Antelope Audio AMÁRI Mastering Grade AD/DA Converter

Antelope Audio is regarded as a leader in studio hardware, and their AMÁRI mastering-grade AD/DA converter is a device made for the true audiophiles out there. With 24-bit, 384 kHz conversion and signature Antelope clocking, the AMÁRI guarantees only the best-quality sound possible.

Fully-Equipped

For mastering engineers and home audio enthusiasts who seek high-end sound quality for critical listening and audio archiving, AMÁRI is a reference-grade AD/DA converter with 24-bit, 384 kHz conversion and signature Antelope clocking. DSD128 playback, an easy-to-use interface, and 2 headphone outputs with user-adjustable impedance complete AMÁRI’s unique profile.

384kHz, 24-BIT Conversion. Antelope Clocking

An array of audiophile-grade converters and Antelope’s oven-controlled crystal oscillator clocking with proprietary 64-bit algorithms ensure precise, musical conversion quality for mastering and home audio applications.

Multi DAC Topology

AMÁRI offers best-in-class D/A converter performance by implementing an unique 8 × DAC architecture (4 × CS43198 chips per channel). This enhances the stereo image, expands depth perception and unveils all the musical details with an unmatched 138 dB dynamic range. Likewise, the headphone outputs feature a dual DAC architecture using one AK5578 chip per channel to boost the dynamic range up to 128dB.

Exploring Negative Impedance

Negative impedance is no mere feature, but a philosophical concept. It permits a certain ambiguity of the final result and the way music reaches us. Music will always sound different, depending on headphones, temperature and even our mood, as mood itself is a kind of electricity inside the brain. Otherwise, digital audio would be just maths and digits.

17 Steps Of Output Impedance

AMÁRI’s 2 high-power stereo headphone outputs (on XLR connectors) feature individual volume controls (capped at 20dBu max), with digital trim and adjustable output impedance – from -4.6 to 85.3 Ohm, in 17 discrete steps. These options let you configure AMÁRI for ideal compatibility with your favorite headphones, matching their impedance for best performance. AMÁRI’s high-fidelity headphone drivers offer fully differential input per amplifier. It is a dual-amp design, optimized to eliminate possible temperature drifts and deliver differential signal quality. The headphone outs also feature dual DAC architecture for maximum performance.

Revisit Your DSD Collection

AMÁRI features DSD128 playback support for high-bitrate digital audio. Revisit your hi-def music collection and experience previously unheard detail!

Reviews

"Amari fills a niche in Antelope’s line—it’s a dedicated stereo mastering/audiophile interface and high-end converter for those users and applications where only the absolute best-quality sound will do." - Ask.Audio

Specifications

Connectivity

Inputs Analog

• 1x Stereo Pair balanced on ComboXLR 24dBu max input level
• 1x Stereo Pair unbalanced on RCA 8,2dBu / 6dBv max input level

Inputs Digital

• 1x AES/EBU up to 192kHz
• 1x S/PDIF up to 192kHz
• 1x TOSLINK up to 96kHz

Outputs Analog

• 1x Stereo Pair balanced on XLR. Output Level: 24dBu max, digital trim available
• 1x Stereo Pair balanced on TRS. Output Level: 18dBu max, digital trim available
• 2x Stereo Headphone outs on ComboXLR with individual volume control knobs. Output Power: 1,4 Watts max. Selectable output impedance from -4.6 to 85.3 Ohm available in 17 steps
• Headphone outputs are also configurable to drive 1 pair fully balanced headphone set with dedicated volume control

Outputs Digital

• 1x AES/EBU up to 192kHz
• 1x S/PDIF up to 192kHz
• 1x TOSLINK up to 96kHz

Sync Inputs

• 1× World Clock
• 1× Atomic 10M

Bi-Directional

• 1x USB 3.1 (Gen 1) on Type-B connector up to 384kHz

Conversion

AD Conversion

• 2x AK5778 A/D Converter chips
• 24 bit 384kHz
• Input: Full Differential Inputs
• S/(N+D): 112 dB (S/N: 124 dB)
• Dynamic Range: 128dB

DA Conversion

• 8x CS43198 D/A Converter chips
• 24-bit 384kHz PCM / up to DSD256 over PCM
• Dynamic Range: 138dB

Clocking

• 4th Generation 64-bit Acoustically focused clock technology
• Sample-rates supported:
• AD and DA PCM: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 352.8kHz, 192kHz, 384kHz
• DA DSD: 64, 128, 256

Power

• DC Power Inlet with lock nut
• Device equipped with wall wart power supply

System Requirements

Windows

• OS: Windows 10
• Disk Space: Minimum 512 MB available disk space
• USB: 1x USB 2.0/3.0 Port
• CPU: Intel or AMD equivalent CPU with at least 2GHz operating frequency
• Memory (RAM): 4GB Minimum (8GB or more Recommended)

Mac

• OS X: 10.11 and above (High Sierra recommended)
• Disk Space: Minimum 512 MB available disk space
• USB: 1x USB 2.0/3.0 Port

In the box:

• Amari Hi-End Mastering-grade AD/DA Converter
• Quick start guide
• Warranty Card
• Cleaning Cloth
• USB 3.0 Cable
• Wart External Power Supply