The Asterion Frame is designed with great precision in a clean aluminium finish.

Every detail and every aspect of the Asterion matches the expectations of the most discerning audiophile. The Asterion Armature Asterion DAC will distil limitless musical pleasure in 24bit 384khz and DSD 512.

Revue par Audio Science Review

Fully discreet, high-precision DAC technology

The heart of the Asterion features digital analog conversion with over 256 high-precision resistors in R2R linear compensation mode. Each bit of high and low weight is saved to bring what makes the very meaning of music. Every inflection, every detail contributes to the musical message in its veracity. Supported by an Altera MAX II processor that lowers the jitter to the limit of measurable, the Asterion Armature DAC respects the digital flow without any aggressiveness, favouring timbre and balance with a coherent and realistic sound scene. In addition, the Asterion offers NOS, PCM oversampling and DSD oversampling modes that perfectly adapt to all musical styles.

Genuine 100% native R2R DSD conversion

Unlike many DACs, even the most advanced R2R technology, the Asterion Armature has a separate R2R DSD section from the PCM section and therefore dedicated resistors providing real DSD conversion close to the original signal. The Asterion demonstrates its ability to read both 32-bit PCM 384kHz and DSD 512 signals (256 under Windows) with the highest technological capability.

A clever mix between digital and analogue, truly symmetrical

Truly top-of-the-range, the Asterion is fully balanced from conversion output to analog balanced XLR connectors. The analogue section consisting of Vishay MKP 1871 capacitors has operational input amplifiers and a discrete line buffer stage in pure class A class A entirely in discrete transistors.

This results in a strong current rejection and immunity to noise, followed by a class A stage renowned for its musicality, the speed of its impulse response and low counter reaction.

USB input that respects your music

An analog output stage is nothing without a high definition high performance digital input. The Asterion Armature's USB input interface features the latest generation of XMOS U208 processor, four times the power of a traditional XMOS. This USB card also implements digital galvanic isolation by double isolating bridges, freeing itself from the noise delivered by your computer. It guarantees a lower jitter which is then processed by the ALTERA MAX II processor.

Separately regulated low noise power supply

The oversized power supply of the Asterion DAC Armature has a symmetrical shielded transformer for the digital parts and a "Torus O TYPE" transformer with low magnetic radiation of 100VA. This contributes to the great stability of the sound image and sound scene of this exceptional DAC.

• A: Conversion section R2R PCM and separate DSD conversion section
• B: Capacitor power supply section VISHAY MKP
• C : Low drift high speed diode cross section
• D : Analogue conversion stage hybrid voltage current conversion PDO and discrete class A hybrid voltage conversion stage
• E : Class A transistor analog buffer stage
• F : Digital input board with ALTERA MAX 2 PCM and I2S with isolation (on SPDIF)
• G : USB digital input card with double galvanic isolation
• H : A toroidal transformer for analog, a shielded transformer for the digital part

Armature Asterion review by Qobuz

" The Armature Asterion DAC is a very beautiful realization using an exclusive DAC board representing a certain technical prowess. "