MEDUS is a no-compromise stereo 24 Bit/192 kHz Digital to Analogue Converter designed with the aim of keeping an absolutely uncompromising audio signal path.
Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input as well as the analog output stage. Both have in common the purest possible approach in audio design, aspiring for nothing less than excellence.
This is coupled with an ergonomic design that gives the user immediate access to all necessary functions, while keeping an uncluttered and thus easy-to-use front panel.
This combination makes a truly professional D/A converter catering for the highest expectations.
The MEDUS works with AES/EBU, S/DIF, USB and Firewire (optional) inputs and handles PCM as well as DSD signals. An IR remote unit controls all functions.
Ethernet Streaming Module (Included)
An optional Ethernet streaming interface is provided on this particular Medus and provides an ultra-low jitter streaming data stream fed direct to the DAC stage to deliver what we believe is one of the finest streaming solutions available today.
Mechanics
The MEDUS employs a twin metal frame.
The inner chassis is made of steel and acts as a very effective shield against electrostatic and electromagnetic radiation.
The outer frame is made of massive anodized aluminium for additional shielding, resulting in optimal heat convection and beautiful looks.
Power Supply
A powerful non-switching power supply is used.
All sensitive voltages have their own regulators which are separated between left and right channels. The result is an analog output free of “digital noise” and channel crosstalk.
The power switch activates a semiconductor relay which only switches on or off at zero crossings of the mains voltage. This assures a glitch free power switching. The mains transformer sits in a mu-metal shielding box.
Synchronization
The MEDUS is synchronized by the input signal present at the selected input.
Several signal re-clocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation down to subsonic frequencies, making the MEDUS virtually immune to jitter.
With the USB or Firewire inputs the master clock is generated by the MEDUS.
Up-sampling
Signals at 44.1 or 48 kHz sampling frequency are up-sampled in the MEDUS’ DSP chip, using our own up-sampling algorithms.
Thus the DAC chip always receives signals at a 88.2 kHz minimum sampling frequency.
Converters
The 32 Bit DAC chip up-samples the input signal to about 1.5 MHz. Four D/A conversion channels are used per audio channel, resulting in exceptional performance specifications.
The I/V conversion after the DAC chip uses two of our own discrete OP-AMPs (the OP1-BP) per channel.
Analogue Outputs
All analogue processing is done with our own discrete operational amplifier modules, the Weiss OP1-BP.
The OP1-BP is arguably the best audio operational amplifier currently available. Four OP1-BP are used per channel, two for current to voltage (I/V) conversion and two for the balanced and unbalanced output stages. The OP1-BP run in class A mode for all common loads.
Output levels can be set with a rotary switch at the back of the unit. The level range is 32 dB with a 1 dB step resolution. The outputs are symmetrical on XLR connectors and asymmetrical on RCA connectors. No sound degrading servo mechanisms or AC coupling capacitors are used.
Tech spec
Digital Inputs
- (2) XLR connectors.
- (1) TOSLINK connector (optical).
- (2) RCA /Coax connectors.
- (1) USB connector.
- (1) Ethernet connector. (allows you to use an app like mConnectHD to stream via the Ethernet)
All inputs accept professional or consumer standard, i.e. accept AES/EBU or S/PDIF signals
Sampling frequencies; single wire scheme: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz on any of the four inputs
Sampling frequencies; dual wire scheme: 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz or 192 kHz on inputs 1 and 2
DSD64: On USB input
Sampling frequency tolerance: ±80 ppm
Maximum input word-length: 24 Bits
Analogue Outputs
- (2) XLR Connectors
- (2) RCA Connectors
Servo-less, DC coupled, short circuit proof output circuitry
Output impedance: < 100 Ω
Output level: variable from −4.0 dBu to +27.0 dBu balanced on XLR connectors (−10.0 dBu to +21.0 dBu unbalanced on RCA connectors) with 0 dBFS input, in 1 dB steps (−4 dBu is 0.49 V, +27 dBu is 17.35 V, −10 dBu is 0.245 V, +21 dBu is 8.67 V)
Output stage: Discrete Class A
Sampling frequencies
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Dimensions (WxDxH)
450mm x 300mm x 66mm
