Denafrips Athena 15th Anniversary

Description

Denafrips Athena 15th Anniversary

Reference line preamplifier – Pure Class A

El Denafrips Athena 15th Anniversary It is flagship line preamplifier of the brand in this commemorative edition. A design conceived without compromise, tailored for those who understand that the preamplifier should not impose character, but rather preserve the signal with absolute integrity.

This is a fully discrete, true balanced, and pure Class A line stage, from input to output. There are no integrated circuits in the signal path, nor hybrid solutions: everything here is designed to deliver maximum transparency, dynamic control and tonal stability, even in very high-level systems.

Volume control is entrusted to a relay stepped attenuator, with 60 microprocessor-controlled steps, using military-grade metal resistors, carefully matched to ensure a perfect balance between channels and one extremely low distortion. The result is a precise, silent and consistent level adjustment in any position.

The Athena 15th is designed to be integrated into fully balanced systems, with four inputs (three XLR and one RCA) and outings as well RCA to XLR, delivering 2.0 Vrms via RCA and 4.0 Vrms via XLR. This architecture enables a clean, direct connection to demanding power amplifiers, whilst maintaining absolute control over noise and dynamics.

In terms of sound, the Athena stands out for its wide and linear frequency response, a extremely low noise level and one outstanding dynamic capability. It doesn’t make you put on weight, it doesn’t cut anything out, it doesn’t add sugar: organises, stabilises and lets the music flow just as it is. It is a pre-processor designed to last for years and keep pace with system developments without ever becoming the weak link.

The chassis, which is sturdy and understated, follows Denafrips’ classic design, available in black or silver, with a robust build and generous dimensions, in keeping with its role as a benchmark component. It includes remote control, because comfort does not clash with the purity of design.

El Denafrips Athena 15th Anniversary It is a warm-up for those who are not looking for immediate spectacle, but rather truth, control and long-term consistency. A true nerve centre for high-performance systems where every decision counts.

Technical specifications

Design and architecture

• Pure Class A

• Truly balanced

• Completely discreet

• Baseline stage

• Step-by-step dimmer using relays 60 steps

• Microprocessor control

• Components and metal resistors of military specification

• Remote control included

Tickets

• IN1 – XLR

• IN2 – XLR

• IN3 – XLR

• IN4 – RCA

Outings

• RCA: 2.0 Vrms

• XLR: 4.0 Vrms

Electrical parameters

• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 85 kHz (-0.3 dB)

• THD+N: 0,00012 %

• Signal-to-noise ratio (S/N): 127 dB

• Dynamic range: >121 dB

• Stereo crosstalk: -110 dB

• Input impedance: 12.2 kΩ

• Output impedance: 200 Ω

Food

• 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (worldwide voltage)

• Consumption: 1 W on standby / 25 W in operation

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions: 433 × 385 × 110 mm (width × depth × height)

• Weight: 18 kg

• Colours available: Black / Silver