Parasound Zdac v.2 Owner's Manual

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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of this precision audio component and thank you for selecting
Parasound. We are proud to offer you this versatile audio component, knowing that it will bring you
many years of enjoyment and dependable operation. Please take a few moments to read the following
instructions so you can enjoy the benefits of your new Zdac v.2’s advanced performance capabilities.

You can find details of the Zdac v.2’s specifications and advanced technology at www.parasound.com.

Enjoy.

The Parasound Staff

www.parasound.com

Keep your Purchase Receipt/Bill of Sale and Keep the Carton for Future
Reference

Record the 5 digit serial number located on the bottom side of your Zdac v.2 in the space below. Also
note your Parasound dealer’s name and telephone number. Your purchase receipt/bill of sale is
required to determine if your Zdac v.2 is eligible for Parasound warranty service. We recommend that
you make an extra copy of your original purchase receipt/bill of sale and store it inside the Zdac v.2’s
carton. If the Zdac v.2 should require warranty repair you will need its original carton and foam packing
inserts to ship it. Please do not throw away the carton or foam packing inserts.

Parasound Zdac v.2 Serial # ______________________________

Parasound Dealer: ___________________________________

Parasound Dealer Phone Number: _______________________

Date of Purchase: ____________________________________

Important Warranty information

There is no Parasound warranty for this unit if it was not purchased from an Authorized
Parasound Dealer. Investigate warranty coverage statements made by unauthorized dealers very

carefully, as Parasound will not provide service under our warranty and you will need to depend
entirely upon the unauthorized dealer for warranty service. A list of Authorized Parasound Dealers and
detailed warranty information is available at www.parasound.com or you can call Parasound at (415)
397-7100 between 8:30 am and 4 pm Pacific time.

A missing or altered serial number could indicate that this unit was re-sold by an unauthorized
dealer or is stolen merchandise. If this unit is missing its serial number or the serial number has
been altered, you should return it to your dealer immediately for a full refund.

2

Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................. 2

Placement and Ventilation Guidelines ............................. 4

115V / 230V AC Mains Voltage ................................... 5

Connecting Your Zdac v.2 ....................................... 6

®

Use with Apple

Lightning Connector .............................. 6

Use without a Preamplifier

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

12 Volt Trigger Inputs and Outputs ................................ 8

Front Panel Operation .......................................... 9

Headphone Listening .......................................... 9

USB Computer Setup ......................................... 10

Use with a Blu-ray/DVD Player or Set Top Box

...................... 10

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting ................... 11

If You Require Assistance or Warranty Repair ...................... 12

Specifications ............................................... 13

3

Unpacking your Zdac v.2 & Placement
Guidelines

Unpacking Your Zdac v.2

Carefully remove your Zdac v.2 from its shipping carton and locate its AC power cord, USB cable and
12 Volt trigger wire. While you are unpacking your Zdac v.2, inspect it thoroughly for possible shipping
damage and tell your Parasound dealer immediately if you find any. If possible, save and store both the
inner and outer cartons and–most especially–the foam packing inserts, to protect the Zdac v.2 if you
have to move it or ship it. This would be a good time to make a copy of your sales receipt to store with
the Zdac v.2’s original packing.

Do not throw away the Zdac v.2 carton or foam packing inserts!

Placement Guidelines

Install your Zdac v.2 away from heat sources such as heating ducts, radiators, or other
heat-producing components. Observe the following ventilation guidelines when installing the Zdac v.2 in
an equipment rack or any other enclosed space:

You should never install the Zdac v.2 in an unventilated equipment cabinet or compartment because hot
air will not exhaust adequately to prevent overheating. Air won’t often circulate adequately in a cabinet
or enclosure whose front and back sides are open; pockets of intense heat can still develop around any
heat-producing equipment. Allow a few inches of empty space on each side and above the unit and try
to avoid crowding or stacking the Zdac v.2 tightly between other components. A ventilation fan is also
recommended where other heat-producing equipment must be mounted close to the Zdac v.2.

If you’re installing the Zdac v.2 yourself, use input and output cables that are long enough to
leave at least two feet of slack; that will enable you to pull the Zdac v.2 out of a cabinet to check
or to change connections without inadvertently disconnecting cables. If you’re putting the
Zdac v.2 inside a cabinet, it needs a space that’s at least 11 inches wide so you’ll be able to
turn it around for access to its rear panel connections.

4

AC Voltage Selection

Check the 115V/230V Voltage switch before plugging in the Zdac v.2’s AC power cord!

Make sure the 115V/230V Voltage Selector switch on the Zdac v.2’s bottom side is set for the
correct AC line (mains) voltage before you plug in the Zdac v.2’s power cord. The unit can be
seriously damaged if this switch is set incorrectly for your AC mains voltage.

In the 115V position the Zdac v.2 can safely operate with AC Line voltages between 110V-120V which
is correct for North America, including Mexico, and also in Taiwan. In some countries, such as Brazil,
AC voltages are different by region. Most other countries require setting it to 230V. With the 230V
setting the Zdac v.2 can operate safely with AC line voltages between 220V-240V.
If you are not certain of your local AC voltage call your dealer. The following website will also be helpful:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country#Voltage_ranges

Note: A Zdac v.2 that has been damaged by connection to the incorrect AC voltage is not
covered by the Parasound warranty.

(Zdac v.2 Bottom)

5

Connecting your Zdac v.2

Always disconnect the AC cords to your Zdac v.2 and preamplifier or amplifier before plugging
in or unplugging its audio output jacks. Inserting or removing an output cable while the preamp or

power amp are turned on can result in a blast of sound that can damage your loudspeakers. Make
sure there is no strain or tension on any cables that could cause them to pull loose.

Audio Input Connections

Opt (Optical)

The optical input is a Toslink receiver. It is compatible with any Toslink-equipped digital source
component. The Zdac v.2 optical input accepts these standard sampling rates: 8 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 16
kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz. It accepts 16 bit and 24 bit
word lengths.

Note: 176.4
cable. It has limited flexibility and it cannot be bent at a sharp angle without impairing its ability to
transfer the digital signal from your source to the Zdac v.2.

Coax (Coaxial)

The Coax input connector is an RCA jack, also called S/PDIF. It is compatible with any S/PDIF coaxial
digital output. The coaxial input accepts these standard sampling rates: 8 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 16 kHz, 32
kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176 kHz & 192 kHz. It accepts16 bit and 24 bit word lengths.

Note: Please use a 75 ohm digital interconnect cable. Standard audio and video interconnect
cables do not have the correct 75 ohms impedance and impedance mismatches compromise digital
transmission by causing high amounts of jitter. While the Zdac v.2 is virtually immune to jitter, we
recommend that you do not introduce compromises into the digital signal chain.

USB – PC, Mac or Linux

The USB connector is a USB type B. The USB accepts sampling rates of 44.1 kHz, 48kHz, 88.2 kHz
and 96
which allows use of 9’ (3 m) cables without any performance penalty. See page 10 for more details.

USB – Apple® Lightning Connector

The Apple® “Lightning to USB Camera Adapter” allows a direct digital audio connection between your
Zdac v.2 and Lighting equipped Apple
Adapter” can be purchased separately through your Apple

To use, simply plug the “Lightning to USB Camera Adapter” into your Apple
standard USB cable included with your Zdac v.2 to connect the adapter to the USB input of your Zdac
v.2. Select the USB input on the Zdac v.2 and start playing music on your Apple

kHz. It accepts 16 bit and 24 bit word lengths. The Zdac v.2 uses the USB 1.1 Audio standard

kHz and 192 kHz require a very short optical cable. Be careful when handling the optical

®

product (phone, tablet, iPod®). The “Lightning to USB Camera

®

store.

®

product and then use the

®

device.

6

Audio Output Connections

CAUTION! When Connecting Direct to a Power Amplifier

Before you connect the Zdac v.2 directly to a power amplifier make certain the Volume
Control Lockout switch is set to Variable. When it set to Fixed the output jacks are at
full volume and this could damage a loudspeaker and, at the very least will startle you.

Balanced (XLR) Out

The balanced output uses two XLR jacks. Connect these to the balanced XLR inputs on your
preamplifier or directly to a power amp if you prefer to use the volume control built into the Zdac v.2.
The XLR connectors in the Zdac v.2 follow audio industry convention: Pin 2 is +, Pin 3 is -, Pin 1 is
ground.

Unbalanced (RCA) Out

The RCA jacks connect to any line level input jacks on your preamplifier or directly to a power amp if
you prefer to use the volume control built into the Zdac v.2.

Note: The Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs are “live” simultaneously and you can connect them to
different preamps or controllers. For example, you can connect the XLR out jacks to the XLR
balanced inputs on your music system’s stereo preamplifier. Then you can connect the RCA jacks to
the input jacks on a multi-room audio system to enjoy music in other rooms of your house.

Volume Control Lock Out Switch

The Volume Control Lock Out Switch is located on the rear panel next to the RCA outputs. This switch
affects both the RCA and Balanced (XLR) outputs. There are two positions for this switch:

Fixed: When set to Fixed the front panel Main Volume control will be disabled so that the output

level will be “fixed” at maximum. This setting should be used if you are using a separate
preamp, integrated amp or receiver to control the volume level of your stereo system. The
Fixed setting can also be used if your source components have their own volume controls.

Variable: When set to Variable the front panel Main Volume control is engaged. The RCA and

Balanced (XLR) output level will be determined by the position of the Zdac v.2’s Main
Volume control knob. This setting should be used if your Zdac v.2 will be connected directly
to your power amplifier.

Using The Zdac v.2 without a Preamplifier

The Zdac v.2 can be connected directly to a power amplifier without using a separate preamplifier for
volume control. If you want to use the Zdac v.2 this way you must first ensure that the Volume Control
Lock Out Switch is set to Variable. Also make sure to turn down the Main Volume control before turning
on your equipment. Failure to ensure these steps could result in a blast of sound that could

damage your speakers or hearing!

Once you have turned down the Main Volume control and set the Lock Out Switch to Variable, connect
either the RCA or Balanced (XLR) outputs to your power amplifier. The Zdac v.2’s Main Volume control
will now control the playback level of your stereo system.

Since the Zdac v.2’s volume control operates purely in the Analog domain its audio performance is
superior to a digital volume control which can reduce audio resolution. When using the USB input,
setting your computer’s volume control to 100% will result in the highest sound quality. Some COAX
and OPT digital sources such as the Sonos
results you should set the digital volume control of your source component to “fixed” or set the volume
to maximum.

®

Connect® also have a digital volume control. For the best

7

12 Volt Triggers

12 Volt Trigger Input

You can turn your Zdac v.2 on and off automatically if your preamp (or integrated amp/receiver) is
equipped with a 12 volt trigger output. Simply connect the included 12 volt trigger wire between your
other audio equipment 12 volt output and the 12V input jack of the Zdac v.2. When 12 volts is supplied
to this jack the Zdac v.2 will turn on and when 12 volts is removed it will turn off.

12 Volt Trigger Output

If your Zdac v.2 is connected directly to your power amp you may find it convenient for your amp to turn
on automatically with the Zdac v.2. If your power amp is equipped with a 12 volt trigger input, connect
the included trigger cable between the Zdac v.2’s 12 volt output and the amplifier’s 12 volt trigger input.
When the Zdac v.2 is powered on, 12 volts will be present at the 12 volt output jack and your amp will
turn on automatically.

AC Power Cord

Verify that the Zdac v.2 AC Voltage Selector switch is set for your AC mains voltage.

Connect your digital sources and analog preamplifier before you plug in the AC cord.
The power cord supplied with your Zdac v.2 is a high quality IEC type AC cord. If possible, plug your
Zdac v.2 into the same AC wall outlet, power strip or line conditioner as your digital source components,
analog preamplifier and power amplifier. If the AC ground potential varies between your AC outlets the
result can be an audible 60Hz (or 50Hz) hum.

8

Front Panel Operation

Power Button

Pushing the Power button will turn on the Zdac v.2. The power button illumination will change from red
to green. The most recently selected digital input will also illuminate green. Pushing the Power button
again turns off the Zdac v.2 and the button illumination will change to red to indicate the unit is in
standby.

Input Button

Press the Input button to cycle between OPT, COAX and USB inputs.

Input Indicators

The selected input will illuminate green. Available inputs are OPT, COAX and USB.

Main Volume Knob

The Main Volume knob controls a high quality analog potentiometer. It adjusts the output level of the
RCA and Balanced (XLR) outputs when the rear panel Volume Control Lockout switch is set to Variable.
If your Zdac v.2 is connected directly to your power amp you will use the Main Volume knob to control
the playback level of your stereo system. If the Volume Control Lockout switch is set to Fixed this knob
will be disabled and the volume will be set to maximum.

Listening with Headphones

The Zdac v.2 is equipped with a dedicated high quality current-feedback headphone amplifier based on
the top grade Texas Instruments TPA6120. This superior design allows for an extremely high slew rate
preventing odd order distortions which are responsible for listening fatigue. The virtually instantaneous
response to musical dynamics doesn’t raise the noise floor or degrade the s/n ratio like typical
headphone amps. The headphone amp circuit was also designed with a low 10 ohms output
impedance and high gain to drive headphones rated up to 600 ohms. We are confident you will be
thrilled with what you hear when the Zdac v.2 is mated with any of your preferred cans.

Headphone

The Zdac v.2 accepts both 1/8” (3.5 mm) and 1/4” (6.3mm) stereo plugs. Both headphone jacks can be
used at the same time. A very low 10 ohms output impedance and high gain allows the Zdac v.2 to
drive headphones with impedances up to 600 ohms.

Note: The Zdac v.2’s Analog XLR and RCA output jacks will be automatically muted whenever you
insert a headphone plug into either of the Zdac v.2’s headphone jacks.

Headphone Volume Knob

The headphone volume knob controls a high quality analog potentiometer. It adjusts only the output
level of the headphone jacks and it has no effect on the Analog XLR or RCA jacks’ output level.

Note: Headphones can create dangerously high sound pressures levels without the audible
distortion you would hear from loudspeakers at comparable volume levels. To protect your

hearing please do not listen at high volumes for an extended time.

Jacks

9

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10

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there no sound from my speakers?

- Check that input and output cables are plugged in all the way at both ends.

- Are your preamplifier and power amplifier turned on? Is the correct input selected on the preamplifier?

- Make sure you have selected the correct input on your Zdac v.2.

- Are your headphones plugged in to the Zdac v.2?

- If you are trying to listen to a DVD or Blu-ray, ensure that you have set the DVD/Blu-ray player to
output only Stereo PCM Audio (2.0). The Zdac v.2 will not decode Dolby Digital
channel PCM.

- If you are trying to listen to a connection from an HDTV (or cable/Satellite TV), ensure that you have
set the TV to output only Stereo PCM Audio (2.0). The Zdac v.2 will not decode Dolby Digital

®

DTS

.

Why is there no sound from my headphones?

- Check that input cables are plugged in all the way at both ends.

- Make sure you have selected the correct input.

- Is the headphone volume knob turned down?

®

, DTS® or multi-

®

or

I have a USB problem

- Check if the Zdac v.2 is recognized as a USB device in your computer’s control panel.

If not, remove the USB cable from the computer and re-insert it. Your computer should indicate that it
has found and identified the Zdac v.2. If it doesn’t, then try rebooting it with the Zdac v.2 connected.

- Unplug the Zdac v.2 power cord for about 10 seconds and turn it on again.

- Is your computer operating correctly? Is the music playing or paused? Is the volume turned up on

your computer on both the task bar and in the application?

I can hear a hum or buzzing noise from my speakers and headphones

- Cable TV is the most common source of hum. If you have a cable TV box connected to your audio
system temporarily remove the incoming cable line from the Cable TV box. If the hum goes away the
problem is the cable TV ground. You will need a Cable TV ground isolator which is an inexpensive
device that attaches between your incoming TV cable and the Cable TV box.

- Light Dimmers can cause noise in your audio. Try turning lights that are controlled by dimmers all the
way off. If the hum goes away the problem is the effect the dimmers have on your AC power. A line
conditioner might help.

- Ground Loops are a common cause of hum and buzzing noise. Finding a ground loop is a process of
elimination. Unplug your source components one at a time. When the hum goes away you’ve
identified the source of the ground loop. You might be able to stop the hum by attaching a wire from
the chassis of the offending component to the chassis or ground screw of your preamplifier.

11

Maintaining Your Zdac v.2

Your Zdac v.2 requires no periodic maintenance and has no user serviceable parts inside.
To avoid risk of electric shock do not remove the top cover. To keep it clean use only a soft cloth
moistened with a few drops of clear water or window cleaner. Never use any solvents or abrasives.

Are You Having Difficulty?

Warranty Repair

Call your Parasound dealer first. If the dealer can’t help you with your problem we encourage
you to call Parasound’s Technical Service Department at 415-397-7100, Monday - Friday, 8am

- 4pm Pacific time. We can suggest other diagnostic tests you can easily perform.

If we determine that your Zdac v.2 should be returned to Parasound or an Authorized
Parasound Warranty Center for inspection and possible servicing, we will provide the location of
a warranty center near you or shipping instructions for the unit’s return to Parasound.
Read your accompanying Parasound Limited Warranty carefully to understand the applicable
rights and limitations. This section provides instructions for obtaining repairs, both for units covered
under the Parasound Limited Warranty and for units or situations which are outside the Warranty.

Unit is not eligible for repair under the terms of the Parasound warranty if:

1. Unit was not purchased from a Parasound Authorized Dealer.

2. You do not have the original bill of sale or sales receipt from a Parasound Authorized Dealer.

3. You are not the original owner. The Parasound warranty is not transferable.

4. Unit’s serial number was removed, modified, or defaced.

5. Unit shows evidence of abuse and/or misuse.

6. Unit was modified in any way.

7. A prior repair was attempted by an unauthorized repair station.

Before You Return Any Unit to Parasound for Service

Before you send your unit to Parasound, you will need to obtain a specific Return Authorization
(RA) number and shipping instructions from Parasound’s Technical Department. The RA
number must be clearly marked on the outer carton. Use the original factory packing materials
and arrange adequate insurance to cover its value. You must include a copy of your purchase
receipt, since this document establishes the validity of this unit’s warranty. Warranty repairs are
only performed by Parasound or Parasound Authorized warranty centers when your purchase
receipt is from a Parasound Authorized Dealer or Parasound Authorized Reseller.

Do not ship to Parasound by the USPS- we will not accept delivery. We will also refuse delivery
of units whose cartons show evidence of damage caused by inadequate packing.

12

Specifications and Details

Supports Incoming Digital Word Lengths:

Supports Incoming Digital Sampling Frequencies:

Opt & Coax: 8 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 16 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz

USB: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz

Upsampling Frequency: 422 kHz / 24 bit (all inputs)

USB Streaming Controller:

Texas Instruments TAS1020B

Sample Rate Converter: Analog Devices AD1895

D to A Converter: Analog Devices AD1853

Headphone Amplifier: Texas Instruments TPA6120

Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±0.2 dB

Channel Balance: < 0.05 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Channel Separation: > 95 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Signal to Noise Ratio: 110 dB, A-weighted

THD + Noise: < 0.015 %

Audio Output Level, RMS (maximum):

Unbalanced Variable: 2.4 V

Balanced Variable: 4.8

V

Unbalanced Fixed: 2.2 V
Balanced Fixed: 4.4

V

Output Impedance:

Line out: 160 ohms, unbalanced or balanced
Headphone out: 10 ohms

AC Power Requirement:

110-130 VAC 60 Hz or
220-240 VAC 50 Hz (voltage is selected on the chassis bottom)

Operating: 10 watts
Standby:

< 1 watt

Dimensions:

Width: 8.5” (220 mm)
Depth: 10” (254
Height: 2” (51

mm)

mm) with feet, 1.75” (45 mm) without feet

Weight:

Net: 5 lbs (2.3kg)
Shipping: 8 lbs (3.7kg)

Specifications and features subject to change or improvement without notice. Rev 1.0, Copyright 2014

16 or 24 bit

13

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