Description
Denafrips Hermes 12th Edition
Flagship Digital-to-Digital Converter | Ultra-Low Jitter | Precision Clocking Redefined
The Denafrips Hermes 12th Edition is a reference-class digital-to-digital converter (DDC) meticulously engineered to purify, reclock, and regenerate digital signals with unparalleled precision. Positioned above the Iris, the Hermes 12th is designed for serious audiophiles looking to extract the absolute best from digital sources—delivering a profoundly black background, improved timing, and an unmistakable lift in clarity and realism when paired with a high-end DAC.
The Hermes 12th features dual femtosecond-grade OCXO crystal oscillators, providing ultra-stable master clocking for all outputs. Denafrips’ proprietary FPGA architecture performs FIFO buffering and reclocking, effectively eliminating jitter from incoming USB or SPDIF signals. Inputs include USB, Coaxial, Optical, and AES/EBU, while outputs span I²S (HDMI), AES/EBU, Coaxial, and Optical, making the Hermes a versatile hub for digital integration. The 12th Edition brings key upgrades including enhanced oscillator stability, improved power supply architecture, and refined circuit layout.
Key Features:
- High-end DDC – USB/SPDIF to I²S, AES/EBU, Coaxial, and Optical conversion
- Dual OCXO femtosecond clocks – for ultra-low jitter master clock performance
- Proprietary FPGA processing – with FIFO buffer for reclocking and signal regeneration
- Galvanically isolated USB input – eliminates noise from digital sources
- Supports PCM 768kHz / DSD1024 (USB) – wide compatibility with modern formats
- Robust CNC-machined chassis – anti-vibration, EMI-resistant design
- 12th Edition enhancements – tighter timing, quieter background, cleaner power rails
The Hermes 12th brings significant audible gains in transparency, detail retrieval, and coherence—especially in systems where USB or SPDIF transports are affected by timing or noise issues. For those who demand nothing less than flawless digital signal delivery, the Hermes 12th is a vital upgrade, unlocking the full potential of high-resolution playback.
Hermes 12th DDC Review By Stav:
I recently added the Denafrips Hermes 12th Edition to my system, pairing it with the Terminator Plus 15th DAC via I²S, and the improvement was nothing short of remarkable. While the Terminator performs brilliantly over USB, introducing the Hermes brought a dramatic uplift in clarity, space, and timing. The soundstage expanded in all directions, with tighter transients, a deeper black background, and a more natural presentation of vocals and instruments. Subtle textures I hadn’t noticed before came to life, and the overall flow of the music became more effortless and engaging.
The I²S integration between the Hermes and Terminator Plus 15th was seamless and clearly optimized. Compared to USB direct, the Hermes eliminated a layer of digital haze I didn’t even realize was present. The system now delivers a more analog-like experience — smoother, more coherent, and emotionally involving. If you’re using a Denafrips DAC without a DDC, the Hermes is not just an upgrade — it’s an essential piece of the puzzle.
