To summarize, the Zappiti Reference of course includes the vast majority of the technical characteristics of the Zappiti Neo (see our news (Update) New Zappiti Neo 4K HDR10 + / HDR Dolby Vision, dual HDMI output, HDD rack and infrared report), modulo some major differences.
Main evolutions of the Zappiti Reference
In the game of seven differences, we can cite the power supply, massive and toroidal type here to eliminate interference on audio and video signals.
Likewise, many of the components of the Zappiti Reference player are premium references: JEC power connector, Neutrik audio connectors, Nichicon Audio Series and Nippon Chemi-Con capacitors… Namely, some of these components were also in the Oppo UDP-205 optical drive. Other notable developments, the presence of a double 3.5 '' Sata HDD rack (up to 40 TB of storage therefore) hidden behind the front panel, an XLR stereo output and an RCA stereo output.
Namely, the connection is generally richer (to be discovered below). Finally, it should be noted the integration of a Dac ESS Saber ES9038Q2M 384 kHz / 32 bits, associated with the Xmos XU208-128-QF48 audio processor for high-level digital processing (preservation of the original sampling frequency, reclocking and minimal jitter).
To be complete, we still notice an Oled display instead of the LCD specimen of the Zappiti Neo. This display also offers navigation in the player's menus Without forgetting the Direct DSD function for native playback of SACD files via the HDMI output or via the RCA or XLR analog outputs (without PCM conversion but in native conversion).
For the rest, we find the new Realtek RTD1619DR processor. Likewise, HDR10 +, HDR Dolby Vision compatibility and the Dolby Vision VS10 (Upscaler HDR / Dowscaler SDR) process are now required, the same for the new Zappiti Magic Pixel V3 image processing. We can also mention the Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility, a Ram memory of 4 GB and 32 GB of storage. Not to mention the Android 9.0 operating system. However, the headphone output and the RCA Zero Signal connector are still missing.
There are also gold-plated connectors, the excellent remote control with direct access keys to the image ratio, 10s forward / back button, 1 min front / rear button (see photo above) and an IR sensor.
Second HDMI Audio Only port
On the HDMI connector side, the first of obedience 2.0a allows the management of HDR10 video signals while the other, 1.4, is dedicated to the audio signal. It allows the Zappiti Reference to claim the label of Hi-Fi multimedia player. Indeed, this port is also equipped with a high precision clock in order to significantly reduce the effects of jitter.
To go further, when the Zappiti Reference's HDMI Audio socket is used, the sound stream from the HDMI 2.0a socket is automatically cut off to improve the quality of the video stream. Last advantage linked to this additional HDMI output, it allows the Zappiti Reference to be connected to an amplifier without 2.0 connectors, for example to enjoy sound on a Home Cinema system while the first HDMI is directly connected to a broadcaster.
Finally, the philosophy is the same with the presence of removable Wi-Fi antennas. This ensures maximum speed when connecting the Zappiti Reference wirelessly to the local Ethernet network.
Android 9.0
As already indicated above, the operating system Android 9.0 is on the program. It of course gives access to the entire Google universe, in particular the Play Store with several hundred thousand applications and video games. Not to mention the Catch-Up TV or Google Play Music and Google Play Movies music and video streaming services. The management of Netflix too, Spotify, Qobuz…
Other network features
The Zappiti Reference takes advantage of the Dual Band Wi-Fi ac function, i.e. 2.4 GHz but also 5 GHz for greatly increased performance. In the network chapter, we can also mention the SMB Server functionality with a flow of 115 MB / s, equivalent to the USB 3.0 standard. Likewise, the Zappity Reference can act as a video server. Equipped with an internal or external HDD, it can thus power several other Zappiti players via the Zappiti Share mode, located in different rooms like a real multiroom system.
Other attributes of the Zappiti Reference
Among the other attributes of the Zappiti Reference, a coaxial output, a USB-C port in addition to the classic USB ports (two 2.0 plus one 3.1), an Ethernet port, a Composite output, an RCA stereo output and an optical output. In addition, of course, to the already mentioned dual HDMI output with the HDMI 2.0a port capable of carrying a 2 160p / 60 signal (up to 4: 4: 4).
We also note a 1080p interface, playback of 3D subtitles with the possibility of adjusting their display depth, full auto-framerate (frequencies 23.976 / 24/50 / 59.94 / 60 Hz ), the BD Live function to access the BD Iso menu and bonuses, VP9 compatibility and the Discrete Code function (for switching the player on / off) which should be a delight for installers.
Availability announced for the month of November. Indicative price: 1,299 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the Zappiti Reference:
• Type: multimedia player
• Processor: Quad Core Realtek Power RTD1619DR
• Converter: Dac ESS Saber ES9038Q2M 384 kHz / 32 bits, associated with the Xmos XU208-128-QF48 audio processor for high-end digital processing
• Transformer: toroidal
• Ram memory: 4 GB
• Storage memory: 32 GB
• Cache memory: 1 MB
• Codec compatibility (s): AC3, DTS, Mpeg, AAC, HEAAC, LPCM, Alac, AIFF, Wav, MQA, VSELP, Flac, APE, Ogg / Vorbis ( up to 192 kHz / 24 bit), HEVC, VP9, Iso 3D BD, Iso BD, BDMV, MKV, M4A, Mpeg-TS, Mpeg-PS, M2TS, Vob, AVI, Mov MP4, QT, WMV, Iso DVD , Video TS, SACD Iso, AVC-HD
• DSD compatibility: yes
• Hi-Res Audio certification: yes
• Input (s): 1 HDMI
• Output ( s): 1 HDMICEC 2.0a, 1 HDMI 1.4, 1 coaxial output, 1 USB-C port in addition to the standard USB ports (two 2.0 plus one 3.0), 1 Ethernet port, 1 Composite output, 1 RCA stereo output, 1 output opt ique
• Gapless function: yes
• Other (s): Ultra HD / 4K Upscaling, SBM Server function (115 MB / s), full auto-framerate function (frequencies 23.976 / 24/50/59 , 94/60 Hz), BD Live compatibility, Fanless metal case (fanless)
• Multiroom function: Zappiti Share
• Rec2020 compatibility: yes
• HDR10 function
• Function HDR Dolby Vision
• UPnP (DLNA) multimedia gateway function
• HDR10 + function
• Connectivity: Dual Band Wi-Fi
• Application: Zappiti Video & Zappiti Explorer
• UPnP gateway function (DLNA): yes
• Anti-vibration chassis: no
• Consumption (On / standby): <45 W / <0.02 W
• Dimensions (L x D x H): 430 x 285 x 80 mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg