Santa Monica, Calif. – Antelope Audio plans July shipments of its first DAC with DSD (SACD) file decoding.
The Zodiac Platinum USB DAC, which will retail for an expected $4,895, performs DSD up-sampling to DSD256 and PCM up-sampling to 384kHz. DSD up-sampling pushes DSD noise into higher frequencies, “vastly improving the quality of the D/A conversion,” the company said.
Unlike a slew of other DSD DACs on the market, the Platinum does not convert DSD files to PCM for playback or up-sampling, the company contended. “The Platinum DAC up-samples 1-bit DSD signals to 1-bit DSD and converts it directly,” a spokesman explained.
An optional external audiophile-grade power supply, called the Voltikus, is also available. A bundle consisting of the DAC and power supply will retail for $5,495.
Other features include a 10MHz input for the company’s Rubidium atomic clock, said to provide “the most accurate and stable clocking reference” for “uncompromised digital to analog conversion.” Sixty-four-bit acoustically focused clocking and an “ultra-low jitter” crystal oscillator deliver sound quality achieved in recording, mastering and post-production studios, the company said.
Other features include dual-stage headphone drivers with impedance control, aluminum unibody remote, and control from PCs, Macs, and Android and iOS mobile devices.
Digital inputs consist of two coaxial and two optical inputs, one AES/EBU input and USB Type B. A separate connector is available for a world clock or atomic clock signal. Analog inputs include one balanced and one unbalanced input.
Antelope distributes its products directly in the U.S. from its Santa Monica offices.
