User Manual DA 256

All functions in the DA 256 are automatic. Turn it on with the button in the rear.

All digital input sources are scanned. When one of them is sending music, the DAC will select it and start playing music. If the source is stopped, unplugged or muted for more than 2s, automatic scanning will start up again.

Use the following signal sources. The active source is indicated by the front LED:

SPDIF Coax (yellow)
TOSLINK Optical 1 (cyan)
TOSLINK Optical 2 (magenta)
USB-B rear (red)
USB-C front (blue)

Note: the front USB-C port is not used for charging or for power. Its signal replaces the rear USB-B port. You can use the front USB-C port when your phone or tablet has a Lightning port. Do NOT use a Lightning to USB-C cable. Rather use a USB-A-C cable and the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.

All inputs use 16 or 24 bits PCM at the following sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 ksps.

Please note: The performance with TOSLINK Optical depends on the capabilities of the player and the quality of the cable. If you experience any issues, try a different cable first.

DA 256 takes power from the rear USB-B port (5V, 200mA) or from an optional external power supply (8-16VDC, 200mA). To use the external power supply, simply plug it in on one of the round power connectors (2.1mm or 2.5mm center pin). Only use one of them!

Sample rate indicator: Briefly click the rear Prog button after a song has started. The active sample rate is indicated by the front LED:

44.1 ksps (red)
48 ksps (green)
88.2 ksps (yellow)
96 ksps (blue)
176.4 ksps (magenta)
192 ksps (cyan)

Size: 173 x 145 x 47 mm, weight: 1040 g

Henry Audio USB 256 is open source. See schematic and source code.

For Henry Audio USB DAC 128 Mk3 and older models: Fact Sheet

iPhone, iPad, and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. This product is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc.