DENAFRIPS HERMES 12TH DDC 
 
Introducing the HERMES, the mid-tier DENAFRIPS Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC) — a design refined over three years of meticulous development. Drawing upon the technological innovations found in DENAFRIPS’ acclaimed DACs, the HERMES integrates exclusive FPGA DSP Processing, FIFO Buffer & Re-clocking, and a highly advanced USB Audio Interface Solution built around the STM32F466 Advanced ARM-based MCU.
 
Essentially, the HERMES descends directly from the flagship GAIA DDC. The primary distinctions between the two models are:
 
Clock System: GAIA utilises a superior-grade OCXO.
Chassis Construction: GAIA features a full aluminium chassis, while HERMES combines an aluminium front panel with a precision-engineered metal alloy body.
Finish Options: HERMES is available exclusively in black.
 
Created to celebrate DENAFRIPS’ 12th Anniversary, the HERMES 12th Edition retains the sought-after tonal character of the original while incorporating a range of subtle yet meaningful performance enhancements.
 
 
What Is a DDC?
 
A Digital-to-Digital Converter (DDC) transforms a digital audio signal from one interface or format to another — entirely within the digital domain. Its purpose is to ensure seamless compatibility between different digital components, particularly when using equipment that employs varying digital standards.
 
DENAFRIPS DDCs are engineered to receive digital input (e.g., USB) and convert it into alternative digital outputs such as Coaxial, AES/EBU, Optical, or I²S.
This conversion process not only enhances the audio signal’s purity but also refines its timing precision through advanced buffering and reclocking.
 
A key feature of the HERMES is its FIFO buffer, which stores and manages incoming data before reclocking it with a high-precision Femto clock. This ensures accurate timing and minimal jitter. In addition, galvanic isolation protects the signal from electrical interference, maintaining absolute signal integrity throughout.
 
The HERMES supports a wide range of inputs — USB, Coaxial, Optical, and AES/EBU — and outputs including SPDIF, Optical, AES/EBU, and I²S, offering superb adaptability across different system configurations.
 
DENAFRIPS has built its reputation on precision signal conversion and exceptional build integrity, producing DDCs that preserve musical detail, dynamics, and tonal balance across all digital interfaces.
 
 
The Sweet Spot of DENAFRIPS DDC
 
The HERMES DDC employs over eight ultra-low-noise, precision linear power regulators, complemented by an oversized O-Core transformer, to deliver exceptionally clean, stable power to its digital circuitry.
 
Unlike many DDCs that limit performance to USB-only processing, the HERMES handles a wide range of signal types, including USB, SPDIF (Coaxial, TOSLink), and AES/EBU.
All incoming data is FIFO-buffered and reclocked via a Precision Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillator (OCXO), dramatically reducing jitter to near-imperceptible levels. The result is a pristine digital output signal, entirely free from time-domain distortion.
 
The inclusion of the OCXO plays a pivotal role in achieving this benchmark level of performance.
 
 
Ultra-Pure OCC Copper 80VA O-Core Transformer
 
The HERMES 12th Edition introduces a significant upgrade: a custom 80VA O-Core Shielded Transformer.
Handcrafted in-house by DENAFRIPS engineers using UPOCC copper, this transformer provides an abundant and ultra-stable power supply to the unit’s multi-stage linear regulation system.
 
This refinement ensures the HERMES operates with exceptional control, stability, and power purity — the foundation of its superior digital audio performance.
 
 
Best-in-Class D/D Converter
 
If you’re seeking a D/D converter capable of elevating your system’s sound quality, look no further.
The DENAFRIPS HERMES serves as the ideal partner for a wide variety of DACs and digital sources, regardless of brand or model.
Integrate it into your setup, and you’ll experience an immediate and audible improvement in clarity, dimensionality, and musical realism.