Vad Valve Audio Devices TAD-1S Digital to Analogue Converter Valve DAC User Manual Version 1.
Introduction TAD-1S valve DAC is an exquisitely engineered, hand-built, point-to-point wired unit employing specifically selected components. It is designed for the purist and refined over countless hours to produce exceptional high definition sound with unparalleled musicality.
CONTENTS Introduction 2 Connection 4-5 Before Using 6 Other information 7 Safety 8 Specifications 9-10 Warranty Information 10-12 Warranty registration form 13 UNPACKING • • • • • In the flight case you will find the following: VAD TAD-1S valve DAC Power Cord Hex key (for removing the valve cover) Owner’s Manual • Remove all contents. Keep the flight case in case of need to ship the TAD-1S Place the TAD-1S on a sturdy surface (e.g.
Connection VAD TAD-1S inputs Digital inputs:
Use a screened, twisted pair cable from the digital output of your CD transport or CD player to the AES/EBU digital input of the TAD-1S (TAD1S- AES/EBU socket is a receptacle type) Use a RCA plug terminated, coaxial interconnect of your choice for the COAXIAL digital input The cable for COAXIAL input should not be longer than 1.5m (5 feet) for the best result For USB input – use USB 2.
All digital apparatus e.g. CD/DVD Transport/Player, Music Server, computer based music file player via USB, LD player, Satellite Set Top Box, etc. may be connected with the TAD-1S as long as their bit resolution and sampling rate is under or equal to 24Bit/192kHz. Most CD/DVD transports and players are equipped with a minimum of one coaxial SPDIF output. Most high quality CD transports are also equipped with AES/EBU output.
Powering OFF: press the “Power” button on the front panel of the TAD-1S When in use at home, there is no need to switch OFF the main switch on the rear panel – use the back panel switch to completely power off the unit when leaving the house for longer. IMPORTANT: Power ON the TAD-1S approx. 2 min. BEFORE switching ON your other audio components such as amplifiers. Make sure that the Volume control of your amplifier or pre-amplifier is in the minimum position (volume turned down).
In most circumstances, when used with a preamplifier or integrated amplifier, the output level of 2Vrms will be achieved at the 12 o’clock position and pro audio level of 4.2Vrms at 3 o’clock (approximate) Lock The Lock indicator will “light up” when the compatible digital signal is detected and the input of DAC is synchronised with digital signal source. The DAC is now ready to operate. Reset TAD-1S is equipped with a `reset` switch (non-latching) located on the back plate.
Tube “rolling” and replacement. Only the front pair of matched 6N8S valves can be replaced with the same type or 6SN7, 6SN7GT or 5692 or CV181. Please note: The protective cover will not fit over the taller CV181 valves. Use of any other valve type will damage the circuit and invalidate the warranty. In case of “valve rolling”, the use of octal valve socket savers is strongly advisable, as any damage to the valve sockets caused by “valve rolling” is not covered by the warranty.
Output Signal Level (adjustable via gain control): 50mV to 4.4Vrms (approximate) Analogue Output: XLR (balanced) max. 4.5Vrms- adjustable Single ended RCA outputs 50mV to 4.
You will need to ship this product in either its original packaging or packaging affording an equal degree of protection.
Valve Audio Devices reserves the right to modify the design of any product without obligation to purchasers of previously manufactured products and to change the prices or specifications of any product without notice or obligation to any person. TAD-1S DAC is a UK Patent Office international registered design. Valve Audio Devices Limited 17 Ashby Road, Welton, DAVENTRY NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, NN11 2JS, UNITED KINGDOM Company No.
Valve Audio Devices (VAD) Warranty Registration Form First Name: Title Last Name: Full address (number and street): City: Postcode/Zipcode: State/Province: Country: Phone Number: E-mail Address (receive up-to-date information on new products and promotions): Date of Purchase (day/month/year): Please indicate the serial number and warranty number of this product. (Found on the ID labels attached to your product). S/N No. Warranty No. You may receive information on a new products and special promotions.
