Digital to Analogue Converter

DA53N
Owner's Manual

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Content• Introduction ............................................................................ 2• Features ................................................................................. 3• Cautions Regarding Handling ............................................... 3• Important Safety Instructions ................................................... 4• Handling Precautions .............................................................. 6• Accessories ............................................................................. 7• Maintenance ........................................................................ 7• Front Panel Functions ............................................................ 8• Rear Panel ........................................................................... 10• SPDIF Connections .............................................................. 12• USB Connections .................................................................. 13• Operation ............................................................................. 14• Troubleshooting .................................................................... 16• Specifications ....................................................................... 17

Introduction
Thank you for purchasing DA53N.
Please read through and refer to this Owner’s Manual to use your
DA53N safely and adequately.
It is recommended that you keep the unit’s packaging available
for future transportation needs.

DA53N Owner's Manual

Features• DA53N is a very high grade digital to analogue converter with unmatched
flexibility for sound matching.
• DA53N’s CI (Current Injection) current to voltage converter integrates the
DAC into the current system of a special designed and feedback-free amplifier
with better sound quality than OP-amp-designs, excellent measurement results
and the shortest possible signal path.
• DA53N works perfectly with all kind of digital sources. AES/EBU, Coax.,
Toslink, and USB inputs are available.
• DA53N uses a low noise high grade switching power supply with an active
primary power cleaning section. Low noise switching is achieved by controlling
Slew Rate of Voltage and Current.
• DA53N uses just a very high grade of part quality. PCM1796, the latest CI
modules, balanced current capacitors, induction free polystyrene capacitors, lowtolerance metal film resistors, gold plated 2-layer PCB• DA53N has 2 different digital filters: A standard filter with super linear
frequency response but ringing, or a ringing-free, pulse-optimized filter with asofter roll-off at the top frequency range. The typical pre- and post-ringing ofdigital FIR filters does not exist in the analogue nature. Also sample rate
converter, that can eliminate jitter very efficiently, is available.
• DA53N offers different oversampling frequency settings and thus allows the
choice between best filtering with strongest signal proceeding (OVS HIGH =128fs) down to best filter quality with low signal alternation, but simplest
filtering (OVS LOW = 32fs).
• DA53N has a volume controlled output stage which offers a very high grade
headphone listening as well as a connection to a power amplifier or active
speakers.

Cautions regarding handling• Before pushing the analogue output FIXED/VARIABLE button, turn the volumeof DA53N as well as the amplifier connected and power off all devices.
Changing to FIXED gets the maximum analogue output level, which may
result in damage to amplifier and speakers due to excessive input.
• When DA53N is connected to an amplifier without volume control, never set
the button to FIXED.
• Before changing the digital input, take off the headphones and turn thevolume low, otherwise changing noise or high sound pressure from highinput source may result in hearing impairment.
• Be sure to take off the headphone and lower the volume before input change.
• When listening to the speakers or headphones connected to the external
amplifier, turn the amplifier’s volume low before changing DA53N’s input.
Changing the input keeping the volume high may cause changing noise or
high sound pressure from high input source, and may result inspeaker/headphone damage or hearing impairment.

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Important Safety Instructions

Caution: To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not remove the cover or rear panel. It does
not contain any user-serviceable parts. Refer
servicing to qualified service personnel.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended toalert the user to potential shock hazards within
the product's enclosure.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to notify the user to the presence ofimportant operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the accompanying documentation.

WARNING : TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOTEXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions
Do not use DA53N near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install DA53N near any heat sources such as radiators, heatregisters, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) (For USA, Canada: ) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or
grounding-type plug. A polarised plug has two blades, with one blade wider
than another. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If theprovided plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacementof the obsolete outlet. (For European Countries: ) Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the grounding-type plug. This plug has two poles and a third
grounding hole. The third hole is provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of theobsolete outlet.

DA53N Owner's Manual

10) Protect DA53N's power cord from being walked on or pinched, especiallyaround the plugs, convenience receptacles, and where it exits DA1N’s
casing.
11) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12) Only use DA53N with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, ortable specified by the manufacturer or sold with the unit. If
using a cart, exercise caution when moving the cart unit
combination to avoid injury from it tipping over.
13) Unplug DA53N during lightning storms or when leaving it
unused for extended periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
DA53N itself, its power-supply cord, or plug has been damaged in any way,
when liquids have been spilled onto DA53N, when foreign objects havefallen into DA53N, when DA53N has been exposed to rain or moisture,when DA53N does not operate normally, or when the unit has been
dropped.

Caution•••••

Do not expose DA53N to drips or splashes.
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit.
Do not install DA53N in a confined space, such as within a bookcase orsimilar piece of furniture.
Plug the AC power cord into an easily accessible AC wall outlet, so it can bequickly unplugged in case of emergency.
DO NOT REMOVE THE PROTECTIVE HOUSING WITH A SCREWDRIVER.

•

USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURESOTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS
RADIATION EXPOSURE.

•IF DA53N SEEMS TO BE MALFUNCTIONING, CONTACT A QUALIFIEDSERVICE STATION. DISCONTINUE USE OF ANY MALFUNCTIONING UNIT.

For CANADA:AC POWER CORD CONNECTION
CAUTION :TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH THE BLADE
WIDTH OF THE PLUG TO THE SLOT WIDTH. THE
PLUG MUST BE FULLY INSERTED TO THE SLOT.

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Handling Precautions
1. Connecting Other Devices
Unplug DA53N’s AC power cord from the outlet before connecting or
disconnecting other devices. Exercise caution when handling the AC power
cord. When disconnecting the AC cord from a socket, make sure you pull theplug, and not the cord itself.

2. Turning Power ON/OFFYour system components should be turned ON/OFF in the following order toavoid generating noise from your headphones and speakers, and damaging theheadphones and speakers themselves or other devices:
Turning power ON: Turn DA53N’s volume to the minimum and power ON first,
before turning ON the amplifier connected to DA53N.
Turning power OFF: Turn DA53N’s volume to the minimum and power OFF atlast, after turning OFF the amplifier first.

3. Handle with Care
Avoid exerting excessive force on the cabinet, the volume knob and buttons.

4. Installation
Use of an audio rack is recommended to maximize the sound quality andperformance of DA53N.
Installation and use of DA53N in the locations described below may cause
deterioration in sound quality or malfunctions.
Locations exposed to direct sunlight, such as windowsills, and otherexceptionally warm locations, such as near heating appliances (surrounding
temperature higher than 30°C), or exceptionally cold locations (surrounding
temperature lower than 5°C), may prevent DA53N from functioning adequately.
Damp locations exceeding 90% humidity may cause malfunction.
Dusty locations may cause DA53N to malfunction.
Otherwise, avoid installing DA53N close to other transformers and electrical
motors. Also, avoid mounting DA53N on surface that may be affected byvibration.

5. Avoid Electrostatic Discharge
Like all complex electronic devices, DA53N is sensitive to electrostatic discharge.
A discharge may cause malfunction or damage.

6. Avoid Lightning Strikes Damages
Disconnect the AC power cord from the AC outlet when there is a thunderstorm
in your vicinity.

7. Condensation
When DA53N has been brought into a warm room when the exteriortemperature is cold, or when the room temperature rises sharply from using aheater, condensation may occur from both inside and outside the unit,
hampering its performance. If this happens, leave DA53N unused in the roomfor 1 to 2 hours (depending on the amount of condensation), so as to bring theunit’s temperature closer to the room temperature. The condensation should go
away gradually.

8. Listening Etiquette
Excessive sound pressure from headphones and earphones can cause hearing
impairments. Take care not to increase the volume too much.
When adjusting the sound volume level, make sure you do not disturb otherpeople and your neighborhood.

DA53N Owner's Manual

Accessories
The packaging of DA53N should contain the following:
1. DA53N unit
2. AC Power Cord
3. Owner’s manual
NOTE: Keep the packaging available for future transportation needs.
The AC power cord is for use with DA53N exclusively, and should not be used
for other devices.

Maintenance• DA53N requires no periodic maintenance and contains no user-serviceableparts. Contact your dealer or an authorized CEC service center for inspection
and repairs in case of malfunction.
• If the surface of the DA53N enclosure is soiled, wipe with 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 DA53N enclosure. Also avoid using aerosol
insecticides near the unit.
• If dust should have accumulated on the unit, remove it with stick tape (e.g.
Scotch tape). Make sure not to touch the enclosure with any tools or hard parts.

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Front Panel Functions

POWER button
Push the POWER button to turn DA53N ON respectively OFF.
USB input
Connect to a computer via standard USB cable (USB A-type – USB mini B-type).
This way DA53N can work as an external computer sound system, compatible
with the USB-1.1 standard. No driver installation on the computer is required.
Sampling frequencies up to 48kHz are supported. The USB cable should be wellshielded and better not use ferrite filters.
HEADPHONE jackConnect a standard 6.3mm headphone plug to the HEADPHONE jack. Use anadaptor for different headphone plugs. For Volume control use the
VOLUME
knob. Headphone should be plugged at low VOLUME.
INPUT selector button
Push the INPUT bottom to select a digital input AES (AES/EBU), COAX
(COAXIAL), TOS (TOSLINK), USB (B-type), or FRONT (USB mini B-type). The
selected INPUT lights up in the display, and the display shows the sampling
frequency once HD53N detects the digital input signal.

Lower the volume before changing the input to avoid
changing noise, sudden big sound, or headphone /speaker damage!
D FILTER (DIGITAL FILTER) selector button
Push the D FILTER button to select a digital filter FLAT or PULSE. When FLAT isselected, DF FLAT lights up in the display. When PULSE is selected, the indicator
is off.
OVS/SRC (Δ Σ-OVerSampling / Sample Rate Converter) selector button
Press the OVS button to select an oversampling rate HIGH or LOW, or the
sample rate converter (SRC=UPS). When HIGH is selected, OVS HIGH lights up
in the display. When LOW is selected, the indicator is off. When sampling rate
converter is selected and on, UPS lights up in the display.
(1) OVS HIGH is the highest possible filtering with strongest signal proceeding
and “smoother” sound. The actual oversampling rate varies with input signal’s
sampling frequency:
32K, 44K (44.1k), 48K: 128fs / 88K (88.2k), 96K: 64fs / 176K, 192K: 32fs

DA53N Owner's Manual(2)OVS LOW (not light up) is the filter with lowest signal alteration and very
“open” and “dynamic” sound by simplest filtering (32fs).
(3) UPS activates the sample rate converter (upsampler) and always sets theoversampling rate to 32fs.
UPS (sample rate converter) operation reduces jitter and relocks the input
signal to 96kHz. For low jitter input, bypass SRC may result in better sound.

DISPLAY
Input indicator
A selected input lights up in the display. AES=AES/EBU, COAX=Coaxial, TOS=
Toslink, USB=USB B-type, FRONT=USB mini B-type.
Digital Filter indicator
When FLAT is selected, DF FLAT lights up in the display. When PULSE isselected, the indicator is off.
*For detail of Digital Filter refer to page 14 .
-Oversampling Rate indicator
When HIGH is selected, OVS HIGH lights up in the display. When LOW is
selected, the indicator is off.
Sample Rate Converter (Upsampling) indicator
When the Sample Rate Converter (SRC=UPS) is ON, UPS lights up in the display.
NO PCM
When DA53N does not detect any digital input signal, NO PCM lights up.
AES/EBU and SPDIF (Coax & Toslink) receives the digital signal in PCM format
from any digital audio devices, and USB receives the signal in Packet format
from PC.
If DA53N detects encoded signals, NO PCM lights up, and the output is muted.
Sampling Frequency indicator
The incoming sampling frequency at a selected input lights up in the display,e.g. 44K (44.1kHz) in case of CD.
*Some SACD or DVD players even equipped with a digital output terminal may
not produce a digital signal due to the source being played. When there is no
digital output from the player DA53N shows NO PCM in the display. In anothercase, some players convert the digital output signal lower than the sampling
frequency of the original source such as copy-protected disc. The HD53N’s
display may show a down-converted sampling frequency but not the originalone. This depends on the player’s specification. Both cases are not caused byan error on DA53N. Check player’s manual.
VOLUME control knob
Turn the VOLUME knob clockwise to increase or turn counterclockwise to
decrease the headphone’s volume.
When the analogue output is set to “VARIABLE”, the VOLUME knob works also
for adjusting the analogue output level. The switch is located at the rear panel.
For detail refer to page 10 .

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Rear Panel

Analog outputs
RCA(Unbalanced)
Standard RCA analogue signal output terminals for connecting
any amplifier.
XLR(Balanced)
Balanced analogue output using standard XLR terminals. Pinning:
1=GND, 2=Hot, 3=Cold. This should be the preferred connection
when wiring DA53N to any amplifier.
FIXED/VARIABLE button
When DA53N’s analogue output is connected to an amplifier withvolume control function, set the button to FIXED (the button is inlower position).
When DA53N’s analogue output is connected to active speakers
or power amplifier without the volume control function, set the
button to VARIABLE (the button is in higher position) to adjust theanalogue output level by turning the DA53N’s VOLUME knob on
the front panel.
Note: When VARIABLE is ON, the DA53N’s VOLUME knob works
to adjust the output level for both headphone and analogue
outputs. In case of listening to headphone the amplifier connectedto the analogue output should be powered off.
When DA53N is connected to an amplifier or active
speaker without volume control function, never set the
button to FIXED. FIXED output is at maximum level that
may result in amplifier or speaker damage.
To avoid any accident by mistake, be sure to push the
FIXED/VARIABLE button only after setting the volume
to minimum at DA53N as well as at the amplifierconnected to DA53N. And power off all devices.

DA53N Owner's Manual

Digital Inputs
USB (B-type)
Connect to a computer via standard USB cable. This way DA53N
can work as an external computer sound system, compatible with
the USB-1.1 standard. No driver installation on the computer isrequired. Sampling frequencies up to 48kHz are supported. The
USB cable should be well shielded and better not use ferrite filters.
TOSLINK (Optical)
Connect to any digital audio device using an optical fiber cablewith “TOSLINK” connectors. This input supports sampling
frequencies up to 96kHz.
COAXIAL (RCA)
Connect to any digital audio device using a 75 Ohm coaxial
cable. This input supports sampling frequencies up to 192kHz.
AES/EBU (Balanced XLR)
Connect to any digital audio device using a 110 Ohm balanced
XLR cable. This input supports sampling frequencies up to 192kHz
and should be the preferred standard for common SPDIF
connections.
AC LINE
Connect the provided AC power cord to the AC LINE inlet.

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53NSPDIF Connections
AES/EBU Connection

XLR Cable

Connect to the AES/EBU terminal of any compatible digital audio device with a
110 Ohm XLR cable.

COAXIAL Connection

RCA Cable

Connect to the COAXIAL terminal of any compatible digital audio device with a
75 Ohm COAXIAL (RCA) cable.

TOSLINK Optical Connection

TOSLINK Optical Fiber Cable

Connect to the TOSLINK terminal of any compatible digital audio device with
an optical cable.
TOSLINK is using an optical fiber. Do not stare directly at the
infrared light coming from the cable end to avoid damage toyour eyes.
Do not bend the cable too much and keep unused TOSLINK
terminals covered.

DA53N Owner's Manual

USB Connections

USB A

USB B

USB Mini-B

Connect USB B or USB mini B plug to the DA53N’s USB terminal on rear or
front panel. This way DA53N can be used as an external computer soundsystem. After connecting DA53N is automatically registered to the operating
system as USB Audio DAC, but you may have to set your computer to route thesound signals to DA53N instead of the internal sound system. DA53N works
with Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OSX and Linux. In case of special
operating system setups without automatic USB scanning or limited user rights,
you may ask your system administrator.

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Operation
Push the Analog output FIXED/VARIABLE bottom on the rear panel to selecta proper analog output setting for the amplifier connected to DA53N. FIXED isfor an amplifier with volume control function and VARIABLE is for an amplifier
without volume control function, i.e. power amplifier, and for active speakers.
Never set the button to FIXED for any power amplifier or active speakerwithout volume control!
Push the POWER button to turn DA53N on. A selected input LED will blink in
the display. About 10 seconds later all current functions light up and the unit isready for use.
Power on the digital audio source or computer connected to DA53N first,
then amplifier at last. Make sure DA53N’s and amplifier’s volume positions areat the minimum.
Select an input. The input sampling frequency will light up in the display, e.g.
44K(44.1kHz), 48K, 88K(88.2kHz)... as soon as DA53N detects a valid PCM
signal. If there is no connection to the selected input, or the signal is not a PCM
Digital Audio signal (like coded signals), NO PCM will light up in the display.

Push the D FILTER button to select a digital filter FLAT or PULSE. FLAT
features linear frequency response up to 20kHz. PULSE features soft roll-off andringing free playback. When selecting FLAT, DF FLAT lights up in the display.
PULSE results in wider sound stage and dynamic sound. During PULSE theindicator is off.

The 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 a pulse signal is distributed in the time domain, before andafter the pulse centre. Any ringing before the signal does not exist in nature.
The PULSE 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 results in about -2dB at
20kHz with an input sampling frequency of 44.1kHz.
For higher sampling frequencies the roll-off is irrelevant and the PULSE filter isthe best choice. This is also true for SRC (=UPS) operation.
For 44.1kHz and 48kHz the better result may depend on the whole system aswell as personal preferences.

DA53N Owner's Manual

Needle Pulse response reproduced with Digital Filter set to FLAT and PULSE.

Push the OVS/SRC button to select an oversampling HIGH or LOW, or the
sample rate converter (SRC=UPS).
Different oversampling frequency settings allow the choice between highfiltering with strongest signal proceeding and more “quiet” sound(HIGH=128fs, 64fs or 32fs)* down to low filter with small signal alteration andvery “open” and “dynamic” sound by simplest filtering (LOW=32fs). Select theoversampling rate according to your listening preference.
*Oversampling rate HIGH varies with the input signal’s sampling frequency.
For detail refer to page 8 .

When selecting SRC ON, UPS lights up in the display and oversampling rate isalways set to LOW (32fs) but not displayed. In case of high jitter input signal
SRC should be ON. In case of low jitter input signal SRC bypassed may result
in better sound than SRC ON, due to less signal processing

Digital to Analogue Converter DA53N

Troubleshooting
If you suspect a malfunction of the unit, please check thefollowing chart before calling your dealer.
No power
Check the connection at the both ends of the AC power cord.
Make sure there is power at the wall outlet.
Check the power switch position.
No soundCheck the connection from the external source, e.g. CD player.
Check the operation of the external source, e.g. CD player.
Check the connection to the speakers or headphones.
Check whether the matching input is selected.
Check setting of VARIABLE / FIXED OUTPUT switch on backside.
If VARIABLE OUTPUT is selected, check VOLUME position.
INPUT indicator continues blinking and no signal
Turn DA53N off and unplug the AC power cord from the outlet.
Wait for a minute, plug the AC power cord back in and turn
DA53N on again. Check if all plugs on the front and rear
panel are properly connected.
Hum noise
Check if the plugs are connected correctly.
Distorted soundDecrease the volume level.
Check position of VARIABLE / FIXED OUTPUT switch on backside.
This switch should never be pushed to the inside position, if a
power amplifier or active speaker without volume control isconnected.
Check that all plugs are connected correctly.

Service Contact Preparations
In case you need to contact the service center please prepare thefollowing information:
Model name and serial number
Purchase date
Dealer name and contact information
Description of the unit’s problem

DA53N Owner's Manual

Specifications

CEC Co., Ltd. Japan
http://www.cec-web.co.jp

0906-A