Antelope Audio announced the Zodiac Platinum, a 768 kHz DSD audiophile DAC that features a proprietary clock input with support for 256X DSD mode. Whereas many top of the line DACs offer PCM upsamplers, the Platinum is the first device to offer a DSD upsampler. This distinctive feature allows the upsampling of DSD64 to DSD256, pushing DSD noise into higher frequencies, vastly improving the quality of the D/A conversion. The Platinum bypasses internal digital filters built into the DAC chip by implementing a custom upsampler with carefully designed high-precision linear phase filters in the FPGA.
The extreme DSD256 greatly extends the accuracy and transparency of the audio reproduction as well as the overall system performance. The custom-designed Antelope USB chip compliments high fidelity by reducing clock jitter and pushing the envelope of the USB streaming with sample rates four times higher than those offered by similar devices.
Signature Antelope Clocking
In the heart of the new Platinum lie the renowned 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking and the ultra-low jitter oven-controlled crystal oscillator, which are Antelope’s signature for unprecedented sound quality appreciated by the best recording, mastering and post production studios around the world. In addition, the Platinum is equipped with a 10 MHz input for the legendary Antelope 10M Rubidium atomic clock, providing the most accurate and stable clocking reference and therefore an uncompromised digital to analog conversion.
“The new Zodiac Platinum is not just a response to our customers’ requests for an Antelope DAC with DSD support, but a next level in home audio entertainment,” shared Igor Levin, CEO and founder of Antelope Audio. “The unique 256 X DSD mode, 768 kHz sample rate, quad DAC architecture, and the 64-bit upsampler, together with the atomic input propels Zodiac Platinum into a league of its own in terms of musicality, imaging and detail. This new device will take our customers’ listening experience to an entirely new level.” Levin added.
Zodiac Platinum has inherited the stepped relay volume control and the dual stage headphone drivers with impedance control from its very successful and highly appreciated predecessor Zodiac Gold. The Platinum also comes with an elegant remote control and has the option for external audiophile grade power supply Voltikus. In addition to the PC and Mac control panels available in the Zodiac Line, the Platinum also offers the comfort of the remote control from a mobile application, available for Android and iOS.
Price and Availability
The Antelope Audio Zodiac Platinum DAC will be available at the end of July 2013 for $4,895. The bundle with Voltikus PSU will be $5,495.
Features
- Antelope 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) technology
- 10MHz input for Antelope’s Rubidium atomic clock
- Widest DSD support, including the unique 256X mode
- Ultra-low jitter oven-controlled crystal oscillator
- Up to 768 kHz sample rate via custom USB chip
- Switchable 64-bit 8x linear phase upsampler
- Quad DAC architecture for superb dynamic range
- Stepped relay volume control accurate to 0.05 dB
- External audiophile-grade power supply option
- Dual stage headphone drivers with impedance control
- Analog inputs for true preamplifier functionality
- Re-clocked and de-jittered digital audio output
- Aluminum unibody IR remote
- Control application for PC, Mac and mobile devices
- Automatic internet-based device upgradability
Analog Inputs
- 1x Balanced Analog Inputs on 1/4” TRS
- 1x Unbalanced Analog Inputs on RCA
Analog Outputs
- 2x Headphone outputs on 1/4” TRS
- 1x Trimmable balanced output on XLR
- 1x Unbalanced output on RCA
Digital Inputs
- 2x S/PDIF coaxial inputs
- 2x optical TOSLINK inputs
- 1x AES/EBU input
- USB on standard B type connector
- Atomic / Word Clock Input
Digital Outputs
- 1x De-jittered AES/EBU Output
- 2x De-jittered S/PDIF Outputs
