FAQs
Q: What is a Dac?
A: DAC is digital to analog audio converter. It convert digitally stored information to audio signal that can be latter amplified and listen via speakers or headphones.
Q: Why would I benefit from having an external Dac, what's wrong with the one that's already
built inside my audio equipment ?
A: Mostly all consumer audio products have incorporated DAC. These means that conversion is done via DAC chip (integrated unit). These widely used DAC are of inferior quality than standalone DAC components. External DAC offer better quality parts and separated modules. These offer better audio separation, wider sound-stage, better dynamic and more transparent sound.
Q: What does a USB Dac allow me to do?
A: USB Dac simply transfer you computer audio files to audio signal that you can amplify. These is the easiest way to listen to your digitally computer stored multimedia on your personal hi-fi or high end audio system.
Q: What is a "24 Bit Dac?" What is the difference between the two?
A: Normal CD red book audio is 16 bit 44 khz. 24 bit audio files offer evidently more bits and better sound quality if they are done right. You'll find that more and more digital audiophile download services are offering 24 bits files. And most of contemporary audio engineers will suggest 24 bits for recording, even if it's later down sampled to 16 bits. A proper 24 bits audio recording can have more dynamic, transparent sound.
Q: What is a headphone Amplifier?
A: Headphone amplifier helps amplify the audio signal from the source. Your DVD, CD, computer, Ipod, mobile etc. are the sources of audio signal. Not all the audio sources have enough gain to drive headphones. In that case you need headphone amplifier to 'boost' and drive headphones to play music. But this is not a sole function. Most of consumer headphone outputs lack a quality headphone amplifier. You can gain so much more from external amp.
Q: What is a "Phono Stage"?
A: Phono stage amplify the signal from the turntable. To be exact from the needle. CD use laser to read the information from the media and turntable uses the needle to read the information from the vinyl. The needle is providing very weak signal. This have to be amplified via separated phono stage with the exact RIAA curve. Phono stage is precise pre amplifier that must work without a lot of anomalies and handle the noise very well.
Q: What is a "Pre-Amp"?
A: Before audio signal is amplified by power amplifier it goes through the pre-amp section. These one works with the same principles as phono preamp but have to amplify only line level signal like cd for example. CD, Tuner, Ipods, DVD etc. have a fixed line audio signal that have to be amplify to the desired level. So pre-amp send the as much gain as the user wants to the amp section. To simplify; it translate the desired volume (gain) to the amplifier section that have to drive the speakers.
Q: What does a "Power Amp" do? How is this different from a "Pre-Amp"?
A: Power amp is the end of the amplification chain. It amplify the desired signal that is sent via pre-amp. Power amp function is to amplify the audio signal to the level so it can drive the speakers or the headphones.
Fubar II USB DAC
Q: What exactly is the Fubar II and how is it different from other USB Dacs?
A: The Fubar II USB DAC connects your PC directly to your home stereo by taking the digital signal from your computer and coverting it to a high quality analog output that connects to any amp or preamp. The USB connection is fully compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.
Q: Is Windows Media Player supported for all products?
A: Absolutely!
Q: How about other media players? Will it work seamlessly with all programs (ie. MCE, Winamp, Media player, WinDVD etc.)
A: Again, Absolutely! :)
Q: Are there any software/drivers to install or configure? If not, what driver/software does it use?
A: There is no additional software or drivers for this device. Whenever the Fubar II is connected it's looking for the standard USB drivers. The Burr Brown PCM2702 DAC requires Microsoft Windows 98 or later, which includes standard device drivers for USB audio playback.
Q: Will it work simultaneously with existing audio outputs (analog and digital)?
A: Yes
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to send an email to info@miniatureaudio.com
