Inputs - MSB Technology Select DAC II User Manual

Digital Input Module - Quad Rate USB
This digital module contains an impressive USB
interface. It is ground isolated and the DAC will keep
the computer in sync for the lowest possible noise.
This interface can support 24 bit, 384 kHz inputs
and DSD Native or DoP up to quad rate. Computer
compatibility changes with every new operating
system update so beware. As of this writing, the Mac
OS does not support quad rate native streaming. That
may change at any moment.
WARNING! Because this USB input is ground
isolated, use with an audiophile isolated ground
cable, isolated cable, battery powered cable, Y
cable, or a cable with a switch will result in a
floating input and likely result in a complete failure
of the input module. Always make sure the USB
cable has the ground and power connected!
Apple MAC OS
On the MAC the USB is plug and play. The MAC will
recognize the USB DAC and its capabilities and will
allow the output to be set to any sample rate desired.
The bad news is, with certain programs such as iTunes,
the output sample rate has to be set manually when
the file sample rate changes. So if you set the output
for 192 kHz, and played a 192 kHz file, it would play
perfectly, but if you then played a 44.1 kHz CD, the
MAC OS would upsample that file to 192 kHz. It is
better to change the output to 44.1 kHz and play the
file bit-perfect. Fortunately there is an APP called BIT
PERFECT. Download it and the MAC with the MSB
Quad USB will play perfectly.
Notice that the presence of the MSB USB has allowed
352.8 and 384 kHz sample rates to show up on the
menu. Normally they are not present. iTunes will
play at whatever sample rate you select in this setup.
For the latest news about USB issues check the
SUPPORT tab of the MSB web site.
Windows OS
The amazing thing about the MSB USB input with
Windows is that once you get it set up it works
perfectly, with every file playing bit-perfect at its
native sample rate up to 384 kHz and quad rate DSD
with no user intervention. Just pick the song and play. The rest is automatic and works perfectly. The bad is that MSB drivers will have
to be installed, and your music must be played with a properly set up player program like Foobar or JRiver. It's a small price to pay for
great playback, and MSB will help walk you through the process.
You can find the latest USB Drivers and setup instructions on our website on the support page.
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