Just over a year ago Antelope Audio launched the Integrity Line of USB DACs. Starting with the 192kHz Zodiac+ and then following up with the 384kHz Zodiac Gold in December 2010, the company is now rounding out the range with its most affordable product yet: the Zodiac High-Definition 192kHz USB D/A converter, US$1895.
Music aficionados can enjoy Antelope’s 64-bit clocking technology which implements Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) and Jitter Management – the two critical components invented by Antelope to improve audio quality via clocking.
“The unique 64-bit clocking technology employed in Zodiac is the same we use in our pro audio equipment for clients such as Warner Brothers, Universal Audio and Sony Music,” Igor Levin, Antelope Audio CEO said. “I am excited that with the new Zodiac we are giving music lovers the opportunity to experience the depth, definition and warmth previously only available to Grammy-winning mastering engineers like Bernie Grundman and Michael Brauer,” Levin added.
With sampling rates of up to 192kHz and a dynamic range of 129dB, the new Zodiac features 2 x coaxial, 2 x optical inputs, balanced and unbalanced analogue outputs and USB 2.0 connectivity through a custom USB chip, that works with native drivers – that means no custom driver installation for OS X, Windows and Linux.
In addition, users can download a free Zodiac Control Panel, which is a industry first for desktop control of a USB DAC. The app is available for OS X, Windows and Linux and allows remote control of the device and a one-click firmware update.
More information: www.antelopeaudio.com