Teac UD-501 - USB D/A Converter Manual

Included items

Check to be sure the box contains all the included items shown below.
Please contact the store where you purchased this unit if any of these items are missing or have been damaged during transportation.

Power cord × 1
RCA audio cable × 1
Owner's manual (this document) × 1

• Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.

Warranty card × 1

Before use

Placement precautions

• Do not put anything on top of the unit.
• Avoid placing the unit in direct sunlight or close to any source of heat, such as a radiator, heater, open fireplace or amplifier. Also avoid locations that are subject to vibrations or exposed to excessive dust, cold or moisture.
• Place the unit in a stable location near the audio system that you will use with it.
• Do not move the unit during use.
• The voltage supplied to the unit should match the voltage printed on the rear panel. If you are in any doubt regarding this matter, consult an electrician.
• As the unit could become warm during operation, always leave sufficient space around it for ventilation. When placing this unit, position it so that it is at least 3 cm (1.2") from walls and other devices in order to allow good heat dissipation. When installing it in a rack, leave at least 5 cm (2") open above the unit and 10 cm (4") open behind it.
• Do not open the body of the unit as this might result in damage to the circuitry or cause electric shock. If a foreign object should get into the unit, contact your dealer or a TEAC service center.
• When removing the power plug from the wall outlet, always pull directly on the plug; never yank on the cord.
• Depending on the electromagnetic waves of television broadcasts, interference might appear on television screens when this unit's power is on. This does not mean that this unit or the TV is malfunctioning. If this occurs, turn this unit's power off.

Maintenance

If the surface of the unit becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft dry cloth. If the unit becomes very dirty, dampen a soft cloth slightly with a diluted neutral cleanser and thoroughly wring out any excess fluid before using the cloth to wipe the unit.

For your safety, disconnect the power cord from the socket before cleaning.

• Never spray liquid directly on the unit.
• Do not use thinner or alcohol as they could damage the surface of the unit.
• Avoid allowing rubber or plastic materials to touch this product for long periods of time, because they could damage the cabinet.

Names and functions of parts

1. POWER switch
   Use to turn the power ON and OFF.
2. PHONES jack
   Connect headphones with a standard 6.3 mm (1/4") stereo plug here.
3. INPUT SELECTOR knob
   Use to select the input source. The indicator lights next to the selected input source.
   Use to change setting values when a menu item is shown.
   • If you turn this knob when the unit has entered standby because of the automatic power saving function, the unit's power will turn ON again.
4. MENU button
   Press to enter setting mode (see "Settings").
   • If you press this button when the unit has entered standby because of the automatic power saving function, the unit's power will turn ON again.
5. Display
   This display shows information about the audio playing back and menu screens
6. PHONES LEVEL knob
   Use to adjust the headphones output volume. Turn right to increase and left to decrease the volume.
   • This knob does not adjust the output level from the analog LINE OUT connectors.

The maximum volume level is 0 and the minimum level is −∞ (negative infinity). When using headphones, before turning the power on, use the PHONES LEVEL knob to set the headphones volume level to its minimum (−∞). Failure to do so might cause sudden loud noises, which could harm your hearing or result in other trouble.

Connecting equipment

1. Analog audio output connectors (LINE OUT)
   These are a two-channel analog audio output pair. Connect these XLR connectors and RCA jacks to stereo amplifiers or powered speakers.
   Use the included cables or commercially-available cables to make these connections.

XLR:	Balanced XLR cables
RCA:	RCA audio cable

Connect the R connector of this unit with the R connector of the amplifier. Likewise, connect the L connector of this unit with the L connector of the amplifier.

2. USB input connector (DIGITAL IN)
   Use to input digital audio from a computer. Connect it to a computer's USB connector.
   Use a commercially available USB cable for connection.

Before connecting a computer that is running a Windows OS, you must install the dedicated driver on the computer (see "Installing the driver on a computer"). Proper connection is not possible with a computer that does not have this driver installed.

3. RCA coaxial digital audio input connectors (DIGITAL IN)
   Use these to input digital audio. Connect the coaxial digital audio output jacks of digital audio devices to them.
   Use commercially available RCA coaxial digital cables to make the connections.
4. Optical digital audio input connectors
   Use to input digital audio. Connect the optical digital audio output connectors of digital audio devices to them.
   Use commercially available optical digital cables to make the connections.
5. AUTO POWER SAVE switch
   Use to turn the automatic power saving function ON and OFF. When ON, the unit will automatically enter standby mode if there is no digital input for 30 minutes or more.
   • To turn the power on again when in standby mode, press the MENU button, turn the INPUT SELECTOR knob or shift the POWER switch to OFF once and then back to ON.
   • Wait a few seconds after shifting the POWER switch to OFF before shifting it back to ON.
6. Power inlet (~IN)
   Insert the included power cord here. After completing all other connections, insert the power plug into a power outlet.
   Unplug the cord from the outlet when not using the unit for a long time.

Use only the included power cord. Use of a different cord could cause fire or electric shock.

Do not turn the power on until after making all connections.

• Carefully read the manuals of the devices that you are connecting and follow their instructions when making connections.
• Do not bundle connecting cables with power cords. Doing so could cause noise.
• Connect all plugs completely.

Basic operation

1. Shift the POWER switch to its ON position.
   
   • If a stereo amplifier is connected to this unit, always turn its power ON very last.
2. Use the INPUT SELECTOR knob to set the input source.
   The indicator for the selected input source lights.
   
   • If the input signal is not a digital audio signal or is an audio signal format that is not supported by this unit, such as Dolby Digital, DTS or AAC, "NOT AUDIO!" will appear on the screen and no audio will be output. Set the digital output of the connected device to PCM audio output.
   • To use a computer running a Windows OS to play back audio files when this unit is set to "USB", you must first install a dedicated driver on the computer before connecting them (see "Installing the driver on a computer").
   • DSD data can only be played back via USB.
3. Operate the playback device.
   Refer to the operation manual of that device.
4. Adjust the volume.
   Use the stereo amplifier or other device connected to this unit to adjust the volume
   When using headphones connected to this unit, turn the PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the volume.

When using headphones
Before connecting headphones to this unit, turn the PHONES LEVEL knob counterclockwise to minimize the volume.

Display

When the POWER is turned ON

After the above messages appear, the input source will be shown on the display.

When selecting an input source

The name of the input source is shown on the display when you change input source.

Example: when OPT2 is selected

Error indications

When the unit cannot lock the input signal, an "UNLOCK!" error message blinks on the screen.

Example

Input source information display

During PCM audio input

Example when MODE DISP=OFF

Example when MODE DISP=ON, UPCONV=OFF, DF=OFF

Example when MODE DISP=ON, UPCONV=ON, DF=SHARP

Example when the input signal is locked at 352.8 kHz

• When the input signal is locked at 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, the upconverter and PCM digital filter are bypassed, so MODE DISP, UPCONV and DF will not be shown regardless of their settings.

During DSD audio input

Example when MODE DISP=OFF

Example when MODE DISP=ON, DSD AF=FIR1

Reception method
Nothing shown: DSD received without conversion (native)
DoP: DSD signal received by DoP (DSD over PCM) method

Automatic power saving status

When you shift the AUTO POWER SAVE switch on the rear panel of the unit, the new setting is shown for about 2 seconds.

12 seconds before the automatic power saving function puts the unit in standby mode, a countdown is shown on the display.

One dot disappears each second until they have all disappeared and the unit enters standby.

Playing back music on a computer

Installing the driver on a computer

When using Mac OS X
This unit can be used with the following Mac OS:
Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
(Mac OS X 10.6.4 or later)
Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
(As of October, 2012)

This unit will run with the standard OS driver, so there is no need to install a special driver.

When using Windows OS
Installing the driver on the computer
In order for this unit to play back audio files stored on a computer, you must first install a driver on the computer. Please download this driver from the following web address.

Driver software download page
http://www.teac.co.jp/audio/software_teac_e.html

USB connection is supported on Windows computers running Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. Compatibility with other operating systems is not guaranteed.

Install the driver before connecting the unit with the computer by USB.
If you connect this unit with a computer before installing the driver, it will not work properly. Moreover, if the computer is running Windows XP, its operation could become noticeably slower, requiring it to be restarted.

• For instructions about driver installation procedures, please see our download page.
• Depending on the combination of hardware and software, proper operation might not be possible even with the above operating systems.

About the transmission mode

This unit connects using high-speed asynchronous mode. Transmittable sampling frequencies are 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz.

When properly connected, you will be able to select "TEAC USB AUDIO DEVICE" as an audio output from the computer OS.

• In asynchronous mode, the audio data sent from the computer is processed using this unit's clock, allowing data transmission jitter to the reduced.

Downloading playback applications

If you need, you can download free playback application software that supports DSD files (Mac and Windows versions) from the following TEAC web page.

Application software download page
http://www.teac.co.jp/audio/software_teac_e.html

Playing back audio files on a computer

1. Connect this unit to a computer using a USB cable.
   
   • Use a cable with a connector that matches that of this unit.
2. Turn the computer power on.
   • Confirm that the operating system has started properly.
3. Press the POWER button to turn this unit on.
   
4. Turn the INPUT SELECTOR knob to select "USB".
   
5. Start playback of an audio file on the computer.
   By maximizing the output volume from the computer and adjusting the volume output from the stereo amplifier, better sound quality can be achieved.
   Minimize the stereo amplifier volume before beginning playback. Then, gradually increase it.
   When using headphones with this unit, turn the PHONES LEVEL knob counterclockwise to minimize the volume before starting playback. Then, gradually increase it.

• The computer cannot control this unit, nor can this unit control the computer.
• Do not do any of the following when playing back an audio file via USB. Doing so could cause the computer to malfunction. Always quit the music playback software before doing any of the following.
  • Unplugging the USB cable
  • Turning this unit's power off
  • Changing the current input selection
• When playing back an audio file via USB, computer operation sounds will also be output. If you do not want these sounds to be output, make appropriate settings on the computer to turn them off.
• If you connect this unit with the computer or change its input to "USB" after starting the music playback software, audio files might not play back correctly. If this should occur, restart the audio playback software or restart the computer.

Settings

1. Press the POWER button to turn this unit on.
   
2. Press the MENU button to show the setting items.
   Press the MENU repeatedly to cycle through the menu items as shown below.
   
   
3. Turn the INPUT SELECTOR knob to change the setting value.
   
   • The currently set value is shown on the display.
4. When you are done changing settings, press the MENU button to show the input source again.
   
   • If you do not do anything for 10 seconds, the display will return to showing the input source.
   • You can also press the MENU for 2 seconds or longer to show the input source.

Upconverter

Use to activate the upconversion circuit when receiving PCM format signals.

OFF
Disable the upconverter.

ON
Enable the upconverter.
D/D upconversion to 192 kHz of PCM signals with sampling frequencies of less than 192 kHz is followed by D/A conversion.

PCM digital filter

Use to set the digital filter when receiving PCM format signals.

OFF
Disable the digital filter.

SHARP
Use a digital filter with a sharp rolloff.

SLOW
Use a digital filter with a slow rolloff.

• When receiving signals at 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, the digital filter will be disabled during playback regardless of this setting.

DSD analog FIR filter

Use to set the analog filter used when receiving DSD format signals.

FIR1
fc=185 kHz, Gain=−6.6 dB

FIR2
fc=90 kHz, Gain=+0.3 dB

FIR3
fc=85 kHz, Gain=−1.5 dB

FIR4
fc=94 kHz, Gain=−3.3 dB

NOTE
fc: Cutoff frequency
Gain: Filter stage gain

Line output

Use to select the analog audio output connectors used.

RCA
Output through the RCA jacks.

XLR2
Output through the XLR connectors with 2: HOT polarity.

XLR3
Output through the XLR connectors with 3: HOT polarity.

Simultaneous headphones and line output

OFF
Simultaneous output is not possible.
When you connect headphones, the analog audio outputs will be disabled.

ON
Simultaneous output is possible.
Even when you connect headphones, the analog audio outputs stay enabled.

USB input circuit power

AUTO
The USB port is powered only when the input is USB.
When any other input is active, the USB port is not powered.

ON
The USB port is always powered.

Setting mode display

UPCONV, DF, AF
Use to set whether or not the setting mode (upconverter, filter, DSD reception method, etc.) is also shown when the input source is shown on the display.

OFF
Setting mode not shown.

ON
Setting mode shown.

Display brightness

DIM3
Ordinary brightness

DIM2
Slightly dim

DIM1
Even dimmer

DISP OFF
Display off

Restoring settings to their factory defaults

While pressing and holding the MENU button, set the POWER switch to ON.

• Press and hold the MENU button until "SETUP CLR" appears on the display. The factory default settings are the setting values shown in the screen images used in the explanations in this manual.

Troubleshooting

If you experience a problem with this unit, please check the following items before requesting service. If it still does not operate correctly, contact the retailer where you purchased the unit or TEAC customer support (see the back cover for contact information).

General

The power will not turn on

• Check that the power cord is completely plugged into the power outlet. If the outlet is switched, confirm that the switch is in the ON position.
• Connect a different electrical device to the outlet to confirm that it is supplying power.
• If the automatic power saving function has caused the unit to enter standby, turn the INPUT knob or press the MENU button to turn the power ON again.

No sound is output

• If a stereo amplifier is connected to this unit, adjust its volume.
  If you are using headphones connected to this unit, use the PHONES LEVEL knob to adjust the volume.
• Use the INPUT SELECTOR knob to select the input that is connected to the source that you want to hear.
• Reconfirm the connections with other equipment.

There is a humming noise

• If a connecting cable is near a power cord, fluorescent light or similar cause of interference, increase the distance between them as much as possible.

There is no sound from one side of the headphones.

• Confirm that the headphones plug is inserted completely.

Connections with a computer

Computer does not recognize this unit

• This unit can be connected with computers running the following operating systems.
  Apple Macintosh
  Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
  (Mac OS X 10.6.4 or later)
  Mac OS X 10.7 (Lion)
  Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion)
  (As of October, 2012)
  • Functions with the standard OS driver.

Microsoft Windows
Windows XP (32/64-bit)
Windows Vista (32/64-bit)
Windows 7 (32/64-bit)

• Requires installation of a dedicated driver (see "Installing the driver on a computer").

Operation with other operating systems cannot be guaranteed.

Noise occurs

• Starting other applications during playback of a music file may interrupt playback or cause noise. Do not start other applications during playback.
• When the unit is connected to a computer via a USB hub, for example, noise might be heard. If this occurs, connect the unit directly to the computer.

Audio files cannot be played back

• Connect the computer with this unit and switch to "USB" before starting the music playback software and music file playback.
  If you connect this unit and the computer, or switch the input to USB after launching the music playback software, the audio data might not play back properly.

Since this unit uses a microcontroller, external noise and other interference can cause the unit to malfunction. If this should occur, unplug the unit's power from the outlet and wait a little while before plugging the power in again and retrying the operation.

Specifications

Analog audio outputs
Connectors		XLR jacks × 1 pair RCA jacks × 1 pair
Output impedance		XLR: 88 Ω RCA: 22 Ω
Maximum output level (1/full-scale, into 10 kΩ)		XLR: 4.0 Vrms RCA: 2.0 Vrms
Frequency range		5 Hz – 80 kHz (−3 dB)
S/N ratio		115 dB
Distortion		0.0015% (1 kHz)
Headphones output
Connector		Standard 6.3 mm stereo jack
Maximum output		100 mW + 100 mW (into 32 Ω)
Digital audio inputs
COAXIAL digital		RCA jacks × 2 (0.5 Vp-p/75 Ω)
OPTICAL digital		Optical digital connectors × 2 (–24.0 to –14.5 dBm peak)
USB		Type B connector × 1 (USB 2.0 compliant)
PCM data sampling frequency
COAXIAL digital		32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
OPTICAL digital		32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,
USB		44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz, 384 kHz
Quantization bit rates
COAXIAL digital/OPTICAL digital		16/24-bit
USB		16/24/32-bit
DSD data sampling frequency
USB		2.8/5.6 MHz
General
Power supply
Europe model		AC 220 – 240 V, 50 Hz
U.S.A./Canada model		AC 120 V, 60 Hz
Power consumption		13 W
Standby power consumption		0.1 W
External dimensions		290 mm × 81.2 mm × 244 mm (11 3/8" x 3 1/4" x 9 5/8") (W × H × D including protrusions)
Weight		4.0 kg (8 15/16 lb)
Operating temperature range		+5°C to +35°C
Operating humidity range		5 – 85% (no condensation)
Storage temperature range		−20°C to +55°C

Included accessories
Power cord × 1
RCA audio cable × 1
Owner's Manual (this document) × 1
Warranty card × 1

• Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
• Weight and dimensions are approximate.
• Illustrations in this owner's manual might differ slightly from production models.

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

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.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

• DO NOT REMOVE THE EXTERNAL CASES OR CABINETS TO EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS ARE INSIDE.
• IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH THIS PRODUCT, CONTACT TEAC FOR A SERVICE REFERRAL. DO NOT USE THE PRODUCT UNTIL IT HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
• USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION EXPOSURE.

IN NORTH AMERICA USE ONLY ON 120 V SUPPLY.

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
    
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

• The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/ON switch not in the ON position.
• The mains plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
• Caution should be taken when using earphones or headphones with the product because excessive sound pressure (volume) from earphones or headphones can cause hearing loss.

• Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.
• Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
• Do not install this apparatus in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.
• The apparatus should be located close enough to the AC outlet so that you can easily reach the power cord plug at any time.
• If the product uses batteries (including a battery pack or installed batteries), they should not be exposed to sunshine, fire or excessive heat.
• 
  CAUTION for products that use replaceable lithium batteries: there is danger of explosion if a battery is replaced with an incorrect type of battery. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

Products with Class I construction are equipped with a power supply cord that has a grounding plug. The cord of such a product must be plugged into an AC outlet that has a protective grounding connection

Documents / Resources

References

• TEAC - プレミアムオーディオ

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Teac UD-501 - USB D/A Converter Manual