnected from the
electrical outlet).
2. Make sure that external equipment which will be connected to the Converter is turned
off.
3. To play music on your amplication equipment (amplier, receiver, powered speakers
etc.) depending on the input it is equipped with:
- for the analog input: using an RCA-RCA interconnect connect it to the
OUTPUTS → LINE R L in the Converter.
- for the digital optical input: using a digital optical cable connect it to the
OUTPUTS → OPTICAL in the Converter.
4. If you want to play a digital audio source (CD/DVD/Blu-ray player, video game
console etc.) depending on a digital output your audio source is equipped with,
connect it to one of digital inputs: OPTICAL or COAXIAL.
Use a digital optical cable for the OPTICAL input and a digital coaxial cable for the
COAXIAL input.
5. If you want to play digital audio les from a computer: using a A-to-B USB 2.0 digital
cable connect the computer to the USB Port.
Check “Connecting a Computer to the USB port” for more details.
6. If you want to play digital audio les from a mobile device (smartphone, tablet etc.):
using an OTG USB adapter and a A-to-B USB 2.0 digital cable connect the mobile
device to the USB Port.
Check “Connecting a Mobile Device to the USB port” for more details.
External audio equipment connection options:
Input / Output
DA-400
Input / Output
external equipment
Connection cable
LINE R L output Input – RCA sockets
Amplication equipment
RCA-RCA interconnect
(supplied)

12
Hooking Up the Converter
OPTICAL output Input - optical socket
Amplication equipment
Optical cable
(not supplied)
COAXIAL input Output – coaxial socket Coaxial cable
(not supplied)
OPTICAL input Output - optical socket Optical cable
(not supplied)
USB port - type B USB port – type A A-to-B USB 2.0
digital cable
(supplied)
Mobile device socket
ex.: USB type C
OTG USB adapter
(not supplied)
USB-AUSB-B
The sockets and ports shown for external equipment and connection options may differ depending
on the device.
7. Your converter is ready for operation.
USB-C USB AF

13
Display
1. INPUT
Currently selected input (source).
ICON
INPUT COAXIAL OPTICAL USB
2. INFORMATION ABOUT THE DIGITAL STREAM
Information about the incoming digital stream.
Depending on the type of the signal:
- Sample rate for PCM and MQA formats
- DSD sample rate: 64x, 128x, 256x, 512x
3. FORMAT
Information about the incoming digital stream format.
- PCM, DSD, MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) and its variant
MQA (AUTHENTICATED), CORE or STUDIO.
If there is no incoming digital stream, the display shows “NO SIGNAL” message.
Note!
• Depending on the digital stream, the information on the display may not be
complete or may be simplied.
123

14
Operation
Standby Mode
When you connect the Converter to the electrical outlet for the rst time, it will start in the
Standby mode.
Turn ON – press once the Standby Button
Turn OFF – long press the Standby Button - Standby LED Indicator will be illuminated
Note! The Converter will start in the last selected input before it was turned off (The USB
input is default for a new unit).
Input (Source) Selection
When the Converter is turned on.
Short press the Input (Source) Selector Button to select one of the inputs (sources):
COAXIAL, OPTICAL or USB.
The selected input (source) is indicated by an icon on the Display.
Display
• The Converter operates only with the supported le formats.
• The displayed sample rate is calculated by the internal clock engine and is accurate.
• Some external equipment may provide signal information to the Converter, even
when the playback is not active or paused, then the “NO SIGNAL” message will not
be displayed.

15
Connecting a Computer to the USB port
Connect the Connector with a computer using the A-to-B USB 2.0 digital cable and
select the USB input on the Converter.
Computers with Windows®
1. We recommend installing the TAGA Harmony USB Audio device driver.
Note! For lower sample rates and for some Windows®operating system versions the
driver may be not required.
System requirements: Windows®10 or later.
Minimum hardware requirements: Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz processor, 4GB RAM, USB
2.0 port
• The driver is available for download on www.TagaHarmony.com on a page of this
product, or by e-mail after contacting us at [e-mail]
• After downloading run the installation le and follow the installation instructions on the
screen.
• When the installation nishes an icon of the TAGA Harmony USB Audio will be created.
2. The computer should recognize the Converter as “DA-400” and automatically apply it
as the audio output device.
You can check the setting through the Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound
→ Manage Audio Devices.
Computer devices generate a signicant amount of noise and interference
which can get through USB ports to this Converter and further to the
amplication equipment.
If you hear disturbing noise and interference in speakers or headphones
when using the USB input then it may mean that your computer device is
tend to the above mentioned problem.
In such a case we recommend to use a USB data and power noise lter
(not supplied with this product) which should be plugged between the
computer device and the A-to-B USB 2.0 digital cable, which is connected
to the Converter.

Connecting a Computer to the USB port
16
Sound
Playback Recording Sounds Communications
Select a playback device below to modify its settings:
OK Cancel Apply
Configure PropertiesSet Default
Speakers
DA-400
Default Device
If the “DA-400” is not selected then locate and highlight it and click “Set Default”.
To enjoy the best sound quality, we suggest to change a default format (bit and sample
rate) to the highest available.
Note! If there is a problem with the playback - lower the default format – right-click on
the “DA-400” device, choose Properties and then Advanced tab and change Default
Format.
Note! If there is any problem with recognizing the Converter by the computer disconnect
and reconnect the A-to-B USB 2.0 digital cable.
TAGA Harmony USB Audio Device control panel
(based on driver version 5.30.0)
• Launch the TAGA Harmony USB Audio
Device control panel from the icon or the
program menu.
• If the Converter is turned on and
connected to the computer, information
about the device status will be displayed.

Connecting a Computer to the USB port
17
Control panel menu
Status Format Buffer Settings
USB
Audio
Device
Current audio
output device
Output Select the current
output format
(channels and bits)
Preferred
ASIO
Buffer Size
Select number of
samples
Safe Mode Tick to turn on
Current
Sample
Rate
ASIO Status Current Sample Rate
Input Latency
Output Latency
ASIO status
Info -Device information
About - Driver information
Preferred ASIO Buffer Size
The ASIO buffer is used to exchange sample data between the driver and an application
which is used for playback.
In most cases, the default settings are sufcient for playback.
However, you can additionally congure the driver for the best quality of your system.
Each of the sample modes increases the USB buffer and is indicated in number of
samples and milliseconds (ms) in the ASIO Status (both for latency on input and output).
Note! Depending on the digital stream format, the information about the sample rate may
not be displayed correctly.
Installation and Setup to play 32bit / 768kHz, DSD and MQA les (Windows®)
There are different programs available that allow to play music from high-resolution les.
You can use a freeware PC music player for Windows® to play les using, for instance
“foobar2000”.

18
Connecting a Computer to the USB port
1. Download “foobar2000” from https://www.foobar2000.org/ and install it.
2. Download the newest versions of the following components and install them in the
Preferences → Components
Follow the installation instructions.
Components:
ASIO support - foo_out_asio
Super Audio CD Decoder - foo_input_sacd
The components are available on:
https://www.foobar2000.org/components
https://sourceforge.net/projects/sacddecoder/les/
Separately install the foo_dsd_asio component using the
„ASIOProxyInstall - foo_dsd_asio” installer available on:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/sacddecoder/les/foo_dsd_asio/
3. After restarting the foobar2000:
a. Go to Preferences → Playback → Output and select ASIO : foo_dsd_asio in the
Device section.
Components
Display
Keyboard Shortcuts
Media Library
Networking
Playback
Decoding
DSP Manager
Output
ASIO
UPnP MediaRenderer Output
Shell Integration
Device
ASIO : TUSBAudio ASIO Driver
Output format
Buffer length
1000 ms
Warning: setting too low buffer length may cause some visualization effects to stop working.
foo_dsd_asio

19
Connecting a Computer to the USB port
b. Go to Preferences → Playback → Output → ASIO and double click on
foo_dsd_asio in the ASIO drivers section.
The driver conguration window will pop up - congure as shown below:
c. Go to Preferences → Tools → SACD and select DSD in the ASIO Driver Mode
section.