exaSound e22 Owner's Manual

e22 Digital to Analogue Converter

DSD 256 Fs / 12.288 MHz
DXD 32bit / 352.8 kHz
PCM 32 bit / 384 kHz

Owner’s Manual (Windows)

PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATION

REV. 1.0.0b – 03/2014

Table of Contents

Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... 2

Safety Information ....................................................................................................... 4

Explanation of Graphical Symbols ............................................................................................................ 4

Important Safety Instructions ................................................................................................................... 4

Precautions ............................................................................................................................................... 4

Welcome .......................................................................................................................... 7

Quick Start ...................................................................................................................... 8

Package Contents ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Proper Device Placement .......................................................................................................................... 8

Front Panel Controls ................................................................................................................................. 8

Rear Panel Connectors .............................................................................................................................. 9

Infrared Remote Control ........................................................................................................................... 9

Features ......................................................................................................................... 10

Windows ASIO Driver Advantages ...................................................................................................... 10

Automatic Sampling Rate Switching ................................................................................................... 10

Automatic PCM / DSD Switching ......................................................................................................... 10

Bit-perfect operation independent from the Windows volume control and mixer ........................... 10

Asynchronous USB mode eliminates jitter caused by the PC or the USB interface ........................... 10

Connecting and Powering the e22 DAC............................................................... 11

Connecting the Digital Inputs ................................................................................................................. 11

Connecting the Line Outputs .................................................................................................................. 11

Trigger Output ......................................................................................................................................... 11

Direct Connection to Analogue Power Amplifier .................................................................................... 11

Analogue Interconnect Recommendations ............................................................................................ 12

Connecting the Power Adapter............................................................................................................... 12

Surge Protectors ..................................................................................................................................... 12

Isolating the Cable TV Ground ................................................................................................................ 13

Remote Control Setup ............................................................................................... 14

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Windows Drivers Setup ............................................................................................ 15

PC System Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 15

Windows ASIO Driver Installation ........................................................................................................... 15

Configuring Audio Player with ASIO Output ........................................................................................... 17

Using the e22 DAC ...................................................................................................... 18

Computer Playback Using the Asynchronous USB Input ........................................................................ 18

Volume Control ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Playing Music From SPDIF Sources ......................................................................................................... 20

Specifications ............................................................................................................... 21

Limited One Year Warranty .................................................................................... 23

Appendix A: J River Media Center Quick Start Guide ..................................... 25

Configure J River Media Center for Bit-perfect ASIO Playback with the e22 DAC .................................. 30

Copyright © 2011-2014, exaSound Audio Design. All rights reserved.

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Safety Information

Explanation of Graphical Symbols

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the Device.

Important Safety Instructions

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9. 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 type 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.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plug, receptacle, and the

point where it exits from the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the device 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 device, the device has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.

Precautions

• Before connecting the AC power adapter cord to the device, make sure the voltage designation of

the power adapter corresponds to the local electrical supply. If you are unsure of your power
supply, contact your local power company. The acceptable power input range is AC ~ 100V-240V,
50/60Hz

• The device is still receiving power from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall

outlet, even if the device itself has been turned off.

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• Unplug the power adapter if you are not going to use the device for an extended period of time.

Hold the power adapter when unplugging. Do not pull on the cord.

• The power adapter is used as the mechanism for cutting off power, therefore make sure it is easy to

unplug.

• To ensure proper ventilation around this product, do not place this product on a sofa, bed or rug.

• High temperature will lead to abnormal operation of this device. Do not expose this device or

batteries to direct sunlight or near heating objects.

• When moving the device from a cold location to a warm one, or vice versa, moisture may condense

on components inside the device. Should this occur, the device may not operate properly. In such a
case please turn the device off for 1-2 hours to facilitate moisture evaporation.

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS DEVICE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
DANGEROUS HIGH VOLTAGES MAY BE PRESENT INSIDE THE ENCLOSURE. DO NOT OPEN THE CABINET. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ONLY. THE DEVICE SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR
SPLASHING AND THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES SHALL BE PLACED ON THE
APPARATUS.

WARNING:

CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT AUTHORIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER CAN INVALIDATE THE
COMPLIANCE TO REGULATIONS AND CAUSE THE UNIT TO BE NO MORE SUITABLE TO USE. THE
MANUFACTURER REFUSES EVERY RESPONSIBILITY REGARDING DAMAGES TO PEOPLE OR THINGS DUE TO THE
USE OF A UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS OR TO MISUSE OR TO
MALFUNCTION OF A UNIT WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful

FCC

Statement

interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Any unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment would void the user’s authority to
operate this device. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This unit is compliant with the following CE regulations when an USB cable less than 3m is used:
CEI EN 55022:2009 Class B (Radiated Emissions), CEI EN 55024:1999, CEI EN 55024:A2/2003, CEI EN
55024:IS1/2008 (Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 50Hz Magnetic Field Immunity Test and
Electrostatic Discharges – ESD).

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Trade
marks

This product, when no longer usable, when disposed off can’t be treated as generic garbage, but
must be disposed of at a collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in
compliance with the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential damages to
environment and human health, which could be caused by the incorrect treatment of this product
as generic garbage. Materials recycling helps conserve natural resources.

We use our best efforts to ensure that information in this document is complete, accurate and
current, but otherwise we make no representation concerning the same. We reserve the right to
change or modify the information any time, without prior advice. It’s up to the customer to ensure
that the manual being consulted is the latest version.

 Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is a trademark of Sony Corporation.
 Designed for Windows Media, Microsoft, HDCD, and the HDCD logo are trademarks or

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

 Apple, Mac and OS X are trademarks of Apple, Inc.
 All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

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Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the exaSound e22 DAC!

The e22, a third generation DSD 265 DAC offers the highest digital audio resolution available on the
market today. e22 has vanishingly low jitter, distortion and noise levels, and astonishingly clean analog­like sound.

We hope that the e22 DAC will help you to enjoy world-class music experience for years to come. Please
take a few minutes to read right through this manual. Investing a little time now is the best way to
ensure that you make the most of your investment.

Your satisfaction is our highest priority.

Happy listening,

exaSound Audio Design

www.exaSound.com
[e-mail]

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Volume

Up

Setup

Volume

Down

Input Select

or

Power Button

Headphones

Display

IR Remote

Sensor

Quick Start

Package Contents

The following items should be in the box:

• e22 DAC

• Power supply

• A-B USB cable

• IR Remote Control

Proper Device Placement

Place the device on a stable solid base, far from heat sources. Do not expose the device to direct
sunlight. Allow at least 2.5 cm (1'') around the device for ventilation. Do not place the device on fabrics,
inside enclosed space, or in contact with curtains. Do not place the device on top of power amplifiers or
any other equipment that emits heat. Do not expose the unit to smoke, humidity, moisture and water.

Keep the length of analogue interconnects and speaker cables short for optimal sonic performance.
Remember that cables act as filters. Shorter cables have less impact on sonic performance. The shorter
the cables, the more transparent they become.

Front Panel Controls

Headphones accepts a standard 1/4-inch stereo single-ended phone plug. Use a suitable
adapter for headphones equipped with a different plug.

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Rear Panel Connectors

SPDIF IN1

-

Coaxial SP

DIF Input

RCA

Line O

utputs

- Left / Right

Outputs

Volume

Up

Previous Input

Volume

Down

Next Input

Mute

Power

Volume

Up

Volume

Down

Mute

Power

Next Input

Previous Input

Outputs

Coaxial

SPDIF IN 1

USB

IN

Power Adapter

Connector

Optical

SPDIF IN 2

12V Trigger

Output

XLR Line

XLR Line

RCA Line

Outputs

SPDIF IN2 - Optical TOSLINK Input
DC 12V / 2A - Power Adapter Connector

5.5mm O.D. by 2.5mm I.D.
USB - Classic USB connector

Analogue Outputs
XLR Line Outputs - Balanced
Left / Right Analogue Outputs
12V Trigger Output - use to activate trigger­enabled equipment

Infrared Remote Control

Your unit is programmed to work with the supplied remote control.

The e22 DAC can be re-programmed to work with most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR
protocols, for example the Sony RM-EZ4 Universal Remote, or the Apple Remote Control.

See the Remote Control Setup section for instructions on how to change button assignments and how
to pair a different remote control with your e22 DAC.

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Features

The e22 DAC is based on the ES9018 Sabre

32

reference DAC chip. It delivers 32-bit precision capable of

resolving the smallest signal details. The chip features patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ architecture and
Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. ES9018 delivers the industry’s highest performance levels that will
satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts.

Windows ASIO Driver Advantages

Using ASIO brings unique advantages that are hard to achieve and reliably verify with other Windows
driver technologies.

Automatic Sampling Rate Switching

PCM data is always streamed without re-sampling. Native Windows drivers often require manual
sampling rate selection and may apply implicit re-sampling when the source rate differs from the rate
set in the Windows Control Panel.

Automatic PCM / DSD Switching

Audio data is always streamed in its native format. e22 switches automatically between PCM and DSD
modes. DSD streams are processed in their native format without conversion to PCM.

Bit-perfect operation independent from the Windows volume control and mixer

The Windows volume control and mixer are optimized to provide wide compatibility and easiness of
use. These features come at the expense of sound quality. The resulting output is not bit-perfect or bit­transparent. Third party proprietary Windows drivers are hard to be verified as bit-perfect because
factors beyond the control of the user can change the Windows sound processing chain.

Our proprietary ASIO implementation is completely independent from the Windows sound system and
always operates in Exclusive Mode. Only one player can take control of the ASIO driver. When playback
starts the player sets the driver sampling rate to be the same as the native rate of the current media file.
The sound data stream is delivered to the e22 FIFO memory buffer without any processing or
manipulation.

Asynchronous USB mode eliminates jitter caused by the PC or the USB interface

Asynchronous USB is a two-way communication method between a computer and an external USB
device. In this method, the USB device is running as a master, and the computer is acting as a slave that
delivers data only when requested by the master.

In the case of the e22 DAC, sound data is requested by the FPGA core and stored in the device FIFO
memory buffer. The FPGA core makes sure that the buffer never gets empty during playback. Data from
the buffer is streamed to the DAC chip. The precision of the timing of the output stream is determined
only by the DAC oscillators and it is not degraded in any way by the PC clocks or by delays caused by the
USB interface.

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