PA 1100 E - T+A - Free user manual and instructions

Brand	T+A
Model	PA 1100 E
Product Type	High-Resolution Audio Component with USB DAC
USB Interface	USB 2.0
Maximum Sampling Rate	384 kHz
Maximum Bit Depth	32 bit
Audio Stream	Bit Perfect
Kernel Streaming	Supported
Native Playback	Supported via J. River Media Center, Foobar 2000
Operating Systems	Windows 7, 8, 10 / macOS X 10.13.6 and higher
Minimum Processor	Intel Core i5 or comparable AMD
Minimum RAM	4 GB
Driver Package	T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0
Installation	Software wizard with step-by-step prompts
Connection Topology	Direct to computer, no USB hubs
Audio Playback	Set as default output device
Power Supply	AC mains (internal, not user-serviceable)
Dimensions (Approx.)	46.0 x 17.0 x 40.0 cm (W x H x D)
Weight (Approx.)	12 kg
Maintenance	Wipe with soft dry cloth; no abrasive cleaners
Safety Notice	Do not disconnect USB or switch off during playback
Repairs	Contact T+A service center

Frequently Asked Questions - PA 1100 E T+A

How do I install the T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver?

Download the software package from the T+A website, unzip it, and double-click the setup executable. Confirm each dialog box and reconnect your device when prompted.

What are the system requirements for the PA 1100 E USB audio?

You need an Intel Core i5 or comparable AMD processor, at least 4 GB RAM, a USB 2.0 interface, and Windows 7, 8, or 10, or macOS X 10.13.6 or higher.

Why should I avoid resampling audio on my computer?

Resampling converts the original sampling rate to another, causing loss of audio quality. To avoid this, use dedicated players like J. River Media Center or Foobar 2000 that support native playback and bypass the kernel mixer.

What is kernel streaming?

Kernel streaming is the process Windows uses to transfer audio data between media players and drivers. It involves multiple processes and must be configured correctly to prevent system crashes or playback errors.

Can I use a USB hub to connect the PA 1100 E?

No, always connect the PA 1100 E directly to the computer using a USB port. USB hubs can cause connection issues and degrade audio quality.

How do I set the PA 1100 E as default audio device on Windows?

Open Control Panel, go to Sound, select PA1100E from the list, click Set Default, then go to Properties and choose the maximum sampling rate and bit depth for your system.

How do I set up the PA 1100 E on a Mac?

Open the Audio MIDI Setup utility, select PA1100E and choose Use This Device for Sound Output. In Format, set the maximum sampling rate to 384.000 Hz and 32 bits.

Is it safe to disconnect the USB cable during playback?

No, never disconnect the USB connection or switch off the PA 1100 E while playback is active. Doing so can cause system crashes and errors in the playback program.

Can I change inputs on the PA 1100 E during USB playback?

No, do not change the input on the PA 1100 E during playback because the USB connection will be interrupted. Stop playback first before switching inputs.

What should I do if I encounter playback problems?

Since the PA 1100 E relies on the computer for audio data, check if the issue comes from the media player software. Contact the software manufacturer for support, as T+A cannot guarantee playback with all software versions.

USER MANUAL PA 1100 E T+A

Driver / software installation manual

Version 1.0

08/2019

DEUTSCH 3

ENGLISH 12

INHALT

Welcome to the T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 Setup Wizard

This wizard will guide you through the installation of T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0.

It is recommended that you close all other applications before starting Setup. This will make it possible to update relevant system files without having to reboot your computer.

Click Next to continue.

Cancel

③

Choose Install Location

Choose the folder in which to install T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0.

Setup will install T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 in the following folder. To install in a different folder, click Browse and select another folder. Click Install to start the installation.

Destination Folder

C:\Program Files\T+A elektroakustik\Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver

Browse...

Space required: 4.4MB

Space available: 197.7GB

5

Completing the T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 Setup Wizard

T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 has been installed on your computer.

Click Finish to close this wizard.

④

Installation Complete

Setup was completed successfully.

Execute: regsvr32 /s "C:\Program Files\T+A elektroakustik\Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver...

Create shortcut: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\T+A elektro...

Create shortcut: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\T+...

Preinstalling drivers.

This may take some time to complete. Please wait ...

Preinstallation was successful. Click Next to continue.

[EMPTY]

⑥

To complete the driver installation, you must disconnect and reconnect your device. Do you want to exit this wizard now and connect the device later?

All operating systems

System requirements 13

Notes on USB audio reproduction

Native music playback 14

Kernel Streaming 14

Installation and settings

Windows installation 15

Windows settings 17

MAC OS settings 19

Caution!

Text passages marked with this symbol contain important information which must be observed if the machine is to operate safely and without problems.

This symbol marks text passages which provide supplementary notes and background information; they are intended to help the user understand how to get the best out of the machine.

All operating systems

Please note that the illustrations in these installation instructions may vary from the displays on your own computer, depending on your system's configuration.

System requirements

(for playing high-resolution audio files at maximum sampling frequency)

• Intel Core i5 or higher or a comparable AMD Processor.
• 4 GB RAM
• USB 2.0 Interface
  • Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10
  • or MAC OS X 10.13.6 or higher

We are unable to provide a general guarantee that the PA 1100 E will function perfectly with your computer, as this depends on the particular configuration of your machine's hardware and software.

Native music playback

(applicable to Windows systems only)

Computer operating systems do not support ‘native’ music playback as standard. This means that the PC always re-calculates the data to produce a fixed sampling rate, regardless of the sampling rate of the file being played. This conversion process is necessary in order to blend audio playback with other audio sources, e.g. the operating system’s system sounds (referred to as the ‘kernel mixer’).

An HD audio recording at, say, 96 kHz is always converted down to 48 kHz, and subsequently scaled to the output data rate set in the PC system settings, e.g. 44.1 kHz.

These resampling processes cause a partial loss of audio quality. If this is to be avoided, it is necessary to circumvent the kernel mixer's conversion process.

Since it is not possible for the PA 1100 E to influence the PC's internal handling of audio data, suitable music players with appropriate drivers and, in some cases plugins, must be installed on the PC; this software then circumvents the standard audio processing of the PC's operating system.

Programs such as J. River Media Center and Foobar 2000 offer good facilities in this area.

The Internet contains many forums and sources of information on the background to audio data processing using the PC.

This is the basic rule: in the final analysis the PA 1100 E is only able to convert the audio data which is delivered by the PC and its operating system.

Please note that possible software updates mean that we are unable to provide a general guarantee that files will play properly. If you encounter problems during playback, please contact the software manufacturer.

Kernel streaming

The term kernel streaming refers to the process used by the Windows operating system for transferring audio between media players and drivers. Kernel streaming involves different and in some cases multiple processes, depending on the operating system.

If your version of Windows supports different methods of kernel streaming, the setting is entered in Media Player.

To prevent fail functions and system crashes of your computer and the playback program, please note the following:

Never connect or disconnect the USB connection while the system is running.

The PA 1100 E should never be switched off while playback.

For the same reason, do not change the input on the PA 1100 E during playback. When the input is changed, the USB connection is interrupted.

Windows Installation

The device drivers must be installed before you connect the PA 1100 E to a computer.

This is the procedure:

• Download the software package from the T+A website:
  http://www.ta-hifi.com/support

- Unpack the ZIP-file.

• Double-click on the file

TA_BpUsbAudio_vX.XX.X_XXXX-XX-XX_setup.exe

to call up the Setup program.

- Confirm the installation by clicking on the 'Setup Software' button.

- The Setup program carries out the installation, running through a small number of steps.

- Confirm dialogue windows ① to ⑥ by clicking on the buttons marked by the mouse cursor.

- The installation is complete, when the USB connection is established.

The next section describes the system settings required.

①

Welcome to the T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 Setup Wizard

This wizard will guide you through the installation of T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0.

It is recommended that you close all other applications before starting Setup. This will make it possible to update relevant system files without having to reboot your computer.

Click Next to continue.

③

Choose Install Location

Choose the folder in which to install T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0.

Setup will install T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 in the following folder. To install in a different folder, click Browse and select another folder. Click Install to start the installation.

Destination Folder

C:\Program Files\T+A elektroakustik\Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver

Browse...

Space required: 4.4MB

Space available: 197.7GB

5

Completing the T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 Setup Wizard

T+A Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver v4.61.0 has been installed on your computer.

Click Finish to close this wizard.

④

Installation Complete

Setup was completed successfully.

Execute: regsvr32 /s "C:\Program Files\T+A elektroakustik\Bit Perfect USB Audio Driver...

Create shortcut: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\T+A elektro...

Create shortcut: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup\T+...

Preinstalling drivers.

This may take some time to complete. Please wait ...

Preinstallation was successful. Click Next to continue.

[EMPTY]

⑥

To complete the driver installation, you must disconnect and reconnect your device. Do you want to exit this wizard now and connect the device later?

Windows settings

When installation is complete, you can connect the PA 1100 E to your computer using any available USB port.

The PA 1100 E should always be connected directly to the computer. Please do not use a USB distributor (hub).

Windows should now detect the PA 1100 E automatically.

System settings:

• Windows 7 users first click on the 'Start' button and then on 'Control Panel'.
• Windows 8 + 10 users can use the keyboard shortcut 'WIN button + X button' to open a pop up window in which the 'Control panel' can be started.

① After the Control Panel is opened, select the 'Sound' entry.

①

② Mark “PA1100E” and click on

'Set default'.

②

③ Click on 'Properties' and set the maximum sampling rate as shown.

③

MAC OS settings

When installation is complete, you can connect the PA 1100 E to your computer using any available USB port.

The PA 1100 E should always be connected directly to the computer. Please do not use a USB distributor (hub).

Windows should now detect the PA 1100 E automatically.

System settings:

Open the utilities

① Select the 'Audio MIDI Setup' entry.

• Now mark 'PA1100E'.
• Check under settings ⚙ 'Use this device for sound output'.
• Format At this point you can set the maximum sampling rate. This should be 384.000 Hz / 32 Bit.