Denafrips Hermes 15th Anniversary DDC

Description

Denafrips Hermes 15th Anniversary

High-precision digital DDC / reclocker

El Denafrips Hermes 15th Anniversary it is a DDC (Digital-to-Digital Converter) designed for a single mission: delivering a perfectly synchronised, noise-free digital signal to your DAC. It doesn't add character, it doesn't embellish, it doesn’t “interpret”. It simply does its job well, which is no mean feat.

In her heart we find a DSP architecture with proprietary FPGA, combined with a system FIFO buffer with internal reclocking and a High-precision oven-controlled OCXO. The result is a dramatic reduction in jitter and a stable, coherent and relaxed digital signal, which allows the DAC to work under ideal conditions.

All digital inputs are optically isolated, avoiding electrical contamination coming from computers, streamers or home networks. The USB section uses a STM32-based proprietary solution, with Thesycon driver licensed for Windows and native driver-free operation in macOS and Linux. Connect and listen, as it has always been done.

Regarding formats, the Hermes 15th supports DSD up to 512 via USB and I²S y PCM up to 768 kHz, with full compatibility across all its digital inputs and outputs. Beyond the figures, what is perceived is a more stable soundstage, greater focus precision, firmer bass and an overall sense of naturalness and background silence.

The connectivity is extensive and well thought out: USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and optical initially; dual AES/EBU, SPDIF, TOSLink and I²S (HDMI and RJ45) as well as. In addition, it features external clock input via BNC, ideal for high-end systems seeking even more precise synchronisation.

Power is handled by a robust and quiet design, with modest power consumption and a compact, solid and elegant chassis, true to Denafrips' understated style. No unnecessary controls, no superfluous displays: everything is at the service of the sound.

El Hermes 15th it doesn't aim to impress with artifice. It's designed for those who know that, in digital, the clock rules. And when the rhythm is good, the music flows.

Technical specifications

Architecture and design

• DSP architecture with Proprietary FPGA

• System FIFO buffer with reclocking via internal glass

• High-precision OCXO (Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator)

• Optical isolation on all digital inputs

• Proprietary USB solution based on STM32F446 (ARM)

• USB driver Thesycon licensed for Windows

• Operation without drivers on macOS and Linux

• Dual AES/EBU output

• Support for external clock

DSD compatibility

• DSD64 (DoP) Coaxial / AES / Optical inputs and outputs

• Until DSD512 via USB input and I²S output

PCM compatibility

• 24-bit / 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz
  (at all entrances and exits)

• Until 768 kHz via USB port

• Until 384 kHz via I²S output

Digital tickets

• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)

• TOSLink optical port ×1

• AES/EBU ×1

• USB 2.0 Type B

External clock input

• BNC 75 Ω

• 45.1548 MHz

• 49.152 MHz

Digital outputs

• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)

• TOSLink optical port ×1

• AES/EBU ×2

• I²S via HDMI (LVDS standard)

• I²S via RJ45 (LVCMOS standard)

Food

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

• Maximum consumption: ≤ 20 W

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions: 330 × 240 × 50 mm
  (total height +18 mm with feet)

• Weight: 4.5 kg

• Colour: Black

Contents of the packaging

• Denafrips Hermes 15th Anniversary (DDC)

• Mains cable

• Remote control not included