{"id":1002147,"date":"2026-09-23T16:15:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T14:15:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/?post_type=product&#038;p=1002147"},"modified":"2026-09-23T16:25:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T14:25:34","slug":"denafrips-hermes-15th","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/prodotto\/denafrips-hermes-15th\/","title":{"rendered":"Denafrips HERMES 15th"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>DENAFRIPS HERMES 15th<\/strong> is a digital-to-digital converter, also known as a DDC, designed to be placed between a digital source and a DAC. Its task is to receive the signal from a computer, streamer, CD transport or other compatible source, process it and send it back in digital format to the converter. This provides a central connection point for digital audio systems requiring greater flexibility between inputs and outputs.<\/p>\n<p>The HERMES 15th uses a proprietary <strong>FPGA DSP<\/strong> architecture, a FIFO buffer system and dual temperature-compensated OCXO oscillators. The combination of these elements is designed to manage the signal with timing precision and stability. Galvanic isolation of the digital inputs via opto-couplers also helps separate the circuits and limit interference transfer between the different sections.<\/p>\n<div class=\"x4pa-editorial-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large x4pa-editorial-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/file-5.jpg\" class=\"x4pa-editorial-image\" alt=\"Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>DDC for digital sources and DACs<\/h2>\n<p>HERMES 15th can be used when you want to connect a source equipped with a particular digital output to a DAC featuring a different input. The equipment includes USB, coaxial, optical and AES\/EBU inputs, while the outputs include coaxial, optical, AES\/EBU and I\u00b2S. Multiple configuration options are therefore available, depending on the connections present on the system components.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>USB input:<\/strong> USB 2.0 Type B, for connection to a computer or compatible USB source.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Coaxial input:<\/strong> Coax SPDIF interface via RCA connector.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Optical input:<\/strong> one TOSLink input.<\/li>\n<li><strong>AES\/EBU input:<\/strong> one AES\/EBU digital input.<\/li>\n<li><strong>External clock input:<\/strong> 75 \u03a9 BNC connector.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Digital outputs:<\/strong> coaxial, optical, two AES\/EBU, I\u00b2S over HDMI according to the LVDS standard and I\u00b2S over RJ45 according to the LVCMOS standard.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The presence of two AES\/EBU outputs also allows dual AES configurations to be managed when the connected DAC provides this type of interface. I\u00b2S outputs are available both on HDMI and RJ45; as these are specific standards, compatibility must be checked in relation to the DAC used and its pinout or I\u00b2S configuration.<\/p>\n<h2>FPGA processing, FIFO buffer and OCXO clock<\/h2>\n<p>At the heart of the device is a proprietary solution based on FPGA DSP. The digital signal is managed through a <strong>FIFO buffer<\/strong> and a reclocking system with an internal reference. The buffer organizes the data stream before transmission to the outputs, while reclocking uses the time base generated by the internal oscillators.<\/p>\n<p>HERMES 15th integrates two temperature-compensated femtosecond OCXO clocks. The stated frequencies are 45.1548 MHz and 49.152 MHz. Temperature compensation is used to keep the clock reference stable as operating conditions vary. Together with the FPGA architecture and input isolation, this section is intended to ensure accurate management of digital-signal timing and reduce jitter and phase noise.<\/p>\n<p>The 75 \u03a9 BNC external clock input expands the integration possibilities in systems using an external synchronization reference. However, the actual operation of this connection depends on the characteristics and connections of the rest of the system.<\/p>\n<h2>USB, PCM and DSD support<\/h2>\n<p>The USB connection uses a proprietary USB Audio solution based on an STM32F446 microcontroller. A licensed Thesycon USB driver is provided for Windows computers, while operation on Mac and Linux is indicated as driverless. This allows the computer platform to be selected according to the available source, while maintaining the connection through the USB Type B input.<\/p>\n<p>The device supports 24-bit PCM signals with sampling frequencies of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz on the specified inputs and outputs. Through the USB input, the stated frequency reaches up to 768 kHz. The I\u00b2S output supports frequencies up to 384 kHz. Before installation, it is advisable to verify that the source, software and DAC can handle the desired format.<\/p>\n<p>For coaxial, AES\/EBU and optical connections, DSD64 support via DoP is specified. Through the USB input and I\u00b2S output, support reaches up to DSD512. The available modes therefore depend on the type of input used and the output selected: not all formats are specified for every combination of connections.<\/p>\n<h2>Linear power supply and isolation<\/h2>\n<p>The power-supply section is based on an 80 VA shielded O-core transformer, wound with UPOCC copper. Eight independent ultra-low-noise linear regulators are present, intended to provide separate and stable power to the different internal sections. The design specifies a rated power of 100 W and stable operation at 80 W; the indicated power consumption is instead equal to or less than 20 W.<\/p>\n<p>Galvanic isolation of the digital inputs via opto-couplers helps electrically separate the interfaces. This design choice is combined with digital-domain signal processing through FPGA DSP and the FIFO buffer. The sections together do not change the nature of the product: HERMES 15th remains a DDC and is not a DAC, so it must be connected to a digital-to-analog converter for listening through an analog system.<\/p>\n<h2>Construction and connections<\/h2>\n<p>The chassis is made entirely of aluminum, with CNC machining, anodizing and a brushed finish. The aluminum construction is completed by a gold-plated BNC connector and a rhodium-plated power socket. The stated color finish is <strong>Black Silver<\/strong>. These elements define a structure designed to house the processing section, linear power supply and connection panel in an orderly manner.<\/p>\n<p>To configure HERMES 15th, first identify the source\u2019s digital output and the input available on the DAC. A USB source can be connected to the DDC\u2019s USB input, while players or transports with SPDIF, optical or AES\/EBU outputs can use the respective interfaces. On the DAC side, select the compatible output: coaxial, optical, AES\/EBU or I\u00b2S, checking in the latter case the standard supported by the receiving device.<\/p>\n<h2>Main data and intended use<\/h2>\n<p>HERMES 15th is intended for those who want to organize a digital system with multiple sources or use an output interface different from the one directly available on the source. Support for USB, SPDIF, optical, AES\/EBU and I\u00b2S makes it suitable for configurations with different digital components, while high-resolution format management keeps PCM available up to the stated values and DSD according to the connection used.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Type: digital-to-digital converter DDC.<\/li>\n<li>Processing: proprietary FPGA DSP with FIFO buffer and reclocking.<\/li>\n<li>Clock: dual temperature-compensated femtosecond OCXO.<\/li>\n<li>Power supply: 100-240 VAC, 50\/60 Hz.<\/li>\n<li>Consumption: \u226420 W.<\/li>\n<li>Stated warranty: 12 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Thanks to its combination of multiple connections, OCXO clock, galvanic isolation, linear power supply and aluminum chassis, the DENAFRIPS HERMES 15th is intended as a digital interfacing center for audio systems based on external DACs.<\/p>\n<h3>Main features<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Product type:<\/strong> Digital-to-digital converter (DDC)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Power consumption:<\/strong> \u226420 W<\/li>\n<li><strong>AES\/EBU input:<\/strong> 1 input<\/li>\n<li><strong>AES\/EBU output:<\/strong> 2 outputs<\/li>\n<li><strong>BNC connector:<\/strong> Gold-plated<\/li>\n<li><strong>Buffering:<\/strong> FIFO buffer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"x4pa-editorial-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large x4pa-editorial-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/file-6.jpg\" class=\"x4pa-editorial-image\" alt=\"Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"x4pa-editorial-media\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large x4pa-editorial-figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/file-7.jpg\" class=\"x4pa-editorial-image\" alt=\"Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Denafrips HERMES 15th \u2013 product view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Technical specifications<\/h2>\n<table class=\"woocommerce-product-attributes shop_attributes x4pa-technical-specifications\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th>Product type<\/th>\n<td>Digital-to-digital converter (DDC)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Power consumption<\/th>\n<td>\u226420 W<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>AES\/EBU input<\/th>\n<td>1 input<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>AES\/EBU output<\/th>\n<td>2 outputs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>BNC connector<\/th>\n<td>Gold-plated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Buffering<\/th>\n<td>FIFO buffer<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Chassis material<\/th>\n<td>Aluminum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Clock frequency<\/th>\n<td>45.1548 MHz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Clock frequency<\/th>\n<td>49.152 MHz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Oscillator<\/th>\n<td>OCXO<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Clock type<\/th>\n<td>Dual temperature-compensated femtosecond OCXO clocks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Coax input<\/th>\n<td>Coax SPDIF via RCA<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Digital inputs<\/th>\n<td>USB \/ coaxial \/ optical \/ AES<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Digital outputs<\/th>\n<td>Coaxial \/ optical \/ AES \/ I\u00b2S (HDMI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Digital signal processing<\/th>\n<td>Proprietary FPGA DSP architecture<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>DSD on Coax\/AES\/Opt<\/th>\n<td>DSD64 via DoP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>DSP architecture<\/th>\n<td>Proprietary FPGA DSP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>External clock input<\/th>\n<td>BNC 75\u03a9<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Buffer and reclocking<\/th>\n<td>FIFO buffer and reclocking with internal crystal<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Galvanic isolation<\/th>\n<td>Via opto-coupler<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>I\u00b2S HDMI output<\/th>\n<td>LVDS standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>I\u00b2S RJ45 output<\/th>\n<td>LVCMOS standard<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Frequency via I\u00b2S<\/th>\n<td>Up to 384 kHz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Input isolation<\/th>\n<td>Digital input interfaces with optical isolation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Linear regulators<\/th>\n<td>Eight independent ultra-low-noise linear regulators<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Mac and Linux support<\/th>\n<td>Driverless<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>PCM resolution<\/th>\n<td>24 bit<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>PCM frequencies<\/th>\n<td>44.1; 48; 88.2; 96; 176.4; 192 kHz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th>Power supply<\/th>\n<td>100-240VAC, 50\/60Hz<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h4>Technical details<\/h4>\n<p>The listed specifications help compare the product\u2019s configuration, compatibility and performance.<\/p>\n<h3>Related products<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/prodotto\/laiv-harmony-2-r-2r-dac\/\">LAiV Harmony 2 DAC R-2R<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/prodotto\/aune-yuki-se\/\">Aune YUKI SE<\/a> \u00b7 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/prodotto\/aune-yuki\/\">Aune YUKI<\/a><\/p>\n<section class=\"x4pa-product-faq\">\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>What is the DENAFRIPS HERMES 15th?<\/h3>\n<p>It is a digital-to-digital converter, or DDC, which receives a signal from a digital source, processes it and sends it to a DAC through a compatible digital output.<\/p>\n<h3>Which digital inputs are available?<\/h3>\n<p>There are USB 2.0 Type B, coaxial SPDIF via RCA, one TOSLink input, one AES\/EBU input and a 75 \u03a9 BNC external clock input.<\/p>\n<h3>Which outputs can be used with a DAC?<\/h3>\n<p>The outputs include coaxial, optical, two AES\/EBU, I\u00b2S over HDMI according to the LVDS standard and I\u00b2S over RJ45 according to the LVCMOS standard.<\/p>\n<h3>Which formats does it support via USB?<\/h3>\n<p>Via USB it supports PCM up to 24 bit and frequencies up to 768 kHz, as well as DSD up to DSD512 on the I\u00b2S output. Final compatibility also depends on the source and DAC.<\/p>\n<h3>Are drivers required to use the USB input?<\/h3>\n<p>A licensed Thesycon USB driver is provided for Windows. Operation on Mac and Linux is indicated as driverless.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>DENAFRIPS HERMES 15th digital-to-digital converter (DDC) with FPGA DSP architecture, dual femtosecond OCXO clocks, FIFO buffer, USB, coaxial, optical and AES inputs, and coaxial, optical, AES and I\u00b2S over HDMI outputs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1002150,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_ppo_availability_mode":"on_order","_ppo_expected_date":"","_ppo_enabled":"yes","_ppo_min_days":14,"_ppo_max_days":21,"_ppo_special_message":"","_ppo_message_mode":"append"},"product_brand":[179],"product_cat":[425],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-1002147","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_brand-denafrips","product_cat-dac-audio","first","onbackorder","taxable","shipping-taxable","purchasable","product-type-variable","has-default-attributes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/1002147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1002147"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1002150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1002147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=1002147"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=1002147"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.polarisaudio.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=1002147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}