USED IN BLACK FINISH.
Zodiac Gold is a sophisticated and powerful DAC, Pre-Amp and Headphone Amp engineered to deliver pristine audio with keenly articulated pitch and a spectacular soundstage.
UP TO 384 kHz SAMPLING RATE
Antelope Audio is one of the first to offer 384kHz capability. In doing so, we hope to match and exceed the expectations of even the most critical of ears. Now audiophiles can enjoy the highest bandwidth that a USB 2.0 interface can provide for audio.
STEPPED RELAY VOLUME ATTENUATOR
When adjusting volumes, it’s imperative that the stereo image remains completely intact. The Zodiac Gold achieves this by incorporating stepped relays that are matched to 0,05 dB to maintain the most accurate stereo balance at all volume levels. Watch short video
DE-JITTERED AUDIO OUTPUT
Digital Outputs on AES/EBU and S/PDIF offer all the benefits of Antelope’s 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking, so external devices gain significant sonic advantages when connected to Zodiac Gold.
OVEN CONTROLLED CLOCK
Often overlooked, the quality of the clock is extremely important when high quality audio is desired. The clock is housed in a shielded container where the temperature is kept constant, therefore bringing significant benefits to the detail, dynamics and stereo placement of the audio.
64-BIT TECHNOLOGY
Sophisticated 64-bit algorithms allow precise control over our Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) and Jitter Management, two critical components to improve audio via clocking. The incoming digital signal is brought to life with this unique 64-bit technology, resulting in smooth and detailed audio whatever the method of digital connectivity.
ANTELOPE PERFORMANCE USB
Custom implementation of the USB chip leads to extreme audio performance and comprehensive support for your system. There are user selectable modes tailored to suit both Mac and PC; and with a data transfer rate of 480Mbits flawless audio is achieved with native drivers.
SMOOTH HEADPHONES
Ultra Linear, Dual Stage Headphone Amps deliver smooth sound at both high and low levels. Custom designed for accurate monitoring with a wide range of headphone impedances. Controlled by a dedicated volume knob. For different sound texture the amplifier impedance is switchable between 120 and 0 Ohm.
CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
To preserve the full bit resolution of the DAC, volume adjustment is entirely in the analog domain. Separate analog and digital power supplies eliminate digital cross-talk. This is further enhanced by keeping analog and digital circuits on separate PCB’s. These gold plated boards utilize large internal ground plains, canceling noise and voltage shifts.
SOFTWARE CONTROL PANEL
Zodiac Software Control Panel allows remote control of the DAC directly from the screen of your computer. It is compatible with OS X, Windows and Linux and provides easy access to a number of additional features such as fast firmware update, peak meter, product registration and feedback form.
Technical Specifications
Dynamic Range: 129 dB THD+N: 0.0004%
USB: 2.0 Hi-Speed. Data stream up to 480Mbits/384kHz, Type B
Clocking Generator: 4th Generation Acoustically Focused Clocking 64 bit DDS Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator
Clock Stability: < +/- 0.02 PPM, oven controlled at 64.5 C
Clock Ageing: < 1 ppm per year
Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, (352.8kHz, 384kHz through USB only)
Inputs:
BNC Word Clock: 44.1 - 384 kHz
1x AES/EBU XLR: 44.1 - 192 kHz
2x S/PDIF RCA: 44.1 - 192 kHz
2x RCA Analog: -10dBv Unbalanced (2V rms max) 2x ¼” TRS Analog: +4dBu
Balanced (26 dBu max)
2x Optical TOSLINK
Outputs:
2x Analog XLR. Balanced, fully-differential drive.
Trimmable 8 to 26 dBu @ 0dBFS.
Preset to 22dBu. 56 Ω to GND.
1x AES/EBU De-Jittered, re-clocked
Digital Output. 110 Ω.
2x S/PDIF De-Jittered, re-clocked
Digital Outputs. 75 Ω.
2x Analog RCA: -10dBv Unbalanced, 2Vrms max, 56 Ω.
2x Headphones: 16 dBu @ 0dBFS. 120 or 0 Ω switchable.
Operating Temperature: 0-50°C, 32-122°F
Weight: 2.4 kg, 5.3 lb
Dimensions (Approx): 165mm (W) x 112mm (H) x 190mm (D) / 6,5” (W) x 4.4” (H) x 7,5” (D) Power Supply: Input: 100-240VAC.
Output: 18VDC, 15W. Remote Control Battery type: 3V Lithium Renata CR 1225