Parasound Zdac Owner's Manual page 7

Analog audio Output Connections
Balanced Out
The balanced output uses two XLR jacks. Connect these to the balanced XLR inputs on your
preamplifier (or directly to a power amp when using a digital source with its own volume control). XLR
connectors have separate pins for audio – and for ground. The XLR connectors in the Zdac follow audio
industry convention: Pin 2 is +, Pin 3 is -, Pin 1 is ground.
Unbalanced Out
The RCA jacks connect to any line level input jacks on your preamplifier or directly to a power amp if
your digital source has its own volume control.
Note: The Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs are "live" simultaneously and you can connect them to
different preamps or controllers. For example, you can connect the XLR out jacks to the XLR
balanced inputs on your music system's stereo preamplifier. Then you can connect the RCA jacks to
the input jacks on a multi-room controller to enjoy music in other rooms of your house.
Using The Zdac Without a Preamplifier
The Zdac can be connected directly to a power amplifier without using a separate preamplifier. This is
only possible if the digital sources connected to the Zdac each have their own volume controls.
Examples are a PC running Windows 7 and connected with its USB or some music servers such as
Sonos ® or Squeezebox ®
source without its own volume control connected to one of the Zdac's inputs. This could result in a
very loud blast of sound that could damage your loudspeakers or hearing. Non-variable digital
sources include all CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, cable/sat boxes and the optical output from an HD
television.
Note: We do not recommend connecting the Zdac directly to a power amplifier if you are using
®
Windows XP or a Mac
With Windows 7 the main volume control slider (in the tool bar) will control the volume output from the
Zdac. With Windows XP (and Mac OS
application you are using for music playback so some computer system sounds may be very loud
compared to the the music you are listening too.
AC Line Cord
Verify that the Zdac AC Voltage Selector switch is set for your AC mains voltage.
Connect your digital sources and analog preamplifier before you plug in the AC cord.
The power cord supplied with your Zdac is a high quality IEC type AC cord. If possible, plug your Zdac
into the same AC wall outlet, power strip or line conditioner as your digital source components, analog
preamplifier and power amplifier. If the AC ground potential varies between your AC outlets the result
can be an audible 60Hz (or 50Hz) hum.
. Never connect the Zdac directly to a power amplifier if you have a digital
®
. The volume controls in Windows 7 and Windows XP operate differently.
®
) volume is only controlled by the volume slider in the
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