MXDAC - Digital to analog converter Musical Fidelity - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Digital-to-analog audio converter (DAC)
Brand	Musical Fidelity
Model	MXDAC
Dimensions (W x D x H)	220 x 220 x 50 mm
Weight	2.5 kg
Power supply	External, 15 V DC / 1.5 A
Digital inputs	USB (type B), Toslink optical, coaxial S/PDIF
Analog outputs	Unbalanced RCA, balanced XLR
Maximum sampling frequency	24-bit / 192 kHz (USB and optical/coaxial)
DAC chip	ESS Sabre ES9028Q2M
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.5 dB
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)	> 120 dB
Total harmonic distortion (THD+N)	< 0.005%
Output impedance	< 10 ohms (RCA), < 100 ohms (XLR)
Power consumption	15 W operating, < 1 W standby
Care and cleaning	Disconnect the device before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals.
Safety	Do not expose to moisture or extreme temperatures. Ensure adequate ventilation.
Spare parts and repairability	Contact an authorized Musical Fidelity dealer for any repairs.
Disposal	Do not dispose of with household waste. Recycle in accordance with the WEEE directive.

Frequently Asked Questions - MXDAC Musical Fidelity

How to connect the MXDAC to my computer?

Use a USB type B to type A cable to connect the DAC to your computer. Ensure that USB drivers are installed (Windows) or that the device is automatically recognized (Mac). Select the MXDAC as the audio output device in the sound settings.

What sampling frequencies are supported?

The MXDAC supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz on all digital inputs (USB, optical, coaxial). It is also compatible with lower frequencies such as 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 96 kHz, etc.

Can I use the MXDAC with an amplifier without XLR input?

Yes, the MXDAC features unbalanced RCA outputs compatible with most amplifiers. If your amplifier only has RCA inputs, use a standard RCA cable.

How to fix no sound?

Check that the DAC is powered on and the source is correctly selected (USB, optical, or coaxial). Ensure cables are properly connected and the source volume is not muted. Restart the computer or reset the DAC by unplugging and reconnecting it.

Does the MXDAC require specific drivers?

On Windows, download the official USB driver from the Musical Fidelity website. On macOS and Linux, the DAC is generally recognized without additional drivers (native support).

Can I use a remote control with the MXDAC?

The MXDAC does not include a remote control. Input selection is done manually via the front panel button. No remote control is supported.

What is the recommended operating temperature?

Use the MXDAC in a temperate environment between 5°C and 35°C. Avoid direct sunlight, moisture, and heat sources.

Is the MXDAC compatible with gaming consoles?

Yes, via optical or USB connection if the console supports it. For example, PlayStation 4/5 and Xbox One/Series X support optical output. Connect the console to the DAC via an optical cable.

How to clean the MXDAC chassis?

Disconnect the device. Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth (clean water) to wipe the surface. Never use alcohol, solvents, or abrasive products. Dry with a soft cloth.

What to do in case of humming or buzzing in the speakers?

This noise is often due to a ground loop. Ensure all audio devices are plugged into the same electrical outlet. Use quality shielded cables. If the problem persists, try disconnecting the ground from the power supply (if possible) or use a ground loop isolator.

USER MANUAL MXDAC Musical Fidelity

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

POWER LOCK OFF ON SAMPLE RATE KHz DSD ALL 68 58.2 % 175.4 110 44 128 V V V V V FILTER INPUT OPT OPT COM COM USB 1 2 • • • • • • • • MUSICAL FIDELITY

The ultimate in digital listening.

The MX-DAC is a very high performance, fully balanced, Digital to Analogue Convertor in a beautifully designed and executed casework.

The unit features two optical and two coax S/PDIF inputs as well as an asynchronous PCM/DSD USB input. These are separate and an input select button allows choice between up to five different sources. Selectable filtering is provided to allow for different filter roll-offs, gradual and sharp to suit individual tastes.

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

Safety instructions

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

Important notice.

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 connect/disconnect the unit from the mains. Make sure that the power supply is easily 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 not be used in damp or wet locations, next to a bathtub, sink, swimming pool or any other similar conditions.

Make all connections except the connection to the USB whilst the unit is disconnected from the mains.

Never connect or disconnect power supply to or from the unit whilst the power supply is connected to the mains. Never use any other power supply than the one supplied with the unit.

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

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

FRONT VIEW

POWER Incoming DSD Filter Selected Selector

ON = ⚙ sample rate rate Input Buttons

POWER LOCK OFF UN SAMPLE RATE KHz DSD 44.1 48 68.2 55 176.6 192 46 128 P P P P P P FILTER INPUT 1 2 OPT OPT COAX COAX USB 1 2 1 2 2 USB MUSICAL FIDELITY

REAR VIEW
OUTPUTS RCA USB S/PDIF INPUTS Power IN
RIGHT XLR LEFT XLR LEFT & RIGHT TYPE "B" 2 COAX 1 2 OPT 1 5VDC 2A

BALANCED OUTPUT R L L R RGA OUTPUT USB INPUT ASYNC/PCM DSD DIGITAL INPUTS COAX 2 COAX 1 OPT 2 OPT 1 5V DC - 2A MX-DAC 32 BIT 192KHz UPSAMPLING DSD DAC MUSICAL FIDELITY

XLR SOCKET PINOUTS

XLR Balanced input and output lead connections:

Female Male 2 1 3 1 2 3

(for reference only, no XLR signal leads supplied)

EIA Standard RS-297-A

Pin:	Functions: (line output)
1	Ground (cable shielding)
2	Normal polarity ("hot" or "+"
3	Inverted polarity ("cold" or "-"

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs

A preamplifier can be connected to the output sockets.

Digital inputs

Sources with a digital output such as CD player, TV satellite/cable receiver or a game console can be connected to the coaxial or optical digital inputs.

Connecting to a Computer

Connect the USB-input of the MX DAC to a free USB-socket on your computer and make sure the MX DAC is powered on.

Windows® operating systems require a USB Class 2 driver to be installed. This is included on the supplied CD. This driver supports Windows XP, Vista, 7 and 8.

Mac OS ^® operating systems do not need an additional driver or setup.

Linux operating systems include an USB Audio Class 2 driver from Linux Kernel 2.6.35 and higher.

Please note: For best and most reliable results, connection should be made directly to a spare USB socket on host computer. Connecting to USB "hubs" or "switches" can cause problems.

After installing the driver, some settings have to be checked:

For example - Windows 7 ^® operating system:

□ Control Panel □ Hardware and Sound □ Sound □ Playback:

- select Speaker/MX DAC USB 2.0 Audio

□ Properties □ Supported formats:

- make sure nothing is assigned

□ Level □ Sound:

- setting must be 100 for best results.

□ Enhancements: disable all enhancements □ Advanced □ Default Format:

- set to 32/192

☐ For DSD playback kindly refer to the audio player software documents.

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

Mains power connection

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

Front panel controls

POWER LOCK OFF ON SAMPLE RATE KHz DSD FILTER INPUT 1 2 OPT 1 OPT 2 COAM 1 COAM 2 USB INPUT FILTER MX-DAC 32 BIT 192KHz UPSAMPLING DSD DAC MUSICAL FIDELITY

To switch on from standby or to standby

The switch button on the left side of the front panel turns the unit on or back into standby. The blue LED above the stand-by switch button shows that the unit is switched on and the green LED above switch button shows that the unit has locked PLL to digital input sample rate.

Input selector

After the unit is powered on, pressing the INPUT button will cycle through all five inputs.

Filter selector

Press the FILTER button to select desired filter choice.

S/PDIF or USB PCM:

Filter 1: Digital Sharp roll-off filter

Filter 2: Digital Slow roll-off filter

USB DSD:

Filter 1: Analogue FIR-3 filter

Filter 2: Analogue FIR-1 filter

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.

Should a problem be encountered which cannot be identified or resolved, please contact point of purchase/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 is valid in country of purchase and for original purchaser only and is not internationally nor personally transferable.

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

Technical specifications

Sample rate converter:	SRC4392 up-sampling data to 192 kHz
Digital to Analogue converter:	PCM1795 32 bit/192 kHz Multi-bit Sigma-Delta type

Output

Output voltage	2 Volts RMS single ended from RCA sockets4 Volts RMS balanced from XLR sockets
Frequency response:	PCM (2Hz, 90kHz)@-3dB DSD (2Hz, 40kHz)@-3dB
Channel separation:	<-110dB
SNR A-wtd:	<-115dB
PCM THD:	<0.002%
PCM THD+N:	<0.003%
DSD THD:	<0.003%
DSD THD+N:	<0.006%
Coaxial inputs:	S/PDIF up to 24 bit and 192 kHz
Optical inputs:	S/PDIF up to 24 bit and 192 kHz
USB input:	USB Audio Class 2 requires USB 2.0 or higher
USB data transfer:	Asynchronous with DSD DOP 64/128 support

Connections

Inputs	POWER	1.7mm pin, 4mm hole DC power jack
	OPT1	TOSLINK optical socket
	OPT2	TOSLINK optical socket
	COAX 1	RCA socket
	COAX 2	RCA socket
	USB	Type "B"
Outputs	RCA	1 pair RCA sockets
	Balanced	XLR male sockets EIA Standard RS-297-A

Power requirement

Outboard power supply:	5V/2A DC
Mains voltages 90-250VAC 50-60Hz universal worldwide supply
Consumption	<0.25 Watts	standby
	<1 Watt	maximum (Blue LED lit)

Weight

Unit only, unboxed 1.9 kg (4 14 lbs)

In shipping carton 2.4 kg (5 14 lbs)

Dimensions

Width 220 mm (8 ^2/3 ")

Height (including feet) 53 mm (2")

Depth (front to back) inc. terminals 215 mm (8½")

Standard accessories

Mains adaptor

Windows Driver CD

Manual

Musical Fidelity reserves the right to make improvements which may result in specification or feature changes without notice. E+OE.

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB

DISPOSAL

The crossed out wheeled bin label that appears on the back panel of the product indicates that the product must not be disposed of as normal household waste. To prevent possible harm to the environment please separate the product from other waste to ensure that it can be recycled in an environmentally safe manner. Please contact local government office or retailer for available collection facilities.

DISPOSITION

Warning sign with crossed-out trash bin and no text, indicating no waste or discharge

MUSICAL FIDELITY

MX-DAC 32 bit 192KHz upsampling Digital to Analogue Converter with DSD USB