Denafrips Venus 15th R-2R DAC

DENAFRIPS VENUS 15TH R-2R DAC

The Denafrips Venus 15th Anniversary Edition is a reference-class digital-to-analogue converter combining a newly developed, fully balanced discrete R-2R architecture with technologies derived from the flagship Terminator series. Its precision resistor networks, dedicated DSD conversion, advanced power supply and sophisticated digital processing architecture make it a compelling centrepiece for high-performance stereo systems.

With USB, coaxial, optical, dual AES/EBU and three I²S input interfaces, Venus 15th offers exceptional flexibility for connecting network transports, CD players, digital interfaces and computer-audio sources.

TRUE BALANCED 26-BIT R-2R CONVERSION

Venus 15th employs Denafrips' proprietary fully balanced discrete 26-bit R-2R conversion architecture for PCM audio, alongside a dedicated 6-bit DSD conversion section with 32-step FIR filtering.

The precision resistor ladder uses carefully matched thin-film resistors with 0.005% tolerance, providing the foundation for accurate digital-to-analogue conversion without relying on a conventional integrated delta-sigma DAC chip.

This dedicated architecture reflects Denafrips' approach to preserving musical detail, tonal integrity and precise stereo imaging.

NEW-GENERATION TERMINATOR-INSPIRED DESIGN

The 15th Anniversary Edition introduces an extensively redesigned circuit architecture inspired by Denafrips' higher-tier Terminator series. Revised digital processing, clock circuitry and power supply implementation distinguish the new Venus from its predecessor.

The substantial chassis accommodates the upgraded internal architecture, allowing Venus 15th to occupy a position between Pontus 15th and Terminator 15th in the Denafrips DAC range.

PRECISION OCXO CLOCKING & FPGA RECLOCKING

Venus 15th incorporates high-precision, low-jitter oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXO), proprietary FPGA-based digital processing and an adaptive FIFO buffer.

The FIFO and reclocking architecture helps separate incoming digital signal timing from the local conversion clock, reducing sensitivity to timing irregularities introduced by connected digital sources.

These technologies provide a controlled digital processing environment across the main PCM sampling-rate families.

HIGH-RESOLUTION PCM1536 & DSD1024

The proprietary USB audio interface supports PCM sampling rates up to 1536kHz and native DSD playback up to DSD1024. Compatible I²S inputs also support these high-resolution formats, subject to the connected source and signal configuration.

USB audio processing is based on an STM32F446 ARM microcontroller, with a licensed Thesycon driver available for Windows systems. Compatible macOS and Linux systems support driverless USB audio operation.

Coaxial, optical and AES/EBU inputs support conventional PCM sampling rates up to 24-bit/192kHz, together with DSD64 via DoP where supported.

SEVEN DIGITAL INPUT INTERFACES

Venus 15th offers a versatile selection of digital connections: one USB Type-B input, one coaxial S/PDIF input, one Toslink optical input, two AES/EBU inputs and three I²S interfaces.

The I²S connections include HDMI LVDS, RJ45 LVDS and RJ45 LVCMOS, offering compatibility with suitably configured digital transports and interfaces.

Dual AES/EBU input operation is also supported, allowing integration with digital sources capable of compatible dual AES transmission.

I²S connectors do not follow a universal pin assignment standard. Always confirm signal format, pinout and channel mapping before using third-party digital sources.

NOS/OS OPERATION & DIGITAL FILTER OPTIONS

Venus 15th allows users to select between Non-Oversampling (NOS) and Oversampling (OS) operation, providing flexibility when configuring the DAC for different listening preferences.

Slow and Sharp digital filter options are available in oversampling mode. I²S pinout and DSD channel-swap settings provide additional compatibility controls for supported digital transports.

DEDICATED CLOCK OUTPUT FOR DIGITAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION

A distinctive feature of Venus 15th is its 75-ohm BNC clock output. The DAC can provide supported reference frequencies of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 22.5774MHz, 24.576MHz, 45.1548MHz and 49.152MHz to compatible external digital equipment.

This enables advanced configurations with digital interfaces that accept the corresponding reference clock frequencies.

Important: The BNC connection is a clock output, not an external 10MHz clock input. Compatibility depends on the receiving component's specified frequency, impedance and signal requirements.

FLAGSHIP-INSPIRED LINEAR POWER SUPPLY

Venus 15th features a redesigned low-noise power supply built around high-purity copper-alloy O-core transformer technology and carefully selected filtering capacitors.

Separate power sections support the sensitive digital processing, clock and analogue conversion circuitry, helping maintain stable operating conditions.

The upgraded power architecture is an important distinction between Venus 15th and the earlier Venus 12th generation.

BALANCED XLR & SINGLE-ENDED RCA OUTPUTS

Venus 15th provides both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA analogue outputs for connection to compatible integrated amplifiers and preamplifiers.

The nominal output levels are 4.0V RMS through XLR and 2.0V RMS through RCA, making Venus suitable for a wide range of properly matched high-performance stereo systems.

Venus 15th is a dedicated digital-to-analogue converter and does not include an integrated network streamer, headphone amplifier or speaker-driving power amplification.

SUBSTANTIAL REFERENCE-GRADE CONSTRUCTION

The full-size aluminium chassis measures 430 × 380 × 125mm including its feet and weighs approximately 19kg.

Its substantial construction accommodates the dedicated power supply, discrete conversion circuitry and precision clock architecture while complementing premium audio components.

Available in Black and Silver, Venus 15th is designed for serious two-channel audio systems.

BUILD A REFERENCE DIGITAL AUDIO SYSTEM

Venus 15th can be paired with a high-quality network streamer, dedicated CD transport or Denafrips digital interface. Compatible I²S and AES/EBU connections provide flexible system integration, while the clock output offers further possibilities with suitably equipped digital interfaces.

For customers seeking the next step in Denafrips' DAC range, Terminator 15th provides a higher-tier alternative.

BUY WITH CONFIDENCE

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