The Orpheus Lab A Zero PS is a high-performance SACD player designed and manufactured in Switzerland. Drawing upon digital conversion technology developed for the company’s Heritage Line, it combines a precision D&M SACD mechanism with a sophisticated dual-mono digital-to-analogue conversion architecture. The disc transport is synchronised by a high-precision quartz clock, while the proprietary 8-2-1-1 conversion topology employs eight synchronous current-output DACs per channel. These are arranged into two groups before current-to-voltage conversion and subsequent signal recombination, with the intention of improving dynamic performance and reducing the noise floor. The A Zero PS supports SACD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback, alongside external digital sources through its USB input.
Following digital conversion, the analogue signal passes through Orpheus Lab’s proprietary Revival Filter, developed with particular attention to phase optimisation. Output level adjustment is handled by a precision CRQL resistor-based attenuator employing 0.1% tolerance metal-film resistors, avoiding active semiconductor components in series with the signal within the attenuation stage. Three selectable output levels allow the player to be matched to different preamplifiers, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide flexible analogue connectivity. AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs further extend its integration possibilities. Combining precision disc playback, advanced digital conversion and carefully engineered analogue circuitry, the A Zero PS provides a comprehensive digital source for a high-performance audio system.
Key Features
High-performance SACD and CD player
Designed and manufactured in Switzerland
Part of the Orpheus Lab Absolute Line
Incorporates technology developed for the Heritage Line
High-performance D&M SACD transport mechanism
Precision quartz clock synchronisation
Compatible with SACD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
True dual-mono digital-to-analogue conversion architecture
Eight synchronous DACs per channel
Sixteen DACs in total across both channels
Proprietary 8-2-1-1 DAC topology
Current-mode digital-to-analogue conversion
DACs arranged into two groups per channel
Dedicated current-to-voltage conversion and signal recombination
Conversion architecture designed to reduce output noise and preserve dynamic range
Proprietary Orpheus Lab Revival Filter
Revival Filter developed with particular attention to phase optimisation
Proprietary CRQL analogue output attenuation
Precision resistor-based output-level control
High-quality metal-film attenuator resistors
Resistor tolerance of 0.1%
No active semiconductor components in series with the signal within the attenuator
Three selectable analogue output levels: High, Medium and Low
Balanced XLR stereo analogue outputs
Unbalanced RCA stereo analogue outputs
Balanced output impedance: 100 ohms
Unbalanced output impedance: 50 ohms
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 0.0004% at 1kHz
Channel crosstalk below -124dB
Published dynamic range exceeding 124dB
Automatic muting in response to mains voltage interruption
Standby consumption below 1W
Substantial 22kg construction
The Orpheus Lab A Zero PS is a high-performance SACD player designed and manufactured in Switzerland. Drawing upon digital conversion technology developed for the company’s Heritage Line, it combines a precision D&M SACD mechanism with a sophisticated dual-mono digital-to-analogue conversion architecture. The disc transport is synchronised by a high-precision quartz clock, while the proprietary 8-2-1-1 conversion topology employs eight synchronous current-output DACs per channel. These are arranged into two groups before current-to-voltage conversion and subsequent signal recombination, with the intention of improving dynamic performance and reducing the noise floor. The A Zero PS supports SACD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW playback, alongside external digital sources through its USB input.
Following digital conversion, the analogue signal passes through Orpheus Lab’s proprietary Revival Filter, developed with particular attention to phase optimisation. Output level adjustment is handled by a precision CRQL resistor-based attenuator employing 0.1% tolerance metal-film resistors, avoiding active semiconductor components in series with the signal within the attenuation stage. Three selectable output levels allow the player to be matched to different preamplifiers, while balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs provide flexible analogue connectivity. AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital outputs further extend its integration possibilities. Combining precision disc playback, advanced digital conversion and carefully engineered analogue circuitry, the A Zero PS provides a comprehensive digital source for a high-performance audio system.
Key Features
High-performance SACD and CD player
Designed and manufactured in Switzerland
Part of the Orpheus Lab Absolute Line
Incorporates technology developed for the Heritage Line
High-performance D&M SACD transport mechanism
Precision quartz clock synchronisation
Compatible with SACD, CD, CD-R and CD-RW discs
True dual-mono digital-to-analogue conversion architecture
Eight synchronous DACs per channel
Sixteen DACs in total across both channels
Proprietary 8-2-1-1 DAC topology
Current-mode digital-to-analogue conversion
DACs arranged into two groups per channel
Dedicated current-to-voltage conversion and signal recombination
Conversion architecture designed to reduce output noise and preserve dynamic range
Proprietary Orpheus Lab Revival Filter
Revival Filter developed with particular attention to phase optimisation
Proprietary CRQL analogue output attenuation
Precision resistor-based output-level control
High-quality metal-film attenuator resistors
Resistor tolerance of 0.1%
No active semiconductor components in series with the signal within the attenuator
Three selectable analogue output levels: High, Medium and Low
Balanced XLR stereo analogue outputs
Unbalanced RCA stereo analogue outputs
Balanced output impedance: 100 ohms
Unbalanced output impedance: 50 ohms
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 0.0004% at 1kHz
Channel crosstalk below -124dB
Published dynamic range exceeding 124dB
Automatic muting in response to mains voltage interruption
Standby consumption below 1W
Substantial 22kg construction
