Denafrips Iris 15th Digital Interface

DENAFRIPS IRIS 15TH DIGITAL INTERFACE

The Denafrips Iris 15th is a dedicated USB digital-to-digital converter (DDC) designed to improve the electrical isolation and signal timing of digital audio systems. Combining a proprietary USB interface, FPGA-based digital processing, adaptive FIFO buffering and precision clock architecture, Iris 15th creates a carefully controlled digital connection between a USB audio source and an external DAC.

With coaxial, optical, AES/EBU and two I²S output formats, it offers flexible integration with Denafrips converters and compatible DACs from other manufacturers.

OPTICALLY ISOLATED USB AUDIO INTERFACE

The Iris 15th incorporates digital isolation between the USB interface and sensitive internal digital processing stages. This architecture is designed to reduce the transfer of unwanted electrical interference from computers, music servers and USB streaming transports.

Its proprietary USB audio solution uses an STM32F446 microcontroller and supports high-resolution PCM and native DSD playback. A licensed Thesycon driver is available for Windows, while compatible macOS and Linux systems offer driverless USB audio operation.

FPGA PROCESSING & ADAPTIVE FIFO RECLOCKING

Incoming USB audio data is buffered and processed using Denafrips' proprietary FPGA architecture. The adaptive FIFO buffer separates incoming USB data timing from the locally controlled digital output stages.

Precision clock circuitry then provides the timing reference for outgoing digital signals. This arrangement is intended to minimise the influence of source-related timing fluctuations and support stable communication with a connected DAC.

PRECISION OCXO CLOCKING

The Iris 15th incorporates precision oscillator technology for digital audio processing and reclocking. Its internal clock architecture is designed for accurate timing across the main 44.1kHz and 48kHz audio sampling-rate families.

A dedicated 75-ohm BNC clock input allows the DDC to accept compatible external reference frequencies of 45.1548MHz and 49.152MHz. This provides additional system integration possibilities with suitable Denafrips reference DACs and master-clock components.

The external clock input is not a conventional 10MHz reference input. The connected clock source must supply a compatible signal at one of the specified frequencies.

FIVE DIGITAL OUTPUT CONNECTIONS

The Iris 15th offers five digital output interfaces: coaxial S/PDIF via RCA, Toslink optical, AES/EBU via XLR, HDMI LVDS I²S and RJ45 LVCMOS I²S.

These connections allow the device to serve DACs with different digital input arrangements. USB audio can be converted into a suitable digital format without requiring the DAC itself to accept USB.

HDMI I²S connections use the HDMI connector for digital audio transmission and are not conventional HDMI video connections. Pin assignment and signal-format compatibility must be checked before connecting equipment from different manufacturers.

HIGH-RESOLUTION PCM & DSD SUPPORT

The proprietary USB input supports PCM up to 24-bit/768kHz and native DSD up to DSD512 according to the Iris 15th product specification.

The I²S output supports PCM up to 384kHz, while the coaxial, optical and AES/EBU outputs support standard PCM sampling rates up to 192kHz. DSD support varies according to the selected output format and the receiving DAC.

For the best results, select an output connection supported by your DAC and confirm that the required PCM, DSD and I²S settings are compatible.

DEDICATED LINEAR POWER SUPPLY & ALUMINIUM CHASSIS

A 60VA O-core transformer using high-purity copper windings supplies the internal power circuitry. The carefully arranged power supply and digital processing sections are designed to provide a stable operating environment for the USB interface and clock circuitry.

The substantial aluminium chassis is available in Black and Silver, with a compact footprint suitable for placement near a computer audio source, dedicated USB streamer or external DAC.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION & DAC MATCHING

The Iris 15th is especially useful in systems built around a dedicated USB audio source and an external DAC equipped with AES/EBU, coaxial, optical or compatible I²S inputs.

It can be paired with Denafrips R-2R DACs such as Ares 15th and Pontus 15th, or suitable third-party converters. For HDMI I²S connections, both devices must use compatible pin assignments and signal formats.

Iris 15th is a digital interface, not a DAC, streamer or headphone amplifier. It requires a compatible digital source and an external digital-to-analogue converter.

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