Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 DSD User Manual
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WYRED 4 SOUND DAC-v1.3
4235 Traffic Way Software ver. 1.91
Atascadero, CA 93422
PH: 805-466-9973
FAX: 805-462-8962
©2013 WYRED 4 SOUND LLC
All rights reserved
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We are proud to Introduce the DAC-2 DSD and SE. During development of the original DAC-2 we
recognized that digital streaming technology was progressing at a very fast rate. We created a modular circuit
design which would permit future upgrades as the industry progressed, and we can now deliver that promise!
The newly refined DAC-2 DSD includes upgrades to the USB interface and digital processing circuitry. These
upgrades have extended its USB support to include, driverless (Mac / Linux), 32 bit 384kHz PCM, as well as
DSD streaming.
The 9018 ESS Sabre DAC remains the heart of the DAC-2 DSD which is still widely regarded as the
number one D-A converter in the industry. In our implementation we utilize the 8ch ESS chip in quad-
differential mode meaning that there are actually 4 differential D-A conversion circuits for each channel in
parallel. This helps achieve a spectacular S/N ratio and output drive capability. The ESS DAC was firstly
selected for use in the DAC-2 for numerous reasons, one of which is the capability to process DSD signals
which we are now proud to utilize. The I²S DSD format offers a jitter free solution to transmitting digital data
from our cutting edge USB interface to the Sabre chip. Newly implemented technology and hardware now
takes full advantage of this remarkable feature. Either DSD64 or DSD128 files can be flawlessly streamed in
conjunction with standard PCM files. The upgraded interface instantly detects the native DSD data and routes
the signal to the appropriate internal processors resulting in unparalleled sonic performance. It’s time to begin
expanding your DSD music collection!
Another bonus is the galvanically isolated I²S USB interface which guarantees zero opportunity for
computer noise to interfere with the quality of the audio signal. Setup with your source via USB is simple
because the new interface is driverless for Linux, Mac OSX 10.6-10.8, and supports Integer mode protocol.
Windows XP and newer will require a quick driver install to begin streaming your favorite tracks. You can now
be confident that the ultimate USB streaming solution is built into your DAC which ensures a clean and simple
setup!
The DAC-2 can process signals up to 32 bits in length, and 200 kHz in sampling frequency through the
coax and AES/EBU digital inputs. Because of the limitations of Optical transmission, only 176.4kHz has proven
to be reliable through the TOSLINK inputs. You will find that some optical inputs will operate at rates up to 192
kHz, but is not guaranteed. Each of the Coax inputs are transformer coupled to isolate the source while
maintaining proper loading. To ensure that the lowest input signal level will satisfy the digital conversion
engine, the signals also pass through TTL buffers to maintain consistent signal integrity. To simplify input
selection, the ESS chip is also used as the receiver chip and performs all the signal selection and routing.
Automatic signal over-sampling is done internally to keep output filtering to a minimum, and is a crucial part
of the jitter elimination. To ensure source immunity, the time domain jitter elimination is executed as the
signal enters the DAC chip by re-clocking to the desired rate selected by the ESS chip.