Audiolab M-DAC Plus User Instruction

M-DAC +

User Instructions

1: Important Safety Information

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AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS

OUVRIR WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD-DO NOT OPEN

This ligh tning flash with arrow head symbol with in an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of non-insulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock.- Warning: to reduce
the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or
back) as there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer
servicing to qualified personnel.- the exclamation point
within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Read these instructions.

Keep these instructions.

Heed all warnings.

Follow all instructions.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

Clean only with dry cloth.

Do not bloc k any vent i lat i on op eni n gs. Inst a ll in
accordance with the manufacture’s instructions.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades

with one wider than the other. A grounding plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and at
the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table specified by the manufacturer, or
sold with the apparatus. When a cart or rack
is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.

Unplug the apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CAUTION: These servicing instructions are for use by
qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of
electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operating instructions unless you are
qualified to do so.

Do not install this equipment in a confined or built-in space
such as a bookcase or similar unit, and keep well ventilated
in open space. The ventilation should not be impeded
by covering the ventilation openings with items such as
newspaper, table-cloths, curtains etc.

WARNING: Excessive sound pressure from earphones and
headphones can cause hearing loss.

WARNING: Only use attachments/accessories specified or
provided by the manufacturer (such as the exclusive supply
adapter, battery etc).

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

WARNING: The battery shall not be exposed to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.

WARNING: Please refer to the information on the exterior
panel of the enclosure for electrical and safety information
before installing or operating the apparatus.

WARNING: The battery (battery or batteries or battery
pack) shall not be exposed to exc essive heat such as
sunshine, fire or the like.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly
replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

WARNING: For the terminals marked with symbol of “
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric

shock. The external wiring connected to the terminals
requires installation by an instructed person or the used of
ready-made leads or cords.

Mains Supply: The mains operating voltage of M-DAC+ is
shown on the rear panel. If this voltage does not match the
mains voltage in your area, consult your Audiolab dealer
about converting the unit.

The mains supply fuse on the rear panel is accessible when
the IEC mains plug has been removed. In the rare event
that it has broken, check for any obvious cause before
replacing the fuse with one of the correct rating and type.
The fuse values are:

220 – 240V (UK, EU, Korea, etc.) T1AL 250V 20mm Slow Blow

100 – 120V (USA, Japan, etc.) T1.6AL 250V 20mm Slow Blow

”

2: Getting Started

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Welcome to Audiolab’s latest version of its award winning high-end DAC.

M-DAC+ enhances the performance of the original M-DAC in so many ways. Now
capable of 24-bit/192kHz resolution for coaxial and optical inputs, 32bit/384kHz for USB
input. M-DAC+ can also link directly to your AppleTM devices output to make the most of
all your stored music via an A-type USB cable.

If you’re a fan of DSD audio, M-DAC+ even encompasses that format too. And with its
choice of 3 different decoding filters for DSD audio and 7 filters for PCM audio, you can
select the right filter to get the best performance from each source right from the comfort
of your listening seat.

In addition, Audiolab’s engineers have dug into the depths of the digital decoding
capabilities of the Sabre 32-bit DAC that is at the heart of M-DAC+, extracting every
ounce of musical detail and displaying it in a stunningly realistic, rich and believable 3D
acoustic.

Versatile in capability and alluring in performance, M-DAC+ will continue to delight you
for many years to come.

Please read through this manual to obtain the very best performance from M-DAC+.

Signal Input:

One external SPDIF stereo LPCM coaxial digital input

One external SPDIF stereo LPCM optical digital input

USB 2.0 port for replaying stereo from a compatible host

One professional AES/EBU digital studio input

iOS docking for iPhone®/iPad

®

Signal Output:

Balanced and Unbalanced stereo analogue outputs

Optical and coaxial SPDIF digital output.

Operating Features:

Automatic detection decoding of external digital input source.

Selectable digital filter setting.

Fully variable output in the digital domain - absolute fidelity with the straightest

possible signal path.

Mute and balance controls.

Automatic standby on-off switching of connected equipment via 12V trigger output.

Analogue output level selectable between fixed and variable.

Three display brightness levels with on/off options.

Auto standby function with on/off option.

Note: You can connect the analogue outputs of M-DAC+ directly to a power amplifier.
If there are gain controls on the power amplifiers, set the gain to maximum and use the
volume control on the M-DAC+ to alter the level. If you wish to connect the M-DAC+ to
a pre-amplifier, you may disable the volume control in the digital domain.

Unpacking

Unpack the product fully. The carton should contain:

The Audiolab M-DAC+

One M-DAC+ power cord suitable for your area.

CD-ROM for USB driver

This instruction manual.

If an item is missing or damaged report this to your dealer as soon as possible. Retain the
packing for safe transport of your unit. If you dispose of the packing, do so with regard to
any recycling regulation in your area.

Placement

The unit is designed to run warm during normal operation but ensure
you do not block any ventilation openings.

Place the unit on a sturdy shelf or table. If you use an equipment rack
ensure the unit has adequate ventilation and is on its own shelf.

Ensure your mains voltage corresponds to the rating plate on the rear
of the product’s power supply. If in doubt, consult your dealer. If you
move to an area with a different mains voltage seek advice from an
Audiolab appointed dealer or a competent service technician.

3: Controls and Connectors

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