Hermes

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Introducing the HERMES, the mid-tier DENAFRIPS Digital To Digital Converter. 

After a meticulous 3-year refinement process, DENAFRIPS have perfected its development. It draws upon the technological advancements featured in our acclaimed DAC. These advancements encompass our exclusive FPGA DSP Processing, the incorporation of a FIFO Buffer & Reclocking, and an unparalleled USB Audio Interface Solution through the use of the STM32F466 Advanced AMR based MCU.

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In essence, the HERMES descends from the Gaia DDC model. The primary distinctions between the Gaia and Hermes models are as follows:

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• The Gaia features a superior-quality OCXO.

• The Gaia's chassis is crafted from full aluminum panels.

• While the Hermes boasts an aluminum front panel, its chassis is composed of a metal alloy.

• The Hermes model is exclusively available in black.

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In celebration of DENAFRIPS's 12 years of exceptional digital audio expertise, the Hermes 12th Anniversary Edition incorporates highly sought-after sound quality the original Hermes had, and performance enhancements.

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What is a DDC

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A DDC, which stands for Digital-to-Digital Converter, functions as a device that transforms a digital audio signal from one format or interface to another within the digital domain. Its primary purpose revolves around facilitating harmony between distinct audio systems, particularly when confronted with diverse digital interfaces.

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The Denafrips digital-to-digital converter (DDC) represents a device meticulously crafted to accept a digital audio signal in a specific digital connection, for example, USB, and subsequently convert it into an alternative digital audio outputs. This conversion process not only enhances the audio quality but also involves the application of advanced processing techniques.

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Denafrips DDC employs a FIFO buffer to store and manage the incoming digital input signal. This buffering process is enhanced and reclocked by the utilization of an internal high-quality Femto clock, which ensures precise timing and synchronization. Additionally, the DDC incorporates galvanic isolation, safeguarding the signal from electrical interference and maintaining signal integrity throughout the conversion process.

The Denafrips HERMES DDC offers versatile connectivity options, enabling it to accept various input formats including USB, Coaxial, Optical, and AES. Additionally, it supports multiple output formats including SPDIF Coaxial, Optical, AES, and i2s. This wide array of input and output options enhances its adaptability and compatibility with different audio setups.

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Denafrips has earned a reputation for producing DDCs that excel in audio performance, driven by the integration of cutting-edge technologies to ensure precision during signal conversion, preserving the authenticity of audio data with enhancement. These DDCs serve as a crucial link in connecting disparate digital audio setups, fostering compatibility among varied audio components that might employ differing digital interfaces or possess distinct sampling rates.

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SWEET-SPOT of DENAFRIPS DDC

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Employing over 8 sets of Ultra Low Noise, Precision Linear Power Regulators, complemented by an oversized O-Core Transformer, the Denafrips HERMES DDC effortlessly delivers clean and stable power to its digital circuitry.

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Going beyond conventional limitations, the HERMES offers a wider scope of signal processing. It embraces various input signals, not restricting itself solely to USB. In fact, the HERMES accommodates USB, as well as SPDIF inputs including Coaxial, TOSLink, and AES/EBU. These incoming digital data streams undergo a meticulous process of FIFO buffering and reclocking through the integration of the Precision Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO). This strategic process effectively minimizes jitter to an almost imperceptible level, guaranteeing that the digital output signal remains untainted by disruptive jitter noise. The utilization of the OCXO in this context plays a pivotal role in achieving this outcome.

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Hermes 12th boasts an enhancement in the form of a 80VA O-Core Shielded Transformer. This transformer is meticulously crafted in-house by DENAFRIPS engineers, utilizing UPOCC copper.

The oversized 80VA O-Core Shielded Transformer delivers substantial power to the multi-stage linear power supply of the Hermes 12th DDC. This improvement ensures that the DDC receives an abundant and stable power supply for optimal performance.

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Above information taken from Denafrips Website