DAC Box DS - Audio/video converter PRO-JECT - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC)
Brand	Pro-Ject Audio Systems
Model	DAC Box DS
Category	Audio/Video Converter
Dimensions (W x H x D)	103 x 36 x 107 mm
Weight	500 g
Power Supply	External AC adapter (12V DC, 500 mA)
Inputs	USB (Type B), Optical (Toslink), Coaxial (RCA)
Outputs	Analog RCA (L/R), Optical (Toslink passthrough)
Supported Sample Rates	Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz (USB and coaxial), 24-bit / 96 kHz (optical)
DAC Chip	Burr-Brown PCM1793
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz (±0.5 dB)
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 110 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise	< 0.002%
Channel Separation	> 100 dB
Output Voltage	2 V RMS (unbalanced)
Supported Operating Systems	Windows, macOS, Linux (USB audio class 1 or 2)
Power Consumption	< 5 W
Standby Power Consumption	< 0.5 W
Housing Material	Aluminum
Color	Black / Silver
Accessories Included	USB cable, power adapter, user manual
Clean & Maintenance	Wipe with a soft, dry cloth; do not use solvents. Keep away from dust and moisture.
Safety	Operate only with supplied power adapter. Do not open device; risk of electric shock. Keep away from children.
Spare Parts & Repairability	Contact Pro-Ject authorized service centers for replacement parts. Device is not user-serviceable.

Frequently Asked Questions - DAC Box DS PRO-JECT

How do I connect the DAC Box DS to my computer?

Connect the DAC Box DS to your computer via the USB Type-B input. Use the included USB cable. Ensure the computer recognizes the device as a sound output. For best performance, install the appropriate drivers if needed (Windows may require a driver for USB Audio Class 2).

What is the maximum sample rate supported?

The DAC Box DS supports sample rates up to 24-bit / 192 kHz via USB and coaxial inputs, and up to 24-bit / 96 kHz via optical input.

Can I use the DAC Box DS with a game console?

Yes, if your console has an optical (Toslink) or coaxial output. Connect the console's digital output to the corresponding input on the DAC Box DS, then connect the RCA outputs to your amplifier or speakers.

Does the DAC Box DS require external power?

Yes, the DAC Box DS must be powered using the included 12V DC adapter. Plug the adapter into a mains outlet and connect the DC plug to the rear panel of the device.

How do I switch between inputs?

The DAC Box DS automatically detects and selects the active input. If multiple sources are connected, the device gives priority to the USB input. To change manually, disconnect the USB cable or power cycle the source.

My DAC Box DS is not recognized by Windows. What should I do?

First, ensure you have installed the correct driver from the Pro-Ject website. If using USB Audio Class 2, you may need to download the driver. Also, try a different USB port and cable. Restart your computer after installation.

Can I use the DAC Box DS with a smartphone or tablet?

Yes, if your device supports USB OTG (On-The-Go). You will need an OTG adapter to connect the USB cable from the DAC Box DS to your phone or tablet. Note that some devices may require additional USB audio support.

What is the output impedance of the DAC Box DS?

The RCA outputs have a low output impedance of approximately 100 ohms, making them compatible with most amplifiers and receivers.

Is the DAC Box DS compatible with DSD?

The DAC Box DS is a PCM-only DAC and does not support native DSD playback. However, software can convert DSD to PCM for playback.

How should I clean the DAC Box DS?

Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the metal housing. Do not use any chemical cleaners or abrasive materials. Keep the device away from liquids and excessive dust.

USER MANUAL DAC Box DS PRO-JECT

thank you for purchasing a Pro-Ject Audio Systems DAC Box DS.

In order to achieve maximum performance and reliability you should study these instructions for use carefully.

Warning of a hazard for the user, the unit or possible misuse

Important notice

Safety instructions

AC outlet voltages vary from country to country. Before connecting to the mains, make sure that the voltage in your area meets the voltage requirements printed on the power supply.

The power supply is used to disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easier accessible at all times. Never handle the device, the power supply while your hands are wet or damp.

Avoid letting liquids enter the device or the power supply. Never place any item containing liquid, such as a flower vase on or near the device. Never spill any liquid on the device or the power supply.

Never place any naked flame sources, such as lighted candles on or near the device. The product shall be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar condition

Connectors

Out Left Right Optical S/PDIF Co-axial USB Digital input RoHS CE Power 18V= SN: Pro-Ject Audio Systems, Vienna, Austria

Make all connections, except the connection to the computer, whilst the unit is disconnected from the power supply. Connect the unit to the mains and switch it on before connecting it to the computer.

Take care to connect the left and right channels correctly. The right channel is usually marked red, the left channel black or white.

Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit.

Connection to the amplifier

Connect the Out socket to a line input (such as AUX) on your amplifier.

Inputs

Sources with an digital output such as a CD player can be connected to the digital inputs (coaxial and optical). A computer can be connected to the USB input.

The DAC supports PCM (LPCM) format only. The DAC does not work with audio formats like DTS ^™ or Dolby ^® Digital. If the DAC is used with a TV satellite/cable receiver or a TV sets with an integrated satellite/cable receiver, make sure that in the set-up menu of your receiver/TV set, the format of the digital signal, relayed to the digital output used is set to PCM.

Connecting to a Computer

Connect the USB-input of the DAC (unit must be switched on) to a free USB-socket on your computer and turn it on/make sure it is powered on. The DAC will be automatically recognised by the computer.

* For Windows ^® operating systems a 24Bit/192kHz driver (supplied on CD) has to be installed. Mac OS ^® operating systems support 24Bit/192kHz as a standard.

Please note: Connection should be made to an USB-socket of your computer directly. Connecting to USB-hubs or switches can cause problems.

Mains power connection

Connect the low voltage plug from the power supply to the Power 18V DC socket before connecting the power supply to the mains.

Front panel controls

DAC Box DS INPUT FILTER

To switch on from standby or to standby

Will toggle the DAC between its fully operational status and standby.

Input selector

Pressing INPUT repeatedly selects the digital inputs in turns. The selected input and the sampling frequency of the input signal will be shown on the display.

Filter

FILTER will toggle between the two filters available. The selected filter will be shown on the display.

24Bit/192kHz driver (Windows® operating systems only)

* For Windows ^® operating systems a 24Bit/192kHz driver has to be installed. Insert the included CD into the drive of you PC and follow the instructions.

After installing the 24Bit/192kHz driver, some setting have to be done.

For example - Windows 7 ^® operating system:

→ Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Sound → Playback: select Project DAC DS USB 2.0 Audio Out

→ Properties → Supported Formats: make sure nothing is assigned → Level → Sound: setting must be 100

→ Enhancements: disable all enhancements → Advanced → Default Format: set to studio quality 24/192

DSD playback

Playback of DSD files (.dff, .dsf) is possible over USB. Player capable of playing DSD files is required in your computer. Setup guide is available on our website http://www.box-designs.com

Firmware updates

We strongly recommend to check our website http://www.box-designs.com for firmware updates. Always use the last release of the firmware for the best performance.

Technical specifications Pro-Ject DAC Box DS

Line-level output: 1 pair RCA/phono sockets

Output voltage: 2Vrms

Digital outputs: 1 x coaxial (S/PDIF),

1 x optical (TOSlink

1 x USB (B socket).

^® ,

USB input: digital serial data protocol USB 2.0

THD: <0,01%

Operating systems: Windows XP

^® , Windows VISTA ^® , Windows 7 ^® , Windows 8 ^® , Mac

OS®

D/A converter: Burr Brown PCM1792. 24Bit/192kHz, 8-times oversampling

Supported audio format: PCM (LPCM), DoP (DSD over PCM), No support for formats like

Dolby

® Digital or DTS

Sampling rates

Coaxial input and USB input: 44,1kHz, 48kHz, 88,2kHz, 96kHz, 176,2kHz and 192kHz

Optical input:

44,1kHz, 48kHz, 88,2kHz and 96kHz

DSD support

DSD64, DSD128

Outboard power supply:

18V/500mA DC; suitable for your country's mains supply

Power consumption:

350mA DC, <1W in standby

Dimensions W x H x D (D with sockets):

103 × 72 × 144 (150)mm

Weight:

1.010g without power supply

Service

Should you encounter a problem which you are not able to alleviate or identify despite the above information, please contact your dealer for further advice. Only if the problem cannot be resolved there, the unit should be sent to the responsible distributor in your country.

Warranty

The manufacturer accepts no responsibility for damage caused by not adhering to these instructions for use. Modification or changes to any part of the product by unauthorized persons release the manufacturer from any liability over and above the lawful rights of the customer.

Copyright, trademarks

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a Registered Trademark of H. Lichtenegger.

This guide was produced by: Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

The information was correct at the time of going to press. The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the technical specification without prior notice as deemed necessary to uphold the ongoing process of technical development.

Windows ^® , Windows XP ^® , Windows Vista ^® , Windows 7 ^® Windows 8 ^® are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Mac ^® and Mac OS ^® are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. TOSlink ^® is a registered trademark of Toshiba corporation. Dolby ^® is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS ^™ is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc..