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The Premier DAC
User Guide
Check our website for the most recent user
guides, rmware, and drivers:
www.msbtechnology.com
Technical support email is:
techsupport@msbtech.com
05.21.18
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Technical specications
Supported Formats
(Input dependent)
Digital Inputs 3x Advanced isolated input module slots
XLR Analog Output 3.57Vrms Maximum
Volume Control 1dB steps (Range 0 - 106).
Display Custom discrete LED audio clock synchronous display
Controls Isolated RS-232
Chassis Dimensions Width: 17 in (432 mm)
Shipping Dimensions Width: 22 in (558.8 mm)
Included Accessories User Manual
44.1kHz to 3,072kHz PCM up to 32 bits
1xDSD, 2xDSD, 4xDSD, 8xDSD
Supports DSD via DoP on all inputs
150Ω Balanced
Galvanically isolated
Volume Control can be disabled in the menu.
Adjustable brightness and auto-o feature
IR Remote
Knob + 3 Buttons
Depth: 12 in (305 mm)
Height without feet: 2 in (51 mm)
Stack height: 2.65 in (68 mm)
Weight: 18 lbs (8.2 kg)
Depth: 18 in (457.2 mm)
Height: 7 in (177.8 mm)
Weight: 27 lbs (12.3 kg)
MSB Remote
Micro USB charging cable
4x Spiked Feet
4x Plastic inserts for feet
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Setup and Quick Start
The interface is quite simple with few user controls. Input source defaults to auto switching. The display
will let you know if you have an active input. On power up, the volume is reset to the programmed
startup level. Shipping default is 70. Turn the volume knob up until you hear music.
Power The DAC comes with a high performance Power Supply. The power supply can be switched
between 240V and 120V. This is not a switching supply that works at any voltage. The
power supply is switched on and o with a button on the back. The LED in the back of the
power supply indicates green when ON. Always allow three to ve hours for the DAC to
warm up and reach optimal operating temperature.
Inputs The DAC comes with the digital input modules of your choice. Connect any digital input
to any active digital audio source. The frequency and bit depth of the incoming signal will
be displayed on the front panel.
Outputs Connect the balanced or single-ended analog outputs to any amplier. The output level
is controlled with the knob or remote.
When stacking the units, you will nd enclosed black plastic square inserts. These inserts t into the
square holes in the top of each chassis. This will allow you to stack the units without scratching the
chassis.
Burn-In
The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of burn-in on this DAC. Customers
generally report improvement up to one month.
Front Panel User Interface
Menu Button The square button is single purpose. It will enter the setup mode at the top
of the menu tree. If in the setup, and it doesn’t matter where, this button
will exit the setup and return to the normal operational mode.
Input Selection The right and left arrows switch inputs. The ‘Auto’ mode will be in the
list of inputs. The right and left arrows switch inputs. If ‘Auto’ is selected,
the unit will automatically switch inputs based on priority (Input slot B is
higher than Input slot A) with the analog input being lowest priority. When
a source with a higher priority becomes active, the unit will automatically
switch to the new higher priority input. Toggling through the inputs
manually will defeat any auto switching. When in the setup menu the
arrows move right and left through the menu structure.
Volume Knob This knob adjusts the volume between 0 and 106.
Display The display shows the Input, sample rate, bit depth, and volume.
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About the 3 input module slots
The DAC has three input module slots. They are labeled A through C. Input modules can be placed in
any position. Each module is completely self contained. It is recognized by the DAC and identied on
the display. When the module is not in use it is disabled.
Digital Input Modules
ProI2S
XLR S/PDIF A single XLR digital input with a word sync output.
Optical/Coaxial S/PDIF A Toslink and Coaxial digital input with a word sync output.
MQA USB A single USB interface for playback via a computer based device. This
Renderer A renderer interface for use on a home network or server. (See
Pro ISL MSB proprietary interface for use with MSB transports. This module
MSB proprietary interface for use with MSB transports. This module
provides two inputs.
module provides support for MQA decoding. (See USB manual for
operation and setup details)
Renderer manual for operation and setup details)
provides one input.
Output Modules
Balanced output Oers one set of balanced analog outputs. Provides volume control.
Single-Ended output Oers one set of single-ended analog outputs. Provides volume
Clock Modules
Premier Clock This clock comes standard in every Premier DAC
Femto 93 This is an upgradeable clock option that oers audio jitter as low as
(Premier DAC shown above in standard conguration with Premier Powerbase upgrade)
control
93 femtoseconds
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Removing and Installing Modules
Removal and installation of modules is a completely tool free process that is easily performed at the
back of the unit. Under the lower lip of each module is a lever arm. Simply pull the lever out and away
until it is perpendicular with the back of the unit. Then gently, but rmly, pull the module lip and lever
until the module releases and slide it out of the unit.
Loading new rmware
Always be certain that you are updated with the current rmware by checking our website. The DACs’
rmware is always updated using a .WAV le. If you experience issues with playback of the update le,
be sure to check for bit-perfect playback in your system.
All rmware updates can be found at:
www.msbtechnology.com/Support
Bit-Perfect Source Testing
The following les can be downloaded from the MSB website to verify bit-perfect playback on any
transport:
16 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate le (CD standard). 24 bit x 44.1 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 48 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 48 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 88.2 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 96 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 96 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 176.4 kHz sample rate le.
16 bit x 192 kHz sample rate le. 24 bit x 192 kHz sample rate le.
They are .WAV test les that when played, will be identied by the DAC and checked, and will be
reported on the display if they are bit-perfect. If there is a problem with the test, it will play but the
display will not indicate any change. Be sure upsampling is turned o in any transport as this prevents
a le from remaining bit-perfect. This system will allow you to easily test your source, especially
computer sources, to see if all your settings are correct. There are les at all sample rates for both 16
bit and 24 bit operation.
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The MSB Remote
1 Indicator LED While in use:
White - Command Sent
Red and White - Command Sent
and Low Battery
Red Flashing - Needs Charging
While charging:
Red - Charging
White - Fully Charged
1 Power Powerbase on and o. When the
powerbase is linked to an amplier
or MSB product, this button will
turn o the entire system
(See powerbase manual for details)
3 Input Toggles directly through DAC
inputs
4 Action 1 Toggles phase invert
5 Action 2 Toggles video mode
6 DAC Menu Enter DAC menu
While in menu:
Up - Volume Up
Down - Volume Down
Enter - Mute
Return - DAC Menu
7 Volume The center scroll wheel controls
DAC volume
8 Mute DAC mute
9 Track Backward Skip/scan backward
(MSB Tranport Only)
10 Play/Pause Play and pause
(MSB Tranport Only)
11 Track Forward Skip/scan forward
(MSB Tranport Only)
12 Eject Eject media disc
(MSB Tranport Only)
13 Stop Stop media
(MSB Tranport Only)
14 Track Repeat Track or album repeat
(MSB Tranport Only)
15 Charging Port Micro-USB to charge the remote
battery
1
2
4
7
9
12
3
5
6
8
11
10
14
13
15
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Setup Menu Options
Bright
(Display brightness)
(Display On/O)
Screen
(Display detail)
Volume
(Startup volume)
This can be adjusted from 1 - 10 (Default 8)
Disp
On (Default)
• The display is on continuously
Auto o
• The display is o but will turn on momentarily when information changes
Small
• Displays volume, Bit depth and sample rate
Big (Default)
• Displays large format volume characters only
0 - 100 (Default 70)
• The startup volume can be adjusted from 0 - 100 or disabled
Volume O - Optimized DSD
• Optimized DSD mode. The optimized mode is DSD playback using a
specially developed method by MSB. In this mode, the volume control is
disabled
Volume O - Native DSD
• Native DSD mode. The Native DSD signal is sent unprocessed direct to the
Prime DAC modules. In this mode, the volume control is disabled
Note: If you choose to use the DAC with an external preamp, we recommend
turning the volume control o. To do this, turn the knob past 100 to either
“Volume O - Native” or “Volume O - Optimized”
Output
(Output Level)
Switch
(Input switching)
Reset Yes
SN:PD###### This screen displays the DAC serial number
Code This screen displays the currently installed rmware
Low
• -6dB output level with a 75Ω output impedance. This setting is
recommended if you decide to use an external preamp
High (Default)
• Standard output level with a 150Ω output impedance
Manual
• Only allows manual switching between active and previously active inputs.
The ‘Auto’ mode is not available
Smart (Default)
• Allows manual and auto switching between active and previously active
inputs
Normal
• Allows manual and auto switching between all installed inputs
• This restores the DAC to default factory settings
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Technical Support
If you are expierencing any issues with your MSB product, please contact your nearest dealer or try
our support page at www.msbtechnology.com/support. Please be sure you have the most current
edition of your products rmware installed. If your issue persists please feel free to contact MSB
directly. Emails are usually responded to in 24 - 48 hours.
Email: techsupport@msbtech.com
MSB Return Procedure (RMA)
If a customer, dealer, or distributor has a problem with an MSB product, they should email tech
support before sending anything back to the factory. MSB will do their best to respond within 24
hours. Should it be clear that a product must be returned, tech support should be informed and all
the following relevant information should be provided:
1. Product in question.
2. Serial number.
3. Detailed fault of the problem.
3. Exact conguration when symptom is observed along with a list with the input used, source material,
system connections, and amplier.
4. Customer name.
5. Customer shipping address.
6. Customer phone number and email.
7. Special return shipping instructions.
MSB will issue an RMA number and create an invoice with all details outlined except the nal price as
the product has not yet been seen. This invoice will be emailed so all the above information can be
checked and veried by the customer.
The product should be returned with the RMA number present on the box. Work can then begin
immediately and the product can be sent back quickly.
Any repair that is dicult and cannot be completed in two weeks will be identied and the customer
will be informed when it is to be expected. Otherwise the majority of repairs should be shipped back
within two weeks if all the required information is present on the invoice.
Link to page:
http://www.msbtechnology.com/faq/msb-product-return-procedure/
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The Premier DAC Limited Warranty
Warranty includes:
• MSB warrantys the unit against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from
the date the unit was originally shipped from MSB.
• This warranty covers parts and labor only, it does not cover shipping charges or tax/duty. During
the Warranty period, there will normally be no charge for parts or labor.
• During the warranty period, MSB will repair or, at our discretion, replace a faulty product.
• Warranty repairs must be carried out by MSB or our authorized dealer. Please contact your dealer
if your unit requires service.
Warranty excludes:
• The Warranty does not cover standard wear and tear.
• The product is misused in any way.
• Any unauthorised modications or repairs were performed.
• The product is not used in accordance with the Operating Conditions stated below.
• The product is serviced or repaired by someone other than MSB or a authorized dealers.
• The product is operated without a mains earth (or ground) connection.
• The unit is returned inadequately packed.
• MSB reserves the right to apply a service charge if the product returned for warranty repair is found
to be operating correctly, or if the product is returned without a returns number (RMA) being issued.
Operating Conditions:
• Ambient temperature range: 32F to 90F, non-condensing.
• The supply voltage must remain within the A.C. voltage specied on the power base.
• Do not install the unit near heat sources such as radiators, air ducts, power ampliers or in direct
strong sunlight.
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