1. Introducció
The Douk Audio K5 is a versatile and high-performance audio device designed to enhance your listening experience. It functions as a USB DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter), a powerful headphone amplifier, un preamplifier, and a USB to optical converter. With its premium chipset and robust design, the K5 delivers ultra-clear, high-fidelity sound for various audio setups, including computers, amplifiers, and active speakers.
Figure 1: Douk Audio K5 USB DAC Headphone Amplifier, front-top view showing controls and inputs.
2. Característiques clau
- Dispositiu multifuncional: Serves as a high-performance headphone amplifier, USB DAC, preamplifier, and USB to optical converter.
- Suport d'àudio d'alta resolució: Decodes PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and supports DSD256 playback.
- Premium Chipset: Utilizes ESS9038Q2M (DAC), SA9312 (DSP), OPA1678 (LPF), and SGM8262 (Amp) for superior audio performance.
- Exceptional Audio Fidelity: Features a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) greater than 121 dB, a low noise floor of only 3 µV, and an ultra-low Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 0.0007%.
- Sortida d'auriculars potent: Delivers 560mW/470mW@32Ω per channel, supporting a wide impedance range of 16Ω to 600Ω headphones.
- Adjustable Gain Modes: High and low gain settings to optimize performance for various headphone sensitivities.
- Tone Controls with Bypass: Independent treble and bass controls with a central midpoint. A 'PURE' bypass function allows for direct, unaltered audio output.
- Connectivitat versàtil: Includes USB and SPDIF optical inputs, along with optical, RCA, 6.35mm, and 3.5mm jack outputs.
- Opcions d'alimentació flexibles: Can be powered directly via USB Type-C (if current is >2A) or through an external DC5V/2A power adapter.
- Interfície fàcil d'utilitzar: Features a combined volume/power knob, one-click input switch, and clear LED indicators for current working mode and samptaxa de ling.
- Construcció duradora: Housed in a compact, CNC-molded aluminum alloy chassis.
Figure 2: The Douk Audio K5 serving multiple roles as a headphone amplifier, USB DAC, USB to SPDIF adapter, and audio preampmés viu.
3. Configuració i connexions
Before connecting the Douk Audio K5, ensure all audio components are powered off. Refer to the diagram below for connection points.
3.1 Tauler frontal sobreview
- Presa d'auriculars de 6.35 mm: For connecting headphones with a 6.35mm plug.
- Presa d'auriculars de 3.5 mm: For connecting headphones with a 3.5mm plug.
- Gain Switch (H/L): Selects high or low gain mode for headphone output.
- Tone/Pure Switch: Engages tone controls or bypasses them for a pure audio signal.
- SPDIF/USB Input Switch: Selects between SPDIF optical input and USB input.
- Pom treble: Adjusts high-frequency response.
- Pom de baix: Adjusts low-frequency response.
- Control de volum/alimentació: Controls output volume and powers the unit on/off.
- Indicador DSD: Lights up to indicate DSD audio playback.
- PCM Indicator: Lights up to indicate PCM audio playback and its samptaxa de ling.
3.2 Panell posterior per sobreview
- RCA Output (LINE OUT L/R): Per connectar-se a un amplifier o altaveus actius.
- SPDIF Optical Output (SPDIF OUT): Transmits digital audio signal (active only when USB input is selected).
- SPDIF Optical Input (SPDIF IN): Per connectar fonts d'àudio digitals mitjançant cable òptic.
- USB Type-C Input (USB C IN): For connecting to a computer or other USB audio source. This port also provides power.
- DC 5V IN Power Interface: Optional external power input for situations where USB power is insufficient (e.g., less than 2A current from USB source).
Figure 3: Detailed diagram of the Douk Audio K5 front and rear panels, indicating all inputs, outputs, and controls.
3.3 Passos de connexió
- Connexió d'alimentació:
- Connect the provided USB-A to USB-C cable from your computer's USB port to the K5's USB C IN port. If your computer's USB port provides sufficient current (greater than 2A), no external power adapter is needed.
- If the USB current is less than 2A, or for optimal performance, connect the provided DC5V/2A power adapter to the K5's DC 5V IN port and plug it into a wall outlet.
- Connexió d'entrada d'àudio:
- For computer audio, connect the USB-C cable from your computer to the K5's USB C IN port.
- For other digital audio sources (e.g., CD player with optical output), connect an optical cable from the source to the K5's SPDIF IN port.
- Connexió de sortida d'àudio:
- Auriculars: Plug your headphones into either the 6.35mm or 3.5mm headphone jack on the front panel.
- Amplifier/Active Speakers: Connect RCA cables from the K5's LINE OUT (L/R) to your amplifier's input or active speakers.
- Sortida digital: If using the K5 as a USB to optical converter, connect an optical cable from the K5's SPDIF OUT to a device with a digital optical input. Note: The optical output is only active when the USB input is selected.
Figura 4: Example setup showing the Douk Audio K5 connected to a computer and external speakers, illustrating typical usage.
4. Instruccions de funcionament
- Encès/apagat i control de volum: Rotate the large knob on the right side of the front panel clockwise to power on the unit and increase volume. Rotate counter-clockwise to decrease volume and power off.
- Selecció d'entrada: Use the "SPDIF/USB" switch to toggle between the optical input and the USB input. The corresponding LED indicator will light up.
- Ajust de guany: Use the "Gain" switch (H/L) to select between high and low gain modes. High gain is suitable for high-impedance or less sensitive headphones, while low gain is for more sensitive headphones or earphones.
- Control de tons:
- The "Tone" switch enables or disables the treble and bass controls.
- When "Tone" is engaged, use the "Treble" and "Bass" knobs to adjust the sound to your preference. The knobs have a central midpoint for a flat response.
- To bypass the tone controls and achieve the purest audio signal, set the "Tone" switch to "PURE".
- Audio Format Indicators: The DSD and PCM LEDs will illuminate to indicate the type of audio signal being processed and its sampling rate (e.g., 44.1kHz, 96kHz, 384kHz for PCM; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 for DSD).
Figure 5: Close-up of the Douk Audio K5 front panel, highlighting the volume, tone, and input selection controls.
5. Compatibility and Drivers
- Sistemes Windows: The K5 USB DAC is not compatible with Windows 7. For Windows 10/11 systems, a specific USB driver may be required for DSD playback. Please refer to the user manual included in the package or contact Douk Audio support for driver download instructions.
- Mac OS, Linux, and Android Systems: No specific USB driver is required for DSD playback on these operating systems.
6. Especificacions
| Característica | Detall |
|---|---|
| Marca | Douk Audio |
| Model | K5 |
| Dimensions (L x A x A) | 9.5 x 9.2 x 5 centímetres |
| Voltage | 32 volts (CC) |
| Nombre de canals | 2 |
| Xip DAC | ESS9038Q2M |
| Xip DSP | SA9312 |
| LPF Chip | OPA1678 |
| Amp Xip | SGM8262 |
| PCM Decoding | Fins a 32 bits/384 kHz |
| Reproducció DSD | DSD256 |
| SNR | >121 dB |
| Sòl de soroll | 3 µV |
| THD | 0.0007% |
| Potència de sortida dels auriculars | 560mW/470mW@32Ω |
| Headphone Impedance Range | 16Ω a 600Ω |
Figure 6: Visual representation of the Douk Audio K5's audiophile-grade performance parameters.
7. Solució De Problemes
- Sense sortida de so:
- Ensure the K5 is powered on and the volume knob is turned up.
- Verify that the correct input (USB or SPDIF) is selected using the input switch.
- Check all cable connections (USB, optical, RCA, headphone jacks) are secure.
- Confirm that your audio source (computer, CD player) is playing audio and its volume is not muted or too low.
- If using USB input, ensure the necessary drivers are installed for Windows 10/11 (if applicable).
- Distorted or Low Quality Sound:
- Check if the 'PURE' mode is engaged. If not, try setting the Tone/Pure switch to 'PURE' to bypass tone controls.
- Ensure the gain setting (H/L) is appropriate for your headphones. Too high gain for sensitive headphones can cause distortion.
- Verify the audio source quality. Low-quality source files can result in poor output.
- If using USB power, ensure sufficient current (2A or more). If not, use the external DC5V/2A power adapter.
- Optical Output Not Working:
- The optical output is only valid when the USB input is selected. Ensure the input switch is set to USB.
- Check the optical cable for damage and ensure it is securely connected.
- DSD Playback Issues on Windows:
- Ensure you have installed the correct USB driver for Windows 10/11. Windows 7 is not supported.
- Verify your audio player software supports DSD playback and is configured correctly.
8. Manteniment
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Douk Audio K5, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Neteja: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or strong chemicals, as they may damage the finish.
- Col·locació: Place the unit on a stable, flat surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and excessive moisture. Ensure adequate ventilation around the device.
- Manipulació: Manipuleu la unitat amb cura. Eviteu deixar-la caure ni sotmetre-la a impactes forts.
- Apagueu quan no estigui en ús: If the unit will not be used for an extended period, it is recommended to power it off and disconnect it from the power source.
9. Garantia i Suport
Douk Audio is committed to providing high-quality audio equipment and excellent customer service. While specific warranty details are not provided in this manual, Douk Audio aims to make Hi-Fi affordable and offers responsive customer support.
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this guide, or inquiries regarding warranty and repairs, please contact Douk Audio customer support. Most questions are answered within 12 hours.
You can find contact information and additional resources on the official Douk Audio website, typically linked from the product packaging or original purchase platform.
