DCS Bartok - Connecting Analogue Outputs

dCS Bartók DAC User Manual Software Issue 1.0x
February 2019
Bartok DAC Manual v1_0x Page 11 English version
STEP 1 – Connecting the analogue outputs
Choose one of the following three sections:
Using a preamplifier
• Set the preamplifier volume control to a low level.
• Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the rear panel to matching line level inputs on your preamplifier (probably labelled CD or AUX).
• Turn the DAC’s rotary control clockwise to set the Volume to maximum (- 0.0dB on the display).
• Once music is playing, slowly increase the preamplifier volume until the music is at the right level.
• If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may
need to change the Line Level setting. (Press the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►, Menu,
►, ►, Menu.)
Setting the Line Level to 6V can cause some preamplifiers to distort. For this reason, we
recommend the 2V setting if a preamplifier is used.
Using a power amplifier directly
• Set the DAC’s Volume to around -40.0dB as shown on the display.
• Connect either the balanced (XLR connectors) or unbalanced (RCA phono connectors) outputs on
the DAC’s rear panel to matching inputs on your power amplifier. Switch on the power amplifier.
• Once music is playing, turn the DAC’s rotary control slowly clockwise until the music is at the right
level.
• If the Volume setting for a comfortable listening level is higher than –10.0 or lower than –30.0, try
changing the Line Level setting. (Press the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, ►, Menu, ►,
►, Menu.)
Using the Balanced Line Outputs
!
The most common fault reported when using our balanced outputs is hiss, unstable
levels and a thin sound on both channels. This is caused by connecting the DAC’s
balanced output stage to an unbalanced input on an XLR connector with pin 3 left
unconnected. This does not work correctly with a balanced and floating output stage –
you must connect pin 3 to pin 1 (ground) to complete the signal path.
Another possible cause of this fault (probably on one channel only) is a broken cable.
The Bartók DAC has independent balanced and unbalanced line output stages, you can
connect them to different amplifiers if you wish.
Figure 1 – Line output connections for the Bartók DAC
Balanced or unbalanced
line outputs to
pre- or power amplifier