Loading...

Positive Feedback Logo
Ad
Ad
Ad

NEWS RELEASE 3/1/15

exaSound Audio Design, manufacturer of innovative, exceptional fidelity audio products, announced today the introduction of the model e12 stereo digital–to–analog converter. The e12 is the fifth in a family of converter products created by exaSound for the consumer marketplace.

Based on ESS Technology's premium ES9018S SABRE32 Reference integrated digital–to–analog converter (DAC), the e12 is a stylish, small form factor component formulated to address the explosion of file–based HRA or high resolution audio playback in the home. The 8 channel, 32 bit ES9018 is configured in the e12 as a stereo converter, with four internal DAC channels per left/right side. By utilizing the channels in a parallel topology, conversion monotonicity is improved and noise is reduced.

The e12 was created to natively support DSD64 (1x), DSD128 (2x) and DSD256 (4x), along with a maximum PCM sampling rate of 384kHz at 32-bits. Native support for DXD master files at 352.8 kHz or 8 times the Compact Disc standard, is also included. Though able to handle all contemporary high resolution formats, exceptional results are also obtained when the e12 is used with "Red Book," CD–quality files.

As with all products in the exaSound family, the e12 is designed for modern, computer playback applications. These apps strive for high fidelity by automatically commanding a DAC to switch sample rate based on each song's individual data, insuring "bit–perfect" exacting playback for any audio file. The native high sampling rate support also accommodates software up–sampling to 384 kHz or DSD256, for a more euphonious presentation.

Custom ASIO drivers, developed in–house for highest performance, offer complete control of the e12 from Windows or Mac OS. New software features in the driver include auto–power down, and a maximum volume limiter. The limiter allows the e12 to directly drive a power amplifier while protecting loudspeakers from damaging overloads.

A total of seven linear power conditioning stages insure that noise does not compromise transparency, while a tightly controlled, 0.13 ps master clock and triple oscillators architecture minimizes time–smearing jitter artifacts. Further noise immunity is provided by galvanic isolation between the proprietary asynchronous USB ZeroJitter™ Interface and the downstream audio conversion circuitry, eliminating ground loops while blocking interference generated by computer connections.

Company president George Klissarov and his design team fought to maintain the same great sound of their acclaimed e22 within a smaller and more affordable design. "By eliminating the display and simplifying the I/O, we have created a new product that can easily stand alongside our champion," Klissarov said. "We retained all the essential aspects of the e12's big brother, while significantly reducing the cost of superior and convenient music playback in your home."

The e12 is available now for US$1999, directly from exaSound's web site and from select fine dealers. For images, specifications, and additional information, or to start your own 30 day, risk–free trial, visit exaSound.com.

ZeroJitter, and the exaSound logo are trademarks of exaSound Audio Design. All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.


3/1/15 The HRS-130 replaces our long-running HRS-120. It features a carbon fibre cone German Physiks DDD driver, mounted on top of an octagonal section column cabinet. A downward firing 10-inch woofer is located in the base. This replaces the 8-inch unit used in the HRS‑120. A slightly taller cabinet allows for a larger Helmholtz resonator, which combined with the new woofer provides a cleaner and more authoritative bass. Other improvements include: a redesigned crossover for better dynamics and resolution; 2 sets of WBT nextgen™ binding posts to allow bi-wire/bi-amping and a restyled cabinet, which together with a new all-over high-polish polyester finish (in black or white) gives the HRS-130 a sleeker and more luxurious look. Price $17,950/pr.

Satin veneer or paint, high-polish veneer and carbon fibre finish options are available to special order. Pricing on request.

The DDD driver is proprietary to German Physiks. It is a wide-band transducer using pistonic, bending wave and modal radiation. In the HRS-130 it covers the range from 220Hz to 24kHz, so there is no crossover in the mid-range, yielding a major improvement in clarity. The DDD driver also has a very low moving mass, so the transient response is excellent. In addition it is phase linear across its operating range, giving excellent timbral accuracy.

Because the DDD driver has an omnidirectional radiation characteristic it produces a well-focused stereo image that can be enjoyed from a wide range of positions in the listening room. This contrasts with the small "sweet spot" that many conventional loudspeaker designs produce'

Other information

DDD Manufactur GmbH was founded in 1992 and is based in Frankfurt in Germany. They manufacture a range of very high quality loudspeakers based around their proprietary DDD driver.

Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad
Ad

Recent Discussions