Mytek Digital Stereo 192-DSD DAC User Manual

Stereo192-DSD DAC

Reference Quality

Digital - Analog Converter

User's Manual v.2.0

Firmware 1.7.2 – Feb 8th, 2013

This manual may be updated at any time.

To download the latest version, technical support, and for setup tips

please visit:

http://www.mytekdigital.com

Contact Mytek tech support at:

hifisupport@mytekdigital.com

or at:

tel. +1 (347) 384-2687

Mytek Digital

148 India St.

Brooklyn, NY 11222

USA

Contents

Introduction..................................................................................................................................................4

TEREO

192-DSD DAC S

TEREO

192-DSD DAC B

TEREO

192-DSD DAC B

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

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

Main Menu..................................................................................................................................................10

LED Menu...................................................................................................................................................11

Menu Operation..........................................................................................................................................12

NPUTS

........................................................................................................................................................12

PSAMPLING

ILTERS

YNC

OLUME CONTROL

OLUME TRIM

UNCTION BUTTONS

ISPLAY

EMOTE

IRMWARE

.................................................................................................................................................12

.......................................................................................................................................................13

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.......................................................................................................................................14

......................................................................................................................................................14

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Driver Installation and Uninstallation......................................................................................................15

USB 1.1 W

INDOWS AND

OS X - USB 2.0.....................................................................................................................................16

OS X – F W

INDOWS

IREWIRE

.......................................................................................................................................20

– USB 2.0..................................................................................................................................23

- F

IREWIRE

Firmware Update .......................................................................................................................................35

Windows and OS X....................................................................................................................................35

Internal User Adjustments........................................................................................................................36

Remote Control Setup...............................................................................................................................37

TEREO

192-DSD DAC A

TEREO

192-DSD DAC RC 5 R

Signal Flow.................................................................................................................................................39

FireWire Recording....................................................................................................................................40

INDOWS FIREWIRE RECORDING SETUP

OS X F

IREWIRE RECORDING SETUP

Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................................44

Specifications.............................................................................................................................................45

Important Safety Information....................................................................................................................46

Warning.......................................................................................................................................................47

Warranty......................................................................................................................................................48

ILVER PREAMP VERSION

LACK PREAMP VERSION

LACK MASTERING VERSION

..............................................................................................5

...............................................................................................6

..........................................................................................7

OS X......................................................................................................................15

...................................................................................................................................28

PPLE REMOTE SETUP

EMOTE SETUP

...............................................................................................37

................................................................................................37

...........................................................................................................40

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Introduction

The Mytek Stereo192-DSD Digital to Analog Converter is an ultratransparent mastering grade digital audio playback system. Designed around state of the art Sabre 32 bit conversion technology, the Stereo192-DSD DAC delivers features and sound quality beyond expectations of the most discerning listener. The DAC is capable of converting high resolution PCM audio up to 192 kHz, and DSD audio (up to 128xDSD on USB2 and FW) , through high-speed USB 2.0, FireWire, AES/EBU, SPDIF, or TOSLINK. For the ultimate “plug and play” solution, a USB 1.1 port is available for a driver free connection that can handle PCM audio up to 96 kHz sample rates. The “Preamp” version includes RCA analog inputs allowing the DAC to operate as a preamp. The “Preamp” model is available in a silver front panel with the LEDs removed for a cleaner look. These LEDs can also be disabled in the menu on the both black panel versions. The “Mastering” version of the DAC includes DSD SDIF inputs that can be used to connect professional DSD systems. They replace analog inputs found in preamp version.

Features

 32 bit ESS Sabre DAC (8 mono DACs to 2 stereo outs)  Native 192kHz PCM and DSDx128 conversion  Ultra-low jitter (10 pico second) internal clock generator  Internal hardware PCM upsampler for CD sources to

192kHz/24bit (can be disabled)

 Choice of Sharp and Slow PCM Filters; 50k/60k/70k DSD Filters  Choice of Transparent Analog or Digital stepped volume control

with Bypass for the purest signal path

 Independent control of Main Outs and Headphones  High Current, High Slew Rate ultra low distortion 500mA

audiophile headphone amp

 AES/EBU, S/PDIF, Toslink, ADAT digital inputs  FireWire400, USB2.0, USB1.1 computer interface  Analog input or DSD SDIF digital input (depending on model)  Wordclock In/Out  Apple and RC 5 remote control compatible  115/230V switchable linear power supply

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Ste re o19 2-DSD DAC Sil ve r Pr ea mp Ver sio n

(part # St192-DAC-S-P)

This version is intended for computer audiophiles who prefer a minimalist look with not too many lights. A pair of unbalanced analog inputs can be selected in addition to all available digital inputs. As with other inputs, it can be routed via the analog stepped attenuator to both main outputs and headphones. The “Silver Preamp” version has the same functionality, specs, sound quality and firmware as the “Black Preamp” version with the exception of the black front panel and the presence of LED level meters. Functionality, technical specs and sound quality are the same for all three versions with the exception of the analog vs. SDIF DSD inputs, color of panel and presence of LED level meters.

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Ste reo192 -DS D DAC Black Pre amp Ve rsi on

(part # St192-DAC-B-P)

This hardware version is intended for both computer playback and mastering professional audio recording and monitoring. A pair of unbalanced analog inputs can be selected in addition to all available digital inputs. As with the other inputs, it can be routed via the analog stepped attenuator to both main outputs and headphones. The “Black Preamp” version is the same as the “Silver Preamp” version with the exception of the black front panel and the presence of LED level meters. Other functionality, technical specs, sound quality and firmware are the same for all the versions with the exception of the analog vs. SDIF DSD inputs, color of panel and presence of LED level meters.

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Stere o192- DSD DAC Black Ma ste rin g Ver si on

(part # St192-DAC-B-M)

This version is intended for mastering engineers involved in downloadable DSD and SACD mastering/remastering and for general professional use. A pair of BNC SDIF DSD inputs allows digital transfers from existing professional DSD recording equipment and professional SACD players to the computer’s hard disk. This version is the same as the “Black Preamp” version but with digital DSD inputs instead of analog. Functionality, technical specs, sound quality and firmware are the same for all 3 versions with exception of the analog vs. SDIF DSD inputs, color of panel and presence of LED level meters. The SDIF digital inputs are not intended for general consumer use.

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Front Panel

A Multifunction Rotary Encoder. This encoder is both a knob and a

Button. Pressing the knob engages the button function of the encoder. It's primary function is to control the volume level of both the main outputs and headphones. It also functions as MENU navigation for configuring playback options. The first function of the Encoder Button is to select the main output volume control or the headphone volume control. Two dots next to the two digit volume value on the display indicate headphone fader. A single dot indicates the digital volume control option has been selected by the user. In MENU mode the Encoder Button functions as “Enter” or a forward command.

B Menu Button. Press this button to enter the main menu, or to

cancel out of it.

C FN1 (Function 1) Button. This button is user assignable (via the

main menu.) Default opens up the Input Selection Menu.

D LED Display. This is the main display. Volume is shown on the

left and the current sample rate on the right. It's also used to display the menu selections.

E LED Level Meters (Black Preamp or Black Mastering only).

These LEDs represent the signal's digital level.

F FN2 (Function 2) Button. A second user programmable switch

(also via the main menu.) Default is Mute.

G Headphone Output: High-Fidelity high-current headphone

amplifier capable of driving the most demanding heaphones.

H On/Off Switch. Powers the unit on or off.

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Rear Panel

A IEC Power socket and fuse. Standard 115/230V receptacle.

(100V for Japanese Models).

B S/PDIF Coax Input. Consumer digital input that accepts up to

192kHz sampling rate. This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

C FireWire 400 Port. 6-pin computer interface. Can be used with

FireWire 400 > FireWire 800 cable or Firewire 400>Thunderbolt. 192kHz/DSD capable.

D USB 2.0 Port. Female USB B-type port for hi-speed (480Mbps)

computer interface. 192KHz/DSD capable.

E USB 1.1 Port. Female USB B-type port for full speed (12 Mbps)

computer interface. 96kHz capable.

F Wordclock BNC Input and Output. Used for professional clock

distribution. 192KHz and DSD reference clock.

G Optical Input (Toslink). Consumer digital input that accepts up to

192kHz PCM and DSD DOP standard via optical S/PDIF. Also accepts professional ADAT signal up to 96kHz. This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

H AES/EBU Input. Professional digital input that accepts up to

192kHz. Accepts DSD DOP standard input. This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

I Unbalanced RCA Stereo Analog Input (Preamp version only).

J Unbalanced RCA Stereo Analog Output.

K Balanced XLR Stereo Analog Output.

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Main Menu

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Menu as displayed with LEDs

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Menu Operation

Menu is accessed by pressing the Menu button. Once in the Menu, turning the rotary encoder cycles through the options while pressing the encoder advances the selection. Pressing Menu button again backs the selection one level until you exit the menu. All settings are preserved when the unit is powered off.

Inp uts

USB 1.1 - Driver-less, plug-n-play computer input that is limited to 96kHz.

USB 2.0 - Hi-speed computer input that is capable of 192kHz and 64x and 128xDSD playback. Use of this input requires drivers installed on the computer. USB2.0 or the Firewire inputs provide the highest quality playback.

FireWire - Hi-speed computer input that is capable of 192kHz and 64x and 128xDSD playback. Use of this input requires drivers installed on the computer. USB2.0 or the Firewire inputs provide the highest quality playback.

S/PDIF - Coaxial S/PDIF input capable of receiving PCM data up to 192kHz and DSD DOP (64xDSD only). This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

AES/EBU - Professional digital input capable of receiving PCM data up to 192kHz and DSD DOP (64xDSD only). This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

Toslink - Optical S/PDIF input capable of receiving PCM data up to 192kHz and DSD DOP (64xDSD only). This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

ADAT - Optical ADAT input capable of receiving PCM data up to 96kHz.. Signal is present on Channel 1-2 only. This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection.

Analog - Unbalanced RCA analog input that can bypass the volume control or be routed through it. Available on the Pre version only.

SDIF - Professional DSD input capable of receiving DSD64x and DSD128x formats. This input can also be used to transmit digital data to computer via FW connection. Mastering version only.

Upsa mpl ing

The Stereo192-DSD DAC can upsample all PCM data to 32 bit 192kHz allowing analog bandwidth of 100kHz alias free. Upsampling for PCM, will automatically turn off when DSD data is encountered.

With USB1.1, PCM data is automatically upsampled.

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Filt er s

There are several filtering options for both PCM and DSD. The filters affect how upper “out-of-audio” band frequencies are rolled off.

PCM

Sharp - Brickwall cutoff at ½ sampling rate. Slow - Gentle cutoff with some aliasing.

DSD

Cutoff frequency - 50, 60 or 70 Kilohertz for two pole gentle lowpass filter to reduce high frequency noise.

Syn c

Internal Sync - Incoming data is synced to the converter's ultra-low jitter internal crystal oscillator. This choice assures the best DAC performance and is superior to any (even Atomic) clock supplied from outside because of its close proximity to DAC chipset.

Input Sync - Incoming data clock signal is reclocked by built in JET(tm) PLL circuit an used as DAC reference clock.

Word Clock - Incoming word clock signal is reclocked by built in JET(tm) PLL circuit an used as DAC reference clock.

Sync options are only available for S/PDIF, AES/EBU,Toslink, ADAT and SDIF.

Volu me Con tro l

There are several methods of volume control available:

Analog - The output level is controlled by a programmable analog fader. This also allows independent level control of the main output or headphone output.

Digital - The output level is controlled digitally with ultra precision 32bit digital attenuator. This choice does not allow for independent level control of the main and headphone outputs. Digital fader measures well, but most users prefer the sound of analog fader.

Bypass - Relay bypass of all faders for the cleanest output path possible. Only the main outputs are affected while the headphone output is still controlled by analog fader.

Volume Trim

This setting allows the choice of DAC headroom. It can be set it from

-14dB to -18dB. Default is Disabled referenced at -18dB which results in 0VU, +4dBu or 1.228 volts sinewave RMS measured between pins 2&3 of XLR outs. Trim set at -14dB will result in signal 4dB lower than if it was set to -18dB. (Additionally output can be

further reduced by 6dB by using internal gain jumpers).

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Fun cti on But to ns

Two buttons, FN1 and FN2, are user programmable switches. Each button's function is set inside the Function menu. The following options are available (*PCM Only – not DSD):

Input - Allows the user to select 3 user “Presets,” Input A, Input B, Input C; Each input can be assigned to either SPDIF, AES, Toslink/ADAT, USB1, USB2, FireWire, Analog/SDIF or none. The none allows to only switch between 2 Input presets.

Mute - Mutes the audio output.

Phase - Inverts the signals phase.

Mono - Sums left and right channel to mono.

L-R* - Subtracts one channel from the other, canceling out mono

information while leaving the stereo information.

Mid Side* - A combination of Mono (L+R) and L-R, the mid signal is the sum of L and R (mono) and the side signal is the stereo information from the L-R operation.

Dim Vol - Instantly lowers the level by 20dB.

Disp lay

Brightness – Sets the brightness the LED display.

Meters - Turns the signal level meters on or off. (Available on black

panel versions only).

Auto-Off - This will turn the whole display off after selected amount of time (secs). A dim dot will stay lit to show that the unit is operational. Engaging any controls will wake up displays.

Remote

Enable - On and Off. Allows the Stereo192-DSD DAC to be controlled by a Remote Control.

Mode - Select the remote type Apple or RC 5.

Adress Set – One time use of Apple remote ENTER button pairs the

remote with the DAC.

Firm wa re

Version - Displays the current Firmware version.

Restore - Restores the unit's parameters to the factory default.

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DAC Installation

USB 1. 1 W in dows an d OS X

1. Connect the Analog Outputs to your powered speakers/amplifier. Balanced connections (XLR) are typically for professional audio equipment while unbalanced connections (RCA) are typically for consumer audio equipment.

2. Connect the unit to your computer using USB1.1.

3. Turn on both the computer and the converter, then your speakers/amplifier.

4. DAC comes as default set to USB1.1 input. Select Mytek as the default playback device in your operating system's sound properties. The DAC should now play all sounds generated by OS or software.

USB 1.1 is a simple plug-n-play solution which requires no drivers. The benefit is that you can very quickly and easily set up the unit for computer playback. The drawback is that you are limited to 96kHz as the maximum sampling rate. Using USB 2.0 or FireWire will allow you to playback all sample rates up to 192kHz and DSD. These setups are explained in subsequent chapters.

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+ 33 hidden pages

Mytek Digital Stereo 192-DSD DAC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual