Mytek Digital Stereo 96 DAC (VER.5/jan 2006) - Manual (Page 6)

Output driving unbalanced destination
Stereo96 ADC is equipped with 2 XLR analog outputs. For best signal to
noise performance it is recommended the signal destination has a typical
kOhm impedance (1-20kOhm) input with standard +4dB line level
balanced signal. It might be desirable to use a superior sounding amplifier
equipped with unbalanced ins to an inferior one which has balanced
inputs. The DAC can drive unbalanced inputs as easily as balanced ones.
Pin 2 of out XLR should be feeding “signal” of the RCA, pin “1” should
be connected to “shield” and pin “3” should be disconnected. If ready
made XLR to RCA adapter is used, make sure pin 3 is disconnected inside
(typically it’s shorted to gnd). Additionally, since typical unbalanced
input is more sensitive at -10dBV, it might be necessary to lower the
output gain using internal trimpots (see “alignment”).
Typically the DAC is ran on its internal clock in Superclock (tm) mode. In
this mode Mytek DAC serves as a very stable low jitter clock source
which enables TOTAL jitter immunity which means that any jitter at the
DAC digital in is completely removed. In this mode all digital input
formats sound exactly the same with no jitter distortion due to jittery
source, jittery CD or long input cables. Because of careful design this
clock is as good or better than dedicated studio clock generators.
Additionally in Superlock(tm) mode signal of any format (any FS, 16, 20
or 24 bit) is upsampled to 192k/24 bit resulting in overall more realistic
and accurate sound. When synced to “digital input” the DAC works as a
typical CD Player DAC where jitter is attenuated but its effects can be
heard. This second mode is provided for comparison purposes- it allows
mastering engineer to assess how the program will sound when played by
consumers on their typical DACs.
Setup for typical balanced operation includes following steps:
1. Setup internal jumpers to desired mode of knob operation. Setup all
other connections. Set sync to Superlock(tm). Alternatively for testing
purposed set sync to external.
2. Select desired signal source. Solid selector led at given input means
proper input lock. If input led is flashing there is either no signal or a
problem with locking to it. The DAC will automatically sync to any
frequency btwn 32-96k (external sync) or 32-192k (Superlock(tm))
3. Play the program- you should be seeing level on the meters as well as
hearing the signal at output XLRs and headphones. Turn up the volume
knob if necessary. If levels at your power amp are inadequate for the
volume knob position- change the out alignment using trimpots.
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