What Is the DA-EX1000-K?
The OREI DA-EX1000-K is an audio extender over CAT cable. It extends digital optical audio and analog stereo audio over a single CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
The kit includes one Transmitter, one Receiver, one USB-A to Micro-USB cable, and a user manual. The audio source connects to the Transmitter through SPDIF IN or L/R IN, the Receiver connects to an amplifier or speaker through SPDIF OUT or L/R OUT, and a CAT5e / CAT6 cable connects the Transmitter CAT OUT to the Receiver CAT IN.
The DA-EX1000-K supports optical and analog audio transmission at the same time, selectable analog audio output on the Receiver, built-in DAC, bidirectional POC, plug-and-play setup, ultra-low jitter design, and transmission distances up to 300m / 990ft at 48kHz, 150m / 495ft at 96kHz, or 100m / 330ft at 192kHz. Supported audio formats include LPCM, DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus, with sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz up to 24-bit resolution.
The DA-EX1000-K is useful for sending optical or analog audio from an HDTV, Blu-ray player, DVD player, media player, or other audio source back to an amplifier, AVR, speaker system, or multi-room audio system.
IMPORTANT — DA-EX1000-K Extends Audio Only
The DA-EX1000-K is an audio extender.
It does not extend:
- HDMI video
- HDMI audio
- DisplayPort video
- USB data
- Ethernet internet
- IR control
- RS-232 control
It is designed to extend optical SPDIF and analog stereo audio over CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
IMPORTANT — Supports Optical and Analog Audio
The DA-EX1000-K can transmit both digital optical audio and analog stereo audio over a single CAT cable.
| Audio Type | Transmitter Input | Receiver Output |
| Digital optical audio | SPDIF IN | SPDIF OUT |
| Analog stereo audio | L/R IN | L/R OUT |
The digital optical audio is directly passed from the Transmitter to the Receiver.
The Receiver analog L/R OUT can output either the Transmitter analog L/R input or the Transmitter SPDIF input, depending on the Receiver audio selection switch.
IMPORTANT — Distance Depends on Sample Rate
The DA-EX1000-K supports different extension distances depending on the audio sample rate.
| Audio Sample Rate | Maximum Distance |
| 48kHz | Up to 300m / 990ft |
| 96kHz | Up to 150m / 495ft |
| 192kHz | Up to 100m / 330ft |
For the longest distance, use 48kHz audio over high-quality CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
Higher sample rates require shorter cable runs.
IMPORTANT — Use CAT5e / CAT6 Cable
The DA-EX1000-K extends audio over a single CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
| Cable Type | Support |
| CAT5e | Supported |
| CAT6 | Supported |
| Single CAT cable | Required between Transmitter and Receiver |
Poor cable quality, damaged connectors, bad terminations, couplers, or long patching paths may reduce performance or cause audio dropouts.
Use a direct CAT5e / CAT6 cable connection whenever possible.
IMPORTANT — Receiver L/R OUT Has an Audio Selection Switch
The Receiver includes an L/R OUT audio selection switch.
| Switch Position | Receiver L/R OUT Audio Source |
| TX L/R | Outputs analog audio from the Transmitter L/R IN port |
| TX SPDIF | Outputs digital audio from the Transmitter SPDIF IN port after conversion |
This is useful when the audio source is optical, but the amplifier or speaker system only accepts analog RCA input.
IMPORTANT — Built-In DAC Is Included
The DA-EX1000-K includes a built-in DAC, or Digital to Analog Converter.
This allows the Receiver analog L/R OUT port to output audio from the Transmitter SPDIF IN input when the Receiver switch is set to TX SPDIF.
Use this when connecting an optical audio source to an amplifier, powered speaker, or audio system that only has analog RCA input.
IMPORTANT — Optical and Analog Audio Format Support
Supported audio formats include:
| Audio Output Type | Supported Formats |
| Optical | All audio formats, including LPCM 2.0, LPCM 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 / 5.1CH |
| Analog | PCM 2.0 |
The general feature list also mentions LPCM, DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus support.
For analog L/R OUT, use PCM 2.0 for best compatibility.
IMPORTANT — Supported Sample Rates
The DA-EX1000-K supports these sample rates:
| Sample Rate | Support |
| 32kHz | Supported |
| 44.1kHz | Supported |
| 48kHz | Supported |
| 96kHz | Supported |
| 176.4kHz | Supported |
| 192kHz | Supported |
It supports up to 24-bit resolution.
IMPORTANT — Bidirectional POC Is Supported
The DA-EX1000-K supports bidirectional POC.
This means power can be sent through the CAT cable between the Transmitter and Receiver.
| Power Feature | Support |
| Bidirectional POC | Supported |
| Micro-USB DC 5V input | Supported on both units |
| Power supply requirement | DC 5V/1A |
The manual lists Micro-USB power input on both Transmitter and Receiver and a DC 5V/1A power supply specification.
IMPORTANT — Plug-and-Play Setup
The DA-EX1000-K is plug and play.
No driver installation or software setup is required.
Connect the source audio, CAT cable, output audio device, and power, then select the correct Receiver audio output mode.
Ports and Panel Layout
| Port / Switch / Indicator | Unit | Function |
| POWER LED | Transmitter | Turns on when the Transmitter is powered |
| CAT OUT | Transmitter | Connect CAT5e / CAT6 cable to Receiver CAT IN |
| SPDIF IN | Transmitter | Connect optical digital audio source using Toslink cable |
| L/R IN | Transmitter | Connect analog stereo audio source using RCA cable |
| DC 5V | Transmitter | Micro-USB power input |
| POWER LED | Receiver | Turns on when the Receiver is powered |
| L/R OUT Audio Selection Switch | Receiver | Selects TX L/R or TX SPDIF for Receiver analog output |
| CAT IN | Receiver | Connect CAT5e / CAT6 cable from Transmitter CAT OUT |
| SPDIF OUT | Receiver | Connect optical audio output to amplifier or speaker |
| L/R OUT | Receiver | Connect analog RCA audio output to amplifier or speaker |
| DC 5V | Receiver | Micro-USB power input |
Step-by-Step Setup
- Connect the optical audio source to SPDIF IN on the Transmitter if using digital optical audio.
Examples include a TV optical output, Blu-ray player, DVD player, media player, or audio processor. - Connect the analog audio source to L/R IN on the Transmitter if using RCA analog audio.
Examples include an MP3 player, audio player, TV analog output, or stereo source. - Connect CAT OUT on the Transmitter to CAT IN on the Receiver using CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
- Connect SPDIF OUT on the Receiver to an amplifier, AVR, sound system, or speaker system if optical output is needed.
- Connect L/R OUT on the Receiver to an amplifier, powered speaker, or stereo audio system if analog output is needed.
- Set the Receiver L/R OUT audio selection switch.
- Select TX L/R if you want the Receiver L/R OUT to output the Transmitter’s analog input.
- Select TX SPDIF if you want the Receiver L/R OUT to output audio converted from the Transmitter’s optical input.
- Connect Micro-USB power to the required unit or units.
- Power on the audio source, Transmitter, Receiver, amplifier, and speakers.
- Check the POWER LEDs.
- Test optical output, analog output, and audio selection switch behavior.
CAT Cable Requirement — Critical
Use high-quality CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
| Sample Rate | Maximum Distance |
| 48kHz | Up to 300m / 990ft |
| 96kHz | Up to 150m / 495ft |
| 192kHz | Up to 100m / 330ft |
Poor CAT cable may cause:
- No audio
- Audio dropouts
- Distortion
- Shorter working distance
- Receiver not linking properly
- Inconsistent analog output
- SPDIF output not working
Use a direct CAT cable run whenever possible.
Optical Cable Requirement — Critical
Use a good-quality optical Toslink cable for SPDIF IN and SPDIF OUT.
Poor optical cables may cause:
- No digital audio
- Audio dropouts
- Intermittent signal
- Unsupported audio format behavior
Make sure the optical cable clicks securely into the SPDIF port.
RCA Audio Cable Requirement — Critical
Use good-quality RCA stereo cables for L/R IN and L/R OUT.
Poor RCA cables may cause:
- Low audio level
- Noise
- Hum
- Left / right channel missing
- Distorted audio
Check that the red and white RCA connectors are connected to the correct left and right audio channels.
Power Requirement — Critical
The DA-EX1000-K uses Micro-USB DC 5V power.
| Unit | Power Input |
| Transmitter | Micro-USB DC 5V |
| Receiver | Micro-USB DC 5V |
| Power Specification | Value |
| Power Supply | DC 5V/1A |
| Power Consumption | 1.5W max |
If the POWER LED does not turn on, check the Micro-USB cable, power adapter, USB power source, and DC 5V connection.
Understanding the Transmitter
The Transmitter is installed near the audio source.
It has:
- SPDIF IN for optical digital audio input
- L/R IN for analog RCA stereo input
- CAT OUT for connection to the Receiver
- Micro-USB DC 5V power input
- POWER LED
The Transmitter sends the audio signal over CAT5e / CAT6 cable to the Receiver.
Understanding the Receiver
The Receiver is installed near the amplifier, speaker, or audio system.
It has:
- CAT IN from the Transmitter
- SPDIF OUT for optical digital audio output
- L/R OUT for analog RCA stereo output
- L/R OUT audio selection switch
- Micro-USB DC 5V power input
- POWER LED
The Receiver outputs audio to the connected sound system.
Understanding the Application Example
The application diagram on page 9 shows a DVD or Blu-ray player connected to the Transmitter through SPDIF, an MP3 player connected to the Transmitter through L/R analog audio, CAT5e / CAT6 cable between Transmitter and Receiver, and the Receiver connected to an amplifier through SPDIF OUT and to 2.0 speakers through L/R OUT.
This setup shows how the DA-EX1000-K can send optical and analog audio from the source side to audio equipment on the Receiver side.
Supported Audio
The DA-EX1000-K supports:
| Audio Feature | Support |
| Optical audio transmission | Supported |
| Analog stereo audio transmission | Supported |
| Digital-to-analog conversion | Supported |
| LPCM | Supported |
| DTS | Supported |
| Dolby Digital | Supported |
| Dolby Digital Plus | Supported |
| PCM 2.0 analog output | Supported |
| Sample rates | 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
| Bit depth | Up to 24-bit |
Supported Technical Specifications
| Specification | Support |
| Product Type | Audio extender over CAT cable |
| Transmission Cable | CAT5e / CAT6 |
| 48kHz Distance | Up to 300m / 990ft |
| 96kHz Distance | Up to 150m / 495ft |
| 192kHz Distance | Up to 100m / 330ft |
| Optical Audio Formats | All audio formats, including LPCM 2.0, LPCM 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 / 5.1CH |
| Analog Audio Format | PCM 2.0 |
| Supported Sample Rates | 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz |
| Bit Depth | Up to 24-bit |
| DAC | Built-in DAC |
| POC | Bidirectional POC |
| Transmitter Input | SPDIF IN, L/R IN, Micro-USB |
| Transmitter Output | CAT OUT |
| Receiver Input | CAT IN, Micro-USB |
| Receiver Output | SPDIF OUT, L/R OUT |
| Power Supply | DC 5V/1A |
| Power Consumption | 1.5W max |
| Housing | Metal enclosure |
| Color | Black |
| Dimensions | 90mm x 72mm x 20mm |
| Weight | Transmitter / Receiver: 174g |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 40°C / 32°F to 104°F |
| Storage Temperature | -20°C to 60°C / -4°F to 140°F |
| Relative Humidity | 20–90% RH, non-condensing |
| ESD Protection | ±8kV air-gap, ±4kV contact |
What Audio Source Devices Is the DA-EX1000-K Compatible With?
The DA-EX1000-K is compatible with audio source devices such as:
- TVs with optical audio output
- DVD players
- Blu-ray players
- Media players
- Audio processors
- MP3 players
- Stereo audio source devices
- Devices with SPDIF optical output
- Devices with RCA analog stereo output
The source must output a supported optical or analog audio signal.
What Audio Devices Is the DA-EX1000-K Compatible With?
The DA-EX1000-K can connect to audio output devices such as:
- Amplifiers
- AV receivers
- Powered speakers
- 2.0 speaker systems
- Multi-room audio systems
- Sound systems with optical input
- Sound systems with RCA analog input
Use SPDIF OUT for optical audio output and L/R OUT for analog RCA audio output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the OREI DA-EX1000-K used for?
A: The DA-EX1000-K is used to extend optical and analog audio over a single CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
Q: Does the DA-EX1000-K extend HDMI video?
A: No. It extends audio only.
Q: Does it extend HDMI audio?
A: No. It uses SPDIF optical and RCA analog audio ports, not HDMI.
Q: Does it support optical audio?
A: Yes. It has SPDIF IN on the Transmitter and SPDIF OUT on the Receiver.
Q: Does it support analog RCA audio?
A: Yes. It has L/R IN on the Transmitter and L/R OUT on the Receiver.
Q: Can optical and analog audio be transmitted at the same time?
A: Yes. The manual states that digital optical and analog audio signals can be transmitted concurrently.
Q: How far can it extend audio?
A: It extends up to 300m / 990ft at 48kHz, 150m / 495ft at 96kHz, or 100m / 330ft at 192kHz.
Q: Why does distance change by sample rate?
A: Higher sample rates require more bandwidth, so the supported distance is shorter at 96kHz and 192kHz.
Q: What CAT cable should I use?
A: Use CAT5e or CAT6 cable.
Q: Can I connect it through a network switch?
A: No. Connect the Transmitter CAT OUT directly to the Receiver CAT IN using CAT5e / CAT6 cable.
Q: Is this an Ethernet or internet device?
A: No. It uses CAT cable as a direct audio extension cable.
Q: What audio formats are supported?
A: It supports LPCM, DTS, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus. Optical support includes LPCM 2.0, LPCM 5.1, and Dolby Digital 2.0 / 5.1CH. Analog output supports PCM 2.0.
Q: What sample rates are supported?
A: It supports 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, and 192kHz up to 24-bit resolution.
Q: Does it support Dolby Atmos?
A: Dolby Atmos is not listed in the manual.
Q: Does it support DTS-HD Master Audio?
A: DTS-HD Master Audio is not listed in the manual.
Q: Does it support PCM stereo analog output?
A: Yes. The analog L/R OUT supports PCM 2.0.
Q: What does the Receiver audio selection switch do?
A: It selects whether the Receiver L/R OUT outputs analog audio from the Transmitter L/R IN or converted audio from the Transmitter SPDIF IN.
Q: What is TX L/R mode?
A: TX L/R mode sends the Transmitter’s analog L/R input to the Receiver’s analog L/R output.
Q: What is TX SPDIF mode?
A: TX SPDIF mode sends the Transmitter’s SPDIF input to the Receiver’s analog L/R output through the built-in DAC.
Q: Does it have a built-in DAC?
A: Yes. The analog audio output can output digital audio through the audio selection switch.
Q: Does it support POC?
A: Yes. It supports bidirectional POC.
Q: Is it plug and play?
A: Yes. It is plug and play.
Q: What power input does it use?
A: It uses Micro-USB DC 5V power.
Q: What power supply is required?
A: The specification lists DC 5V/1A.
Q: What is the power consumption?
A: Power consumption is 1.5W max.
Q: What should I do if there is no audio?
A: Check power, CAT cable, SPDIF or RCA cable connection, audio source output settings, Receiver audio selection switch, and amplifier input selection.
Q: What should I do if optical audio works but RCA output does not?
A: Set the Receiver audio selection switch to TX SPDIF if you want the RCA output to use the optical input, or TX L/R if you want it to use the Transmitter analog input.
Q: What should I do if analog output has noise or hum?
A: Check the RCA cables, confirm left/right connections, use a shorter or better-quality analog cable, and test the source directly with the amplifier.
Q: What should I do if audio drops out at long distance?
A: Use better CAT5e / CAT6 cable, reduce the cable length, and lower the sample rate if possible.
Q: Does the DA-EX1000-K need external power?
A: Yes. Use Micro-USB DC 5V power. The system also supports bidirectional POC over the CAT cable.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.