Audio Note DAC Zero Manual User Manual

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Congratulations on your purchase of the Audio Note DAC ZERO.
The DAC ZERO is specifically engineered for sonic performance rather than

technical specifications. Although the DAC ZERO 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 and longevity from your DAC, please read over this manual carefully.

Technology: Not surprisingly for an Audio Note™ product, the DAC uses vacuum
tube technology, implemented using traditional Audio Note™ techniques.

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 generate a fair 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 purposely
designed audio component support system.

AFTER CARE
No special maintenance is required for the DAC ZERO. Cleaning is best made with a

soft cloth or brush similar to those sold by photographic stores for lens cleaning
applications.

Use a cloth dampened with mildly warm water and a weak soap solution for removing
grease or oily substances. Strong or alcohol based solvents may cause damage to
the DAC’s finish.

Replacing the vacuum tubes. The vacuum tubes used in the DAC ZERO should
provide a useful life span of about 3 years if the DAC is operated on a 12 hours per
day, daily basis.

Although replacement tubes for the DAC ZERO are widely available, better
performance will be obtained with tubes selected and matched specifically for the

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DAC by Audio Note. Should the vacuum tubes require replacement, please contact
your Audio Note dealer for technical support.

CONNECTIONS - Digital

A coaxial connection enables connection of the DAC to a CD transport or other digital
sources. Before making a connection, ensure that the DAC is turned off. Select a
suitable coaxial cable for digital use.* Coaxial cables for digital use are most
commonly terminated with RCA connectors and so the DAC uses RCA type input
sockets.

Plug one end of the coaxial cable into the RCA socket on the DAC (marked Digital
Input) connect the other end of the coaxial cable to your CD transport (marked Digital
Output).

* Your dealer can advise on suitable type and quality of cable eg:- Audio Note cable is
an excellent choice. (Recommended is AN silver cable).

Some special notes about digital cables - Try to use a digital cable of less than 1.5
metre in length. Ideal length .75metre.

Connections - Analogue

Two sets of analogue outputs are provided for connection to your amplifier. Be sure
to set the amplifier’s volume to minimum before making the following connections.

* Your dealer can advise on suitable type and quality of cable eg:- Audio Note cable is
an excellent choice.

Mains Connection: The DAC has an IEC mains inlet socket, use the supplied mains
cable to connect the unit to the local mains supply.

OPERATING THE DAC ZERO
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 next to mains inlet socket.
Now turn on the amplifier. Red led on front panel confirms unit is on.

If all is in order, the system is now ready to play music, and at last the sound of your
compact discs will be tolerable!

The DAC will improve over time and start to sound really well balanced. This is
because of the “bedding in” time taken by new electrical components inside the unit.
Also, the DAC’s sound quality improves as the unit reaches its normal, stable
operating temperature.

Only a rear panel on/off switch is provided as the unit is designed for continuous
operation. The DAC need not be switched off each time after use. It is interesting to
note that continuous operation not only results in optimum sonic performance (since