Hifimediy Sabre DAC 2 / UAE23+ manual

Introduction

Thanks for buying the Sabre DAC2 from Hifime(DIY)!

The Sabre DAC has the following specs:

  • Audiophile ESS Sabre ES9023 DAC chip, Savitech SA9023 USB receiver
  • Accepts 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz and 96kHz
  • No drivers required
  • USB connection is isolated with USB isolator chip (basically a USB isolator built in)
  • USB Asynchronous mode 
  • Requires external power supply, DC 5-15V or AC 4-11V, Minimum 500mA. Both polarity DC is ok. Plug is 5.5-6/2.1. From 5.5mm to 6mm on outside and 2.1mm in the middle.
  • Two outputs: 3.5m (headphone amplified) and RCA (line level)
  • Analog volume control (headphone output only) 
  • Power consumption: 53mA (63mA with TCXO) when playback. and 2mA at USB Bus. 18mA when USB cable is unplugged.
  • USB to COAX digital output (COAX IS output, not input)

Instructions

Connecting the DAC

You need a compatible power supply to use this DAC. A wide range of power supplies is accepted. 

1. Connect the DAC to your computers USB port

2. Connect the power supply to the DAC first

3. Connect the power supply to the mains voltage

Note: If the computer goes to sleep while the DAC is connected, then you might have to unplug and replug the DAC, as the power management feature on some computers doesn’t quite understand the USB isolator.

How to select the Hifime DAC as the output device

See the guide for selecting the device as the output.

Windows ASIO driver (optional)

See this guide for installing Windows drivers.

Note: You can only output sound from one program at a time when using ASIO.

Volume control

There is an analoge volume control that control the headphone output on the front of the DAC.

Additional feature: Digital Coaxial output 

This DAC does also output a digital coaxial signal through the an additional RCA connector on the backside of the DAC.The SPDIF signal comes directly fromt the USB receiver chip, the DAC chip is not used when outputting a digital SPDIF signal.

General considerations and warnings

There is a couple of things you should be aware of when using the DAC.

1. Always disconnect headphones or turn off your amplifier before plugging/unplugging the DAC. This is because there might be a loud pop when connecting/disconnecting the DAC.

2. Check volume level before start playing when using headphones, as the level might be too loud. The computer will generally remember the volume last used when you connect it to the same USB port.

For troubleshooting or support please visit this link:

Hope you’ll enjoy the DAC! And please consider spreading the word and write a review.