Welcome
Thank you for purchasing Vi DAC. This guide provides basic step-by-step instructions for setting it up, but if you need additional help, our Customer Happiness team is at your disposal by opening a ticket.




Safety Instructions

 

* BE SURE TO READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS AND HEED ALL WARNINGS *

 

To reduce the risk of electric shock (and to keep from voiding the warranty), never open the device.

 

When connecting the device to AC power, be sure to use the included AC power cord, or one with identical connectors. Never remove the ground pin from the AC power cord.

 

Plug the device into a surge protection device whenever possible.

 

When connecting the device to any other components, make sure all components are powered off, and volumes are turned completely down (whenever possible).

 

Be sure to only clean the device with a dry cloth.

 

Be sure to place the device in a location with plenty of ventilation to avoid potential issues with overheating.


Introduction

 

Vi DAC Infinity is a high performance Home Audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier that draws upon the proven design of the Pulse and LPS. It has been designed to decode almost any music file format and resolution available, up to and including Direct-Stream Digital (DSD).

 

The Vi DAC Infinity accepts digital audio signals through the following inputs:

  • USB
  • AES/EBU
  • TOSLINK
  • S/PDIF

 

 

The Vi DAC Infinity delivers audio signals from the following outputs:

  • ¼” single-ended TRS headphone jack.
  • Balanced XLR 4-pin headphone jack.
  • RCA Line Out in the Solid State.
  • Dual balanced XLR 3-pin Line Out connectors in the Solid State.

In Addition the Vi Tube DAC Infinity Delivers audio signals from the following outputs from the CCX Tube module.

  • RCA Line Out In the Tube Stage
  • Dual balanced XLR 3-pin Line Out connectors in the Tube Stage.

 

When used in conjunction with the appropriate playback software, the Vi DAC Infinity supports the following PCM sample rates in 16, 24, and 32-bit depths:

  • 44.1 kHz
  • 48 kHz
  • 88.2 kHz
  • 96 kHz
  • 176.4 kHz
  • 192 kHz
  • 352.8 kHz
  • 384 kHz

 

 

Vi can also supports the following DSD formats:

  • Native 1-bit DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DSD512
  • DSD-over-PCM (DoP) support.

 

This document provides the steps necessary to setup the Vi DAC Infinity, connect it to a computer, and configure it as the default audio output device.


Front Panel




  1. 1/4” Headphone Jack
  2. Balanced XLR 4-pin Headphone Jack *
  3. Volume Headphone Knob Control
  4. IR Remote Control Sensor
  5. Volume Level Display
  6. Sample Rate/Input Source Display



Rear Panel





  1. Power Switch
  2. AC Power Fuse
  3. AC Power Input
  4. TOSLINK Digital Input
  5. SPDIF RCA Digital Inputs x2
  6. AES Digital Input
  7. USB-B Digital input
  8. Balanced XLR 3-pin Output
  9. Single-Ended RCA Output


*Vi Tube Infinity DAC CCX Module will have an additional Output for Tube containing RCA Line Out and Balanced XLR 3-pin Outputs.


Package Contents

  • Vi Digital to Analog Converter
  • Apple Remote
  • Power Cable
  • Warranty Card



Installation

  1. Unbox the Vi DAC Infinity and remove it from the plastic wrap.
  2. Remove the power supply from the box. If included, remove the LightSpeed 1G USB cable (not included with all units)
  3. Connect the power supply to the Vi DAC, and plug into wall outlet.
  4. Connect the USB cable (preferably LightSpeed 1G/2G/10G) to the source and USB input on the back of the Vi DAC.
  5. Power on Vi DAC (without headphones or any other external components connected/powered on).
  6. If using with a Mac OS X or Linux computer, no drivers are required.
  7. If a Windows PC is being used, download the Windows driver and Light Harmonic Audio Driver Setup Guide from the LH Labs support site, and then install the driver:



Setup
To get you started using your Vi DAC, There are five steps involved.

  1. Installing the Driver software onto your Windows based PC. (Driver is only required for PC)
  2. Connecting your DAC’s outputs
  3. Plugging your Power supple to your power outlet.
  4. How to enjoy music from your PC and Mac.
  5. Pairing your Apple remote to use on your Vi DAC.


Step 1
Microsoft Windows

A driver needs to be installed to connect your Vi DAC by USB to a Microsoft Windows computer. 


For the newest 3.26 Driver you can also download this Here, Please note that this driver will no longer support Windows XP and Windows Vista, To provide better support for Windows 10 platforms.


A driver needs to be installed to connect your Geek Out V2 DAC by USB to a Microsoft Windows computer. The 2.29 driver can be downloaded here.



Once the driver is downloaded, simply click on the downloaded file to begin the installation. Follow all prompts on your Windows machines until a finish button is clicked. Once this is done you will also need to change your default sound device to Vi DAC under your Windows Control Panel in the sound properties.

To get step-by-step instructions, please visit our driver install guide.


Step 2

Connecting your Vi DAC.


There are five Digital inputs found on the back of your Vi DAC. From right to left: Toslink optical input, dual S/PDIF RCA inputs, AES/EBU input, USB input.


Line level audio outputs are located on the rear panel: one pair of XLR (Balanced) outputs, as well as a pair of RCA (single-ended) outputs.


Headphone outputs are on the front panel: one four pin XLR (balanced) and one 1/4" (single-ended). Also on the front panel is a volume control knob and an OLED display. The volume control knob adjusts the volume of both headphone outputs, but is dependent on the master volume control of the DAC.


When connecting Vi DAC to an external amplifier or Active speakers, be sure to have the amplifier and/or speakers in the off position to prevent any damage


Step 3
Powering Vi DAC

Connect Vi DAC to a household power outlet using the supplied AC power cord, or with one of your own. Vi DAC comes in either AC 120V, or AC 240V. Voltage is marked on the back panel.


Step 4

Pairing the Apple Remote


Vi DAC allows remote access to volume functions (increase/decrease/mute) as well as menu navigation and selection via an Apple Remote.


To pair the Apple Remote to Vi DAC, press the Menu and RightDirectional button at the same time while pointing the remote at Vi DAC's front panel. After five to eight seconds a "Paired" will appear on the display. Your Apple Remote is now paired with Vi DAC.




A video demonstrating how to use Apple Remote with our products can be found here.


Please note: Once an Apple Remote has been paired with Vi DAC it cannot be unpaired. Apple Remote’s volume control is for the master volume control that is displayed on the front of your Vi DAC. When selecting USB from the Volume Settings menu the master volume control is now controlled by the operating system’s master volume control.


Step 5

Enjoy Your Music


Connect your USB type A cable to your Mac or Microsoft Window computer.


Connect your USB type B cable to Vi DAC's USB input.


Power on Vi DAC and change the input to USB under the menu option found in “Input Select” using your apple remote.


Please note: Vi DAC will need the remote to enter the menu options


To set your audio output to Vi DAC in Windows, You will need to set it as your default device.


Microsoft Windows Default Device Configuration

  1. Click the Start button found on the bottom left corner of your windows Pc.
  2. Select Control Panel and double click “Hardware and Sound” note: this is in category view, you can select small icons and double click “Sound”
  3. Under the Playback tab in your Sound Properties, left click the Vi DAC to select this device.
  4. Right-click this device and select “ Set as Default Device” This will enable sound to come out of your Vi DAC when connected to your Windows based Laptop or Tower.


Setting up for MAC OS X
No drivers are needed to use Vi DAC on a Mac computer. You will, however, need to select the Vi DAC as the audio output device.

  1. Click your Apple button found on the top left corner of the screen.
  2. Select “System Preferences” in the drop down menu.
  3. Double click “Sound” under Hardware.
  4. Under the Output tab, select the VI DAC as your output device and be sure the Mute button is not checked.
  5. Exit out of the menu.


Using The VI DAC

*** IMPORTANT NOTE ***


When the Vi DAC is turned on and off there will be a popping noise sent through the headphone output, as well as all line outputs. These are the power caps in the signal chain charging and discharging. This is a conscious design decision to not add a buffer as it would affect the sound quality.

It is recommended that the Vi DAC be left on at all times as it will keep the components warm, providing the optimal sound quality. However, if a power off/cycle is required, be sure to unplug headphones and/or power down the preamp/amp/active speakers to avoid any potential damage. Your Vi DAC has a Sleep mode that will turn off the display while powered on.

LH Labs will not be held responsible for any damage to equipment due to this design implementation.

***/IMPORTANT NOTE ***

Power On

When powering on the Vi DAC, it will run through a startup routine (“Vi DAC” is shown on the display), then show the last sample rate processed, as well as the last volume level.


However, for safety reasons, the actual volume upon startup is -80dB, regardless of what is displayed. To return to the displayed volume, Adjust the volume control with the Apple remote in any direction.



Volume Adjustment


Volume adjustments are registered as 0.5dB steps up or down. Each step is a turn of 2 pushes either way on the remote.


Volume adjustments affect the signals for the headphone output using the Headphone control knob on the front and line outs using the remote volume control. When using an external pre-amp or active speakers, the volume may seem incorrect. A volume of -0.0dB is recommended in this instance and volume adjustment should be made on the pre-amp and/or amplifier.


Headphone outputs are on the front panel: one four pin XLR (balanced) and one 1/4" (single-ended). Also on the front panel is a volume control knob and an OLED display. The volume control knob adjusts the volume of both headphone outputs, but is dependent on the master volume control of the DAC.


Menu Navigation/Selection


To access the menu options of the VI DAC, press the center button on the Apple remote. push the directional buttons to navigate the menu options. Press the center button to select the menu option.


After 10 seconds of no movement, the menu will close back to the playback display screen.


The menu options with their corresponding submenu options are:


INPUT SELECT

  • USB
  • AES
  • SPDIF 1
  • TOSLINK
  • SPDIF 2


DIGITAL FILTER

  • TCM
  • FRM
  • SSM
  • FTM


VOLUME SETTING

  • REMOTE CONTROL
  • USB CONTROL


FIRMWARE VERSION



STAND BY MODE

*Stand-by allows full function of the device while powering down the Display for lower energy consumption. By pushing any button you will awake the Vi DAC.



Input Select


The primary Vi DAC input is USB, however it will accept digital input from external sources via AES, SPDIF, and TOSLINK.


Digital Filter

Digital filters are used to remove artifacts in the digital signal caused by audio sampling. The Vi DAC offers the following filters:

TCM (Time Coherence Mode) – Uses LH Labs minimum phase digital filter and time optimization algorithm which removes all post ring from the original signal, and realigns the impulse response. This presents the listener with a more well- defined and natural soundstage.

FRM (Frequency Response Mode) – Uses LH Labs slow roll-off linear digital filter and frequency domain optimization algorithm to provide a smoother and clearer sound with even lower THD+N.

SSM (Stable Streaming Mode) – A digital filter to optimize audio from streaming sites such as Spotify and Tidal.

* This filter is still in development, and will be added via future firmware update.

FTM (Femto Time Mode) – Uses an optimization algorithm that reduces time related distortion from the Femto Clock source, while providing better jitter performance. It also brings out the best of both TCM and FRM filter modes.


Volume Setting

The Vi DAC allows for 2 ways of controlling the volume:

Remote Control – Uses the physical Apple remote to increase/decrease volume.

USB Control – Uses the computer system/application software volume controls to increase/decrease the volume.

Firmware Version

The firmware versions for the following are displayed:


Main – Displays the version of the DAC board firmware.


USB -  Displays the version of the USB Communication chipset.


MCU – Displays the firmware version of the matrix control board (display, IR sensor, and volume).



Vi DAC Firmware Upgrade

 

From time to time newer versions of the Vi DAC firmware will be released to fix bugs, and/or add functionality. The Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) utility will need to be used to complete the upgrade.


To get complete step by step instructions please go to the "Vi DAC Firmware page" found here

 

Support

If there are any issues completing any of the steps in this document, understanding any of the concepts, with audio playback, or with the device itself, please open a support ticket through the LH Labs support page at: 

 

http://support.lhlabs.com

 

A knowledge base with frequently asked questions, and online repository of setup and user guides is available at:

 

http://support.lhlabs.com/support/solutions


 

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

 

 

Manufacturer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LH Labs Corporation

 





Manufacturer’s Address:

 

 

 

LH Labs Corporation





920 Reserve Drive Suite 160

 

 

 

 

 

Roseville, CA 95678

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.A.

 

 

 

 

 

Phone: 888-­‐842-­‐5988

 

 

 

 

 

 

Declares under our responsibility that the electrical products: 

 

Product Name:     Vi DAC

 

Model Number:     Infinity

 

To which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standards 

and EMC: 

 

 EN 60065: 2002 + A1:2006

 EN 55013: 2001 + A1:2003 + A2:2006

 EN 55013: 2013

 EN 55020: 2007 + A11:2011

 EN 61000-­‐3-­‐2:2006+A12008+A2:2009

 EN 61000-­‐3-­‐3:2013

 EN 60065:2002+A1:2006+A11:2008+A2:2010+A12:2011

 

Supplementary Information: 

 

This declaration attests that the manufacturing process quality control and product documentation accord with the need to assure continued compliance. The attention of the user is drawn to any special measures regarding the use of this equipment that may be detailed in the owner’s manual.

 



 

Authorized Signature: 

Name: Yuan He

Title: CEO & President

Place, Roseville, California, United States of America

Date: November 8, 2015 

 









FCC Product Name: Vi D/A Converter
FCC Model Number: PCLPI2VID3