Congratulations and thank you for your purchase of an Audio Note™ DAC3.1x.
The DAC3.1x was specifically designed and engineered for the best sonic performance rather than technical specifications. Although the DAC3.1x is a digital component (there is no avoiding this unfortunately!), it will bring a new level of musicality to your CD’s and is fatigue free during extended listening periods. In order to obtain the best possible performance from your DAC, please read this manual carefully.
Technology - The DAC3.1x uses the revolutionary and currently exclusive Audio Note™ digital technology dubbed 1x oversampling™ direct from disc™ circuit topology. The ultimate version of this technology is found in the extremely expensive DAC 5 Signature, and we have taken great to ensure that as much of the inherent advantages of the topology have been retained in the sound of the DAC3.1x. The technology in essence dispenses with all the correction measures inherent in all other DA converters and presents the digital signal directly to the converter after reformatting. This in turn allows you to hear what is actually recorded on each CD. The end result being the reproduction is more reminiscent of master tape in quality.
Not surprisingly for an Audio Note™ product, the DAC uses vacuum tube technology, implemented using traditional Audio Note techniques, consisting of simple signal paths incorporating no correction or feedback and operating the valves at their most linear operating points for the best sound quality and longevity.
Unlike its smaller brother the DAC1.1x, the DAC3.1x uses the patented analogue transformer coupled filter interface (US patent no. 5420585, UK patent no. 2270595, Australian patent no. 670611), which substantially improves the conversion from digital to analogue replay. Also Audio Note copper wired Super Mumetal 250 core Interface transformer.
The Signature version contains Black Gate capacitors, Tantalum resistors, Audio Note silver wiring, Audio Note copper foil capacitors and valve rectification.
UNPACKING & INSTALLATION
Please take care when unpacking the DAC. We recommend that you store the packing materials in case the unit requires shipping at a later date.
Next, select a suitable location for the unit, ensuring that adequate ventilation is provided (the vacuum tubes do generate some amount of heat). In the interest of safe, reliable operation, situate the DAC away from dampness or direct sunshine.
Worthwhile sonic improvements may be obtained by locating the unit on a suitably designed audio component support system.
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UPGRADING
One of the biggest problems with Digital Audio is the short lifecycle of all a few products, which is why we have made the DAC 3.1x upgradeable to DAC 3.1x Signature, DAC 4.1x, DAC 4.1x Signature. In this way your basic investment is not devalued but remains secure for many years to come.
CONNECTIONS – Digital
Two types of digital connections are provided on the rear of the unit, one a nominal 75 ohm unbalanced RCA jack and the other a 110 ohm AES/EBU balanced XLR type connector enables connection of the DAC to a CD transport or other digital sources. Select the digital input you would like to use via the rear panel input selector switch.
Before making a connection, ensure that the Transport & DAC are turned off.
When selecting a suitable for digital use, we recommend Audio Note™ AN-A, AN-C copper interconnects or AN-S or AN-V silver interconnects, in a 75cm* length. Two types of interconnect cable geometry dominate, coaxial and twin-axial. Audio Note™ cables are of the twin-axial type, and these may be purchased terminated with RCA plugs or XLR type plugs.
Plug one end of the cable into the RCA or XLR socket on the DAC (marked Digital Input) and connect the other end of the cable to your CD transport (marked Digital Output)
Your dealer can advise on suitable type and quality of cable and give you a recommendation as to which Audio Note™ cable is the best choice for you. (The best recommendation is Audio Note™ silver cable).
* Try to use a digital cable of less than 1.5 metre in length. Ideal length is in our opinion 0.75metre.
CONNECTIONS - Analogue
One set of unbalanced analogue outputs are provided for connection to your preamplifier. Be sure the preamplifier and amplifier are turned off before making the connections.
CONNECTION – Mains
The DAC has an IEC mains inlet socket, use the supplied mains cable to connect the unit to the local mains supply. The mains fuse is situated inside the unit on the power supply PCB.
OPERATING THE DAC3.1x
Once all the connections are complete, turn on the CD transport. Next turn on the DAC by using the rocker switch located on the back panel above mains inlet socket. The red led on the front panel confirms that the unit is on.
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