AMÁRI advances Antelope's audiophile conversion capability with 24-bit/384 kHz AD/DA and unique headphone system
AMÁRI really represents the pinnacle of Antelope Audio’s ongoing quest for sonic advancement. As such, unlike other audiophile AD/DA converters, AMÁRI has two high-powered headphone outputs on XLR combo connectors with user-selectable output resistance, which works as headphone membrane weight compensation. Both BALANCED stereo headphone outputs feature a volume control capped at 20dBu max, with digital trim and selectable output impedance from -4.6 to 85.3 Ohm. On the face of it, this control changes everything — from frequency response to stereo image and, ultimately, how the music itself feels. Reach right into the depths of negative impedance to become at one with it, if one so wishes.
With the technology to grant the wishes of any audiophile, AMÁRI’s high-fidelity headphone driver chip offers fully differential input (per amplifier). It is a dual-amp design, optimised to eliminate possible temperature drifts and deliver the differential signal quality that each listener duly deserves. The headphone outputs also feature dual DAC architecture for maximum performance. It is the belief that digital and analog audio are meant to thrive together that is embodied in each and every Antelope Audio product produced. And AMÁRI is no exception to this tried-and-tested formula, thanks to an abundance of options for connecting to the outside world. With ANALOG IN (inputs) on two pairs of XLR combo connectors and RCA jacks and ANALOG OUT (outputs) on XLR connectors and TRS jacks, ports providing plentiful digital I/O (on AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and TOSLINK connectors), as well as bidirectional computer connectivity via the USB 3.1 Gen. 1 connector, clearly integration is not an issue when working with AMÁRI.
As it is ingeniously designed to integrate into audiophile and studio setups alike, AMÁRI takes advantage of no fewer than eight CS43198 DAC chips — four per channel — to offer unparalleled sound quality and an improved 138dB dynamic range. It supports sample rates of up to 384 kHz (PCM) and operates at the same resolution and speed as the two AK5578 ADC chips that top a dynamic range of 128dB. This consummate combination made it possible for Antelope Audio’s extraordinary engineers to achieve bit-perfect and sample-accurate playback, with the AD-DA pass-through rendered totally transparent. That’s not all, though! As a final touch, having the power of playing back DSD formats up to DSD256 (via DoP) enables complete and versatile D/A conversion that is worthy of Antelope Audio’s name.
Needless to say, AMÁRI also takes full advantage of Antelope Audio’s acclaimed AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) jitter management technology. The trailblazing company’s fourth-generation 64-bit clocking facilitates the most precise sampling of analog signals, at sample rates of up to 384 kHz and 24-bit depth. Deeper still, AMÁRI also allows discerning users to connect Antelope Audio’s 10MX Rubidium Atomic Clock — itself really representing an epiphany of more than 20 years’ worth of expertise in the digital audio world, making analog’s clarity, depth, width, and distinctly three-dimensional traits sound so vividly real — via the 10M IN input, as well as providing a WC IN (Word Clock input). Industry-leading clocking technology can clearly be exploited to its fullest potential in keeping with Antelope Audio’s ongoing quest for sonic advancement.
AMÁRI is a reference-grade experience like no other, one which warrants being paired up with the world’s finest headphones for a sonically advanced, audiophile-level listening experience that’s truly out of this world!
