The MINERVA is a high performance stereo digital to analog converter for usage in conjunction with a sound file playback device such as a PC or MAC.
In high-end audio circles there is a trend towards high resolution file downloads from dedicated websites. Such downloads need a D/A Converter which can convert the high resolution files, e.g. uncompressed 96kHz / 24 Bit audio, to analog. And this in a quality which the audiophile connoisseur has come to expect from digital audio playback. The MINERVA is the perfect device for this task. It accepts digital audio in Firewire or AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats at rates of up to 192kHz at a 24 Bit wordlength.
Note: If you would like to hook up your trusted D/A Converter to the computer, check out our VESTA Firewire to/from AES/EBU interface.
Features of the MINERVA:
Inputs: Digital Audio inputs on Firewire (two connectors), XLR, RCA and Toslink (optical). (Firewire 800 via an appropriate adapter cable).
Outputs: Stereo analog output on XLR and RCA. Digital Audio output on Firewire, XLR and RCA. (Firewire 800 via an appropriate adapter cable).
Sampling Rates, Wordlength: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz at up to 24 Bits.
Software:
- Windows XP
SP2: 32-bit and 64-bit are supported
SP3: 32-bit and 64-bit are supported.
- Windows Vista
Original release: 32-bit is supported, 64-bit is in beta test
SP1: 32-bit and 64-bit are in beta test
- Mac OSX
Universal binary supports 10.4.11 and up, 10.5.2 and up on Mac Intel
and PPC platforms.
Power Supply: A non-switching power supply is used. The mains voltage can be set to 100..120V or 200..240V.
Frontpanel controls: One power switch, three input selector switches with corresponding LEDs.
Websites for uncompressed music downloads and/or hires carriers:
www.musicgiants.com
www.itrax.com
www.highdeftapetransfers.com
www.linnrecords.com
www.dgmlive.com
www.hdtracks.com
www2.deutschegrammophon.com
music.e-onkyo.com/contents/hd.asp
www.classicrecords.com
www.2l.no/hires/index.html
www.shockwave-sound.com
www.referencerecordings.com
www.magnatune.com
www.unipheyemusic.com
http://boomkat.com
http://dancemusichub.com
www.junodownload.com
www.stompy.com
www.trackitdown.net
www.turntablelab.com/digital
www.acousence.de/index.html
www.hifitrack.com/en
Software to upload CDs to your computer: www.exactaudiocopy.de
Site for audio and computers: www.computeraudiophile.com
Free but good players for Windows™:
www.foobar2000.org
We recommend to install the ASIO driver which can be found here:
http://www.foobar2000.org/components/index.html
There is also a Kernel Streaming application available which allows to bypass all Windows audio processes for unaltered digital data.
www.mediamonkey.com
Player for OSX™: sbooth.org/Play
Like to sample rate convert your audio files?
Don't compromise the sonic quality - go with the best in sampling rate conversion: Our SARCON software - made for professionals as well as audiophiles.
More information here. |
