Resolution Audio - The Cantata Music Center - Multiple sources, zero compromises.

Cantata Music Center

Resolution Audio's Cantata Music Center provides the same audio performance regardless of the input source. Whether it's a CD played via the on-board slot-load transport, a dedicated music library on a network storage system (NAS), or an uncompressed iTunes library stored on a Mac or Windows computer, the Cantata Music Center will play every note as if it were from the original CD.

To the host computer, the Music Center “looks” like a standard USB audio device which both Mac and Windows operating systems support natively. While USB connections are physically limited to 15 feet, the Resolution Audio "Pont Neuf" creates a "virtual" USB cable connection, either directly to the Music Center via ethernet cable, or through your home network - wired or wireless. In either case, no additional software or drivers are required.

Because the Music Center utilizes a music library on a computer, it doesn't rely on a proprietary means of storing your CD data. Any software can be used for ripping and any software can be used for playback. Data is also safer as the storage can be easily backed up to a second drive, or protected from loss using “RAID” technology, and capacity can be easily increased. With no hard drive located within the Music Center, the device remains completely silent and free of vibration.

Other digital sources such as a DVD player can be played through the external inputs.

Based on the award-winning Opus 21 series, the Cantata design has been refined and optimized for the emergence of computer-based music libraries. Built for simple integration into popular sources, the Cantata's modular architecture will accommodate tomorrow's formats and beyond.

To be updated on the Cantata Music Center, send us an email at cantata@resolutionaudio.com.

Features:

NEW! USB up to 192kHz / 24-bit using asynchronous mode
Slot-loading compact disc drive
Ethernet link for iTunes (via the Resolution Audio Pont Neuf) and UPnP libraries*
Digital S/PDIF inputs (AES/EBU, RCA, Toslink)
XLR and RCA outputs, fixed or variable
iPhone/iPod Touch remote control interface
43 x 23 x 5 cm (17 x 9 x 2")
6 kg, (13 lbs.)

Cantata Music Center
User Guide

Cantata c50 Amplifier

Perfectly matched to the Cantata Music Center, the c50 Amplifier delivers solid audio performance.

Sample Configurations

There are a number of ways in which the Cantata Music Center can connect with a source computer for playback of a digital library. Below are some sample configurations. If you have any questions about configuration, please contact us.

In this configuration, the host computer is connected directly to the Cantata Music Center over a USB cable. Playback on the source computer can be controlled via the mouse and keyboard, or through any WiFi-based remote control such as an Apple iPad. Note that a secondary input can also be used (in this case, a DVD player) and chosen with the supplied remote control or through the Cantata App with an iPad.

Because a USB cable is limited to a length of 15 feet, a USB cable connection may not be practical even if the source computer is in the same room.

To overcome this limitation, the Resolution Audio “Pont Neuf” Bridge effectively extends USB port of the source computer by transmitting USB audio data asynchronously over an Ethernet or wireless connection to the Music Center. It requires no additional software drivers and is compatible with all music playback software and audio formats.

Due to the nature of ethernet connections, this approach also affords sonic improvements over a direct USB connection.

As with previous configurations, any WiFi-based remote control (such as an Apple iPad running the Apple “Remote” app) can control playback on the source computer.

Here, the source computer is in a different room and the Resolution Audio “Pont Neuf” is extending the USB connection over a wired ethernet connection through the home network. Likewise, the Cantata Music Center is connected to the home network through an Ethernet cable. All of the convenience and sonic benefits of an asynchronous USB connection are retained over much greater distances.

If a wired (Ethernet) connection isn't practical, a “wireless bridge” can be added to allow the network information to travel wirelessly to the listening room.