Parasound DAC1600 User Manual

O W N E R ' S M A N U A L

D/AC-1600HD Digital to Analog Converter

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for your selection of
Parasound. The D/AC-1600 HD is designed to deliver incomparable musical detail from any digital
source. You will enjoy the warmth and depth that are usually associated only with the finest analog
sources.

In addition to its high-quality components, triple power supplies, high current analog drive stages, your
D/AC-1600HD incorporates the High Definition Compatible Digital〉 PMD-100 HDCD〉 process de­coder developed by Pacific Microsonics. This state-of-the-art decoder performs precise decoding of
HDCD encoded recordings and also functions as a superb digital filter that will enhance the sonic
quality of non-HDCD encoded recordings.

Please take a few moments to read these instructions so you may fully understand how to maximize the
performance capabilities of your D/AC-1600 HD.

PowerPower

Sampling FrequencySampling Frequency

32kHz32kHz

HDHD

igital/A

0 D

-160

C

/A

D/AC-1600 Digital/Analog Converter

D

HDCDHDCD

48kHz48kHz

44.1kHz44.1kHz

nalog C

on

verter

PolarityPolarity

InvertInvert

De-EmphasisDe-Emphasis

ToslinkToslink

AES/EBUAES/EBU

STST

CoaxialCoaxial

Unpacking and Placement

Open the carton of your D/AC-1600 HD carefully and inspect the unit for possible shipping damage.
Report any damage to your dealer immediately. You will find the detachable AC line cord packed
separately inside the carton.

Save the plastic bag, inserts, and carton. You may need these later for transporting the D/AC-1600 HD
or for shipment in the event it ever requires factory service. Record the serial number (on rear panel)
here for reference: ____________________

Locate your D/AC-1600 HD as close as possible to your digital source. Keep it out of direct sunlight,
and away from heat sources such as a hot air register or radiator.

If you are stacking your components, avoid placing your D/AC-1600 HD on top of heat producing
components, such as power amplifiers or tube-type preamplifiers. Keep it as far away as possible from
your tuner or receiver to avoid RF interference.

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Connecting Your D/AC-1600 HD

When you make connections, be careful to avoid tension on digital and audio interconnects which might
cause damage to the connectors or cause them to pull loose. Do not attempt to bend either coaxial or
optical digital cables at an angle; this could permanently damage them. Be sure to turn off the power of
your preamplifier and power amplifier while making connections. As an additional safeguard, turn your
preamplifier’s volume control to minimum.

Digital Inputs

Your D/AC-1600 HD has four digital inputs: 75 Ω Coaxial, TOSlink, AES/EBU, and ST Optical. It is
possible to connect four separate digital sources to your D/AC-1600 HD and select among them from
the front panel. However, radiation from the unused digital inputs may “contaminate” the sound of the
selected input source. If you have more than one digital source connected, make sure you turn off the
power of the unused source(s) until you are ready to listen to it.

Coaxial: RCA jack - 75 Ω standard

75 Ω Coaxial output connections are provided on many high quality CD players. You should use only
good quality cables which have been designed for digital data transmission. Cables designed for audio
frequencies are not suitable and will not give you satisfactory results.

Optical: TOSlink Fiber Optic

TOSlink fiber optic connections are also popular and are found on most high-quality video laser disc
players as well as older CD players and CD transports. Your dealer can assist you to select an
appropriate optical cable with TOSlink connectors.

Optical: ST Fiber Optic

ST module glass fiber optics are considered state-of-the-art in fiber optic transmission. They are
superior to TOSlink connectors for data transmission. The ST module employs the AT&T standard;
both plastic and glass fiber optic connectors are available for ST modules connectors.

AES/EBU: Balanced XLR Connection

AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union) balanced connections have become
the standard digital connection for professional digital audio equipment. Balanced AES/EBU XLR
connectors are also becoming increasingly popular with high-end consumer equipment. AES/EBU
connections are thought to be superior to coaxial, TOSlink, and even ST connections because of their
inherent noise rejection capability. When you use the AES/EBU connection, be sure to use one
designed for digital transmission. Cables designed for audio frequencies are not suitable and will not
give you satisfactory results.

Analog Output Connections

Analog output jacks connect to any line level input on your preamplifier or even directly to your power
amplifier provided it is equipped with level controls. Use only high-quality interconnects to preserve
detail and clarity. Make sure your preamplifier is either turned off or its volume is set to minimum
whenever making connections. There are two analog output connections: Unbalanced RCA jacks for
unbalanced line output and balanced XLR connectors for balanced line output Pin 1: Ground, Pin 2: +
signal, Pin 3: — signal

Digital Output Connection

The digital output jack passes your digital source’s data stream directly to a digital recorder like a Mini
Disc, DAT, DCC or CD-R. Use only digital quality cable for this RCA connection.

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