Share experiences with Antelope Audio Zodiac

[TechSpec]

Quite a few people have raved about the Antelope line of clocks. I would like to know if anyone has had any experience with and/or owns one of the Antelope Audio Zodiac DACs (plus or gold) and what your thoughts are of the unit as compared to other DACs. If anyone has any sound samples that they would like to share, that would also be of great help.

[da goose]

A couple of months ago i went to some kind of audiophile exhibit in Utrecht Holland and i talked to one of the guys that do the import for the BENELUX and i was pretty impressed. Later on i got an email from the same guy that i could get one on test if i wanted but to be honoust i don't need a new converter ATM and so i skipped.
But i think that of you drop 'm an email they will get back to you! They where really marketing on mastering and so i think that any serious masteringstudio can hop in quit easily.

What i didnt like about the converter was the design.. a square box.. we want 19 inch don't we? and right now they didn't have plans on making a 19 inch version.

[TechSpec]

Thanks for the info. I also do agree about the design. I wish it were rackmount, but if it sounds great, that does not matter as much to me.

[rentedroom]

I have been using the Zodiac+ for 3 months as a monitoring DA. At first I took a demo and thought it would nice to listen to but I was satisfied with what I had and did not feel I would end up buying it. All I can say is that it has been the best and most consistent monitoring DA I have ever used.

[TechSpec]

What other DA's does it have a leg up on (in the realm of those you have used)?

[rentedroom]

Just to clarify, I am only talking about MONITORING DA.

Before the Zodiac+, I used a Benchmark DAC1 , I did not like the sound but it translated well. I also have used:

Cranesong Avocet, Mytek(8channel), Grace (for a couple surround projects) and tried multiple units that we're good but the Antelelope Zodiac+ Sounds and translates incredibly well.

Everyone who has heard it has been blown away.

As a side note I upgraded to the linear power supply which made a difference.

This is only my opinion, I would try a demo before purchasing.

[rentedroom]

By the way I am only talking about the Zodiac+ (Black) version.

[TechSpec]

Thanks for the insight. It does sound pretty sweet if it trumps those units.

[TechSpec]

Would you say the unit is transparent or colors the sound? I was also curious if you would consider using this in a conversion chain aside from monitoring, as you have chosen this item as superior to the mytek 8X192 (which people use in their conversion chain). At the end of the day, I do understand I will need to try this out for myself. Just wanted some feedback to ponder.

[rentedroom]

I haven't had enough experience using it in the conversion/mastering chain, I tried it a couple of times and it was very good. Its been very accurate for monitoring. The most simplified way I can describe it is that it seems to have slightly more "life" or "Air" to it, which has been very effective for making speedy decisions. I would again suggest trying a few of the DA's in your room before purchasing.

[TechSpec]

Thanks again.

[rentedroom]

I Would also suggest trying the Forssell DA.

[Cellotron]

for the onboard attenuator - is it a stereo potentiometer on the "Plus" and a stepped switch for the "Gold" version of this? Anyone know street prices for both versions? Are the analog inputs there just feed to feed a signal through the attenuator and/or to give another source to feed the headphone amps?

EDIT - I see Vintage King lists the "+" at $2500.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

[rentedroom]

Originally Posted by Cellotron

for the onboard attenuator - is it a stereo potentiometer on the "Plus" and a stepped switch for the "Gold" version of this? Anyone know street prices for both versions? Are the analog inputs there just feed to feed a signal through the attenuator and/or to give another source to feed the headphone amps?

EDIT - I see Vintage King lists the "+" at $2500.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

There is a comprehensive review at:

6moons audio reviews: Antelope Audio Zodiac+

It should be helpful.

[TechSpec]

@rentedroom: I have read that one, but thank you for taking the time to link it for me. Your help and correspondence has been much appreciated.

Cheers

[TechSpec]

Originally Posted by Cellotron

for the onboard attenuator - is it a stereo potentiometer on the "Plus" and a stepped switch for the "Gold" version of this? Anyone know street prices for both versions? Are the analog inputs there just feed to feed a signal through the attenuator and/or to give another source to feed the headphone amps?

EDIT - I see Vintage King lists the "+" at $2500.

Best regards,
Steve Berson

As far as stepped goes, from Antelope Audio and
Antelope Audio

All I see is:

Zodiac +: "Accurate Level Display for Main Volume"

and

Zodiac Gold: "STEPPED RELAY VOLUME ATTENUATOR
When adjusting volumes, it’s imperative that the stereo image remain completely intact. The Zodiac Gold achieves this by incorporating stepped relays that are matched to 0,05 dB to maintain the most accurate stereo balance at all volume levels."

I am also curious as to what the Gold may cost.

Here is a link to the Manuals:
Antelope Audio

[Skriabin]

How would the Antelope Zodiac+ compare against the Forssell MDAC-2 and the upcoming Bricasti M1?

[sat159p1]

By the way, is that kind of "interface" too? I see USB connector, can I have a loop for OTB (between +4 ins and outs) and monitor in real-time via unbalanced outs?

Just wondering...

[rentedroom]

Originally Posted by Skriabin

How would the Antelope Zodiac+ compare against the Forssell MDAC-2 and the upcoming Bricasti M1?

I have both the Antelope Zodiac+ and the Forssell MADA-2. They are very different sounding DA's. I think both are excellent. But for monitoring I have never had as good results since using the Zodiac+.

[diogo_c]

Originally Posted by sat159p1

By the way, is that kind of "interface" too? I see USB connector, can I have a loop for OTB (between +4 ins and outs) and monitor in real-time via unbalanced outs?

Just wondering...

Bumping this....because that's nice info and it would be a big plus for the unit.

I'm setting up a mastering room and considering the Zodiac for monitoring, do you guys think its worth the $$$ over the Mytek 192 DSD-ADC? Are those extra 500-600 euro really worth it?

Thanks in advance!

[bendermastering]

I know this is a oldish thread but I have here the Zodiac+ and the Voltikus power supply as I'm reviewing it for a magazine.

First impressions are very good, it is very detailed and has a great amount of depth, it is a step better than my Orpheus. Feature wise is very well thought, looks great and is very well built!

I just bought a pair of new speakers otherwise I would probably keep this.

[Riccardo]

Originally Posted by bendermastering

I know this is a oldish thread but I have here the Zodiac+ and the Voltikus power supply as I'm reviewing it for a magazine.

First impressions are very good, it is very detailed and has a great amount of depth, it is a step better than my Orpheus. Feature wise is very well thought, looks great and is very well built!

I just bought a pair of new speakers otherwise I would probably keep this.

Is it night and day better than the Prism?
Anybody tried the Eclipse?

[bendermastering]

Originally Posted by Riccardo

Is it night and day better than the Prism?
Anybody tried the Eclipse?

It's not a night and day difference from the Prism... Main difference is that the Zodiac has a little more highs and appears to be a bit more detailed in that area, which translates mostly in a better sense of space in all recordings.

I hate the term 'depth' but the Zodiac makes stuff that were in the back of the mix to go further away, in a good way, all the sound stage appears be deeper...