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Summary of Contents for exaSound s88
- Page 1 Eight-Channel Streaming DAC Owner’s Manual PLEASE READ BEFORE OPERATION REV. 1.0.4 – 11/2020...
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Page 2: Table Of Contents
Connecting Additional Linear Power Supply for the DAC Analogue Stages ........13 Surge Protectors ..........................14 Isolating the Cable TV Ground ....................... 14 How Would I Use the s88 Streaming DAC? ............15 Roon Ready Network Player ......................15 Page | 2... - Page 3 Initial Start-up ..........................17 Configuring a Wi-Fi Connection to the Home Network (Optional)..........17 Using the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC with Roon ..............17 Using the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC with UPnP ..............18 Using the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC with HQPlayer ............... 18 Using the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC with AirPlay ..............
- Page 4 Web Dashboard for Volume Control and Input Selection ......34 Volume Bypass ..........................35 Maximum Volume Limit ......................... 35 s88 Streaming DAC UPnP Server and Music Library ........36 Windows ASIO Drivers Step-by-step Setup Guide ........... 37 PC System Requirements ....................... 37 Windows ASIO Driver Installation ....................
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Page 5: Welcome
USB streaming, ASIO and Core Audio drivers and FPGA core to achieve 32bit, low-jitter, bit-perfect signal path. It will play natively DSD encoded files up to 8-channels DSD256, DXD 352.8 kHz and PCM up to 384 kHz. In stereo mode s88 supports DSD playback of DSD512 files and streams. -
Page 6: Package Contents
Package Contents The following items should be in the box: • exaSound s88 Streaming DAC • IR remote control • External universal power supply • USB Cable • Ethernet Cable • Quick Start Guide • Two Wi-Fi Antennas (except for models without Wi-Fi support) -
Page 7: Overview
DSD formats including DSF and DFF. It offers ENclusiv™ High Resolution Audio (HRA) support - PCM sampling rates up to 384kHz at 32bit resolution and DSD up to 24.576MHz (Octuple-rate / DSD512). s88 Streaming DAC has a build-in UPnP server and it can stream audio to other network players on you your home network. -
Page 8: Features For Sonic Fidelity
Asynchronous USB is a two-way communication method between a computer and an external DAC. s88 controls the rate at which audio data is transmitted over USB. Rather than being sent as a continuous stream, as is the case with standard USB audio interfaces, the data is sent in packets. If a streaming error is detected, the faulty packet is retransmitted. -
Page 9: Hardware Volume Control And Volume Bypass
DACs. There is no need for using plug-ins on Mac. Roon Ready Network Player The exaSound s88 is a Roon Tested DAC and Roon Ready network player. It has been profiled and tested by both Roon Labs and exaSound for maximum compatibility. Roon recognizes exaSound devices and sends them audio optimized for their capabilities. -
Page 10: Front And Rear Panels
Front and Rear Panels Power Light Input Selector LAN / SPDIF / Optical / USB Headphones IR Remote Setup Mute Volume Power Button IR Receiver 12V Main Power Supply Connector Wi-Fi Wi-Fi Antennas Antenna DAC Power Supply Selector: Main / Additional Reset Button XLR Line... -
Page 11: Infrared Remote Control
Volume Down Mute Your s88 Streaming DAC is pre-programmed to work with the supplied remote control. It can also be re- programmed to work with most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR protocols, for example the Sony RM-EZ4 Universal Remote. -
Page 12: Connecting The S88 Streaming Dac
RCA Line Outputs 1 to 8 - Connect the RCA line outputs of the s88 Streaming DAC to the amplifier line inputs. • XLR Line Outputs 1 to 8 - Connect the XLR line outputs of the s88 Streaming DAC to the amplifier line inputs. You can use XLR for some channels and RCA for others. -
Page 13: Power Supply
(ADC) conversion. Digitizing the analogue output signals back to the digital domain will undo some of the benefits that s88 Streaming DAC brings to you. Remember that your sound system is as good as the weakest link in the sound processing chain. -
Page 14: Surge Protectors
Using Third-Party Power Supplies s88 Streaming DAC comes with a universal power supply that has been tested to comply with the s88 Streaming DAC’s quality requirements and allows for very high performance. If you use third-party power supplies, the specifications marked on the back of the s88 Streaming DAC power sockets must be observed. -
Page 15: How Would I Use The S88 Streaming Dac
USB DAC The s88 can be connected to a PC or MAC computer via USB cable and used with players like JRiver and Audirvana. ASIO-compatible player is required on the Windows platform. Core Audio and ASIO are supported on Mac OS. Step by step instructions are provided in this guide. -
Page 16: Network Audio Adapter For Hqplayer
When a USB drive is attached to the s88 Streaming DAC, it becomes an UPnP audio library server. Playback can be controlled remotely with an app from an iPad, iPhone, Android device, PC or Mac. Popular control apps include Bubble UPnP on Android and Lumin, Kazoo, MconnectHD, PlugPlayer and others on iPad and iPhone. -
Page 17: Quick Start Guide
Initial Start-up 1. Make sure that the Power Supply Selector toggle switch is in Up position. 2. Connect the exaSound universal power supply to the mains and to the Main Power socket of the s88 Streaming DAC. 3. The s88 display will illuminate and show the model number and revision for about 3 seconds. Then the s88 will enter stand-by mode. -
Page 18: Using The Exasound S88 Streaming Dac With Upnp
7. Configure your UPnP app to use the s88 Streaming DAC as playback endpoint, or audio zone. It will appear in the list of available players as s88 8. Configure your UPnP app to use the s88 Streaming DAC as music library. It will appear in the list of available music libraries as s88 Library... -
Page 19: Exasound Dashboard (Windows)
7. Click on the exaSound Dashboard icon next to the clock on the Windows System Tray and set the master volume. exaSound Dashboard (Windows) View Selector Close Button Master Volume Channel Volume Channel View Minimised View Channel Labels Mute Button... -
Page 20: Exasound Menu Icon (Mac Os)
5. Select the exaSound driver in the settings window of your player application. Check the Guides section of the exaSound blog for step-by-step player configuration instructions: exasound.com/Blog.aspx. exaSound Menu Icon (Mac OS) exaSound Icon Select Driver Mode Drive Mode Change... -
Page 21: S88 Streaming Dac Configuration
(zeroconf) service. On Linux computers you need to install Avahi. If you change the name of the s88 Streaming DAC the web address will change. For example if you call it s88-zone1, the address will be s88-zone1.local Alternatively, you can access the settings configuration pages by connecting a keyboard, mouse and HDMI monitor to the s88 Streaming DAC. -
Page 22: Working With The Menu
Working with the Menu If you are using a device with small screen you can tap on the menu icon to hide the menu. The menu will slide in. You can toggle between Auto-Hide and Always-On menu modes by tapping on the menu icon. To have the menu visible at all times tap on the menu icon until you see it overlaid with a right arrow. -
Page 23: Wi-Fi Configuration
Wi-Fi Configuration 1. Navigate your web browser to the s88 Streaming DAC Web User Interface. By default the address is s88.local Open the menu and select the Network page. 2. Scroll down to the Available Wi-Fi Networks tab and tap the Refresh button. - Page 24 5. Enter the password if you are connecting to a secured network. The s88 Streaming DAC supports WPA2-PSK (AES) security mode. At this point if you are using an Automatic IP (DHCP), continue with step 7. 6. Select Manual IP if you need to enter manually the IP settings.
- Page 25 8. When the Network page reappears you should see the new IP address. Note that if you use an IP address to connect your Web browser to the s88 Streaming DAC, the browser won't be able to reconnect automatically. In this case you will need to manually enter the new IP address for the s88 Streaming DAC in the navigation bar of the Web browser.
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Page 26: Ethernet Connection With Manual Ip Address
Ethernet Connection with Manual IP Address Navigate your web browser to the s88 Streaming DAC Web Interface. Open the menu and select the Network page. By default the s88 Streaming DAC will use the wired network connection - Ethernet. You can use the Reset button to re-initialize the network connection if the settings on your router are changed or in case the connection is lost. - Page 27 4. When the Network page reappears you should see the new IP address. Note that if you use an IP address to connect your Web browser to the s88 Streaming DAC, the browser won't be able to reconnect automatically. In this case you will need to manually enter the new IP address for the s88 Streaming DAC in the navigation bar of the Web browser.
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Page 28: Switching Between Wireless And Wired Network Connection
Player apps also may have to be restarted after changing the network connection. Resetting the Network Connection to Factory Defaults In case you are unable to connect to the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC over the home network you can reset the networking setting to the factory defaults: 1. -
Page 29: Sharing Attached Usb Drives On The Network
Sharing Attached USB Drives on the Network File Sharing allows you to have access via the home network to the USB drives attached to the s88 Streaming DAC. You can use file management apps like Windows Explorer and the Mac OS Finder to copy, move and erase files located on the drives attached to the s88 Streaming DAC. - Page 30 Always maintain a backup copy of your music files. Never disconnect a USB drive during playback. To avoid accidental data loss we recommend powering down the exaSound s88 Streaming DAC before disconnecting a USB drive. Page | 30...
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Page 31: Settings Overview
Settings Overview Use the Settings tab on the web user interface to configure the s88 Streaming DAC. The following features will appear: • Maximum Volume Limit • DAC Power off Timeout • Updating the UPnP Music Library • Changing the s88 Streaming DAC Device Name (Host Name) •... -
Page 32: Multi-Room Configuration And Using A Custom Device Name
Multi-room Configuration and Using a Custom Device Name Each s88 Streaming DAC on your home network must have a unique name. Use the Device Name tab to assign a custom device name (host name) to your s88 Streaming DAC. 1. From the menu navigate to Settings. The current host name will be displayed on the Device Name tab. -
Page 33: Remote Support
6. You will see a progress indicator. Don't interrupt the power to the s88 Streaming DAC during the update or your device may become unusable. Remote Support Remote support connections are used by exaSound technical personnel for troubleshooting and collecting error logs and performance data. Remote connection is possible only when it is initiated by the s88 Streaming DAC owner by pressing the Start/Stop button on the Remote Support tab. -
Page 34: Web Dashboard For Volume Control And Input Selection
DAC display and the DAC web interface are kept in sync. The sound can be muted by touching the Mute button on the s88 front plate, the Mute switch on the Dashboard or with the IR remote control. Pressing or clicking Mute again restores the previous volume level. -
Page 35: Volume Bypass
Apple device. AirPlay volume control steps are less precise compared to other audio streaming technologies. Volume Bypass When the volume is set to 0dB, the hardware volume control is turned off and the s88 Streaming DAC sets the exaSound DAC in Volume Bypass Mode. To activate Volume Bypass: •... -
Page 36: S88 Streaming Dac Upnp Server And Music Library
Streaming DAC UPnP Server and Music Library The exaSound s88 Streaming DAC has a built-in UPnP server. To use it you need to attach a USB drive with music files. Playback is controlled with apps like MconnectHD, Bubble UPnP, Hi-Fi Cast, Kazoo and others. -
Page 37: Windows Asio Drivers Step-By-Step Setup Guide
8 GB of RAM Windows ASIO Driver Installation 1. Don’t connect the s88 DAC to the PC until the driver is installed. Don’t worry if you’ve connected the device already. Just disconnect it. 2. Use the username / password that we've emailed you with the shipping confirmation email to login to support.exasound.com. - Page 38 5. Connect the USB cable between the s88 DAC and the PC. 6. Upon completion of the Windows ASIO driver installation you will see the exaSound Dashboard Icon in the System Tray area next to the clock. exaSound Dashboard Icon 7.
- Page 39 8. On the Taskbar Settings window click on Select Which Icons Appear on the Taskbar. 9. Scroll down to the exaSound s88 Dashboard icon and set the toggle to On. Page | 39...
- Page 40 10. You should be able to see the exaSound s88 Dashboard icons at all times. The Icon changes to indicate playback, and displays an exclamation mark when the USB cable is disconnected: exaSound Dashboard Stop Icon Play Icon USB Cable Disconnected Icon 11.
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Page 41: Using The S88 Dac - Windows
Make sure that all cables are connected. Turn on the unit using the Power button on the front panel or the remote control. The power LED will light up. After 30 to 40 seconds the s88 will boot and the display will turn on. -
Page 42: Jriver / Jremote Volume Synchronization Plug-In - Windows
Use the X button in the top right corner to minimize the exaSound Dashboard window. Use the sliders on the exaSound s88 Dashboard window to control the volume for individual channels and the master volume. The sliders can be controlled in several ways: •... -
Page 43: Step-By-Step Player Configuration Instructions - Windows
2. Double-click exaSoundRoonVolumePlugin Setup 1.0.1.msi to start the setup and follow the instructions. 3. You will see the icon of the exaSound Volume Plug-in for Roon on the system tray (next to the clock). 4. Start Roon and from the menu go to Settings. Click on the Extensions tab. -
Page 44: Mac Os Drivers Step-By-Step Setup Guide
352.8 and 384 kHz Software Installation 1. Don’t connect the s88 DAC to your Mac until the driver is installed. Don’t worry if you’ve connected the device already. Just disconnect it. 2. Use the username / password that we've emailed you with the shipping confirmation email to login to support.exasound.com. - Page 45 USB cable is disconnected: 5. Connect the USB cable of the s88 DAC. Turn on the s88 using the Power button on the front panel or the remote control. The power LED will light up. After 30 to 40 seconds the s88 will boot and the display will turn on.
- Page 46 13. Make the exaSound driver the default sound output device. 14. Make sure that the volume is set to less than -25db. You are ready to play music. Page | 46...
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Page 47: Using The Exasound S88 Dac On Mac Os
Using the exaSound s88 DAC on Mac OS Using the exaSound ASIO Drivers on Mac Make sure that your player is configured for ASIO output. Click on the exaSound Dashboard icon. By default the Input is set to Core Audio. Select ASIO. -
Page 48: Playing Music From Spdif Sources
Playing Music from SPDIF Sources The s88 DAC makes it possible to enjoy greatly improved level of sonic clarity and fidelity from SPDIF sources. The sonic improvement is the result of the outstanding jitter cancelling capability, superb signal to noise ratio, and low distortion levels of the s88 DAC. -
Page 49: Ir Remote Control Setup
The s88 DAC is programmed to work with the supplied remote control. If you like, you can reprogram the s88 DAC to work with a different IR remote control. The exaSound s88 DAC can learn to recognise commands from most infrared remote controls using Sony and NEC IR protocols. -
Page 50: Specifications
Specifications D/A Converter IC ESS Technology ES9038PRO 32-bit, 8-channel PRO series PCM Sampling Rates - USB, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, Network Streaming 352.8kHz, 384kHz DSD Sampling Rates: • USB - Windows ASIO • USB - Mac ASIO • USB - Mac Core Audio •... - Page 51 Balanced: 123.8 dB, A-weighted, 4.6 Vrms Signal-to-Noise Ratio Unbalanced: 123.5 dB, A-weighted, 2.0 Vrms DAC Master Clock Jitter 0.082 psec (82fsec) rms 0Hz - 20kHz (-0.15dB) @ 44.1kHz / 48kHz sampling rates Frequency Response 0Hz - 30kHz (-0.15dB) @ 88.2kHz and higher rates Phase Non-inverting Channel Separation, Typical...
- Page 52 Volume Control Step 0.5 dB Volume Matching Between Better than 0.1 dB Channels Windows 10 x64, Windows 8 x86, Windows 8 x64, Operating System Requirements: Windows 7, Windows XP Windows ASIO compatible player required for all Windows platforms Operating System Requirements: Mac OS Mavericks, Yosemite, El Captain, Sierra High Sierra, Mojave Type A: 2x USB 3.0, 2xUSB 2.0...
- Page 53 Optional Linear Power Supply for Input: 110V or 240V, factory selected DAC Analogue Stages Output: 12V DC, 2A Compliance CE, FCC Over Current Protection Power Consumption <64 W Power Jack Diameter Internal: 2.5mm External : 5.5mm Premium machined and anodized aluminium mono-block Enclosure Finish: Silver, Black Dimensions (W x H x D)
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Page 54: Open-Source Credits
Streaming DAC. In fact, we would be unable to offer the device as we envision it, at the current price, without these publically developed projects. The credit roll is available on the s88 Streaming DAC Web Interface: http://exaSound-PP1.local. -
Page 55: Safety Information
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. - Page 56 • The device is still receiving power from the AC power source as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the device itself has been turned off. • 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.
- Page 57 ZeroJitter™, GalvanicInfinity™, ENclusiv™, FemtoMaster™ and ZeroResolutionLoss™ are trademarks of exaSound Audio Design. Direct Stream Digital (DSD) is a trademark of Sony Corporation. the Roon Labs logo are trademarks or registered Roon and Roon Ready and ...
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Page 58: Limited One Year Warranty
If in our assessment the defect is covered by our Warranty, the defective item will, at our sole option, be repaired, replaced with the same item or its functional equivalent, or the purchase price will be refunded. exaSound in its sole and absolute discretion shall be the sole determiner of whether a product is in fact defective. - Page 59 Audio Design for its use nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from its use. exaSound Audio Design reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
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