1. Product Overview
The KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO is a versatile audio device functioning as both a professional headphone amplifier and a pre-amplifier. It is designed to enhance audio quality from various digital sources, delivering clear and powerful sound. Its compact design makes it suitable for desktop use.
Front and side view of the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO, showing its compact dimensions (149mm L x 98mm W x 33mm H).
2. Package Contents
Upon unboxing your KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO, please verify that all the following items are included:
- DAC-K3 PRO host x1
- User's Manual x1
- Power adapter 12V1.5A x1
- Certificate of conformity x1
- USB Cable x1
Official unboxing video for the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO, demonstrating the contents of the product package.
3. Product Features and Layout
3.1 Front Panel
Close-up view of the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO front panel, highlighting the input signal indicator lights, PWR/SELECT button, 3.5mm and 6.35mm headphone outputs, and volume control knob.
- Input Signal Indicator Lights: Indicate the currently selected input (COA, OPT, USB).
- PWR/SELECT Button: Short press to cycle through input sources. Long press to power the unit on or off.
- Headphone Output Interfaces: Includes both 3.5mm and 6.35mm jacks for headphone connection.
- Volume Adjustment Knob: Turn clockwise to increase volume, counter-clockwise to decrease. Tap once to mute/unmute. This knob controls both RCA output and headphone output volume.
3.2 Rear Panel
Rear panel connections of the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO, including PC-USB input, Optical input, Coaxial input, RCA line outputs (L/R), and DC 12V power interface.
- PC-USB IN: Connects to a computer or compatible mobile phone for digital audio input.
- OPTICAL (Audio In): Connects to devices with optical audio output (e.g., TV set-top boxes, DVD players).
- COAXIAL (Audio In): Connects to devices with coaxial audio output (e.g., TV set-top boxes, DVD players).
- AUDIO OUT (RCA L/R): Line level RCA outputs for connecting to power amplifiers or active speakers.
- DC 12V Power Interface: Connect the provided 12V 1.5A power adapter. Ensure correct polarity (outer negative, inner positive) and use the matching power supply to avoid noise.
3.3 Key Internal Components
The DAC-K3 PRO utilizes high-performance chips for superior audio processing:
- TPA6120A2: A high-fidelity audio power amplifier chip based on current feedback architecture, known for low distortion.
- LME49720AN: An operational amplifier providing balanced sound, excellent dynamics, and a broad soundstage.
- ES9018K2M: A DAC decoder chip that contributes to realistic sound, high index, and strong sound plasticity.
- SA9123L & NE5532: Additional components supporting USB audio and general amplification.
TPA6120A2 Chip
LME49720AN Chip
ES9018K2M Chip
4. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to set up your DAC-K3 PRO:
- Power Connection: Connect the provided 12V 1.5A power adapter to the DC 12V input on the rear panel, then plug it into a power outlet.
- Input Source Connection: Choose your desired audio input:
- For PC-USB: Connect the USB cable from your computer to the PC-USB IN port.
- For Optical: Connect an optical cable from your source device to the OPTICAL IN port.
- For Coaxial: Connect a coaxial cable from your source device to the COAXIAL IN port.
- Output Connection:
- For Headphones: Plug your headphones into either the 3.5mm or 6.35mm jack on the front panel.
- For Pre-amplifier Use: Connect RCA cables from the AUDIO OUT (RCA L/R) ports on the rear panel to your power amplifier or active speakers.
- Power On: Long press the PWR/SELECT button on the front panel to turn on the unit.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Input Selection
Short press the PWR/SELECT button on the front panel to cycle through the available input sources: Coaxial (COA), Optical (OPT), and USB. The corresponding indicator light will illuminate to show the active input.
5.2 Volume Control and Mute
Rotate the large knob on the right side of the front panel to adjust the volume. Turn clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise to decrease. Tap the knob once to mute or unmute the audio output.
5.3 HPA/PRE Automatic Switching
The KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO functioning as a headphone amplifier, with headphones connected to the front panel output.
The DAC-K3 PRO features automatic switching between headphone amplifier (HPA) and pre-amplifier (PRE) modes:
- When no headphones are connected to the 3.5mm or 6.35mm output jacks, the unit automatically operates in pre-amplifier mode. The amplified signal is output from the RCA ports on the rear panel.
- When headphones are connected to either the 3.5mm or 6.35mm output jacks, the DAC-K3 PRO automatically switches to headphone amplifier mode. In this mode, the audio signal is routed exclusively to the headphone jacks, and the RCA outputs are muted.
6. Applications
The KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO can be integrated into various audio setups:
Diagram illustrating various application scenarios for the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO, including connections to PCs, phones, set-top boxes, and audio output to active speakers or amplifiers.
- Desktop Audio System: Connect your PC or Mac via USB for high-quality audio playback through headphones or active speakers.
- Home Theater Integration: Use optical or coaxial inputs to connect to TV set-top boxes, CD/DVD players, or gaming consoles, outputting to an amplifier and passive speakers or directly to active speakers.
- Mobile Device Enhancement: Connect compatible mobile phones via USB for improved audio output to headphones.
7. Specifications
Technical specifications for the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO:
Table displaying the technical specifications and product parameters of the KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | KGUSS |
| Model | DAC-K3 PRO |
| Working Voltage | 12V1A (Voltage cannot exceed 12V, current is 1A or more) |
| Chip Combination | TPA6120A2+LME49720AN+NE5532+ES9018K2M+SA9123L |
| Frequency Range | 20Hz-20KHz (-0.5dB) |
| SNR | ≥116dB |
| THD | ≤0.005% |
| Output Level | 2V |
| Support Sampling Rate | 24Bit/192KHz (PC-USB/Optical/Coaxial) |
| PC-USB Operating System Support | Windows XP/W7/W8/W10/MAC/Linux |
| Headphone Matching Impedance | 16-300Ω |
| Maximum Output Power of Ear Amplifier | 500mW |
| Audio Input | PC-USB, Optical, Coaxial |
| Audio Output | Line Out RCA, 6.35mm and 3.5mm Headphone port |
| Product Size (L x W x H) | 149mm x 98mm x 33mm |
| Weight (including packaging) | 0.7kg |
| Product Color | Silver, Black |
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your DAC-K3 PRO, please consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
- No Power: Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to both the unit and a working power outlet. Verify the power button is long-pressed to turn on the device.
- No Sound:
- Check that the correct input source is selected using the PWR/SELECT button.
- Verify all audio cables (USB, optical, coaxial, RCA) are securely connected.
- Ensure the volume knob is not muted and is turned up to an audible level.
- If using PC-USB, ensure the correct audio output device is selected in your computer's sound settings. Drivers may need to be installed manually on some PCs; contact customer service if needed.
- If using RCA output, ensure your connected amplifier or active speakers are powered on and set to the correct input.
- Distorted Sound:
- Check cable connections for any loose contacts.
- Ensure the input source volume is not excessively high, causing clipping.
- Verify that the power adapter is the correct type (12V 1.5A) and free from interference.
- Intermittent Connection: Check all cable connections, especially USB, optical, and coaxial, for secure fit. Try using different cables if possible.
For further assistance, please refer to the contact information provided in the warranty section.
9. Warranty and Support
The KGUSS DAC-K3 PRO comes with a 1-YEAR warranty. For any warranty claims, technical support, or product inquiries, please contact our customer service. Details can be found on the quality warranty card included in your package or by visiting the official KGUSS website.
We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction with our products.
