Empirical Audio Off-Ramp 3
Low-jitter USB digital audio converter
The USB Off-Ramp 3 is a third-generation product that provides a USB computer interface to your audio system with unprecedented sound quality. The Off-Ramp 3 supports sample-rates of up to 24/96 and automatically generates 24/44.1 from 16/44.1, making the data bit-perfect for both PC and Mac (no modification to the music data). 24/44.1 also enables 8-bits of digital volume control without any degradation in resolution. It is simply the best USB converter.
“The Off-Ramp offers a very-high-quality and cost-effective way
for audiophiles who already own a pricey S/PDIF DAC to enter
the world of USB computer audio.”Steven Stone, The Absolute Sound, Feb. 2010
The Off-Ramp 3 has received The Absolute Sound ‘Golden Ear’ Award 2010
Improvements in the Off-Ramp 3 over the previous generation Off-Ramp Turbo 2:
- Three outputs standard: I2S, S/PDIF Coax and AES/EBU
- Improved voltage regulation and lower jitter
- Sync detection
Options include
- Audiocom Superclock4
- Audiocom Ultraclock
- 5 Volt I2S output for Northstar and other DACs
- Battery power supply
- Revelation Labs Cryo-Silver Reference I2S cable
I2S output
I2S is a more direct D/A interface than S/PDIF. It was developed by Philips when Philips and Sony created the CD format and the S/PDIF interface specification. I2S is a three or four-signal interface that includes clocks. This is the native interface for most D/A chips. Therefore if one can drive I2S directly and avoid S/PDIF translation, there is the opportunity to reduce jitter even more. Empirical Audio standard I2S interface uses 4 signals and 4 returns and the RJ-45 connector. It is compatible with I2S on several other manufacturers DACs, including Stello, Perpetual Technologies and Northstar, as well as our own Overdrive DAC.
Specifications
Inputs
- USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 from Mac or PC, up to 5 meter USB cable
- 12VDC power – AC Adapter included, or optional Battery Power Supply
Outputs (all outputs are active)
- Isolated S/PDIF coaxial – either OFC RCA jack or 75 ohm Canare BNC jack
- AES/EBU – XLR male
- I2S on RJ-45, Empirical Audio standard (3.3V or optional 5V)
Compatibility
The Off-Ramp 3 is designed to work with all DACs and SS receivers/processors. There are no drivers or ASIO to install. It is compatible with Mac or PCs running XP or Vista. It works with most formats and players on PC and Mac, including Foobar, Jriver, WMP, iTunes and Winamp.
The I2S interface is generally superior to the AES and S/PDIF. The I2S is compatible with Empirical Audio DACs, Perpetual Technologies P-3A, Northstar DACs and the Stello DA100.
Included
- Off-Ramp 3
- 5 meter USB cable
- 12VDC wall-wart power supply
- CDROM with PC installation software including SRC upsamplers**
Configure Your Off-Ramp 3
*USB Firmware licensed from CEntrance
**SRC licensed from Mega Nerd Pty Ltd., Australia