Zesto Audio Unveils Athena Tube DAC at AXPONA 2025
By HiFi Editorial12 October 2025
Key Highlights
Combines modern ROHM chip with tube analog circuitry for exceptional audio clarity and warmth.
Supports formats up to PCM 24-bit/384kHz and DSD256 with seven digital input options for versatility.
Avoids filters and negative feedback, preserving original audio resolution and dynamic range.
Zesto Audio has unveiled the Athena, a state-of-the-art tube-based digital-to-analog converter (DAC) at AXPONA 2025 in Chicago. This latest offering from the US-based company seamlessly blends innovative digital technology with classic tube analog circuitry, aiming to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. The Athena harnesses a modern ROHM chip at its core, ensuring that every nuance of the audio spectrum is reproduced with exceptional clarity and precision.
Engineered for versatility, the Athena DAC supports a wide array of formats, including PCM up to 24-bit/384kHz and DSD up to DSD256. It features seven digital inputs such as USB, coaxial, optical, AES/EBU, and I2S, providing seamless integration into various audio setups. One of the standout features of the Athena is its commitment to preserving the integrity of the audio signal. By avoiding the use of digital or analog filters, the DAC maintains the original audio resolution, resulting in a sound that is as close to the source as possible.
The Athena's design incorporates several technical innovations that contribute to its superior performance. A patented grounding scheme effectively isolates digital noise, ensuring a clean and pure sound output. Additionally, the absence of negative feedback in the signal path allows for a more dynamic and uncompressed audio presentation. The DAC is powered by specialized 12AU7 and 12DW7 tubes, which not only enhance the musicality and warmth of the sound but also significantly reduce noise levels, thanks to their role in managing the balanced output transformers.
Complementing its advanced circuitry, the Athena is equipped with Zesto’s exclusive ESP power supply. This meticulously engineered power system optimizes the power delivery to the output tubes, further elevating the overall performance and sound quality of the DAC. Manufactured entirely in the USA, the Athena DAC represents a pinnacle of craftsmanship and technological excellence in the audiophile market.
Priced at $15,000 USD, the Zesto Audio Athena is now available for order directly from the manufacturer. For audiophiles seeking the perfect fusion of digital precision and the rich warmth of tube amplification, the Athena stands as a compelling choice, promising to elevate the listening experience to new heights.
