The main input of the VOX is I2S, therefore this input is fully isolated to a prevent any possible noise leak from the audio I2S source.While trivial in general applications, the analog buffer stage of the 1-bit DAC is a critical component. Not only must it eliminate the residual noise, but also it should have extreme performance in terms of low distortion and noise floor. In the VOX, the analog buffer stage is realized using low noise bipolar discrete devices.Another feature of the VOX DAC is the possibility to directly convert DSD256/512 signals, bypassing all internal processing. This is possible only on USB and I2S inputs. Please note that volume control will not be available if this setting is active and headphone output will be muted.
The VOX is a defined DAC. This means that many features, graphical interface and even the sound signature are not fixed - they can be changed by updating the firmware.
At the moment, we are developing 3 distinct firmware versions, called each one with its own sub-versions. Even the most demanding audiophile can find the To access firmware section please register your device.
The DAC can be controlled directly on the touchscreen or via control app available for iOS and Android.The VOX has a 35-bit data path and a 32-bit volume control, therefore can The built-in headphone amplifier is entirely a bipolar
The VOX and HUB must EACH be entirely powered from the Hydra.ZAP dedicated power supply, which provides analog power for the headphone amplifier, digital voltage and an ultra-low noise reference voltage.
ONE ZAP CAN POWER BOTH THE VOX AND HUB.
Please contact to purchase individual add on units separately.
Specifications:
I2S LVDS (HDMI connector): all sample rates
S/PDIF coaxial: up to 192k / DSD64
USB: all sample rates
OUTPUTS:
RCA single ended: 3.8V (peak)
XLR balanced: 3.8V (peak)
Headphone out: 9V (peak)
THD+N: -118 dB (0 dB)
S/N: -118 dB
THE HUB
The HUB is a complete digital audio transport solution, handling a variety of inputs to a I2S LVDS output, acting like a full digital preamplifier. It’s packed with a lot of features that enhances the experience and quality of life of even the most demanding music lover.
IS IT A RECLOCKER?
YES. Incorporating a high performance digital PLL, it offers a -60 dB jitter attenuation from input to output.
IS IT AN UPSAMPLER?
YES. Hub integrates a high-quality DSP engine (80 DSP blocks in parallel) which will upsample input signal to high rate PCM or DSD. The upsampler can be switched off (bypassed) through control menu.
IS IT A FORMAT CONVERTER?
YES. It has the ability to convert PCM to DSD or DSD to PCM. Everything is done at studio quality, without any sonic degradation.
IS IT AN USB INTERFACE?
YES. You can connect it via USB to any PC/MAC and is ready to play asynchronously and bit-perfect.
IS IT A DIGITAL RECEIVER?
YES. Equipped with S/PDIF, AES and Toslink inputs, it can handle any classic digital source, cleaning it from jitter and performing optional upsampling.
IS IT A NETWORK STREAMER?
YES. Just connect your HUB to the network and will become endpoint for your Roon server, HQplayer network audio adapter, Airplay and DLNA renderer.
IS IT A DIGITAL PREAMPLIFIER?
YES. Using a 32-bit volume control, the HUB can drive directly digital active speakers or any other compatible device.
CAN IT MAKE FRENCH FRIES?
Not yet.
1 x I2S LVDS (HDMI connector format)
1 x S/PDIF coaxial
HYDRA ZAP
The ZAP is the VOX-partner dedicated . It can be fully controlled via or with our custom remote-control app for Android abd iOS. It provides for the VOX line-up: symmetrical analog, digital and reference voltages.
The Digital supply is a low noise, low impedance, ultra-capacitor based power supply. It features a large capacitor bank of 2 x 310 Farads. The charging process is a seamless, microprocessor-controlled process with progress tracking graphics on the ZAP display.
The ZAP provides a very clean reference power supply needed for the VOX. It is made using discrete regulation and can be manually changed in case the ZAP is used independently.
For the headphone amplifier, the ZAP has a section of complementary adjustable discrete regulators. These are shunt mode high rejection stages based on proprietary Audiobyte technology.
The Hydra.ZAP has extensive monitoring and control capabilities. All voltage values (except reference voltages) and current consumptions are shown in real time on the product display. The complementary analog voltages powering the headphone amplifier can be manually adjusted in fine steps or by directly input of the voltage.
INPUT: 110v or 220-240v AC
OUTPUTS: 5V/2A fixed, 12..21/ 0.5A Vdc adjustable, Vref supply