Like her predecessor the AMETHYST is designed for the same basic frame but electronics have been redesigned for future tasks. In addition we have implemented a new and powerful headphone amplifier having its own volume control.
The AMETHYST is using two Transient R2R ladder DAC TWO modules. These modules can handle extreme high sampling rates but are limited to current industry standards which has its maximum (384kHz) on the USB input. The result of this process is an extremely fast and accurate behavior and brings listening experience on a much higher level.
Despite the fact that both DAC modules are build on the same board an extremely high channel separation of 110 dB is realized. This contributes to flawless positioning of instruments. The headphone amplifier will drive impedance down to 16 Ohms and gets his power from a powerful 30VA power supply. When the the AMETHYST is used as a DAC this power will be available for the DAC only.
Trickle down technology from Adagio and Pavane Level III, is now available at a most affordable price. A volume controlled Headphone output almost comes free.
The DAC TWO modules each incorporate Forward correction technology to both channels. This approach is ideally suited to R2R design and maximizes performance, providing true 24 Bit performance. As with the Reference models, this allows for retrieval of very low level information/detail.
Even though AMETHYST is a small ‘mini’ integrated design, incorporating both Digital and Analogue processing, channel separation is specified at 110dB. This together with an extremely low level noise floor of -145dB @ 2V RMS, indicates how this fine detail retrieval is made possible.
AMETHYST By Metrum Acoustics can be used as a stand-alone DAC. Fixed level standard Redbook 2V output is available – direct from the new DAC TWO modules – no output stage is necessary to hinder/cloud signal information. The connection goes straight to the Analogue outputs – to feed Amplification.
