EasyManua.ls Logo

Audio Note DAC Kit 4.1 - User Manual

Default Icon
79 pages
Print Icon
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
To Next Page IconTo Next Page
Loading...
Copyright © 2006-2011 AudioNote Kits
www.AudioNoteKits.com
audionotekits@rogers.com
Page 1
Manual Version 2.2 March 2011
Build instructions for DAC3.1, DAC3.1 Signature, DAC4.1 Limited Edition

Table of Contents

Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the Audio Note DAC Kit 4.1 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Section 1: Introduction

Component Placement Breakdown

Electrical Safety Warning

Section 2: Mechanical Assembly

Installing the Feet

Install 4 feet in the chassis bottom using M4 nuts and washers for stability.

Mains Transformer, Choke, and Mains Installation

Install the Mains transformer and Choke into the chassis, securing them appropriately.

Configuring Primary Winding for World Region

Select and wire the primary winding of the mains transformer according to your region's voltage.

Installing IEC Socket and Rocker Switch

Install the IEC socket and rocker switch into the chassis in their designated positions.

Installing the Choke

Mount the choke into its designated position within the chassis and secure it.

Installing the Mains Transformer

Position and secure the mains transformer in the chassis according to the provided diagrams.

Wiring up the Mains

Connect the mains transformer wires to the rocker switch and chassis ground lug.

Shield Positioning

Locate the shield and note its unpainted hole for chassis grounding alignment.

Section 3: M2 Power Supply

M2 Power Supply Board Parts List

List of all components required for the M2 Power Supply board assembly.

M2 Power Supply Board Construction Steps

Step-by-step instructions for assembling the M2 Power Supply board.

Installing the Valve Bases

Install and correctly orient the 8-pin and 9-pin valve bases onto the PCB.

Installing the Resistors

Identify and install resistors onto the M2 Power Supply board, noting orientation is not critical.

Installing Resistors in HT ADJUST Position

Install resistors for the HT ADJUST function, noting they replace a trim pot.

Zener Diode Installation

Install the Zener diode into position D7, aligning its stripe with the PCB marking.

Electrolytic Capacitor Installation

Install electrolytic capacitors, paying close attention to polarity and orientation.

Installing the Bridge Rectifier

Install the Bridge Rectifier into position U1, aligning its notch with the PCB marking.

Installing Non-Polarized Capacitors

Install the film capacitors, noting that orientation does not matter for these.

Wiring the M2 Power Supply Board

Connect filament wires to the M2 Power Supply board, ensuring correct positioning and soldering.

Filament Wiring

Connect filament wires between valve bases and mains transformer for 6.3V AC supply.

Filament Component Section Wiring

Wiring B+ and Ground for filament components on the M2 Power Supply.

Regulator Installation

Install the two regulators onto the board, ensuring correct positioning and isolation.

Installing the LED Harness

Solder the LED harness onto the M2 Power Supply board from the underside.

Remaining Wire Connections

Connect the remaining thick Black & White twisted wire to the 13V6 locations.

Installing the Heatsink

Attach the heatsink for thermal management, securing it firmly to the chassis.

Installing the Choke Wire

Connect choke wires to the M2 Power Supply PCB, feeding them towards the shield.

Inter-wiring to the Mains Transformer

Connect the M2 Power Supply PCB and Mains Transformer, linking voltage and ground points.

Securing Regulators to Heatsink

Physically secure regulators to the heatsink using provided insulation kit components.

Section 4: M2 Power Supply Testing

Preparations for Testing

Fit the mains fuse into the IEC plug holder before proceeding with tests.

Installing the LED Indicator

Install the power-on indicator LED on the M2 Power Supply board.

Installing the Tubes

Install the 6X5 and ECL82 tubes into their respective valve bases.

Tidying Up Wires

Secure loose filament and HT wires to prevent shorts during testing.

Ohm Check

Measure resistance between B+ and GND on the M2 board to check for faults.

Electrical Testing

Perform initial power-on checks, observe LED, tube glow, and prepare for voltage checks.

Voltage Check Summary

Review measured DC and AC voltages to confirm correct operation of the M2 Power Supply.

Section 5: Digital Power Supply PCB

Digital Power Supply PCB Parts List

List of components required for the Digital Power Supply PCB assembly.

Digital Power Supply PCB Construction

Steps to build the Digital Power Supply PCB, starting with component installation.

Installing the LEDs

Install indicator LEDs on the digital PSU board, ensuring correct orientation.

Installing the Capacitors

Install electrolytic capacitors on the digital PSU board, observing polarity.

Installing the Diodes

Install diodes on the digital PSU, paying close attention to polarity and orientation.

Installing the Resistors

Populate the digital PSU board with resistors in their specified locations.

Digital Power Supply Board Installation and Wiring

Mount the digital PSU board in the chassis and connect it to the Mains transformer.

Section 6: Install the Screen

Section 7: Installing the Digital PCB

Digital Board Overview

Introduction to the digital board's function, inputs, and configuration options.

Digital Board Installation

Install the 5 aluminum spacers and position the Digital Board in the chassis.

Section 8: Digital Board Power Supply Connections

Section 9: Line Board Construction

Installing Valve Bases on Line Board

Install and secure the 9-pin valve bases onto the 5687 line board.

Line Board Parts List

List of components required for the 5687 line board construction.

Installing Resistors on Line Board

Bend and install resistors onto the line board, ensuring correct placement and alignment.

Installing Electrolytic Capacitors on Line Board

Solder the 4 electrolytic capacitors, observing polarity and aligning with PCB markings.

Installing Film Capacitors on Line Board

Install the 2 film capacitors, recommended to place strip towards analog signal entry.

Board Orientation

Check the correct placement of the 5687 line board in the chassis.

5687 Filament Wiring

Wire filaments to the 5687 tubes, ensuring consistent connection between valve bases.

Section 10: Installing I;V transformers

Wiring the I;V Transformers

Connect I/V transformers to the Digital Board and 5687 analog board.

Section 11: Connecting the 5687 Output

Connecting 5687 HT to Power Supply

Connect the HT pad on the 5687 board to the B+ pad on the M2 Power Supply board.

Connecting the Output Transformers

Connect output transformers, choosing between single-ended or balanced configurations.

Output Transformer Type 1 (Single-ended Only)

Connect Type 1 output transformers for single-ended operation using blue/white leads to RCA.

Output Transformer Type 2 (Single-ended or Balanced)

Connect Type 2 transformers for RCA or XLR outputs, noting primary and secondary wiring.

Section 12: Source Selection and Switching

Installing Input Selector Switch

Mount the toggle switch at the back of the chassis for input selection.

Input Connections

Set up RCA, XLR, and USB inputs, configuring the R36 resistor as needed.

Connecting the RCA Input

Prepare and connect the coaxial cable for the RCA input.

Connecting the USB Input

Prepare and connect the USB input using jumpers and connecting to the Digital Board.

Connecting the XLR Input

Mount the XLR connector and connect wires to the digital board, similar to the switch.

Section 13: Turn-on Procedure

Final Thoughts

Appendix

Resistor Color Code Reference

Reference for interpreting resistor color codes for component identification.

Analog Board Schematic

M2 Power Supply Board Schematic

Audio Note DAC Kit 4.1 Specifications

General IconGeneral
CategoryMedia Converter
ModelDAC Kit 4.1
ManufacturerAudio Note
TypeDAC
Output StageTube Output

Related product manuals