Denafrips Hermes 15th Digital Interface

DENAFRIPS HERMES 15TH DIGITAL INTERFACE

The Denafrips Hermes 15th is a high-performance digital-to-digital converter (DDC) designed to provide flexible digital audio connectivity, precise signal reclocking and electrical isolation between digital sources and an external DAC. Positioned between the Iris 15th and flagship Gaia 15th, it combines multiple digital inputs, proprietary FPGA processing, adaptive FIFO buffering and precision OCXO clocking in a substantial aluminium chassis.

With USB, coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs, alongside six digital output connections, Hermes 15th can serve as the central digital interface in a sophisticated stereo system.

MULTIPLE DIGITAL INPUTS FOR FLEXIBLE SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Unlike USB-only digital interfaces, Hermes 15th accepts four different digital input formats: USB Type-B, coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink optical and balanced AES/EBU. This allows users to connect a computer, network streamer, CD transport or another compatible digital source through a single dedicated digital processing component.

The selected signal can then be delivered to a compatible external DAC through an appropriate digital output, simplifying connections in systems with several digital sources.

GALVANIC ISOLATION & FPGA DIGITAL PROCESSING

Hermes 15th incorporates optically isolated digital input circuitry designed to reduce the transfer of unwanted electrical interference from connected source equipment. Its proprietary FPGA processing architecture manages incoming digital data before forwarding it to the output stage.

An adaptive FIFO buffer and reclocking system helps separate the timing of incoming data from the locally generated output timing. This architecture is intended to provide consistent digital signal delivery and reduce sensitivity to source-related timing variations.

PRECISION OCXO CLOCK ARCHITECTURE

The Hermes 15th uses precision oven-controlled crystal oscillator technology for its internal digital processing and reclocking functions. OCXO oscillators maintain a controlled operating temperature to improve frequency stability.

A dedicated 75-ohm BNC input also allows the unit to accept a compatible external reference clock operating at 45.1548MHz or 49.152MHz, supporting integration with appropriately equipped digital audio systems.

The BNC connection is an external clock input, not a clock output. Conventional 10MHz master clocks are not directly compatible with these specified input frequencies.

SIX DIGITAL OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

Hermes 15th provides coaxial S/PDIF, Toslink optical, two AES/EBU outputs and two I²S connection formats. The dual AES/EBU arrangement is particularly useful when connecting compatible DACs that support dual AES input operation.

For I²S connectivity, the unit offers HDMI LVDS and RJ45 LVCMOS outputs, giving users additional flexibility with compatible Denafrips DACs and selected third-party converters.

I²S transmission is not standard HDMI video or conventional Ethernet. Pin assignments, signal levels and PCM/DSD configurations must be compatible with the receiving DAC before connecting equipment from different manufacturers.

HIGH-RESOLUTION USB, PCM & DSD PLAYBACK

The proprietary USB audio input supports PCM up to 768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512. USB operation is provided through an STM32F446-based interface, with licensed Thesycon drivers available for Windows and driverless operation on supported macOS and Linux systems.

The I²S outputs support PCM up to 384kHz and DSD up to DSD512, while the coaxial, optical and AES/EBU interfaces support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 via DoP where supported.

The maximum supported sampling rate depends on the chosen input, output and connected DAC.

DEDICATED LINEAR POWER SUPPLY & ALUMINIUM CHASSIS

Hermes 15th incorporates a dedicated linear power supply with an O-core transformer using high-purity copper windings. The power supply supports the clock, USB interface and digital processing circuitry without requiring an external DC adapter.

The 15th Anniversary design features an upgraded aluminium enclosure with refined machining and a substantial 4.5kg construction. Available in Black and Silver, Hermes 15th is designed to integrate with full-size Denafrips components and other premium digital audio equipment.

DESIGNED FOR REFERENCE DIGITAL AUDIO SYSTEMS

Hermes 15th is particularly suitable for systems using several digital sources or a DAC with AES/EBU and compatible I²S inputs. It can be paired with Denafrips R-2R DACs, such as Pontus 15th, or other suitable converters from different manufacturers.

For users considering a higher-tier digital interface, the Denafrips Gaia 15th provides an additional upgrade path within the same product family.

Hermes 15th is a digital-to-digital converter. It does not contain a DAC, analogue outputs, a built-in network streamer or a headphone amplifier.

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