Zesto Audio Athena Digital to Analog Converter

Zesto Audio Athena DAC A tube output DAC with ROHM conversion, native PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD512, seven digital inputs, and balanced transformer outputs The Zesto Audio Athena DAC combines modern digital conversion with Zesto’s tube analog output circuitry. Built around a ROHM DAC chip, Athena is designed to preserve the integrity of the digital signal while adding the dimensionality, texture, and ease that Zesto is known for in its analog components. Native Conversion With No Upsampling Athena operates bit perfect, with native playback and no upsampling. It supports PCM files up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD up to DSD512, with inputs for USB, optical, coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S. The goal is simple: accept the source format as delivered and convert it cleanly, without imposing extra digital processing. Tube Output Stage The analog stage is a Class A, dual-mono vacuum tube design using two ECC82/12AU7 tubes and two ECC832/12DW7 tubes. The 12DW7 tubes handle input duties and drive the output tubes, while the 12AU7 tubes drive true differential balanced output transformers. The circuit uses no negative feedback, and Zesto performs output filtering through the tube output stage rather than adding filters after it. Noise Control and Grounding Athena uses a proprietary grounding scheme, a 4-layer copper printed circuit board, 12 internal DAC power supply/regulators, and Zesto’s ESP power supply architecture to reduce digital noise and support the tube output circuits. Independent left and right ground lift switches are provided to help eliminate ground loop hum in real-world systems. Handmade in the USA Each Athena DAC is handmade in the USA and receives a 50-hour factory burn-in on all circuits and vacuum tubes. The chassis uses a 16-gauge zinc-plated steel enclosure, with gold-plated RCA and XLR output connectors using isolated grounds. Features ROHM DAC chip Native bit-perfect conversion with no upsampling PCM support up to 32-bit/384 kHz DSD support up to DSD512 Seven digital inputs: USB, 2 optical, 2 coaxial, AES/EBU, and I2S Class A, dual-mono vacuum tube output stage Balanced transformer XLR outputs and single-ended RCA outputs No negative feedback Independent left and right ground lift switches Handmade in the USA with 50-hour factory burn-in Two-year limited warranty, six months on tubes Specifications Inputs: USB, 2 x optical (S/PDIF), 2 x coaxial RCA (S/PDIF), AES/EBU, I2S Outputs Output Stage: Class A, dual-mono vacuum tube output stage Balanced Outputs: 1 pair true XLR transformer balanced outputs, pin 2 hot Single-Ended Outputs: 1 pair RCA outputs Output Impedance: 300 Ω Maximum Output Level: 3 V RMS Ground Lift: 2 independent ground lift switches for left and right outputs Output Connectors: Gold-plated RCA and XLR, recessed with isolated ground Negative Feedback: None Digital Performance DAC Chip: ROHM DAC chip PCB: 4-layer copper printed circuit board PCM: Up to 32-bit/384 kHz DSD: DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DSD512 Upsampling: None Output Polarity: Non-inverting Vacuum Tubes Output Tubes: 2 gold-pin JJ ECC82/12AU7 Input/Driver Tubes: 2 gold-pin JJ ECC832/12DW7 Tube Sockets: Gold-pin ceramic sockets Power Power Consumption: 30 W, 0 drain when off Voltage: 100 V–120 V AC, 60 Hz Optional Voltage: Factory-installed 220 V–240 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz Power Connector: Standard 3-pin 15 A IEC Power Switch: Side-panel on/off switch Power Supply: Internal ESP Supply toroidal transformers, 1 300 V and 1 12 V Additional Power Supply: ±15 V switching power supply DAC Power Regulation: 12 internal DAC power supply/regulators General Construction: 16-gauge zinc-plated steel enclosure Dimensions (WHD): 17" x 5" x 12" (431.8 x 127 x 304.8 mm) Weight: 25 lb. (9.3 kg)