MSB Technology Select DAC II User Manual page 2

The Heart of the System - a Preamp and DAC
This product is a unique combination of a very high performance DAC and the ultimate
passive preamp. It is intended to be used as both for the best possible sound in your system.
Our preamp philosophy is based on the belief that from the moment analog audio is created,
every transition that is made degrades the quality. That means that an active preamp with
many stages if perfect would have no effect and any imperfection would result in degradation
of the music. That is why we offer a passive preamp within the SELECT, to achieve the
simplest, shortest possible signal path, with the least possible degradation of the true music.
Volume Control and Analog Input
The SELECT input structure is flexible with the option for one or more analog inputs, and many
digital inputs. It is designed to be the last component in your system before the amplifiers.
With its incredibly low impedance output, especially for a passive preamp, it can drive long
interconnects and handle any type of amplifier input stage design with optimum performance.
Unless you have many analog sources in your system, you should be able to eliminate your
current preamp. The analog input can be turned on in the menu and can be set to volume
control the analog input or bypass the analog input. In this way you can use another volume
control for your analog sources if you like. Otherwise set your preamp to a volume that
matches the SELECT output and use nothing but the SELECT volume control in your system.
Setup and Quick Start
The interface is quite simple with few user controls. Input source select defaults to auto. The display will let you
know if you have an active input. On power up, the volume is reset to the programmed startup level. Default is 70.
Turn the volume knob up until you hear music.
Power - The SELECT comes with a high performance outboard power supply. The supply automatically detects and
switches between 240V and 120V. This is not a switching supply that works at any voltage, but a linear supply with
automatic switching of the transformer leads. The power supply is switched on and off with a button on the front. It
can also be remotely controlled. The LED in the front of the Power Base indicates Red if plugged in and turned off
and White if ON. Always allow three to five hours for the SELECT to warm up and reach thermal equilibrium before
critical listening.
Inputs - The SELECT comes with the digital input modules you ordered. Connect any digital input to any active digital
audio source. The frequency and bit depth of the incoming signal will be read out on the front panel and analog audio
will be found on the analog outputs.
Outputs - A range of Output Modules are available. Connect the balanced or single-ended analog outputs to any
amplifier and audio should be present. The output level is controlled with the knob or remote.
Burn-In
The concept of burn-in is little understood. Does it take your ears some time to get used to the incredibly detailed and life-like sound of
an MSB product or is something actually changing? The feedback we receive leads us to recommend at least 100 hours of burn-in on
this DAC. Customers generally report improvement up to one month.
Warning: Please verify that the SELECT you just purchased is covered under warranty. This DAC was sold to the Distributor named
on your box label and in the "about" section of your setup screen. The country and date of manufacture is also specified. If the
country and year do not match your purchase location, your warranty may be invalid. Check with MSB.
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Preamp
Digital
SELECT
AMPs
Analog
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Analog
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