DCS Vivaldi DAC - Connecting Analogue Outputs; Setting the Output Level

dCS Vivaldi DAC User Manual Software Issue 2.0x
November 2016
Vivaldi DAC Manual v2_0x Page 15 English version
STEP 3 – Connecting the Analogue Outputs
Choose one of the following two 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 DAC’s 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).
Slowly increase the preamplifier volume until the music is at the right level.
Using a power amplifier directly
• Turn the DAC rotary control counter-clockwise to set the 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 rear panel to matching inputs on your power amplifier. Switch on the power amplifier.
• Turn the DAC rotary control slowly clockwise until the music is at the right level.
Play some music, you should have audio.
!
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 Vivaldi DAC has independent balanced and unbalanced output stages, so you can
connect them to different amplifiers if you wish.
STEP 4 - Setting the Output Level
If the preamplifier volume setting for a comfortable listening level is too high or too low, you may need
to change the Output Level setting.
!
Setting the Output Level to 6V can cause some preamplifiers to overload and distort. For
this reason, we recommend the 2V setting if a preamplifier is used.
Similarly, if you are driving a power amplifier directly and the DAC Volume setting for a comfortable
listening level is higher than –10.0 or lower than –30.0 try changing the Output Level setting by
pressing the buttons in this sequence: Menu, ►, Menu, ►, Menu.
If the setting is 2V and the DAC Volume is still set well below –30.0, your power amplifier or
loudspeakers must have a very high sensitivity. Try the 0.6V or 0.2V settings.