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Need help?Do you have a question about the METRUM Amethyst and is the answer not in the manual?
Details the Amethyst DAC's processing power and energy reservoirs for smooth and efficient power delivery.
Read and follow all instructions and warnings for safe operation. Clean only with a dry cloth.
No user-serviceable parts inside. Use on a level surface. Agreement to terms upon product use.
Lists the AMETHYST DAC, power cord, USB cable, and USB stick with user manual and drivers.
Connect interconnects before the mains power cable for safe and optimal device setup.
Details optical, coaxial, and USB inputs, RCA outputs, and their respective specifications and usage.
Control On/Standby states, mute function, source selection, and interpret error indications via LED.
Headphone connection disables rear outputs; volume control affects only headphones (16-1000 Ohms).
Details working principle, power, frequency response, distortion, noise floor, and impedance for the DAC.
Specifies dimensions, weight, and supported sampling frequencies for optical, coaxial, and USB inputs.
The Metrum Acoustics AMETHYST is a single-ended DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) designed to deliver high-quality audio performance, featuring a "forward correction technology" for enhanced sound detail and accuracy. This device serves as an entry-level model within Metrum Acoustics' product line, incorporating advanced features borrowed from their higher-end Pavane and Adagio models.
The AMETHYST's primary function is to convert digital audio signals into analog signals, which can then be fed to an amplifier or headphones. It utilizes two Transient R2R ladder DAC TWO modules, enabling it to handle high sampling rates and deliver a fast and accurate audio experience. The device is designed to provide true 24-bit performance, ensuring the retrieval of very low-level information and detail from audio sources.
A key feature of the AMETHYST is its integrated headphone amplifier, which includes its own dedicated volume control. This allows the device to function both as a standalone DAC for an amplifier and as a high-quality headphone amplifier. When headphones are connected to the front panel, the analog outputs on the rear are automatically disabled, diverting all power to the headphone amplifier for optimal performance. Conversely, when no headphones are connected, the device operates as a standard DAC, with its analog outputs active and the volume control muted for the main outputs.
The AMETHYST incorporates a conventional analog volume control that is directly coupled to the D/A output board, ensuring detailed sound quality. The design emphasizes a small, integrated form factor, combining both digital and analog processing within a single unit.
The AMETHYST offers multiple digital input options, including optical (Toslink), coaxial, and USB, providing flexibility for connecting various digital audio sources such as computers, CD players, and streamers. The optical input supports sampling rates up to 96 kHz, coaxial inputs handle up to 192 kHz, and the USB input can manage up to 384 kHz. For Windows operating systems, special drivers are required for USB connectivity, while Linux and MAC systems do not need additional drivers.
Operation of the AMETHYST is straightforward, primarily managed by a single button on the front panel. This button allows users to toggle through the available digital inputs (USB, Optical, Coax 2, Coax 1) and switch the device between its "standby" state and active mode. An orange LED on the left side of the DAC serves as an error indicator, illuminating when no digital data is available for the selected input and turning off once valid data is received.
The headphone amplifier is designed to drive a wide range of headphones, with impedances starting from 16 Ohms up to 1000 Ohms. The volume control for headphones is independent of the main analog outputs, ensuring that adjusting headphone volume does not affect the signal sent to an amplifier.
For connecting to an amplifier, the AMETHYST provides RCA outputs. These outputs deliver a fixed level standard Redbook 2V output, directly from the DAC TWO modules without an additional output stage, which helps preserve signal integrity.
The AMETHYST is designed for user-friendly operation with minimal maintenance requirements. Users are advised to clean the apparatus only with a dry cloth. It is important to avoid installing the device near heat sources and to unplug it during lightning storms or when it will be unused for long periods.
The manual emphasizes that there are no user-serviceable parts inside the AMETHYST DAC. Any servicing requirements, such as damage to the power cord, liquid spills, or operational malfunctions, should be referred to qualified service personnel.
A crucial note for users is that the AMETHYST will reach its maximum performance after approximately three to four weeks of usage, indicating a "burn-in" period for optimal sound quality.
For initial setup, users should connect all interconnects (digital inputs and analog outputs) before connecting the mains power cable. This helps ensure proper signal routing and prevents potential issues. The device is designed to operate with a grounded power outlet, and users should verify that the power requirements on the back of the unit match their specific country's electrical standards.
The device's robust design, including galvanic isolation for coaxial inputs, helps prevent ground loops, contributing to stable and clean audio performance. The internal power supply is designed to provide substantial energy reservoirs, ensuring smooth and efficient power delivery to the DAC modules and headphone amplifier.
Power| power supply | 30 VA single toroid transformer |
|---|---|
| average power consumption | 8 Watts |
| power requirement | 110/115V AC or 220/230 V AC 60/50Hz |
Ports & Interfaces| inputs | 1x optical Toslink, 2x RCA coaxial, 1x USB module optional |
|---|---|
| outputs | 2x RCA connectors, One headphone connector |
| output voltage | RCA: 2 Volts RMS, Headphone: 2 Volts RMS |
Audio Specifications| frequency response | 1Hz -0.8dB, 20 kHz -1.5 dB 44.1kHz sampling, 1Hz -0.8dB, 65 kHz -3dB 192kHz sampling |
|---|---|
| distortion | 0.007 % THD |
| noise floor | -145 dB related to 2 Volt RMS |
Impedance| output impedance | 100 Ohms RCA |
|---|---|
| headphone output impedance | 3 Ohms |
| sampling frequency | Optical: 44 - 96 kHz, Coaxial: 44 - 192 kHz, USB: 44 -384 kHz |
Weight and Dimensions| dimensions | 190 x 60 x 245 mm |
|---|---|
| weight | 2.5 kg |
