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Ack!Industries dAck! 2.0 Instruction Manual

Digital-to-analog converter

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Overview
Thank you very much for choosing the Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0. The dAck! is a self-
contained digital-to-analog converter intended for use with high-fidelity audio systems. It takes
as input a digital signal compliant with the S/PDIF standard and generates high quality two-
channel analog signals for use into a preamplifier or integrated amplifier. This D-to-A converter
utilizes the filterless concept devised by Ryohei Kusunoki (MJ Magazine, 1996-7) to provide
focused and cohesive, yet dynamic, sound that embodies many of the features inherent in analog
music reproduction. The dAck! is designed to be compatible with a very wide variety of
systems, and its primary design goal is to provide long-term satisfaction to the end user.
Please study this manual carefully before using your dAck! 2.0. We ask that you pay
special attention to the important battery usage information on page 5. Understanding this
information will ensure that your dAck! delivers its full potential for the duration of your
ownership.
Preparation for use
Your dAck! should be carefully removed from the packaging. Keep the packaging,
including the pink anti-static bag, in a safe place for future use. Make sure that the following
parts are accounted for:
1) dAck! 2.0
2) Battery charger
3) Charger Cable
4) Digital interconnect
5) BNC male to RCA female adapter
1
dAck! 2.0
Instruction Manual
Document revision 1.0

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Summary of Contents for Ack!Industries dAck! 2.0

  • Page 1 Document revision 1.0 Overview Thank you very much for choosing the Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0. The dAck! is a self- contained digital-to-analog converter intended for use with high-fidelity audio systems. It takes as input a digital signal compliant with the S/PDIF standard and generates high quality two- channel analog signals for use into a preamplifier or integrated amplifier.
  • Page 2 The charger requires minor assembly before it can be used. The distribution cable is packed separately from the charger and must be connected to the terminals of the charger before use. You will need a Philips head screwdriver for assembly. Follow these steps: 1.
  • Page 3 First, connect the dAck!’s outputs (Red=right channel) to your pre-amplifier or integrated amplifier inputs using a high-quality pair of interconnects. The dAck! derives its grounding point from the preamplifier through the ground conductor of your interconnect. We recommend the use of Ack! Industries analog interconnects for best performance. Connect the input of the dAck! to your digital source’s digital output using the included high-bandwidth...
  • Page 4: Fast Charge

    Plug the charger unit into an available power outlet (120VAC) and connect the charger’s output to the charger in socket on the dAck!’s rear panel. The quality of power supplying the charger has no effect on sonic performance, so the charger does not need to be placed on a specially conditioned AC circuit.
  • Page 5 Operation When the power switch is flipped to the up position, your dAck! is energized and ready for use. A blue indicator on the front panel will illuminate, showing that the circuit is receiving power. When there is a compatible signal at the digital input, a green indicator will also illuminate, showing that there is a data latch.
  • Page 6 Care and Maintenance When the switch is in the down position, the batteries are automatically being charged. Keep the charger attached to your dAck! at all times, and remember to turn off your dAck! when you are not listening to it. No other routine care is necessary. More details on battery and charger use can be found in Appendix A at the end of this manual.
  • Page 7 Technical specifications The Ack! Industries dAck! 2.0 is a high-performance digital to analog converter. It utilizes a transformer-coupled differential receiver compatible with AES and S/PDIF signals to package the digital signal for data conversion. Digital to Analog conversion is provided by the TDA1545A continuous calibration DAC chip from Philips.
  • Page 8 Warranty 30 day limited warranty on batteries 1 year parts and labor limited warranty Batteries are covered for one month from date of purchase. Batteries will be replaced within the 30-day warranty period in the event of failure to supply 4 hours of continuous power after having had 24 hours of continuous float charge.
  • Page 9: Appendix A: Maintaining The Life Of Your Power Cells

    Appendix A: Maintaining the life of your power cells The following table shows the recommended schedule for charge/discharge: cycle time max cycle (recommended) rating time recharge 300mA 0-8hr 10hr overnight For best battery life, cycle the batteries in a shallow fashion, and try to allow the cells to reach float status before using them again.
  • Page 10: Appendix B: Battery Replacement

    Set the washer and thumb nut aside in a safe place. 3. Pull the threaded rod through the front panel out of the dAck! 2.0. The faceplates should come loose. Like the thumb nut and washer, place the threaded rod aside.
  • Page 11 4. Gently rotate the front faceplate out of the chassis, counter-clockwise. Keep the switch end of the faceplate (left side) nearer the main chassis body. 5. Using your fingers through the vent holes toward the rear of the unit, push the battery pack out of the chassis.
  • Page 12 10. Carefully insert the threaded rod all the way through the dAck! 2.0 making sure it does not pinch any wires against the battery pack. The rod will protrude out of the back by several millimeters if inserted correctly.