REAL-SOUND USB DAC

RMP-DAC3EX

Safety Precautions
Operating Environment
Operating environment temperature and humidity: +5 °C to+35 °C (+41 °F to +95 °F); less than 85 %RH (cooling vents notblocked)Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations
exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial
light)CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT REMOVE CHASSIS. NO USER-SERVICEABLEPARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIEDSERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING
This equipment is not waterproof. To prevent a fire or shock
hazard, do not place any container filled with liquid near
this equipment (such as a vase or flower pot) or expose it
to dripping, splashing, rain or moisture.

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR.
THIS SYMBOL IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF NON-INSULATED“DANGEROUS VOLTAGE” WITHIN THE PRODUCTS ENCLOSURE THAT MAY BE OF
SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE TO CONSTITUTE A RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK TO PERSONS.

POWER-CORD CAUTION

Handle the power cord by the plug. Do not pull out the plugby tugging the cord and never touch the power cord whenyour hands are wet as this could cause a short circuit or electric
shock. Do not place the unit, a piece of furniture, etc., on the
power cord, or pinch the cord. Never make a knot in the cord ortie it with other cords. The power cords should be routed suchthat they are not likely to be stepped on. A damaged power
cord can cause fire or give you an electrical shock.
Check the power cord once in a while.

THIS SYMBOL IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE
ACCOMPANYING THE UNIT.

WARNING
Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause apermanent hearing loss.
Individuals vary considerably to noise induced hearing loss
but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
sufficiently intense noise for a sufficient time.

European model only

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a separate collection
system for used electric products in accordance with legislation that requires proper treatment, recovery andrecycling.

Private households in the member states of the EU, in Switzerland and Norway may return their used electric products free ofcharge to designated collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one).
For countries not mentioned above, please contact your local authorities for the correct method of disposal.
By doing so you will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling and thus
prevent potential negative effects on the environment and human health.

2

Contents
Chapter 1

Introduction

Chapter 3

Part Names

Check included items................................................................. 4

Front panel..................................................................................... 7

Installing this product................................................................ 4

Rear panel....................................................................................... 8

Regarding installation................................................................ 4

Chapter 2

Chapter 4

Connections

How to Operate

Playback steps (when using headphones).......................10

Connections diagram................................................................. 5

Playback steps (when using an external amplifier).......11

How to connect the AES/EBU (XLR) cords........................... 6

Chapter 5

How to connect audio cords.................................................... 6

Other

Troubleshooting.........................................................................12

How to connect the power cord............................................. 6

Care and maintenance.............................................................12
Specifications..............................................................................13
Warranty and after sales service...........................................14

3

Chapter 1

Introduction

Check included items

Installing this product• Power cord × 1• Be sure to install this product on a flat, stable surface.

• DC cord × 1• Do not install this product in the following locations:• Audio cord × 1—— On top of a television (the image may warp)• USB Cable (Type A - Type B) × 1—— Near a cassette deck or other magnetism emitting device (the• Operation manual (this book)audio may be adversely affected)—— In a location hit by direct sunlight—— In a moist location—— In high or low temperature locations—— In a location with vibration—— In a location with much dust or tobacco smoke—— In kitchens or other locations where fumes are emitted andoil is used

Regarding installation
Caution• Never place items on top of this product, cover it with a sheet,or use it when its heat radiation is obstructed. Abnormally hightemperatures may damage the product.

OPT

DESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

USB B

COAX

A/E
USB A
GAIN

OUTPUT
LINE

H
M
L

DESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

4OFFConnections

Chapter 2

Connections diagram
Important• When connecting devices or making changes, be sure to turn the POWER switch OFF and disconnect the power cord from theelectrical outlet. Plug in the power cord last.
• If an extremely loud signal is input to this product, there is a danger that noise will be generated and cause damage. In such a case,lower the input signal level.
• Use only the included DC cords for the connection between the product body and power supply. Do not use any other cords.
•

To the AES/EBU digital
output terminals

To the coaxial digital
output terminals

Digital Playback devices
CD Transport
BD player, etc

To the optical digital
output terminals

To the balanced
input terminals

Control amplifier, etc

To the Lightining/
USB port

Smartphone, etc

To the audio
input terminal

To the USB port

PC
OUTPUTSINPUTSUSB B
DC12V 2A

USB A

R

FIX
VAR.

L

AES/EBU

SPEC CORPORATION
REAL-SOUND USB DACCOAXIALFIRM UPDATEOPTICAL

Ser. No.

NAS (Network HDD)

Diretta USB BRIDGE
etc

POWER
ON
OFF

DC OUT
SPEC CORPORATION
REAL-SOUND USB DAC
MADE IN JAPANAC IN

12V 2A
Ser. No.

To AC IN

To the electrical outlet* Depending on the control amplifier used, there may be a caution regarding simultaneously connecting RCA and XLR, so refer to theoperation manual of the respective control amplifier.

5

Chapter 2

Connections

How to connect the AES/EBU (XLR) cords

How to connect the power cord

Connect the output terminal on the device to the AES/EBU input

Once all connections have been made, connect the included

terminal on the product.

power cord to the AC IN terminal of this product and to the

Match the orientation of the XLR plug to the AES/EBU input

residential electrical outlet. Press firmly to push the plug all theterminal on the product, and then push the XLR plug into the XLR

way in.

input terminal until a click is heard.

POWER
ON
OFF

AC IN

When disconnecting an XLR plug, press the latch lever (the part

* The plug type varies according to the region.

with “PUSH” inscribed on it) while pulling the cable. Use caution,

Cautionas forceful disconnection may damage the unit.
Press the latch lever• The power cord for this product is removable, but please refrainfrom using power cords other than the cord included (3P plugin socket type with electrical current capacity: 7 A).

Note• When not using this product for extended periods, be sure toturn the POWER switch OFF or unplug the power cord from theelectrical outlet.

How to connect audio cords• Turn the POWER switch OFF before unplugging the power cord.
• The power consumption of this product varies greatly

Connect the RCA output terminal on the device to the RCA input

depending on the volume level of the playback audio signal.

terminal on the product.

For satisfactory music playback, connect to an electrical outlet
with sufficient capacity. (Connecting to a low capacity electricaloutlet creates the danger that the connection will overheat.)• If the residential power supply is cut off due to a power outage,
the state of this product will be as follows when power isrestored.
—— If the POWER switch is ON when power is restored" The product returns to its state prior to power restoration.
—— If the POWER switch is OFF when power is restored" The product is in the normal power OFF state.

6

Part Names

Chapter 3

Front panel
Power supply

Product body
OPT

COAX

USB B

A/E
USB A
GAIN

DESIGNER AUDIOOUTPUT
LINE

H
M
L

REAL-SOUND USB DACOFFDESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

1

2 3

4

5 6

7

8

1 INPUT SELECTOR (input switching knob)

5 Headphone terminal (Φ3.5)

Switches the input for this product.

Insert a mini headphone plug when using headphones.

Selects a device (USB B, OPTICAL, COAXIAL, AES/EBU, USB A)

6 OUTPUT switch

for playback.

Switches the output from this product.

2 Headphones GAIN switch

Select LINE,

Switches between H/M/L to match headphone impedance.

(headphones), or OFF as an output.

The factory default setting is OFF.

Select H (High) for headphones with high impedance, and L

7 VOLUME (level adjustment knob)(Low) for those with low impedance.

Adjusts the volume of the headphones and RCA output (whenThe factory default setting is M (Mid).

the RCA output switch on the rear panel is set to VAR).

When changing this setting while listening with headphones,

The RCA output volume does not change when the RCA out-

lower the volume before changing the setting.

put switch on the rear panel is set to FIX (fixed).

3 Headphone terminal (Φ6.5)

8 ON indicator

Insert a standard headphone plug when using headphones.

Lit when the product power is turned on.

4 Sampling rate indicator
Uses color to display the sampling rate of the song being
played.
• Red: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz• Green: 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz• Blue: 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz• Purple: 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz• White: DSD64/128/256

7Chapter 3

Part Names
Rear panel Power supply

POWER
ON
OFF

DC OUT
SPEC CORPORATION
REAL-SOUND USB DAC
MADE IN JAPANAC IN

12V 2A
Ser. No.

1

2

1 DC OUT terminals
Connect the power supply to the product body using the included DC cord.
Do not use any other cords.

2 AC IN terminal
Connect the included power cord. ( pages 5 to 6)

3 POWER switch
Turns power ON and OFF.

8

3

Part Names

Chapter 3

 Product body
1

2

3

4

OUTPUTS

5

6

INPUTSUSB B
DC12V 2A

USB A

R

FIX

L

VAR.

COAXIAL

AES/EBU

FIRM UPDATESPEC CORPORATION
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

9OPTICAL8

1 Audio output terminal

Ser. No.

7

6 DC IN terminals

Signals input to this product are converted into analog signals

Connect the product body to the power supply using theand then output.

included DC cord.

The selected input signal is output from both RCA and XLR.

Do not use any other cords.

The pin positioning of the balanced output terminal of this

7 FIRMWARE UPDATE

product is depicted below.

For service support.

1:GND 2:HOT 3:COLD

8 Digital input terminal (OPTICAL)

2 Digital input terminal (AES/EBU)

An optical digital input terminal.

An AES/EBU input terminal (female).
( page 6)

9 RCA output FIX/VAR switch
Switches the RCA output between fixed (FIX) and variable

3 Digital input terminal (COAXIAL)(VAR).

A coaxial digital input terminal.

4 Digital input terminal (USB Type A)
A USB Type A input terminal.

5 Digital input terminal (USB Type B)
A USB Type B input terminal.

9How to Operate

Chapter 4

Playback steps (when using headphones)
2

5

OPT

COAX

4

3

6

A/E

USB B

USB A
GAIN

OUTPUT
LINE

H
M
L

OFF

DESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

1 Turn on the power supply.

4 Set the OUTPUT switch to(headphones).

LINOUT
E PUTCheck that the ON indicator on the front panel of the power
supply section is lit.

2 Switch the input to match the playback device.

OF

F

Rotate the INPUT SELECTOR (the input selector knob) tochoose an input.

5 Use the headphones GAIN switch to set the headOPT

COAX

phone amplifier gain.

A/E

USB B

USB A

GA

IN
H
M
L

Please perform the following operations with the volume
lowered.

6 Use VOLUME (the volume adjustment knob) to adjust

3 Connect the headphones to the headphone terminal

the volume.

(Φ6.5) or the headphone terminal (Φ3.5).

DESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

or

7 Operate the playback device and begin playback.

10

Chapter 4

How to Operate

Playback steps (when using an external amplifier)
4

2
COAX

OPT

5

A/E

USB B

USB A
GAIN

OUTPUT
LINE

H
M
L

OFF

DESIGNER AUDIO
REAL-SOUND USB DAC

1 Turn on the power supply.

5 Use VOLUME (the volume adjustment knob) to adjust

Check that the ON indicator on the front panel of the power

the volume.

supply section is lit.

When using the RCA output terminals, the volume does notchange when the RCA output FIX/VAR switch on the rear

2 Switch the input to match the playback device.

panel is set to FIX (fixed).

Rotate the INPUT SELECTOR (the input selector knob) tochoose an input.
COAX

OPT

A/E

USB B

USB A

6 Operate the playback device and begin playback.
3 When using the RCA output terminals, use the RCA
output FIX/VAR switch on the rear panel to set it toeither fixed (FIX) or variable (VAR)

When connecting this product to a SPEC amplifier or an integrated amplifier from another company, set to FIX.

FIX
VAR.
4 Set the OUTPUT switch to LINE.
LINOUT
E PUT
OF

F

11

Chapter 5

Other
Troubleshooting

If you think this product may be broken, check the following troubleshooting items. Some minor operational errors can make theproduct appear to be broken.
Potential causes other than this product should also be considered. Check the other devices being used as well as all simultaneously
operated electrical devices. If the following instructions do not help even on multiple inspections, contact us. ( page 14)
Issue
The power does not turn on.

There is no sound.

Cause/Treatment

Reference• Is the power plug disconnected from the electrical outlet?
pp Correctly insert the power plug into the outlet.

page 6• Is the power plug disconnected from the AC IN terminal?
pp Correctly insert the power plug.

page 6• Is the supplied DC cord connected correctly?
pp Connect the power supply section and the product body correctly with the
supplied DC cord.

page 5• Is the OUTPUT switch set to OFF?
pp Check that the OUTPUT switch is not set to OFF.

page 7• Is the connecting cord disconnected from the terminal, or connected incorrectly?
pp Correctly connect the cord.

pages 5 to 6

• Is the terminal or connecting cord pin plug dirty?
pp Wipe clean the terminal or plug.

-• Is the OUTPUT switch set correctly?
pp Check that the OUTPUT switch is set correctly.

page 7• Are the PC sound settings configured correctly?
pp Check the PC sound settings.

-• When the RCA output FIX/VAR switch is set to VAR, is VOLUME (the volume adjustment knob) set to its minimum setting?
pp Check VOLUME (the volume adjustment knob).
This product is not recognized by a PC. • Is the USB cable connected correctly?
pp Check that the USB cable is connected correctly.

page 7page 5• Is the PC functioning normally?
pp Restart the PC.

-• If you are using a Windows PC, are the dedicated drivers installed?
pp Installation of dedicated drivers is required when using a Windows PC. Please
download the required dedicated drivers from the product explanation pageon the SPEC website.

-

Note
The product may not function properly due to external factors, such as static electricity. In this case, the product may once again
function properly if the power cord is unplugged and then plugged in again. If this does not solve the problem, please contact SPECCORPORATION.

Care and maintenanceFor daily maintenance, use a polishing cloth to lightly wipe the front panel of this product. If it is very dirty, use a soft cloth moistenedwith neutral detergent watered down to 1/5-1/6 concentration and wipe off the dirt, then wipe dry with a dry cloth.
If alcohol, thinner, petroleum ether or insecticide adhere to the front panel it may be damaged, so use caution. Whenever using premoistened wipe, be sure to completely read the warning instructions that come with the wipe.
Natural wood is used for the bottom panel of the product. Do not place it in direct sunlight or near a heater. The front panel may become
discolored, and the product may be warped due to the natural wood contracting.

12Chapter 5

Specifications
 Product body
Digital input terminal..........................USB A: MAX PCM 32 bit/384 kHz, DSD Native256, DoP128
USB B: MAX PCM 32 bit/384 kHz, DSD Native256, DoP128
Optical: MAX PCM 24 bit/192 kHz
Coaxial: MAX PCM 24 bit/192 kHz
AES/EBU: MAX PCM 24 bit/192 kHz
Analog output terminal.....................XLR output: 1
RCA unbalanced output: 1 (Fixed/variable switchable)
Analog output voltage.......................Unbalanced: 2.3 Vrms
Balanced: 4.6 Vrms
Headphone.............................................Φ3.5 mm stereo mini jack		Maximum output voltage: ±5Vp-p (160Ω)		

Output impedance: 2Ω (Load: 16Ω to 300Ω)

Φ6.3 mm stereo jack		Maximum output voltage: ±10Vp-p (600Ω)		

Output impedance: 10Ω (Load: 16Ω to 300Ω)External dimensions............................215 mm (width) × 82 mm (height) × 299 mm (depth)
Weight......................................................3.0 kg

 Power supply, otherPower voltage........................................110, 120, 220, 230, 240 V AC50/60 Hz
Electrical consumption......................30 W
External dimensions............................215 mm (width) × 122 mm (height) × 273 mm (depth)
Weight......................................................4.0 kg

 Included items
Power cord..............................................1
DC cord....................................................1
Audio cord..............................................1
USB Cable (Type A - Type B)..............1
Operation manual (this book).........1* Due to improvements the above specifications and external appearance may be changed without notice.

13

Other

Chapter 5

Other
Warranty and after sales service

 About Warranty Terms of Warranty

Make sure that the name of your distributor and the date ofpurchase are written in the warranty. Read it carefully, andthen keep it in a secure location. The warranty is valid for
one year from the date of purchase.

1. If this product malfunctions during use in accordance with the Malfunctions

2. If you cannot ask the store where you purchased it for repairs

manual, and during the warranty period, then please bring the
product and this warranty to the store where you purchased it.
It will be repaired free of charge.
(e.g. if you have moved or the product was a gift), please

If the product malfunctions in the course of normal use(use in accordance with the manual and safety precautions)
during the warranty period, then we will repair the productfree of charge. When you bring your product to the
distributor for servicing, be sure to bring the warranty withyou. See the guarantees in your warranty for details. We
will repair malfunctions occurring after the warranty period
has expired for a fee, in accordance with our servicing
regulations.
Please note that we cannot provide any warranty or
bear any liability for damage to any equipment that isconnected to the unit resulting from incorrect use.

consult with SPEC CORPORATION.
3. A fee will be charged for repairs in the following circumstances,even if it is during the warranty period.
(A) The product malfunctioned or was damaged due to user
error or unauthorized repair or modification(B) The product malfunctioned or was damaged due todropping, etc. after purchase(C) The product malfunctioned or was damaged due tofire, flooding, lightning and other weather phenomena,
pollution, salt damage, or the like(D) The product malfunctioned or was damaged due toother than normal use, such as long hours of continuouscommercial use

Contact Information(E) The main unit has been disassembled

SPEC CORPORATIONTEL: +81-3-3660-0303
FAX: +81-3-3660-0333
E-mail: info-ex@spec-corp.co.jp
URL : spec-corp.co.jp(F) The text of the warranty has been changed or overwritten(G) The malfunction was caused by another company’s product4. This warranty cannot be re-issued. Store it in a safe place, anddo not lose it.

E
L

WARRANTY

RMP-DAC3EX REAL-SOUND USB DAC

Name

TelephoneP
M

AddressA
S

Date of PurchaseWarranty Period (Main Unit Only)

One Yearfrom Date of Purchase()

Distributor Name & Telephone14

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