The Orpheus Lab A Zero PC is a high-performance CD player and digital-to-analogue converter designed and manufactured in Switzerland. Drawing upon conversion technology developed for the company’s Heritage Series, it combines a precision TEAC CD mechanism with a proprietary 4-1-1-1 DAC architecture. Four synchronous current-output DACs per channel operate together before current-to-voltage conversion, an arrangement developed to improve signal dynamics and reduce unwanted noise. The CD mechanism is synchronised by a high-precision quartz clock, while compatibility with CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs provides comprehensive playback of conventional compact disc formats.
Following digital conversion, the signal passes through Orpheus Lab’s proprietary Revival Filter, developed with particular attention to phase optimisation, before reaching a carefully engineered dual-mono analogue output stage. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections provide flexibility when partnering the player with different preamplifiers, while three digitally selectable output levels allow the signal to be matched to the requirements of the system. A USB Type B input supports high-resolution PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, extending the A Zero PC’s capabilities beyond physical disc playback. Combining precision mechanical engineering, sophisticated digital conversion and carefully controlled analogue circuitry, the A Zero PC provides a versatile digital source for a high-performance audio system.
Key Features
High-performance CD player with integrated USB DAC
Designed and manufactured in Switzerland
Part of the Orpheus Lab Absolute Line
Incorporates digital conversion technology developed for the Heritage Series
High-performance TEAC CD transport mechanism
Precision quartz clock synchronisation
Compatible with CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
Proprietary 4-1-1-1 digital-to-analogue conversion architecture
Four synchronous current-output DACs per channel
Eight DACs in total across both channels
Current-mode DAC operation
DAC outputs combined before current-to-voltage conversion
Conversion architecture designed to improve dynamic performance
Stereo DAC circuitry integrated on a single circuit board
True dual-mono analogue signal-conditioning architecture
Independent left and right analogue signal paths
Proprietary Orpheus Lab Revival Filter
Revival Filter developed with particular attention to phase optimisation
Dedicated analogue output-driver circuitry
Output-driver impedance of 75 ohms per polarity
Balanced XLR stereo analogue outputs
Unbalanced RCA stereo analogue outputs
Three digitally selectable output levels: High, Medium and Low
Output-level adjustment implemented within the DAC
USB Type B digital audio input
USB PCM support up to 32-bit/384kHz
USB DSD support up to DSD256
AES/EBU digital output
Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
Digital output support up to 24-bit/192kHz
Analogue THD+N below 0.0005% at 1kHz
Channel crosstalk below -120dB
Published balanced-output dynamic range exceeding 117dB
Automatic muting during mains voltage interruption
Maximum power consumption of 15W
Substantial 11.6kg construction
The Orpheus Lab A Zero PC is a high-performance CD player and digital-to-analogue converter designed and manufactured in Switzerland. Drawing upon conversion technology developed for the company’s Heritage Series, it combines a precision TEAC CD mechanism with a proprietary 4-1-1-1 DAC architecture. Four synchronous current-output DACs per channel operate together before current-to-voltage conversion, an arrangement developed to improve signal dynamics and reduce unwanted noise. The CD mechanism is synchronised by a high-precision quartz clock, while compatibility with CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs provides comprehensive playback of conventional compact disc formats.
Following digital conversion, the signal passes through Orpheus Lab’s proprietary Revival Filter, developed with particular attention to phase optimisation, before reaching a carefully engineered dual-mono analogue output stage. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections provide flexibility when partnering the player with different preamplifiers, while three digitally selectable output levels allow the signal to be matched to the requirements of the system. A USB Type B input supports high-resolution PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256, extending the A Zero PC’s capabilities beyond physical disc playback. Combining precision mechanical engineering, sophisticated digital conversion and carefully controlled analogue circuitry, the A Zero PC provides a versatile digital source for a high-performance audio system.
Key Features
High-performance CD player with integrated USB DAC
Designed and manufactured in Switzerland
Part of the Orpheus Lab Absolute Line
Incorporates digital conversion technology developed for the Heritage Series
High-performance TEAC CD transport mechanism
Precision quartz clock synchronisation
Compatible with CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
Proprietary 4-1-1-1 digital-to-analogue conversion architecture
Four synchronous current-output DACs per channel
Eight DACs in total across both channels
Current-mode DAC operation
DAC outputs combined before current-to-voltage conversion
Conversion architecture designed to improve dynamic performance
Stereo DAC circuitry integrated on a single circuit board
True dual-mono analogue signal-conditioning architecture
Independent left and right analogue signal paths
Proprietary Orpheus Lab Revival Filter
Revival Filter developed with particular attention to phase optimisation
Dedicated analogue output-driver circuitry
Output-driver impedance of 75 ohms per polarity
Balanced XLR stereo analogue outputs
Unbalanced RCA stereo analogue outputs
Three digitally selectable output levels: High, Medium and Low
Output-level adjustment implemented within the DAC
USB Type B digital audio input
USB PCM support up to 32-bit/384kHz
USB DSD support up to DSD256
AES/EBU digital output
Coaxial S/PDIF digital output
Digital output support up to 24-bit/192kHz
Analogue THD+N below 0.0005% at 1kHz
Channel crosstalk below -120dB
Published balanced-output dynamic range exceeding 117dB
Automatic muting during mains voltage interruption
Maximum power consumption of 15W
Substantial 11.6kg construction
