e18 Digital to Analogue Converter 8 Channel 32bit / 384kHz 2 Channel DSD 64Fs / 2.8 MHz Owner’s Manual (Mac OS X) PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATION REV. 1.0.
Table of Contents Table of Contents.......................................................................................................... 2 Safety Information ....................................................................................................... 4 Explanation of Graphical Symbols ............................................................................................................ 4 Important Safety Instructions .....................................................................
Using the Asynchronous USB Input ........................................................................................................ 19 Volume Control ....................................................................................................................................... 20 Playing Music From SPDIF Sources ......................................................................................................... 21 Specifications ...........................................................
Safety Information Explanation of Graphical Symbols The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
• • • • • Unplug the power adapter if you are not going to use the device for an extended period of time. Hold the power adapter when unplugging. Do not pull on the cord. The power adapter is used as the mechanism for cutting off power, therefore make sure it is easy to unplug. To ensure proper ventilation around this product, do not place this product on a sofa, bed or rug. High temperature will lead to abnormal operation of this device.
This product, when no longer usable, can’t be treated as generic garbage. It must be disposed of at a collection point for recycling of electrical and electronic equipment, in compliance with the WEEE regulation (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment). By making sure that this unit is correctly recycled, you will help preventing potential damage to environment and human health, which could be caused by the incorrect treatment of this product as generic garbage.
Welcome Thank you for purchasing the exaSound e18 DAC! The e18 DAC brings the highest quality of music reproduction to computer audiophiles. It delivers stereo or 8 channels at sampling rates up to 384 kHz/32bit with unprecedented bit-perfect low-jitter precision. e18 Mk II adds support for SACD quality stereo DSD (64 Fs / 2.8Mhz). e18 exceeds the expectations of the demanding stereophile, while delivering a multichannel sound stage perfected for musical experience.
Quick Start Package Content The following items should be in the box: • e18 DAC • Power supply • Mini A-B USB cable • IR Remote Control Proper Device Placement Place the device on a stable solid base, far from heat sources. Do not expose the device to direct sunlight. Allow at least 2.5 cm (1'') around the device for ventilation. Do not place the device on fabrics, inside enclosed space, or in contact with curtains. Do not place the device on top of power amplifiers or any other equipment that emits heath.
Rear Panel Connectors Coaxial SPDIF IN 1 Optical SPDIF IN 2 USB IN Line Outputs 1-8 Power adapter connector SPDIF IN1 - Coaxial SPDIF Input SPDIF IN2 - Optical TOSLINK SPDIF Input DC 12V / 0.
Features The e18 is based on the ES9018 Sabre32 reference DAC chip. It delivers 32-bit precision capable of resolving the smallest signal details. The chip features patented 32-bit Hyperstream™ architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. ES9018 delivers the industry’s highest performance levels that will satisfy the most demanding audio enthusiasts. Mac OS X High-Performance Drivers We offer two high-performance OS X drivers supporting standard sampling rates from 44.
Connecting and Powering the e18 DAC Before connecting, turn off the power to all the components in your system. Connecting the Digital Inputs All digital inputs are galvanically isolated to eliminate ground loop noise. The e18 DAC accepts three digital inputs • USB - This is the recommended and most capable input. It supports stereo DSD and up to 8 channels and 32 bit resolution at sampling frequencies from 44.1 kHz to 384 kHz. Connect the e18 DAC to your computer using the supplied Mini A-B USB cable.
• • • Reliable electrical contact Low resistance Robust mechanical design Remember that cables act as filters. The shorter the cable, the more transparent your system will be. Connecting the Power Adapter To minimize ground noise and hum, it is recommended to connect the power cords of all components to a single point - usually a single surge protector with multiple outlets.
Remote Control Setup The e18 DAC is pre-programmed to work with the supplied remote control. If you like, you can reprogram the e18 DAC to work with a different IR remote control. The exaSound e18 DAC can be trained to recognise commands from most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR protocols. Use the following procedure to change remote control button assignments or to pair the e18 DAC with a different remote control: 1. Power on the e18 DAC. Make sure that the unit is not in playback mode. 2.
Setup of exaSound Driver and Dashboard for OS X System Requirements Operating System OS X Lion OS X Mountain Lion Recommended CPU for operating at 352.8 and 384 kHz 2.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 or better Disk Space 10 GB mainly for music files Software Installation 1. Don’t connect the e18 DAC to your Mac until the driver is installed. Don’t worry if you’ve connected the device already. Just disconnect it. 2. You should have received an email from us with username and password.
4. Double-click on -Mac-Driver-Installer.pkg. Follow the instructions. You just need to accept the defaults on the following screens.
5. Double-click on -Mac-Dashboard-Installer.pkg. Follow the instructions. Accept the defaults on the following screens. 6. Click on the exaSound Dashboard icon on the menu. At the top of the exaSound Dashboard menu there is a message line.
7. Connect the e18 DAC and click again on the exaSound Dashboard icon. The USB Disconnected message should be replaced by an --Off-- sign. 8. Select exaSound (8ch). If you are planning to use only two channels, select exaSound (2ch). 9. Go to Applications -> Utilities and open Audio MIDI Setup.
10. Select the same exaSound driver as the one selected in step (8) above. Make it the default sound output device. 11. To be on the safe side make sure that the volume is set to less than -25db. At this point you can play something with iTunes. Note: Audirvana Plus configuration instructions are available on the exaSound website.
Using the e18 DAC Using the Asynchronous USB Input Before turning your amplifiers ON, always check the e18 DAC front panel to make sure that the volume level is below -25dB. Please follow the safety measures below strictly. It is quite common to set the volume on your portable Mac to maximum. You should never do this when your e18 DAC is connected to powerful amplifiers and speakers. Playing music or sound effects at maximum level is dangerous for your health and may damage your equipment.
Volume Control The e18 volume is controlled by the ES9018 DAC chip. It is completely independent from the Mac software volume control and it preserves the maximum possible signal to noise ratio. The volume level changes in steps of 0.5 dB. At first power on, the volume level is set to match the volume level of your Mac. If the DAC is not connected to your Mac, when turned on the volume level is set to -40 dB.
Playing Music From SPDIF Sources The e18 DAC offers greatly improved level of sonic clarity and fidelity from SPDIF sources. The sonic improvement is the result of outstanding jitter cancelling capability, superb signal to noise ratio and low distortion levels of the e18 DAC. You can connect up to two SPDIF devices, such as disk players and wireless music servers. To use SPDIF sources 1.
Specifications D/A Converter IC: ESS Technology ES9018S Sabre32 Reference DAC PCM Sampling Rates Asynchronous USB ASIO: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz DSD Sampling Rate Asynchronous USB ASIO: e18 e18 Mk II n/a DSD 64 Fs / 2.82 MHz (SACD quality) Sampling Rates SPDIF Coaxial IN 1: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz Sampling Rates SDIF Optical IN 2: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: 0.
Volume Matching between Channels: Better than 0.1 dB Line Output: RCA jacks with gold-plated contacts Line Output Level: 2 Vrms (unbalanced) Line Output Impedance: 200 ohms Line Output Offset: < 5 mV Headphone Amp Current Output: 700 mA peak Headphone Amp Output Impedance: 0.25 ohm, 20Hz-20KHz Headphone Amp THD+N: 0.004%, 2Vrms into 60ohms Headphone Jack: 1/4" TRS SE Power Jack Diameter: Internal: 2.1mm External : 5.5mm Power Consumption: <8 W Dimensions (W x H x D): 6.5 x 2.2 x 7.
Limited One Year Warranty exaSound Devices are warranted against defective workmanship or materials for one (1) calendar year from the original date of purchase. This warranty applies only to exaSound brand products manufactured by exaSound and sold to the original consumer by either exaSound or an exaSound authorized reseller. This warranty does not apply to exaSound brand products imported and sold by unauthorized dealers, distributors, or other sellers.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, please follow these instructions: • Contact exaSound customer service via email at CustomerService@exaSound.com with details of the defect claimed, product model, serial number, date and place of the original purchase. • If it is determined that your product needs service, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued to you along with return instructions and address of an exaSound service center.
