Antelope Zodiac Gold is an
advanced digital audio converter engineered to deliver pristine audio
with keenly articulated pitch and a spectacular soundstage. This unique
sound is based on Antelope's 64-bit clocking technology used by the
world’s top audio engineers. A custom designed USB controller chip
streams digital audio at 480 Mbits, supporting sample rates up to 384
kHz with native drivers. As a preamp, the device allows up to 8 input
sources with auto-detection of active channels with ease and flexibility
to connect to virtually any device. A dual-stage headphone driver
architecture unveils every sonic detail, while the relay based volume
control assures superb stereo imaging at any listening level. For
enhanced user experience your Zodiac comes with aluminum remote control
and friendly PC/Mac software panel.
A sophisticated and powerful DAC, Pre-Amp and Headphone Amp for most refined tastes.
Features
Unibody machined aluminum Remote Control
Custom USB chip streams audio up to 384kHz
Matched to 0.05 dB Relay Volume Attenuator
Antelope Oven Clock for supreme stability
64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC)
Ultra Linear, Dual Stage Headphone Amps
Switchable (120 or 0 Ohm) HP amp impedance
De-jittered, re-clocked Digital Audio Outputs
129dB Dynamic Range
Accurate level display for Main volume
Mono summing function
Mute (soft dim & full mute)
PC/Mac Software Control Panel
Audiophile Double-linear Power Supply option
Connections
2x Headphone Outputs on 1/4” TRS
Trim-able balanced Analog Outputs on XLR
Unbalanced Analog Outputs on RCA
Balanced Analog Inputs on 1/4” TRS
Unbalanced Analog Inputs on RCA
AES/EBU Digital Input
2x S/PDIF coaxial Inputs
2x Optical TOSLINK inputs
USB on standard B type connector
Word Clock Input on BNC
De-jittered AES/EBU Output
De-jittered 2x S/PDIF Outputs
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 remain
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.
PC/MAC Software Control Panel
Computer-based audio sources have become more and more popular in the
audiophile community. To enhance the use of the Zodiac with USB, we
designed a Software Control Panel that improves the interaction between
computer and converter. Antelope’s Intuitive software helps combine
great sound with ease of use.
Remote Control
The stylish champagne colored Zodiac Gold is matched perfectly to it’s
elegant aluminum unibody remote control. This isn’t just another remote
control to toss under a coffee table, it’s a beautifully crafted device
that will enhance the experience of owning a Zodiac Gold.
Professional features
Added flexibility for the professional user makes for a distinctly
powerful device: AES Input, fine trimmers on the balanced outputs, mono
button, mute select (soft & full), transparent analog inputs, BNC
word clock input, 384kHz USB.
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.
Source Switching
With a number of different inputs available, you can monitor many
sources such as CD, Laptop, DAW or Mixers and Keyboards. Balanced and
unbalanced inputs at both +4db and -10db allows tremendous flexibility,
while auto detection of connected devices means source selection is
simple and convenient.
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.
Nuts and Bolts
All component decisions for Zodiac Gold are based on a passion to
produce something very special - technically, musically and
aesthetically. Built with many solid aluminum parts and also very cute
on the eye, it will be your pride and joy just like it is our passion.
Audiophile Power Supply (Optional)
Ultra-low noise, triple regulated analog PSU offered separately or
bundled provides a piece of mind that the noise, spikes and distortion
from the power grid won’t make their way to your high-end audio system.
Because we’re not just protecting the Zodiac Gold, but also your amp,
your speakers and most importantly, your ears.
