D/A CONVERTERUSB Sound System

DA5

Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing a DA5.
Please read through and refer to this Owner's Manual to use your DA5 safely
and adequately.
It is recommended to keep the packaging available for future transportationneeds.

POWER

FILTER

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

INPUT

HEADPHONE

VOLUME

D/A CONVERTER DA5

Contents

FeaturesFeatures ........................................................................... 2
Important Safety Instructions ............................................ 3□ DA5 is a high fidelity digital to analog converter
which precisely converts the signal and transmits theHandling Precautions ....................................................... 4
Accessories ...................................................................... 5
Specifications ................................................................... 5
Rear Panel Functions and Connections ........................... 6
Front Panel Functions ...................................................... 7
Remote Control unit.......................................................... 8
Digital Volume................................................................... 9
Basic Operation .............................................................. 10
Digital Filter..................................................................... 11
Dimmer ........................................................................... 11
Maintenance ................................................................... 11
Troubleshooting .............................................................. 12
Service Contact Preparation........................................... 12
USB Driver Installation and Setup for Windows
Introduction ..................................................................... 14
USB Driver Installation ................................................... 15
1. BRABO-HD Installation .................................. 15
Installation and Setup for DSD Playback........................ 17
2. ASIO Driver Installation on foobar2000 .......... 17
3. ASIO Proxy Installation on foobar2000........... 17
4. DSD Driver Installation on foobar2000 ........... 18
5. DSD Playback Setup on foobar2000 .............. 19
BRAVO-HD Control Panel .............................................. 20

converted signal to the amplifier in high quality.
□ Four digital inputs are available. Balanced ASE/
EBU, standard COAXIAL and optical TOSLINK to beconnected with digital audio players like CD transport
support the PCM signal up to 24bits/192kHz. USB
allows a PC-music player to playback high-resolution
files up to DSD256/11.2MHz and PCM 32bits/384kHz.
□ DA5 uses the ESS HyperstreamTM ES9018K2M DAC
chip, which performs up to 32 bits. Highly qualified
signal after digital to analog conversion backed up by
superior engineering and performance realizes delicate
and accurate music reproduction. The CEC's originalfull-balanced circuit design achieves the high quality
signal path keeping the sound quality very natural andclear.
□ DA5 has a digital volume function which changes theanalog outputs level in the digital domain without any
sound deterioration. It is possible to connect DA5 to a
power amplifier directly and control the system volume
through DA5.
□ Headphone output enables listener to enjoy various
music sources at high quality standard even without
amplifier and speaker system.
□ DIMMER function changes the display brightness indifferent 3 levels.

2

Important Safety Instructions
10) Protect this appliance’s power cord from being

CAUTION

walked on or pinched, especially around the plugs,

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK!
DO NOT OPEN!

convenience receptacles, and where it exits from thisCAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER OR REAR PANEL. IT DOESNOT CONTAIN ANY USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS. REFERSERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended
to alert the user to potential electric shock
hazards within the product’s enclosure.
The exclamation point within an equilateraltriangle is intended to notify the user tothe presence of important operating andmaintenance (servicing) instructions in theaccompanying documentation.
WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this appliance near water.
6) Clean only with a dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install inaccordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install this appliance near any heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or otherapparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) (For USA, Canada: ) Do not defeat the safety purposeof the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarizedplug has two blades, with one blade wider than theother. A grounding type plug has two blades and athird grounding prong. The wide blade or the thirdprong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet. (For European
Countries: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of thegrounding-type plug. This plug has two poles anda third grounding hole. The third hole is provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit youroutlet, consult an electrician for replacement of theobsolete outlet.

appliance’s casing.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Only use this appliance with a cart, stand, tripod,bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer or sold with theappliance. If using a cart, exercise
caution when moving the cart/
appliance combination to avoid
injury from it tipping over.
13) Unplug this appliance during lightning storms or whenleaving it unused for extended periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when this appliance itself, its
power-supply cord, or plug has been damaged inany way, when liquids have been spilled onto thisappliance, when foreign objects have fallen into thisappliance, when this appliance has been exposed torain or moisture, when this appliance does not operate
normally, or when this appliance has been dropped.
CAUTION:□ Do not expose this appliance to drips or splashes.
□ Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such asvases, on this appliance.
□ Do not install this appliance in a confined space, suchas within a bookcase or similar piece of furniture.
□ Plug the ac power cord into an easily accessible ac
wall outlet, so it can be quickly unplugged in case of
emergency.
□ Do not remove the protective housing with a screwdriver.
□ Use of controls or adjustments or performance ofprocedures other than those specified herein may
result in hazardous radiation exposure.
□ If this appliance seems to be malfunctioning, contact
a qualified service station. discontinue use of any
malfuctioning unit.

For CANADAAC power cord connection
Caution:To prevent electric shock, match the blade width of theplug to the slot width. the plug must be fully inserted tothe slot.

3

Handling Precautions
Connecting Other Devices
Unplug the AC power cord from the outlet before
connecting or disconnecting other devices. Exercise
caution when handling the AC power cord. Whendisconnecting the AC cord from a socket, make sure
you pull the plug, and not the cord itself.
Turning Power On/OffYour system components should be turned on/off inthe following order to avoid generating noise from yourspeakers and damaging the speakers themselves orother devices:□ Turning power on: Turn on this appliance before
turning on the amplifier connected to this appliance.
□ Turning power off: Turn off the amplifier first, before
turning off this appliance.
Handle With Care
Avoid exerting excessive force on the cabinet, theswitch, the knob, the terminal and the CD-Turntable on
this appliance.
Installation
Use of an audio rack is recommended to maximize
the sound quality and performance of this appliance.
Installation and use of this appliance in the locations
described below may cause deterioration in soundquality or malfunction:□ Locations exposed to direct sunlight, suchas windowsills, and other exceptionally warm
locations, such as near heating appliances(surrounding temperature higher than 35 °C),or exceptionally cold locations (surrounding
temperature lower than 10 °C), may prevent thisappliance from functioning adequately.
□ Damp locations exceeding 90% humidity may
cause this appliance’s metal parts to rust, causing
this appliance to malfunction.
□ Dusty locations may cause this appliance tomalfunction. The accumulation of dust inside the
CD tray may lower the performance of musicsignal reading. It may also cause contact failure of
the switches, and/or noise.
□ Otherwise, avoid installing this appliance close toother transformers and electrical motors, so as toprevent the pickup of induction hum. Also, avoid
mounting this appliance on surfaces that may beaffected by vibration.

4

Avoid lightning strikes
Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet
when there is a thunderstorm in your vicinity.
Condensation
When this appliance is brought into a warm room
when the exterior temperature is cold, or when theroom temperature rises sharply from using a heater,condensation may form both inside and outside thisappliance, hampering its performance. If this happens,leave this appliance unused in the room for 1 to 2
hours (depending on the amount of condensation), so
as to bring the temperature of this appliance closer tothe room temperature. The condensation should go
away gradually.
Listening etiquette
Make sure your playback sound, ex. due to too
big sound, does not disturb other people and yourneighborhood.

Accessories

Specifications

DA5 should contain the following:

AES/EBU x 1: PCM up to 24bit/
192kHz (2pin: hot)DA5 unit
AC Power Cord

Digital input/

Remote Control unit RU-218

Sampling frequency

Owner's Manual

COAXIAL x 1: PCM up to 24bit/
192kHzTOS x 1: PCM up to 24bit/192kHz
USB2.0 x 1: PCM up to 32bit/384kHz,
DSD up to 11.2896MHz

DAC
Digital filter

PO
WE
R

ESS ES9018K2M x 1
FLAT or PULSE(only FLAT during DSD playback)

FIL
TE
R
FL
PU

Balanced XLR (pin2=hot) x 1 / 4Vrms

AT
US

LS

E

B

AE

CO
S

AX

TO

PC
S

M

DS

D

INP
UT

HE

AD

PH

ON

Analog output(-99dB to 0dB)

(digital variable)

Unbalanced RCA x 1 / 2Vrms (-99dB

E
VO

D/A

CO

NV

ER

LU

TE

ME

R DA

5

to 0dB)
Headphones output
Frequency response

6.3mm x 1 (to be adjusted by both ofdigital and analog volume controls)
20Hz to 20kHz, +/-0.1dB

/A

D
r

ER

POW

e
rt
5
ve A
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on

M
ᦠ
STE ᣿
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⺑
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ข
SO

C

SB
U

(CD playback in FLAT digital filter)

ER

FILT

FLAT
E

USB

PULS

X

COA

AES

PCM

TOS
DSD

105dB, 1kHz/0dB

Closs talk

105dB, 1kHz/0dB

THD

0.014%, 1kHz/0dB

T

INPU

S/N ratio

ONE

DPH

HEA

ME

VOLU

D/A
TER

VER

CON

DA5

Power supply
Power consumption
Dimensions
Weight10

D/A

DACONV
5 U ERT
SB

So

un

dS

ys

tem

Accessory

R

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ER

R
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CO
D/A 5

DA

td.
., L nosCpa
ing in Ja
old Made
CH

CE

Color

AC230V/120V, 50/60Hz(specified on the rear panel)
10W
Approx. 435(W) x 335(D) x 104(H)mm(Incl. buttons, terminals, legs, ....)
Approx. 7.6 kg
AC power cord, Remote control unit
RU-218 and Owner's manual
Silver and Black□ Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice.
□ Illustrations in the Owner’s Manual may deviate fromthe actual unit due to design improvements.

□ Keep the packaging available for future transportationneeds.
□ The delivered AC power cord should not be used forany other device than DA5.

5

Rear Panel Functions and Connections
Analog output
Pressing D.VOL-UP/DN
control unit the analog

DIGITAL INPUTANALOG OUTPUT

buttons on the remote

RIGHT

LEFT

XLR

RCA

XLR

RCA

USB

TOSLINK

COAX

AES/EBU
D/A Converter

DA5

outputs level changes
between minimum-99(dB) and maximum0(dB) in the digitaldomain. This volume
function allows DA5
to connect to a power
amplifier directly as well
as a pre-amplifier with avolume control function.

AC LINE

ᵰᶁᶆ
ᵰᶁᶆ

ᵪᶁᶆ
ᵪᶁᶆ

XLR(Balanced)
Balanced analog
output using standard
XLR terminals (1=GND,
to an amplifier
2=Hot, 3=Cold). Thisshould be the preferredconnection since DA5 has been designed at fullybalanced circuit.
RCA(Unbalanced)
Standard RCA analog output terminals.

Digital input
USB
USB input to connect with a PC using a USB cablewith a B-type plug. This input supports sampling
frequencies up to PCM 32bit/384kHz and DSD256
11.2896MHz.
Note: Mac PC (X10.6.8 or newer) does not require
any additional driver for USB 2.0 audio device but
Windows PC (XP or newer) needs to install CEC
specialized USB driver to recognize DA5 as USB audio
device and play PCM music files. Compatible PC-Music
player should be prepared yourself.
Installing ASIO and DSD drivers to a freeware PCMusic player foobar2000 for Windows, up to DSD256
11.2896MHz files can be reproduced as well.
Those drivers are appeared at the download site in
CEC home page. Visit at www.cec-web.co.jp/service/download/driver/index_ex.html for the drivers. Refer
to "USB driver installation and setup for Windows PC"
from page 14.

63-pin AC power cord
to a wall outlet
from a PC
from a digital player

TOSLINK
Optical (SPDIF) digital signal input jack with a squareTOSLINK connector. Connect with a digital audio
player using an optical cable with a square TOSLINK
plug. This input supports up to 24bit/192kHz.
COAXIAL
Standard (SPDIF) digital signal input jack with a RCA
type connector. Connect with a digital audio playerusing a 75Ω RCA cable. This input supports up to
24bit/192kHz.
AES/EBU
Balanced digital signal input jack with a XLR typeconnector. Connect with a digital audio player using a
110Ω balanced XLR cable (1=GND, 2=Hot, 3=Cold).
This input supports up to 24bit/192kHz.

AC power
AC LINE
Connect the supplied 3-pin AC power cord to the AC
LINE inlet and the wall outlet.

Front Panel Functions

㽲
POWER

FILTER

㽳

㽴

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

㽵
INPUT

HEADPHONE

VOLUME

D/A CONVERTER DA5POWER button
Press to turn the power ON or OFF. When DA5
is turned on, digital volume ex. "0" (initial setting =maximum 0 dB) will blink at④ Sampling frequency
indicator in the display. Approximately 5 seconds laterthe display will change to indicate the current function
settings and now DA5 is ready for playback.
FILTER button
Press to select a digital filter type "FLAT" or "PULSE".
The selected filter type will light up at ① Digital Filter
indicator. Refer to "Digital Filter" on page 11 for details.
INPUT button
Press to select an input
USB
COAX
from USB being connectedwith a personal computer,
AES
TOS
or COAX, TOS(optical) or
AES(balanced AES/EBU)
being connected with a digital music player like CD
Transport. Pressing the button will change the input inan order described in the right figure, and the relative
input name will light up at ② INPUT indicator.
The selected digital input signal is converted andtransferred to the analog and headphone outputs.
The last input has been memorized after power off.
HEADPHONE jackHeadphone output jack for a standard 6.3mm plug.
For using a headphone with 3.5mm mini plug,
purchase a 6.3mm conversion plug from a dealer.
Before using your headphones for listening,
minimize the volume and then insert theheadphones plug into the jack. Excessive
sound pressure from the headphones may
cause hearing loss to your ears.

VOLUME knob
Turn clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to
decrease the headphones volume.
For headphones listening, in addition to this analog
volume operated by the knob, adjust the digital volume
through the remote control unit as well. Refer to "Digital
Volume" on page 9 for details.
Remote sensor
The remote sensor, which receives signals fromthe remote control unit, is located at the right side ofthe display window. Aim for the sensor when using
the remote control unit. The remote control may
malfunction if there are any obstacles between the
remote control unit and the remote sensor.
Display

Ԙ

ԙ

Ԛ

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

ԛ

① Digital Filter indicator
A selected digital filter type PULSE or FLAT lights
up. Pressing the FILTER button on the front panel
or D.FILTER button on the remote control unit willchange the filter.
② INPUT indicator
A selected input USB, COAX, TOS or AES lights
up. Pressing the
INPUT button on the front panelor the remote control, or direct input selector buttons
on the remote control unit will change the input.
③ Digital Signal Format indicator
A digital signal format PCM or DSD is displayed.
This depends on the input signal being played. Whenan input without signal or connection is selected,

7

Front Panel Functions - continued or any digital signal is not detected properly theindicator won't light up.

Remote Control unit - continued D.VOL-UP/DN button
Press D.VOL-UP button to increase or D.VOL-DN④ Sampling Frequency / Volume indicator
A sampling frequency of a selected input signal
being played is displayed. When an input is selectedwithout any connection or without any input signal,or when any input signal can not be detected
properly, three bars "- - -" will be displayed instead ofsampling frequency.
Pressing the D.VOL-UP/DN buttons on the remotecontrol unit to adjust the volume (analog outputs
level) will change to indicate the volume level. Referto "Digital Volume" on page 9 for details. 5 seconds
later the display will return to show a sampling

button to decrease the digital volume. Pressing andholding the button allows fast changes. Refer to "Digial
Volume" on page 9 for details.

Precaution on handling the remote control
unit

Remote Control unit

□ When operating the remote control, point it towards the
remote sensor on the front panel.
□ Make sure nothing is blocking the front panel where
the remote sensor is lolocated.
□ Avoid exposing the remote sensor on the front panel todirect sunlight or other light sources, as such exposure
can cause malfunction.
□ The remote control unit may malfunction when its
batteries are running low. Change the batteries to newones of the same type if this seems to be the case.

Buttons function

Battery Installation

tobuttons work forDA5 and the others arecompatible with the other
CEC products like CD
Transport TL5, CD Player
CD5, D/A Converter DA3N
and so on. Here refers to
DA5 function only.

Remove the cover of thebattery compartment. Insert
two AAA batteries into
the compartment. Make
sure that the batteries
are inserted with their positive (+) and negative (-) poles
positioned correctly, and put the cover back on.

frequency.

Battery Replacement Period

DIMMER button
Press to change thedisplay brightness indifferent 3 levels. Referto "DIMMER" on page 11
for details.

If the distance at which the remote control unit can beused to operate DA5 seems to be decreasing, replace
both batteries with new ones.

Precaution on handling batteries

D.FILTER button
Press to select a digital
filter type FLAT or PULSE. Refer to “Digital Filter” onpage 11 for details.
Direct input selector buttons (TOS, AES/EBU,
COAX, USB)
Press TOS, AES/EBU, COAX or USB to select an
input directly.
INPUT button
Press to change the input inan order described right.

8

USB

COAX

AES

TOS

□ Never use different types of batteries together. Bothrechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries can beused, but the two should not be used together.
□ If you will not be using the remote control unit for an
extended period of time (more than a month), remove
the batteries to prevent leakage.
□ If the batteries leak, use a cloth to wipe away theliquid inside the battery compartment and replace thebatteries with new ones.
□ Do not heat or disassemble batteries, and neverdispose of old batteries by throwing them in a fire.
Dispose of batteries following laws in the local area.

Digital Volume
DA5 has a digital volume function which changes
the analog outputs level at XLR, RCA and headphones
in the digital domain.
Press the D.VOL-UP/DN buttons on the remote control
unit to change the volume between minimum -99 (dB) andmaximum 0 (dB).
The last setting has been memorized after power off.

Level indicator
Pressing theD.VOL-UP/DN
buttons the sampling
frequency indicator
will change to show
the volume level.
Pressing once thebutton will jsut show
the current volume
setting. Press
successively tochange the volume.
Press and hold the
button for fast changes.
Approximately 5 seconds later the display will return toindicate the sampling frequency.
FLAT

FILTER

PULSE

USB
AES

COAX
TOS

PCM
DSD

INPUT

Change rate
The volume change rate varies
by the volume level. 6dB changes
between -99(dB) and -75(dB), 3dB
between -75(dB) and -60(dB), 2dB
between -60(dB) and -40(dB), and1dB between -40(dB) and 0(dB).
Pressing the D.VOL-DN button
at -99(dB) the volume will go to
MUTE " - -".

When connecting with a power amplifier, the DA5 digital
volume function controls the amplifier volume. Make surethat the DA5 digital volume is set to minimum or MUTE
before the amplifier is turned on.
The last volume setting has been memorized
after power off. It is recommended to always
minimize the volume when DA5 is powered off.
Bigger volume setting would cause an unexpected huge sound. Danger!

Headphones Listening
Adjust the headphones volume through the both of thedigital volume operated by the remote control unit and theanalog volume operated by the volume knob on the front
panel.
In case that the XLR or RCA output isconnecting to a power amplifier, after theheadphones listening make sure to minimize
the digital volume before turning on the
power amplifier to avoid a sudden huge sound.

Changing not to memorize the last volume
You can change theto start up at min. -99(dB)starting up volume tothe minimum -99(dB)regardless of the last
volume setting. Turn on
DA5 pressing and holding the FILTER button on the front
panel, and keep the FILTER button pressed for approx. 5
seconds until the blinking of the volume level ends. From
the next time DA5 will be turned on at -99(dB).
POWER

maximum
1dB 40 times

2dB 10 times

3dB 5 times

Connecting to pre-amplifier
When connecting with anamplifier with a volume control
function, set the DA5 digital volume
at maximum 0(dB) which is thesame output level as standard CD
players.

Connecting to power amplifier

FILTER

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

To return to memorize the last volume, turn on DA5pressing and holding the INPUT button on the front panel,and keep the INPUT button pressed for approx. 5 seconds
until the blinking of the volume level ends. From the nexttime DA5 will be turned on at the last volume memorized.

6dB 4 times

to start up at the last volume memorized
minimum
POWER

FILTER

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

INPUT

H

MUTE

9

Basic Operation
Playback of a digital audio device at COAX,TOS or AES/EBU connection

Playback of PC music at USB connection

Power on DA5 and CD transport or the other digital

Mac PC (X10.6.8 or newer) does not requireaudio player connected to DA5. Current digital volume

any additional driver for USB 2.0 audio device

level ex. "0" blinks and 5 seconds later the othercurrent settings are displayed.

but Windows PC (XP or newer) needs to install
CEC specialized USB driver to recognize DA5
as USB audio device and play PCM music files.
Compatible PC-Music player should be prepared
yourself.
Installing ASIO and DSD drivers to a freeware
PC-Music player foobar2000 for Windows,
DSD64/128/256 files can be reproduced as well.
Those drivers are appeared at download site in
CEC home page.
Visit at www.cec-web.co.jp/service/download/
driver/index_ex.html to download the drivers andsetup before connecting with a PC. Refer to “USBdriver installation and setup for Windows PC” frompage 14.

Press the INPUT button on the front panel or remotecontrol unit, or a direct input selector button to selectthe input connected with the digital audio player. A
sampling frequency is displayed as soon as the input
signal transferred from the digital audio player isdetected.

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

Ex. PCM 44.1kHz through COAX connection in FLAT digital
filterNote: Connecting with a digital audio player which
generates the signal for locking only under playback,the sampling frequency indicator may show three bars"- - -" during stopping or skipping. Even playing a musicdoes not indicate any sampling frequency DA5 should
be unlocking with the player. Check the connection andplayer condition carefully again.
Power on the amplifier after lower the volume on theamplifer or DA5.
Start the playback on the digital audio player, andadjust the volume on the amplifier or DA5.

Ready PC connected via USB will recognize DA5 as
CEC DA5 HS USB Audio.
Press the INPUT button on the front panel or the USB
button on the remote control unit to select USB. USB
indicator and a sampling frequency of the input signal
will appear on the display.
FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

Ex. PCM 48kHz through USB connection in PULSE digital
filterStart on the PC music player and adjust the volume at
the amplifier or DA5.
FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

Ex. DSD256 11.2MHz through USB connection in FLAT
digital filter (PULSE filter is not available with DSD)

10

Digital Filter

DimmerPress the FILTER button on the front panel or D.FILTER

Display brightness

button on the remote control unit to select a digital filter

can be changed in

type FLAT or PULSE.

different three levels.

Click noise may happen from speakers

Press the DIMM keyor headphones when changing the digital
filter. It is recommended to change thefilter after volume down.

on the remote control
unit to dim the display.
The display brightness
will toggle through" brighter " (default)," off " and " lighter ".

Note: Digital filter type is always FLAT when DSD
signal is played, and PULSE is not available.
Note: When the display is " off " by dimmer settingpressing once the FILTER button will return thedisplay brightness to the default " brighter " andshow the current digital filter type. Press the
button again to change the digital filter type.
FLAT digital Filter is very common in digital audio items.
The frequency response is almost perfect, but such filter
cause " ringing " in the time domain. Some energy of apulse signal is distributed in the time domain, before andafter the pulse centre. Any ringing before the signal does
not exist in nature.
PULSE digital filter avoids the problems in the time
domain and thus has a very good response in the time
domain. The frequency response of the PULSE digital
filter shows a soft roll-off at high frequencies. This resultsin about -2dB at 20kHz with an input sampling frequencyof 44.1kHz. For higher sampling frequencies the roll-off isirrelevant and the " PULSE " filter is the best choice. For
44.1kHz and 48kHz the better result may depend on thewhole system as well as personal preferences.
Differences in ringing of FLAT and PULSE
FLAT

PULSE

brighter (default)
FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

off

lighter
FLAT

USB

COAX

PCM

PULSE

AES

TOS

DSD

During " off " mode:
Pressing once a function button on the front panel orremote control unit relating to the input, digital filter orvolume the display will return to " brighter " and show thecurrent setting. Press the function button successively tochange the setting. 5 seconds later the display brightness
will return to " off " automatically.
□ Regardless of any DIMMER setting the brightness will
return to the default whenever the power is turned on
again.

MaintenanceIf the surface of the DA5 case becomes soiled, wipewith a soft cloth or use diluted neutral cleaning liquid.
Be sure to remove any fluid completely. Do not use
thinner, benzene, alcohol, chemical cloths or bleaching
agents as these may damage the surface of the CD5case. Also avoid using aerosol insecticides near thisappliance.
DA5 requires no periodic maintenance, and contains
no user-serviceable parts. Contact your dealer or an
authorized CEC service center for an inspection andrepair in case of malfunction.

Wavy form of the digital signal passing through the circuit

11Troubleshooting

Service Contact Preparation

If you suspect a malfunction in this appliance, pleasecheck the following chart before calling your dealer.
Malfunction
No power

Solution
the AC power cord

Correct the connection with player
Turn on and begin playback on player
sampling frequency
displayed

Correct the input on DA5
Replace the digital cable
Turn off and on all the devices probably
due to interferences

Hum noiseSound skipping
Interference on
tuner
Unresponsive toremote control

Connect the RCA plugs completely
Place the player on stable board
Clean up the discInstall DA5 away or turn off the tuner
Turn on DA5
Install batteries in the RC unit
Replace with new batteries

DA5 contains a microcomputer that can malfunction due
to the external noise or interference. If this seems to be
the case, turn the unit off and wait for a short while before
turning it back on and trying again.

12

Dealer name and contact information:

Increase the volume on PC or amplifier
Correct the input on amplifier

No sound and no

Purchase date:

Begin playback

Sampling frequency Increase the volume on DA5displayed

Model name and serial number:Connect completely the both ends ofCorrect the connection with amplifier

No sound but

In case you need to contact a service center please
prepare the following information.

Description of the unit's problem:

Memo

13

USB driver
installation and setup
for Windows

Introduction
The USB Interface equipped with DA5 is compatible
to USB 2.0 audio device.

USB Driver (Your PC recognizes DA5 as aregular audio device.)

It is necessary for Windows PC users to install special
driver for PCM music files, which is possible to downloadfrom the CEC home page.

□ BRAVO-HD (is the USB driver specialized in DA5,
supplied by SAVITEC, USB Audio IC manufacturer.)

When ASIO and DSD drivers are installed to a
freeware PC music player, foobar2000, DSD files may be
reproduced. This is to explain on how to install and set up
those drivers using foobar2000.

Necessary components to reproduce DSD
files at foobar2000

Compatible OS: Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10
Mac PC (X10.6.8 or newer) are already equipped witha standard driver for USB 2.0 audio device, and it is notnecessary to install CEC specific driver.

Download site
Windows users may access to download this specificdriver at CEC home page.
□ http://www.cec-web.co.jp/service/download/driver/index_ex.html
Note: It is not abnormal to see SECURITY WARNING
upon downloading and/or installation. You may continue
to download and/or install according to the instructions by
OS or Browser.

14□ foo_out_asio_v2p1p2.fb2k-component (ASIO driverby foobar 2000)□ ASIOProxyInstall-0.7.2.exe (driver for the reasonable
connection between ASIO and DSD)
□ foo_input_sacd.fb2k-component (DSD driver by
foobar 2000)
Note: The above are the possible components
publicized on our internet. Updated version at DA5might not be assured.
Note: Freeware PC-music player foobar2000 can be
downloaded at: http://www.foobar2000.org/

USB Driver Installation
Install a USB driver, BRAVO-HD* on your Windows PC

1.5. Select an install folder and Windows user.

to recognize DA5 as USB audio device and playback PCM
music files.
*BRAVO-HD is an exclusive USB driver that a USB
Audio IC maker, SAVITEC company provides for DA5.

1. Installation for BRAVO-HD
1.1. Melt (open) the "DA5_usb_win.zip" file downloaded
from CEC download site and save the melted folder
at ex. desktop.
1.2. Double-click and open the saved "da5_usb_win"folder.
1.3. Double-click "setup.exe" in the folder to start the
installation.

Click "Browse" to select an installation folder otherthan the default folder being showed.
Select "Everyone" for all Windows users to use
BRAVO-HD or "Just me" only for the user that is
installing the driver now.
Click "Next" to continue.
1.6. Click "Next" to start the installation.

1.4. BRAVO-HD install wizard will start. Click "Next" tocontinue.

15

USB Driver Installation - continued 1.7. When the installation finishes a shor t-cut icon

1.10. Starting a PC-music after selecting the USB input"BRAVO-HD Audio CPL" will be created on desktop

on DA5 you can listen to the playback music

and the restart wizard will appear. Click "Yes(Y)" tothrough the analog and/or headphones output on

restart the computer.

DA5.
□ DA5 USB input is compatible with up to 32bit/384kHz
PCM signal but the sampling frequency may be limitedby the PC system setting or PC-Music player.
□ Refer to "BRAVO-HD Control Panel" after completing"Installation and Setup for DSD playback".

1.8. After the computer restarted connect with DA5 via
USB cable.
1.9. Turning on DA5 the computer will recognize DA5 as
CEC DA5 HS USB Audio and automatically apply
it to the output device. You can check the setting
through control panel - sound and audio device
property. If not select DA5 as output device.

Ex. Windows7

16

Note: You can delete the downloaded "da5_usb_win.
zip" file and the saved "da5_usb_win" folder with files
after the installation finished.

Installation and Setup for DSD Playback
Installing ASIO and DSD drivers to a freeware PC-music

2.5. The installing component "foo_out_asio" will be listed

player foobar2000 for Windows PC DSD64(2.8224MHz) toup marked with (unknown). Click "Apply" to continue

DSD256(11.2896MHz) files can be played through DA5.

the installation.

Before starting these steps install foobar2000 to your
Windows PC, which can be downloaded from http://www.
foobar2000.org/.

2. ASIO driver Installation on foobar2000
2.1. Melt (open) the downloaded "da5_dsd-plugin_fb2k.
zip" file and save the melted folder at ex. desktop.
2.2. Double-click and open the saved "da5_dsdplugin_fb2k" folder.
2.3. Double-click "foo_out_asio_v2p1p2.fb2k-component"in the folder.

2.6. Click "OK" to complete the installation and change.
foobar2000 will restart.

2.4. foobar2000 Components Installer will start. Click"Yes(Y)" to continue.

3. ASIO Proxy Installation on foobar2000
3.1. Double-click "ASIOProxyInstall-0.7.2.exe" in the"da5_dsd-plugin_fb2k" folder.

17

Installation and Setup for DSD Playback - continued 3.2. Click "Next" on ASIO Proxy for foobar2000 Setup
wizard to continue.

4. DSD Driver Installation on foobar2000
4.1. Double-click "foo_input_sacd.fb2k-component" in the"da5_dsd-plugin_fb2k" folder.

4.2. foobar2000 Component Installer will start. Click"Yes(Y)" to continue.
3.3. Select an install folder.

Click "Browse" to select a folder other than thedefault folder being showed.
Click "Install" to start the installation.
3.4. Install will finish soon and click "Close" to complete
the installation.

18

4.3. The installing component "foo_input_sacd" will belisted up marked with (unknown). Click "Apply" tocontinue the installation.

Installation and Setup for DSD Playback - continued 4.4. Click "OK" to complete the installation and change.
foobar2000 will restart.

5.3. Click "Playback - Output - ASIO" on the left sidetree, and double-click "foo_dsd_asio" listed at ASIO
drivers.

5. DSD Playback Setup on foobar2000
5.1. Click "File" on foobar2000 to open "Preferences".

5.4. Dialog for foo_dsd_asio v0.7.2 setting will appear.
Select "BRAVO-HD" at ASIO Driver.

5.2. Click "Tools - SACD" on the left side tree and select"DSD" at Output Mode.
And select "ASIO Native" at DSD Playback Method.
Any others are not compatible with DSD256.

19

Installation and Setup
for DSD Playback - continued 5.5. Click "Playback - Output" at the left side tree andselect "ASIO:foo_dsd_asio" at Device. And click"OK" to finish the setup.

All the installation and setup have completed.
Now foobar2000 is compatible with DSD up to 256(11.2896MHz) and PCM up to 32bit/384kHz through DA5USB.

NOTE:□ In order to avoid any interruption or affection from PC
upon listening to your desired music through ASIO at
foobar2000, set the output of reproduction to the otherthan CEC DA5 HS USB Audio at Sound and Audio Device
property at your PC (refer to page 16). The volume control
and/or mute function can be operated by foobar 2000,
DA5 and/or amplifier.
□ When you listen to the music through the other sound/playback device than ASIO at foobar 2000 like Windows
Media Player and/or iTunes, set the output of reproduction
to CEC DA5 HS USB Audio at Sound and Audio Device
property at your PC.

20

BRAVO-HD Control PanelTo start "BRAVO-HD Audio CPL"
Click the short-cut on desktop or in the programs menu.
BRAVO-HD control panel will appear.

BRAVO-HD Control Panel - continued Turning on DA5
Turning on DA5 connected via USB cable the BRAVOHD control panel will change to show a current setting.

Setting for sharing mode
Changing the sample rate and bits per sample on
BRAVO-HD control panel the Windows system setting on"sound - digital output property" will change accordingly,
and vice versa.

In the area marked with Ⓐ click to change the sample
rate and/or bit rate to be used on Windows sharing mode.
Note: WindowsXP does not have the sample rate andbit rate settings for sharing mode, thus Ⓐ is not showed.
In the area marked with Ⓑ the current setting andplayback via foobar2000 ASIO output are displayed. And
click to change the bit rate and buffer size.
Note: Ⓑ does not work on playback via other than
ASIO.
Note: Setting 352.8kHz or 384kHz the sound from ex.
an internet browser may be unstable and noisy. In thatcase set the sample rate 192kHz or lower and restart.

21

BRAVO-HD Control Panel - continued Playing a PCM file
PCM, bit rate, sampling frequency and buffer size of acurrent PCM playback via ASIO like a foobar2000 output

Changing the bit rate and buffer size
Ex. Playback after changing the bit rate and buffer
size during stop will show the new settings.

setting are displayed.

Note: Bit rate setting should be the same as or morethan playback file. Otherwise the bit rate for output is lessthan the original.
Note: By smaller buffer size setting against a higher
resolution music file a continuous noise on music from the
beginning, pop noise or interruption may happen. In thatcase set the buffer size bigger and restart.

22

BRAVO-HD Control Panel - continued Playing a DSD file
Ex. Displaying a DSD64/2.8MHz playback.

Note: Start BRAVO-HD Audio CPL to see a cur
rent playback or change the settings. You don't need tostart it every playback.

Note: Selecting ASIO Native at DSD Playback Method(refer to page 19), the bit rate and buffer size during DSD
playback are fixed at 32 bits and 10.0 ms.
Ex. Displaying a DSD128/5.6MHz playback.

Ex. Displaying a DSD256/11.2MHz playback.

23

CEC Holdings Co., Ltd., Japan

1708-B