LavryGold Quintessence

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Product Description

The LavryGold Quintessence is a high-end stereo DA converter with digital monitor controls. It features one stereo DAC with two stereo XLR outputs designated MAIN and MONITOR. The MAIN output is fixed-level and the MONITOR output level is controlled by the front panel Volume control.

There is a unique Volume setting for each of the three digital inputs (2 XLR and one RCA). The Volume settings are stored in memory, and recalled when the input is selected. This allows the listening level to be equalized for digital sources with different levels. The Volume can be adjusted over an 80 dB range in one-quarter dB steps. The ¼ dB adjustment is retained when switching between 1/4dB and 3db adjustment modes so a precise monitoring level can easily be reset, even when the Volume is adjusted in 3dB steps.

There are also separate Output Enable/Mute buttons for each output, to allow either output to be muted quickly.

Other front panel settings include (polarity) INVERT, MONO, and CAL.

The INVERT setting inverts the signal polarity of all outputs.

The MONO setting affects both MAIN and MONITOR outputs, and is level compensated. The perceived level difference between stereo and mono will vary with program material.

When the Cal function is enabled, the output level of all outputs can be adjusted in one-tenth dB steps +/- 0.7dB. This allows fine adjustment for variations in level caused by input impedance of connected equipment, or minor differences in studio calibration level. Rear panel settings for MAIN and MONITOR outputs include Balanced/Unbalanced and gain range of 0 dB or -6 dB.

For more information on the LavryGold Quintessence click here

For general information see digital to analog converter.

Features

• 192, 176.4, 96kHz, 88.2kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz sampling rates
• Excellent Jitter rejection
• Accuracy and lack of digital artifacts of a LavryGold converter
• Three digital inputs with separate MONITOR Volume settings for each input.
• Fixed level MAIN output which is not affected by any MONITOR functions.
• Proprietary Volume circuit for MONITOR output level control over 80 dB range.
• Volume adjustment in one-quarter dB or 3 dB steps
• Separate Output Enable/Mute buttons for each output with click-free soft mute/unmute.
• Audio signal Polarity Inversion
• Mono function
• Output Gain range setting for each stereo output
• Balanced/Unbalanced setting for each stereo output

Applications

• Mixing
• Mastering

Connections

Analog outputs

The front panel buttons INVERT, MONO, CAL are in the ALL OUTPUTS section because they affect all outputs- Left and Right channels of both MAIN and MONITOR.

The MAIN and MONITOR outputs have separate Output Enable/Mute buttons. The soft-mute function is different on the MAIN and MONITOR output. The Monitor output Enable can be used with no effect on the MAIN output. Changing the Main output Enable setting will result in a short “dip” in the Monitor output level.

The Quintessence has electronically balanced XLR outputs which can be configured for unbalanced operation using the rear panel switch for each stereo output. The rear panel Gain Range switches can be set for a digital input level of 0dBFS to equal either +24dBu or +18dBu balanced or +18dbu or +12dBu unbalanced.

The vast majority of pro audio equipment operates with a peak analog level of either +24 or +18dBu. The -6dB and Unbalanced settings allow connection to consumer level equipment with an appropriate adapter or adapter cable.

The Gain range settings control the peak output level in this manner:

• When set for balanced operation, the MAIN XLR outputs can be changed from 24dBu to 18dBu peak level.
• When set for unbalanced operation, the MAIN XLR outputs can be changed from 18dBu to 12dBu peak level.
• When set for balanced operation, the MONITOR XLR outputs can be changed from 24dBu to 18dBu peak level with the front panel Volume setting at 80. Output level can be reduced by setting the Volume control to a value below 80.
• When set for unbalanced operation, the MONITOR XLR outputs can be changed from 18dBu to 12dBu peak level with the front panel Volume setting at 80. Output level can be reduced by setting the Volume control to a value below 80.

Polarity

• The XLR output is Pin 2 "+" and Pin 3 "-" for normal signal polarity when the front panel INVERT setting is “Off” (button illuminated blue). Thus, for balanced or unbalanced XLR Pin 2 "+" connections and RCA (IEC) connections with standard adapters, the signal polarity is "normal" or "non-inverted."
• Changing the front panel polarity setting to “INVERT” (button illuminated green) will result in inverted signal polarity for balanced and unbalanced Pin 2 "+" connections, as well as RCA (IEC) connections with standard adapters.

Digital input

There are (3) stereo digital audio inputs on the rear panel of the Quintessence.

• There are (2) XLR inputs which can accept either AES/EBU or SPDIF/IEC inputs. SPDIF/IEC sources can be connected using simple wired adapters or adapter cables (no transformer is required or recommended for cable lengths that conform to recommendations for coaxial 75 Ohm consumer digital audio cables).
• The RCA/SPDIF input can accept SPDIF (IEC 60958 type II) stereo digital audio inputs or AES format signals using simple wired adapters or adapter cables (no transformer is required or recommended).

All inputs will accept stereo digital audio inputs with sample frequencies of 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, or 44.1 kHz; however XLR inputs are recommended for sample frequencies above 96kHz. Inputs can be of any supported sample frequency and the Quintessence will switch gracefully between them when the input is changed.

The Quintessence always “clocks” to the incoming digital audio signal, and provides excellent immunity from jitter in the digital audio signal causing degradation of the DA conversion quality.

AC Power

The Quintessence adjusts automatically to AC power inputs of 90-264 VAC @ 47-63Hz. There are no settings to change. The AC power input module contains line filtering and two 800mA fast fuses in a red fuse holder/voltage selector. The power supply will operate properly over the entire rated input range with the voltage setting of the power input module’s red fuse holder/voltage selector inserted in either the 115 or 230 position.

See LavryGold voltage setting for details on the AC power voltage setting and accessing the fuses.

Operating tips

Because the Quintessence has one DA converter, changing the input will affect both the MAIN and MONITOR output in the same manner. If either output is being recorded, the Input should not be changed. The same applies to the INVERT, MONO, and CAL functions.

The MAIN output would typically be used as a source for analog processing in Mastering or “insert” processing of a track in multi-track applications. If an external monitor controller is available, the MAIN output can be connected to a monitor input. Connection of the MAIN output to a monitor controller will not allow the level compensation capability of the MONITOR output to be utilized when comparing digital sources using the front panel input selection.

The MONITOR output would typically be used to feed a monitor input on an external monitor controller, or can be used to feed powered monitors or a power amplifier directly with the front panel Volume and Output Enable controlling the listening level. Using the MONITOR output as the source for monitoring will allow the level compensation capability of the MONITOR output to be utilized when comparing digital sources using the front panel input selection.

If precise level adjustment of the output is required when using the Quintessence as a source for analog processing, the MONITOR output can be used, and the level set using the front panel Volume control. The proprietary Volume control circuit offers less signal degradation than a conventional rotary potentiometer, resulting in signal quality being retained over a wide range of output levels.

Software

There is no software which can be updated by the customer.

Links

Quintessence Manual