Change with ZUS:
As mentioned in our last newsletter (Newsletter 2), we are still completing other projects that when done will free up time to put attention on building the ZUS Product Line. We will keep you informed as to the progress. Thanks for your continued support and patience while ZUS gets up-and-running.

Audio Pre-Amplifier:
As we pursue the tweaking of our Reference ZPA6.1 Stereo Pre-Amplifier, we really wanted to utilize some kind of stepped volume control. There are many offerings "out there", however sonic purity was the number one criteria followed second by cost. After much research we have decided on a switched micro-relay topology setup in a digital format. Basically, we will use a series of 1% high-grade, low-noise metal-film resistors in a binary configuration. We then will incorporate hermetically sealed reed relays for the switching in the combination of resistors in order to achieve the desired attenuation. There will be 128 distinct steps of -0.5 dB per step. This results in a -63.5db to 0db attenuation range. A motorized potentiometer will control a micro-computer for the changes on the attenuation level. This unique approach uses the motorized potentiometer as a relay control device only. The motorized potentiometer does not enter into the signal path at any time. It is simply used to tell the micro-computer what relays to operate based on the desired attenuation level. By using a motorized potentiometer for the relay control, we can then add the option of Infrared (IR) Remote Control to the pre-amplifier and not degrade the sonic performance whatsoever. Very cool.

Anagram Technologies - Digital Breakthrough, Swiss made:
A while back, one of Newsletter subscribers e-mailed us about a Swiss company called Anagram Technologies (thanks Greg). Apparently Anagram has been working on improving the algorithms used in Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) in order to help improve the quality of digital recordings. As written on their website, their product line comprises of the:

Q5™ Upsampler
At the heart of Q5's superior audio performance is ATF™ and Q5™ Upsampling technology that allows digital audio signals from virtually any audio source to be resampled, resynchronized and retimed to extraordinary levels of detail. In effect, upsampling the digital data stream (up to 384kHz) allows existing “standard” CDs to have the enhanced audio clarity, richness and dynamic range that would normally be associated with SACD or DVD-A disks “upgrading” the tremendous investment that has already been made in high quality CD recordings.

Sonic2™ High Resolution D/A Scrambler
The Sonic2 platform delivers stunning studio-master-quality sound in consumer electronic devices, unlocking the high-definition entertainment experience for today's and future next-generation high-resolution discs. Sonic2 combines the state-of-the-art Q5™ Upsampling, a proprietary multi-DAC scrambling algorithm, and a high-performance DAC architecture. Sonic2™ can also be combined with TimeLock™ ultra-low jitter master clock resulting in unparalleled audio fidelity in the playback of high-definition audio content from today's SACD, DVD-Audio, and HDMI audio sources that is also future proof for the next generation of HD-DVD and Blu-ray disks.

TimeLock™ Master Clock
TimeLock™ is a highly accurate ultra-low jitter master clock generator that reduces system noise and digital artifacts (including digital jitter) in digital to analog conversion and digital transports. It is generally accepted clocking and the quality of the "master clock" play a critical role is the conversion of digital audio to time realistic analog signals. When the TimeLock™ master clock is also combined with the acclaimed Q5™ Upsampling which resynchronizes audio data between the audio source and the DAC or transport, the result is highly accurate digital audio signals for superior analog conversion creating extraordinary spacious, richly detailed sound from virtually any digital audio source.

After reading the Technical White papers on Anagram's products, we could not wait to get our hands on the Evaluation Boards to see how good these products might be. We ordered both the Sonic2™ High Resolution D/A Scrambler as well as the TimeLock™ Master Clock Evaluation Boards shown below.

We got very fast delivery from Anagram, and immediately hooked it all up and turned it ON. Now, we know our reference CD recordings very well, and we of course know the detail and resolution of the ZUS products even better. To be honest, we were not prepared for the absolute and immediate increase in sonic performance. In fact, we were blown away.

Interestingly, these Evaluation Boards were powered by a small wall adaptor style switching power supply, the kind you might use to charge your cell phone. Despite this lowly power supply, there was such an audio presence. Our brains started firing. How would these perform using dedicated power supplies for digital and analogue sections? What about the Current to Voltage (I-V) converter and post filtering (to remove the digital noise)? The Evaluation Boards used Analog Devices IC Op-Amps in the I-V and post filtering section. Perhaps we could instead use our discrete Pure Class A gain section in a special arrangement so as to limit the bandwidth to say 160kHz so there would be no need for additional filtering? Hmmm. There is obvious potential for the makings of a wonderful ZUS DAC. In the meantime, we highly recommend you visit Anagram Technologies website and read the literature on this remarkable new technological breakthrough in digital audio processing. Perhaps you might even purchase Evaluation Boards yourself? Stay-tuned!

Newsletter Subscriptions IMPORTANT UPDATE:
In order to better maintain our Newsletter Subscriptions database, we are moving our Newsletter Subscriptions to a new service provider (www.AWeber.com). We will be uploading our Newsletter Subscriptions Database to AWeber. In order to comply with anti-SPAM guidelines, you will receive an e-mail asking if you agree to accept Newsletter mailings from ZUS Audio. In order to continue receiving Newsletters from us, please click the provided link and you are all set. Otherwise, we will take your name off our e-mail list as we do not want to send you unwanted e-mails. You can also manually subscribe by clicking here http://zusaudio.com/newsletter/newsletters_subscribe.htm. Unsubscribe links will be provided at the bottom of each Newsletter we e-mail you, if you choose to unsubscribe at a later date. Thank-you!

New Concepts for ZUS:
We have also been refining the look of ZUS. Below is our latest concept. We are trying to capture a look of understated elegance. Shown is the Reference Pre-Amplifier and a 6-Channel Amplifier.

Stereophile's 2008 Buyer's Guide:
Look for ZUS Audio in the 2008 Buyer's Guide published by Stereophile Magazine. We are the last alphabetical entry in the amplifier and pre-amplifier category.

Tell Us What Product Your Are interested In:
As we approach our Product Launch date, we will begin the ordering and manufacturing of the components that make up each product. To help us get a better idea of what products our Customers have an interest in, please feel free to e-mail us at contactus@zusaudio.com on those items you might be willing to order from us. (Of course, we won't actually be placing any orders.) This way, we can make sure we will have enough inventory to fulfill orders ahead of time. Please see our Products page for available items. Now, if there is a product that we do not currently offer and you would be interested in, please feel free to let us know as well. We really appreciate your feedback and thank you for your support.

ZUS Audio Inc. Penticton, BC Canada
Tel: 1-250-770-2022, Fax: 1-250-770-1999
Copyright (C) 2007, ZUS Audio Inc.

	Pure Science. Pure Audio™

ZUS Newsletter 3 (January 2008)