BelCantoDesign

DAC 2

24/192 Upsampling D/A Converter

User's Guide and

Operating Information
(External & Internal Version)

Bel Canto Design • 212 Third Avenue North–Suite 345 • Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: (612) 317.4550 • Fax: (612) 359.9358 • Email: [email protected] © Aug, 2000
 DAC2
24/192 Up-sampling Digital to Analog Converter

The Bel Canto Design DAC2 is a 2- channel digital to analog converter that up-samples 16/44.1 signal to
24/192 and applies a 96kHz slow roll off filter. The DAC2 has remarkable performance and long-term
value through quality of design and versatility.
 Bel Canto Design grew from the quest to achieve the ultimate
musical satisfaction from an audio system. This quest began with the discovery of
the inherent sonic qualities and musical performance potential of a nearly forgotten
technology, the single-ended triode amplifier. The ability of this type of amplifier to
recreate the musical experience and evoke a powerful emotional response in the
listener, much like the live event, inspired the development of the SET line of
amplifiers through the ultimate expression of this technology. The SET circuit was
developed for use as both a cornerstone for a modern audio system and as a
reference tool for developing more accessible, modern home entertainment
equipment.

For more than ten years this effort has continued and the result
is a unique line of fine audio amplifiers, preamplifier, and source components that
are designed to embody unparalleled musical reproduction. Bel Canto Design's
goal is simply to provide the most expressive and powerful musical experience
outside of the live event and bring some of the greatest musicians and their
performances into the intimacy of your home.

Bel Canto Design

DAC2 Owner's Manual Page 2

Design Features

The DAC2 was designed to reveal the exceptional musicality hidden within 16 bit/44.1kHz
CD recordings. By up-sampling 16/44.1 material to 24/192, applying Zero-Jitter and 96
kHz slow roll-off technology, the DAC2 will compel you to reevaluate the performance
potential of CD based digital audio. The DAC2 is also capable of playing 24/96 DAD
recordings, delivering stunning results.

• The goal of the DAC2 Processor development was to remove the last sources of error in the
conversion of digital music data to analog signal. These error sources are in four areas:

1) Timing Jitter in the DAC clock.

2) Quantization and Sample Rate Converter noise in the Digital to Analog conversion process.
3) Time domain smearing.
4) Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) distortion sources.

1. The latest S/PDIF and up-sampling receiver technology eliminates Jitter sources on the DAC
clock and 24 bit processing lowers the quantization noise floor by over 40dB – well below
that of the original recording. The DAC clock in the DAC2 is a local Crystal Oscillator driving
the Digital Filter/DAC directly. A buffered clock output from the Digital Filter is sent back to
the input sample rate converter circuit where it is compared digitally to the incoming data,
setting internal registers for calculating the precise relationship between the incoming
S/PDIF data and the DAC clock – eliminating jitter. Result: Clear, superb musical
resolution.

2. The DAC2 uses a Burr-Brown PCM 1738e 24/192 DAC along with 96 kHz slow roll-off digital
filter technology for minimal time domain errors, significantly improving transient response.
The new Asynchronous Sample Rate Converter (ASRC) used in the DAC2 provides a
minimum of 139 dB of dynamic range. Result: Any filter residue is well below the noise
floor of the original recording, providing better imaging and high frequency
coherence.

3. Most processors use brick wall filters that introduce a time smearing effect. The DAC2 uses
a 96 kHz, slow roll-off Digital filter, similar to an analog moving coil cartridge. Result:
Analog-like energy response with minimal coloration of high frequency harmonics.

4. The use of the latest DSP and DAC technologies permits us to package the DAC2 in an
extremely tight space and reduced power, reducing critical clock and data line lengths to
fractions of an inch. This approach, combined with a 4 layer circuit board, isolated analog
and digital ground planes and multiple stages of power supply filtration ensures that EMI is
even lower than on the DAC1.

DAC2 Owner's Manual Page 3

Unpacking

Unpacking (External Version Only) Save all packing materials as the packing is
specially designed to protect the DAC2 during
The box containing your DAC2 contains the shipping or transporting. If you lose or damage
following parts: the packing materials or carton, please contact
your dealer or distributor before attempting to
1 - Power Cable for connection to utility
power [1.85m, 6' long] (External Box transport the preamplifier.
Version Only)
1 – DAC2 Digital Converter. The DAC2's power supply is preset for the pr
oper national voltages before you receive it.
1 - Owner's Warranty / Registration Sheet The power cable (External Unit Only) will
have the correct plug for your local power
Carefully unpack your new unit and check for system. If you believe this is not true, please
shipping damage. If there is any damage, or if contact your dealer immediately. Do not
any piece is missing, please contact your attempt to alter or change power settings
dealer or Bel Canto Design. yourself!

DAC2 Owner's Manual Page 4

Initial Setup and Placement

Input Panel Connections:

S/PDIF: -Placement of the DAC2 Within your

System (External Box Only):
- One (1) Coaxial (RCA type)
- One (1) Toslink (plastic optical)
The DAC2 may be situated within your
Note: Either one of these two connectors system in any convenient manner desired.
can be used at a time. Which one of these The most typical arrangement places the
two inputs you use may depend on the DAC2 near or behind the preamplifier or
quality of the source output to which you digital source in order to make as short a
connect it. If you have both types of outputs connection as possible.
available from your digital source we
recommend that you try both before making
a decision about which connection to • Coaxial/Toslink switch
implement. A small push-push button switch next to the
RCA Digital Input will allow you to switch
•RCA Main Output Jacks for Left and between either coaxial or Toslink digital
Right Channels (External Box) inputs. This switch is ideal for those
-These connectors are found on the connecting digital audio from a satellite TV
opposite side of the Digital inputs. receiver, in addition to a CD/DVD source.

The DAC2 has one pair of RCA type outputs • Indicator Lamp
that can be run into any line level input of A three-color LED lamp activates when
any preamplifier or integrated power is applied (red) and no signal lock is
amplifier/receiver with RCA type connectors. present. When a valid S/PDIF source is
The output level is the standard 2 Vrms. As being received the LED will turn green.
with all analog audio sources the quality of When using CDs with pre-emphasized
the cables is important to ultimate sonic encoding the LED will turn amber. The
performance and we recommend optimizing DAC2 will correct proper emphasis
these for your system. automatically.

DAC2 Owner's Manual Page 5

 Specifications

Up-sample Rate • 192kHz

Bit Depth • 16 to 24 Bit

Signal to Noise Ratio • > 117 dB A Weighted

Dynamic Range • 117 dB

THD (Distortion) • < 0.003%

Frequency Response • 2 Hz to 80kHz - 3dB

Output • 1 Stereo Pair RCA

Input Options • 1 S/PDIF (RCA Type), 1 S/PDIF (Toslink)

Output Impedance • 20 ohms

Output Level • 2 Vrms Fixed

Power Requirements • 115/230 VAC; 50-60 Hz 10 watts

Size • 3.6 x 3.6 x 9 inches

Weight • 4lbs

DAC2 Owner's Manual Page 6