Amari from Antelope Audio is a hi-end 384 kHz PCM/DSD256 AD/DA Converter. Equipped with a touchscreen display, Amari offers one pair of analog outs ( XLR or TRS), one pair of analog inputs (Combo XLR or RCA) and two high-power headphone (HP) outputs with dedicated volume control and adjustable output impedance. The unit also includeds the signature Antelope Audio industry acclaimed clocking and best-in-class 384 kHz, 24-bit conversion
Top clocking
The desktop interface features the Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) jitter management technology pioneered by Antelope Audio’s fourth-generation, 64-bit clocking allows a stable and precise sampling of any incoming audio signal. Amari is also equipped with an Atomic Clock input (fully 10MX compatible) for maximum stability. An additional Word Clock input is also available.
Flexible control set
The control set of Amari is distributed between dedicated fast-access knobs and buttons for the most frequent controls, the impressive touchscreen display and intuitive software control panel.
Connectivity
The belief that analog and digital audio are meant to thrive together is embodied in every Antelope Audio product. Amari is no exception – its abundance of connectivity options means limitless flexibility! Two pairs of analog inputs (XLR and RCA) and outputs (XLR and TRS), two headphone amplifiers, digital ports (AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TOSLINK),
Headphone Amplifiers
Amari features a pair of stereo headphone outs on ComboXLR connectors with a dedicated volume control knob. Output is capped at 1.4W max, with selectable output impedance from -4.6 to 85.3 ohm available in 17 control steps.
DSD High-Resolution Audio Support
In addition to 24-bit/384 kHz PCM audio playback, Amari supports DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 over DoP formats.
Software Control Panel
Easy and intuitive to use, the Amari Control Panel gives you control over each aspect of the unit. It also places the power of a unique and flexible routing system at your fingertips.
Exemplary Performance
For the ADC, we chose a digital low-pass filter with a short delay and sharp roll-off to achieve the lowest latency and widest bandwidth possible of 0.46 x fs, with pass-band ripple of +/-0.03 dB. Since the short delay filter only works on such a small number of samples (5) at a time, we have the shortest possible delay between the input and output stages, which greatly improves throughput.
As for the internal digital high-pass filter — its cutoff frequency is set to 1 Hz in order to eliminate DC offsets and pass the cleanest audio signal possible.Amari also offers one of the lowest pass-band ripple figures (+/-0.03 dB) in the industry.
Top Class Conversion
The 2-channel ADC is configured for 8-to-1 operation — that is, there are two A/D Converter chips per single analog input. This way, it achieves increased dynamic range and a significant 9dB improvement in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). And, with a maximum sample rate of 384 kHz (apr: 2.6uS), Amari captures even the tiniest details in the audio signal with a resolution of 1.16nV.
Designed for audiophile and studio equipment, the 8x CS43198 DAC chips selected are well respected in the high-end community. They support sample rates of up to 384 kHz (PCM) and operate at the same speed and resolution as the ADC. This made it possible for our engineers to achieve bit-perfect and sample-accurate playback, with the AD-DA pass-through rendered completely transparent.
Fully Differential Driver Topology
Amari offers fully differential (balanced) driver topology for the combo XLR inputs. The coaxial routing from the RCA connector (coax. input) to the driver, transports clean, pristine signal directly to the same differential driver as the combo XLRs.
Likewise, Amari's analog output drivers are built upon of a low noise, low distortion, rail-to-rail output amplifier that boasts a 0.00006% (-124.5dB) THD (total harmonic distortion) and 3.3nV/√Hz noise.
Antelope Audio Amari 2-Channel Mastering AD/DA Converter & Headphone Amplifier
- Antelope Audio Amari 2-Channel Mastering AD/DA Converter & Headphone Amplifier