The predecessor to the Cantata Series, the Opus 21 series of components were designed to work seamlessly as a system or easily integrate with your favorite two-channel components. The Opus series is discontinued and no longer available but information is provided here in support of this popular series.
Please visit the systems page for configurations of Opus 21 systems.
Opus 21 CD Compact Disc Player
The Opus 21 CD Player is the culmination of 10 years of digital audio development. It couples our refined multi-bit DAC design with an ATAPI-bus drive that enables ideal low-jitter design and reads all discs, including CD-R/W, SACD-hybrid, and copy-protected discs, with ease. By moving the power supply and display to a second chassis, the critical audio circuitry is free of interference, bringing out more detail than ever. Three-dimensional circuit construction, while more costly, dramatically reduces signal path for unparalleled precision.
We use the finest multi-bit DACs available, as we have yet to find a superior alternative DAC architecture. Our custom DSP-based digital filter uses synchronous upsampling, as we have found that asynchronous designs create audible artifacts. By implementing volume-control in the analog domain, full performance of the converters is maintained independent of listening level.
• 4 BurrBrown PCM1704 24-bit converters
• 16x digital filter upsamples to 705 kHz/24-bit
• analog-domain volume control
• Balanced and single-ended outputs
• digital input operates up to 96 kHz/24-bit enhancing two-channel home theater
Owner’s ManualOpus 21 PS (Power Centre)
The power centre serves not only as an outboard power supply, but also as a central controller for the full Opus system.
It is included with purchase of the cd player and contains all of the logic necessary to control any Opus series component. When the system is powered-up, the individual components identify themselves to the power centre, which then knows what capabilities are present.
When the s30 amplifier is added to the system, a 100VA toroidal transformer is added to the power centre to supply the amp’s main output stages. The power centre has provision for a second 100VA transformer for future amplifier products.
This flexible design affords all of the benefits of external power supplies, while minimizing the number of separate chassis required.
Only a single power cord is required for the entire Opus 21 system.
S-80 integrated amplifier
More power. Less complexity.
Built using the same design principles as the s30, the s80 integrated amplifier substitutes a highly efficient UcD modulator for the output stage. Conservatively rated at 80 Watts per channel, this amplifier will happily drive any speaker.
The UcD modulator overcomes all the shortcomings of previous class-D designs, thanks to a patented circuit that uses feedback after the output filter, directly at the speaker terminals. This removes the filter from the closed-loop response and eliminates speaker dependence that is all too common in class-D amplifiers. The s80 will drive complex loads without changing character, and is just warm to the touch at any power level.
The s80 is a dual-mono design and includes two large toroidal transformers that are installed in the outboard power centre.
The complete system uses a single power cord and does not require interconnects. Just connect the speakers, forget about the equipment, and enjoy the music!
• 80 watts/channel
• Dual-mono construction
• 2 line level inputs, 1 balanced input
• 1 digital input via cd player
• RS-232 input for system controller
• Integrated remote control
• CD player and amp share power supply
S-30 integrated amplifier
Less power. More music.
The s30 integrated amplifier is intentionally designed for low power applications, where highly efficient speakers demand the purest electronics. This means smaller power supplies, lower heat dissipation, and simpler circuits.
Only then can an amplifier communicate the essence of a musical performance.
The s30 uses a number of techniques that prove indispensible in amplifier design: eddy-current reduction, four terminal T-network capacitors, and feedback compensation optimized through listening tests. Find out why Martin Colloms called “this small power amplifier of the world’s finest.”
We invite you to listen for yourself and decide if this is the best amplifier you have ever heard!
• 30 watts/channel
• 2 line level inputs, 1 balanced input
• 1 digital input via cd player
• rs-232 input for system controller
• integrated remote control
• cd player and amp share power supply
At 30 Watts per channel, we recommend speakers with efficiency ratings of at least 90db/1W/1m.
Opus XS (Xtra Sources)
The Opus 21 XS is the perfect complement to the Opus 21 cd player for all of your 2-channel needs. Bridging three centuries of audio replay formats, the Opus 21 XS adds high-performance playback of vinyl, FM/AM, and digital mediums in a compact integrated package.
By operating as a system, only the active circuits are enabled, thereby eliminating noise and interference. The two phono preamps are individually optimized for MC and MM cartridges, using low-noise transistors and passive RIAA equalization.
In addition to the direct connection to the s30 amplifier, the XS has both fixed and variable outputs to work with any amplifier.
Resolution Audio has taken the difficulties out of assembling a high-end audio system – just enjoy the music.
The XS adds these capabilities to the Opus 21:
• moving coil phono preamp
• moving magnet phono preamp
• FM/AM tuner with RDS
• 5 digital inputs, including USB for PC/Mac
• 2 analog inputs
• fixed and variable analog outputs
• headphone amplifier
• Opus 21 system bus for direct connection to Opus 21 cd player and s30 amplifier
• system remote control