Emotiva DC-1 User Manual
Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
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presence of important installation, operation, and service instructions in this manual.
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltages within the enclosure that may be of
sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to the user.
Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting to install, congure, or operate the
Stealth DC-1. After successful installation and conguration of the Stealth DC-1, be sure to
retain this manual in a safe place for future reference.
Safety is a key component to a long lasting and trouble free installation. Please read and
follow all instructions and heed all warnings on the DC-1 and in this manual. The vast majority
of the subsequent safety precautions are common sense. If you are not comfortable with the
installation of professional audio/video equipment, you should seek the services of a qualied
installation professional or call us for help.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT USE THE
STEALTH DC-1 NEAR WATER OR IN WET LOCATIONS, DO NOT EXPOSE IT TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE, DO NOT EXPOSE IT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING FROM OTHER
SOURCES, AND ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS (SUCH AS VASES)
ARE PLACED ON IT. DOING SO MAY RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE UNIT AND THE RISK
OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, WHICH MAY RESULT IN BODILY INJURY OR DEATH.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE
STEALTH DC-1. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE THE UNIT. REFER
ALL SERVICE TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Do not install the Stealth DC-1 near or above any heat sources such as radiators, heating
vents, or other apparatus that produce heat. Do not block any ventilation openings or heat
sinks. Avoid installing the unit directly above other heat-producing equipment unless sufcient
ventilation or forced-air cooling is provided.
Do not install the Stealth DC-1 in locations without proper ventilation. The Stealth DC-1 should
not be operated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block air ow to the heat
sinks. The unit should not be mounted against a surface or in an enclosed location such as a
bookcase, cabinet, or closed equipment rack unless sufcient ventilation is provided.
Always install your Stealth DC-1 according to the manufacturer’s instructions and only use
attachments or accessories specied by the manufacturer.
Connect the Stealth DC-1 only to power sources of the correct voltage (as shown in this
manual and on the Stealth DC-1 unit).
Protect power supply cables from being pinched, walked on, or otherwise damaged. Be
especially careful where the power cable enters the power outlet and the unit.
Only connect the Stealth DC-1 to an electrical outlet or extension cord of appropriate type and
rating.
DO NOT defeat the safety purpose of a grounding or polarized plug by removing ground pins
or using unsafe adapters. A polarized plug has two blades - one wider than the other.
A grounding plug has a third ground prong in addition to the two main conductors. The wide
blade or third groundling prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t
your outlet, consult an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. If you replace the power
cord, only use one of similar type and equal or greater current rating.
The power cable for the Stealth DC-1 should be unplugged from the outlet during severe
electrical storms, or when unused for a long period of time.
Only replace the fuse(s) in the Stealth DC-1 with a fuse(s) of proper value and voltage
rating.
The Stealth DC-1 should only be cleaned as directed in the manual. Avoid spraying liquids
directly onto the unit and NEVER spray liquids into the vents or controls, or directly onto the
face plate. Care should be taken so that small objects do not fall into the inside of the unit.
You should seek service for your Stealth DC-1 by qualied service personnel if any of the
following occur:
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1. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
2. Objects or liquid have fallen or spilled into the vents.
3. The unit has been exposed to rain.
4. The unit exhibits a marked change in performance.
5. The unit has been dropped, or its enclosure or chassis is damaged.
NOTE: TO COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THE STEALTH DC-1 FROM THE AC POWER
MAINS, DISCONNECT THE AC POWER CORD FROM THE AC RECEPTACLE.
NOTE: THE POWER CORD ON THE STEALTH DC-1 MUST REMAIN READILY
ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES.
CAUTION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK
OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT REMOVE COVER. NO USER
SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
Contents
Important Safety Precautions and Explanation of Symbols
Introduction .................................................................3
About This Manual ........................................................4
Features ...................................................................... 5
Quick Start ..................................................................7
Hardware Conguration ............................................... 13
USB Drivers ............................................................... 15
Setup Menu ............................................................... 16
Care and Maintenance ................................................. 18
Specications ............................................................. 19
Troubleshooting .......................................................... 20
Emotiva Professional Systems LLC
Five-Year Limited Warranty .......................................... 23
Notes ........................................................................ 25
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Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
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Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the new Stealth DC-1 Stereo 24-192 Balanced DAC.
The Stealth DC-1 is a reference quality stereo PCM DAC (digital-to-analog converter)
designed for use in professional and pro/am audio mixing and mastering studios. The
Stealth DC-1 offers the features that really matter in a professional studio product:
superb sound quality (and accuracy), exible input options, professional level balanced
and consumer level unbalanced line outputs, dual high-quality headphone outputs,
a powerful yet simple to use conguration menu system, an informative blue OLED
display - which is bright enough to read from across the studio, and control of basic
functions via a convenient remote control.
Of course, the Stealth DC-1’s excellent sound quality, exibility, convenient half-rack
form factor, and feature set also make it right at home in an audiophile sound system
- where its stereo analog input lets you connect the output of a phono preamp or other
legacy analog source without needing to add a separate analog preamp.
The Stealth DC-1 nally brings the features and sound quality of DACs costing many
times its price within reach of both the home and small studio recording engineer as
well as the audiophile digital music enthusiast.
Happy listening!
The Emotiva Professional Team
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Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
About This Manual
This manual will provide you with all the information you need to get great
performance, accurate sound, and many years of reliable service from your
Stealth DC-1.
Many of you are experienced studio professionals and are probably familiar with studio
and audiophile D/A converters. We suggest that you read through the entire manual as
we kept things as short and direct as possible. Even if you’re an expert user, you might
nd some interesting information and useful suggestions.
You may wish to record serial numbers or other purchase information on the Notes
page at the back of this manual.
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Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
Features
The Stealth DC-1 is a full featured 24-192 stereo PCM DAC which combines unerringly
accurate sound with exible input and output options and a sophisticated menu and
control system.
Support for all popular sample rates. The Stealth DC-1 supports 44.1k, 48k, 88.2k,
96k, 176.4k, and 192k sample rates, at both 16 bit and 24 bit word lengths, from ALL
of its inputs - including USB.
A full complement of digital inputs. The Stealth DC-1 has a full selection of digital
inputs, including: AES/EBU (XLR), Toslink (optical), Coax S/PDIF (RCA), BNC S/PDIF,
and high performance USB.
Analog inputs. The Stealth DC-1 has one unbalanced stereo analog input, which can
be used to attach legacy gear - like the output of a phono preamp or tuner.
High performance Asynchronous USB. The C-Media CM-6631A high performance
USB interface chip provides enhanced jitter immunity and excellent audio performance.
Advanced ASRC (asynchronous sample rate converter) reduces jitter, yet
preserves original sample rate. The advanced ASRC implementation in the DC-1
eliminates jitter on all inputs (not just USB), yet lets you hear your music unaltered -
at its original sample rate.
Dual fully differential AD1955 DACs. The Stealth DC-1 is fully differential, and uses
dual independent Analog Devices AD1955 precision multi-bit delta-sigma DACs, each
operated in their highest-quality internal differential monaural mode, for exceptionally
low noise and distortion.
Precision LM4562 op amps. The DC-1 uses all high quality LM4562 op amps in the
output signal path for excellent audio performance.
Dual Muses 72320 digitally controlled analog ladder volume control chips.
The volume for each fully differential channel is controlled by a separate Muses 72320
precision volume control IC, operated in our unique and proprietary dual gain control
mode
(by simultaneously controlling both signal level and the gain of the gain stage itself,
this technique optimizes the signal handling at various gain levels to achieve the
absolute best noise and distortion performance at any given setting).
Galvanically isolated digital inputs. The AES/EBU and electrical S/PDIF inputs on
the DC-1 are all transformer isolated to ensure signal purity and stability and help
eliminate signal ground noise.
Intelligent headphone outputs. The headphone outputs on the DC-1 are driven by
a pair of high current, low distortion BUF634 buffers - driven by our proprietary input
buffer circuitry; their low output impedance ensures accurate frequency response and
low distortion into real world headphone loads. Output levels for main and headphone
outputs are independently controlled and retained in memory.
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Stealth DC-1 Stereo D/A Converter - Operator’s Manual
Sophisticated menu system and high visibility OLED display. The menu system
on the Stealth DC-1 is controlled via a front panel digital encoder. Sample rate, level,
and menu options are clearly displayed on a bright, easy to read, blue OLED display.
The display can be dimmed to ve different brightness levels, and is intelligent enough
to return temporarily to full brightness when the Setup Menu is engaged.
Pro output levels. The DC-1 delivers professional output levels via its balanced
outputs - so it can interface properly with other pro equipment, and consumer levels on
its unbalanced outputs - to avoid overloading legacy unbalanced inputs.
High quality, tightly regulated, linear power supply. Power for the precision
circuitry in the Stealth DC-1 is provided by a linear power supply, with a hefty toroidal
power transformer, and multiple stages of ltering and linear regulation.
Solid steel case. The solid steel case on the Stealth DC-1 provides excellent noise
shielding, protection from mechanical damage, and a soild “no nonsense” feel.
Convenient 1U half-width case with “Stealth” styling. The Stealth DC-1 has a
convenient half-rack width form factor, which allows two units to be placed side by side
on a standard rack shelf, and makes it easy to install the DC-1 in a small audio rack
or next to (or on top of) a computer. The DC-1’s “stealth” styling is right at home in a
studio or high-end home audiophile sound system.
High quality construction. Inside, the DC-1 uses four layer FR4 circuit boards,
precision lm resistors, and other top quality parts to ensure years of trouble-free
operation.
You can nd more information about the Stealth DC-1 on our website at
www.emotivapro.com.
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