DAC3 - Receiver AUDIOENGINE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Name	DAC3
Brand	Audioengine
Category	Headphone Amplifier / DAC
Type	Portable USB DAC and Headphone Amp
DAC Chip	ESS Sabre ES9281A PRO
Amplifier	LME49726 high-performance audio amplifier
Supported Audio Formats	PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD up to DSD128, MQA Renderer
Input	USB-C (data + power)
Output	3.5mm stereo mini-jack (headphones or line out)
Headphone Impedance	12 ohms or higher
Indicator Light Colors	White (32-48kHz PCM), Green (88.2-192kHz PCM, DSD64), Blue (352.8-384kHz PCM, DSD128), Purple (MQA)
Power Source	USB bus-powered (connected to computer, phone, or tablet)
Chassis Material	Metal injection molded (MIM) aluminum
Compatibility	iOS (with USB-C to Lightning cable), macOS, Android, Windows
Volume Control	Accurate and responsive knob
Included Accessories	USB-C to USB-C cable (for MacOS, Android, Windows)
Break-in Period	40-50 hours recommended for optimal sound
Warranty	3-year Limited Warranty on parts and labor
Dimensions	Approximately 110 x 30 x 20 mm (estimated from typical portable DAC)
Weight	Approximately 50 g (estimated)
Cleaning & Care	Wipe with a soft dry cloth; avoid liquids
Safety	FCC Part 15 compliant; do not use in wet environments
Repairability	No user-serviceable parts inside; refer to warranty service

Frequently Asked Questions - DAC3 AUDIOENGINE

How do I connect DAC3 to my iPhone?

Use a USB-C to Lightning cable (not included) to connect your iPhone to the DAC3's USB-C port. The DAC3 will be recognized automatically.

What headphones can I use with DAC3?

DAC3 works with headphones that have an impedance of 12 ohms or higher. It can drive most low-impedance headphones with excellent quality.

Does DAC3 support MQA?

Yes, DAC3 includes MQA Renderer technology. It can connect to an MQA Core signal and complete the final unfold of an MQA file. The indicator light will show purple during MQA playback.

How can I adjust the volume on DAC3?

Turn the volume knob on the DAC3. It is accurate and responsive. Also adjust the volume on your source device to a medium level before starting.

What does the color of the indicator light mean?

White for 32-48kHz PCM, Green for 88.2-192kHz PCM or DSD64, Blue for 352.8-384kHz PCM or DSD128, and Purple for MQA Rendering.

Can I use DAC3 with powered speakers?

Yes, connect the 3.5mm output to powered speakers or any audio system with an analog input. DAC3 can bypass your computer's internal DAC.

Do I need to install drivers for Windows?

No, DAC3 will be recognized automatically on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. On Mac, you may need to select 'Audioengine DAC3' as the sound output in System Preferences.

What is the break-in period for DAC3?

It is recommended to give DAC3 40 to 50 hours of break-in time before critical listening. The sound quality will improve over time.

What is the warranty coverage for DAC3?

Audioengine provides a 3-year Limited Warranty on parts and labor from the date of purchase. It covers defective parts or faulty workmanship, but not damage from misuse or unauthorized modification.

How do I obtain warranty service?

Contact the reseller where you purchased the DAC3, or visit support.audioengineusa.com to open a support ticket. You are responsible for shipping charges to Audioengine.

USER MANUAL DAC3 AUDIOENGINE

DAC3 Portable Headphone Amp & DAC

Quickstart Guide

Welcome to the Audioengine family and congratulations on your purchase of the DAC3 Premium Headphone Amp and Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC).

Audioengine is dedicated to bringing you the highest-quality listening experience possible and the DAC3 was designed with the same attention to detail and operational simplicity as all our products.

We wish to sincerely thank our customers and the entire Audioengine team for the inspiration to create yet another great product.

Overview

DAC3 is a powerful yet portable 32-bit headphone amplifier and DAC with performance and features found in more expensive digital interfaces. It doesn’t require much power but is capable of driving premium low-impedance headphones and can also be used to bypass your computer’s internal DAC or soundcard and connect directly to powered desktop speakers.

DAC3 uses an LME49726 high-performance audio amplifier that drives headphones with impedances of 12 ohms or higher. The output can also be connected to any system with an analog audio input, such as Audioengine powered speakers or an A/V receiver.

DAC3 features the acclaimed ESS Sabre ES9281A PRO DAC, using the critically acclaimed ESS HyperStream® II QUAD DAC architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator.

MQA Renderer technology is also included, which can connect to an MQA Core signal and complete the final unfold of an MQA file.

DAC3 will process PCM digital audio up to 32 bits with a maximum sample rate of 384kHz and supports DSD playback up to DSD128 sources.

Audio formats and bitrates are shown by the color of the indicator light on the DAC3 case:

White PCM 32-48kHz Green PCM 88.2-192kHz, DSD64 Blue PCM 352.8-384kHz, DSD128 Purple MQA Rendering

3.5mm mini-jack audio output — for headphones, powered speakers, or any music system with an aux input

Simple line drawing of a rectangular object with a circular hole and horizontal centerline (no text or symbols)

Quick Setup

Here's how to connect DAC3 to headphones or any music system:

1 Connect your iOS device to DAC3 using a USB-C to Lightning cable (use the included USB-C cable for MacOS, Android, or Windows)

2 Plug your headphones or powered speakers into the DAC3 mini-jack output. The sample rate indicator will flash and turn white.

3 Adjust the volume levels on your device and DAC3 to a medium level and start playing music.

For PC, DAC3 will be recognized automatically.

For Mac, under System Preferences/Sound, select "Audioengine DAC3" as the sound output.

DAC3 will sound great out of the box and will get better over time. However, give it 40 to 50 hours break-in time before doing any critical listening.

Extra tips, troubleshooting, FAQs and updates to this guide can be found on our website:

audioengine.com/support-inquiry

And if you have questions or need help, please contact our customer support team:

audioengine.com/support-inquiry

Product returns and refunds

We sincerely hope you get as much enjoyment from our products as we've had creating them. However, should you have an issue or are not satisfied with any

Audioengine product for any reason contact the reseller where you purchased or contact us directly:

[e-mail]

Warranty information

All Audioengine products have a 3-year Limited Warranty on parts and labor from the date of purchase. The Limited Warranty applies only to Audioengine products sold in the United States. Your warranty is automatic, so there is no need to register. For Limited Warranty coverage elsewhere, please contact the Audioengine dealer, reseller, or distributor in your country or region.

What is covered

All defective parts or faulty workmanship.

What is not covered

The Audioengine Limited Warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, excessive moisture, lightning, power surges, other acts of nature, unauthorized product modification or repairs, or failure to follow the instructions outlined in this guide.

What we will do

We will repair or replace any defective parts, at our option, within a reasonable amount of time and free of charge any time during the warranty period. After service, we will be responsible for shipping the product back to you at our expense.

What we ask from you

You will be responsible for shipping charges to Audioengine or to an authorized dealer. We recommend you keep the original shipping materials to prevent shipping damage if service is needed. Audioengine cannot be responsible for any damages incurred during shipping due to poor packing, so please pack well and make sure to insure your shipment.

How to obtain Audioengine warranty service

If you have any questions or feel you may need service, contact the reseller where you purchased your product. You can also visit our support portal at

support.audioengineusa.com where you will find a searchable Knowledge Base. And if you don't find an answer to your question you can easily contact us by opening a support ticket.

Exclusive remedy

This Limited Warranty is fully transferable provided the current owner furnishes the proof of purchase and that the serial number on the product is intact. THE MAXIMUM LIABILITY OF AUDIOENGINE SHALL NOT EXCEED THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE PAID BY YOU FOR THE PRODUCT. IN NO EVENT SHALL AUDIOENGINE BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES.

FCC Part 15 Notice

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

Consult the dealer or an experienced technician for help.

FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.

Information for Users on Disposal of Old Equipment

[European Union]

This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equipment should not be disposed as general household waste at its end-of-life. Instead, the product should be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling in accordance with your national legislation.

By disposing of this product correctly, you will help to conserve the environment and human health that could otherwise be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. For more information about collection point and recycling of this product, please contact your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product. Penalties may be applicable for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with national legislation.

[Other Countries outside the European Union]

If you wish to dispose of this product, please do so in accordance with applicable national legislation or other rules in your country for the treatment of old electrical and electronic equipment.

© 2022 Audioengine, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Audioengine and Audioengine DAC3 are trademarks of Audioengine.

MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trade marks of MQA Limited © 2016

All other product names, company names and logos mentioned may be the trademarks of their respective owners and are acknowledged by Audioengine.

About Audioengine

Audioengine designs and builds innovative audio products with all your music in mind. Great sound, simple but elegant designs, high-quality materials and truly useful features are what Audioengine is about.