Silhouette SXD2 USB DAC Owners Manual
Perreaux Industries Limited makes no warranty for the use of its products, other than those expressly contained in the warranty detailed herein. The Company assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this document, reserves the right to change products or specifications detailed herein at any time without notice, and does not make any commitment to update the information contained herein.
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i Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series Designed as a range of high quality, yet affordable modules; the ‘Silhouette’ series will compliment and enhance your existing system. Drawing on our extensive knowledge gained from more than a quarter of a century of developing highest quality audio products, the ‘Silhouette’ concentrates our legendary design and build quality into a compact package without sacrificing performance.
Key Features USB connectivity Up-sampling to 176.
ii Important Safety Instructions Note: Please read all instructions carefully before attempting to operate your Perreaux “Silhouette” SXD2 USB DAC. ALWAYS switch off power to your system before attempting to connect or disconnect cables. ALWAYS disconnect your system from the mains before attempting to clean your unit. ALWAYS keep electrical equipment out of reach of children. ALWAYS unplug sensitive electronic equipment during electrical storms. NEVER disconnect the mains earth from the system.
iii i ii iii 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 6 Table of Contents Introducing the Perreaux Silhouette Series .................................... 3 Important Safety Instructions ............................................................. 5 Table of Contents .................................................................................. 6 Unpacking and Placement .................................................................. 7 Instant Install ...........................................................
1 Unpacking and Placement Unpacking Procedure Note: Box Contents Placing Your SXD2 Ventilation Requirements The SXD2 is packaged for maximum protection. To open, sit the box upright and cut the reinforced tape at the top of the box. The product can now be removed. Pull the foam protecting end-caps off either side of the unit and remove the black material covering. The SXD2 USB DAC is now unpacked and ready for further installation. Please retain all packaging material for future transport.
2 Instant Install If you are like us, the first thing you will want to do is to play your favourite piece of music through your new SXD2. The following instructions are written to enable you to achieve this as quickly as possible. These are not comprehensive instructions, but are designed to enable you to play music now! Note: Please take the time to read the SXD2 manual thoroughly as it incorporates many features, which will enhance its operation.
Connect computer to SXD2 via USB Connect the USB output from your computer to the USB input at the rear of the SXD2 (the computer will automatically detect and install the necessary drivers). Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel information. Connect SXD2 output to preamplifier Connect the outputs of the SXD2 to the unbalanced input of your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or powered speakers. Refer to Chapter 4 for Rear Panel information.
3 Front Panel Functions Power LED This blue LED indicates the power status of your SXD2 USB DAC.
4 Rear Panel Functions Analog Outputs These single-ended (RCA) outputs provide line-level analog audio, via suitable RCA interconnect cables, to a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. For more information on output specifications, please refer to Chapter 11. Digital Input The single-ended (BNC) input accepts a Sony/Philips Digital Interface Standard (SPDIF) digital audio signal from a source component (e.g. Perreaux SXCD CD player, Apple AirPort Express, Sony PlayStation).
Note: Use a 75Ω digital interconnect cable equipped with BNC connectors to get the best possible digital performance. Using the supplied adaptor to convert the BNC output to RCA will not degrade the signal any more than if an RCA connector was fitted by default. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Input USB input from computer, accepts a standard Type B USB connector. For more information on input specifications, please refer to Chapter 11.
5 Minimalist Design Special Design Philosophies Perreaux has been designing and manufacturing only the highest quality audio componentry for more than a quarter of a century. Technology has continued to evolve rapidly over that time and our knowledge and application of design, materials and manufacturing techniques has advanced in tandem with this. Today’s Perreaux range comes closer to fulfilling our shared vision than at any other time in the past.
Minimalist Aesthetics Our products appeal to those who seek the ultimate in audio exclusivity, namely the perfect blend of “form and function”. “Form and function” are both tough masters. We make no excuses for producing some of the most distinctive high-end audio products on the planet. We let “form and function” blend together in perfect harmony. This surely is the essence of true minimalist utilisation.
6 Special Design Features Construction The beautifully styled curving front panel is milled from solid 6.0mm (0.2”) thick aluminium extrusion and finished in a satin chrome electroplate. The front panel also features the mboob^ru® logo machined into the solid aluminium. The chassis and cover are both manufactured from heavy gauge steel. No cover fixing screws are visible. The “Silhouette” SXD2 is stylish yet functional and exhibits typical hallmarks of the Perreaux brand.
Block Diagram USB Connectivity Plug and Play BNC Digital Input Connector Up-Sampling 24-bit Resolution 16 The SXD2 is fully compliant with USB 1.1 specification and utilises ‘Full Speed’ (12Mbps) transceivers. The bandwidth offered by ‘Full Speed’ USB is more than sufficient to stream digital audio. Designed to bypass the inherently flawed soundcards internal to computers, the SXD2 offers plug and play convenience when connected via the USB port.
High Resolution Formats PCB Layout Localised Supply Filtering Balanced I-V Conversion Accepting PCM digital streams up to 192kHz and 24-bit, via the coaxial SPDIF input, allows the SXD2 to be compatible with high-resolution formats such as DVD-A. Special attention has been paid to the PCB layout to ensure maximum isolation between the analog and digital stages.
7 Care and Maintenance Note: Please switch the unit off and remove the cord set from the rear of the USB DAC before attempting to clean your SXD2 in the manner described below. Never apply liquid directly to the SXD2. Never use abrasives. Never rub in a circular motion. Cover The cover features a durable high quality powder coat finish. To remove finger marks and dirt, lightly rub the surface with a soft cloth.
8 Warranty Information 1 Year Limited Warranty 3 Year Extended Warranty Obtaining Service The Perreaux SXD2 is warranted free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of 1-year (365 days) from the date of purchase.
9 Extended Warranty Registration Form Please complete this form and either fax, mail or e-mail it, along with a copy of the original receipt, to Perreaux Industries Ltd. Fax: +64 3 489 2976 Mail: Perreaux Industries Ltd PO Box 305 Mosgiel Dunedin 9053 New Zealand E-mail: info@perreaux.com Alternatively, complete the online Warranty Registration Form on our website – www.perreaux.com.
10 Troubleshooting Guide Please use this guide if you are experiencing any problems with the SXD2 in your system. It will provide possible solutions for some given symptoms. There is no output from my system SXD2 not turned on Make sure the SXD2 power switch is in the DOWN position. AC cord not plugged in Check that the AC cord is plugged into the IEC socket on the rear of the SXD2. Mains power not turned on Check if the power is turn on at the mains socket on the wall.
I can hear a hum coming from my speakers Input and/or output sockets corroded Check that the input and output sockets on the rear of the SXD2 are free from corrosion. Interconnect cables damaged Make sure that the integrity of your interconnect cables is sound and they are firmly connected to your preamplifier and the SXD2.
11 Specifications The correlation between published specifications and sonic quality can be unreliable. A list of numbers reveals virtually nothing. All technical measurements must be subject to qualitative as well as quantitative interpretation. Measurements of the SXD2 reveal excellent results by any standards. Tested at 115V and 230V after a 10 minute warm up period. Specifications in Brief Digital Input Number of Digital Inputs: .......................................
Signal to Noise Ratio A-Weighted: ..................................................................... 113dB Unweighted:...................................................................... 110dB Crosstalk 20Hz: ............................................................................... -113dB 1kHz: ............................................................................... -110dB 20kHz: .............................................................................
Maximum Word Length ....................................................... 24 bits The maximum length of the digital input data word that the SXD2 can process. The Red Book compact disc standard is 16 bits, where as high resolution DVD-A is 24 bits. Digital Input Impedance........................................................... 75Ω This is the industry standard termination impedance for digital connectors. This ensures an ideal match is maintained with source components. Minimum Digital Input Level ....
Frequency Response.............................. 20Hz to 20kHz, ±0.1dB This describes how the SXD2’s output level responds to frequency. Indicating that the SXD2 responds to all frequencies from 20Hz to 20kHz with no more than 0.1dB deviation in the amplitude or strength of the output signal. This also gives you an idea of the bandwidth of the SXD2. Signal to Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) ........................................ 113dB The ratio of desired signal to noise signals present in the output.
12 Physical Dimensions 27
13 Contact Details For more information please contact your Perreaux dealer, or contact: Perreaux Industries Ltd PO Box 305 Mosgiel Dunedin 9053 New Zealand Ph: Fax: +64 3 489 2975 +64 3 489 2976 E-mail: info@perreaux.com Internet: www.perreaux.
Installation Notes 29
