The dCS Bartók APEX DAC represents a pinnacle of digital audio engineering, offering a comprehensive, single-chassis solution for discerning audiophiles and headphone enthusiasts. This integrated component features the latest iteration of dCS’s proprietary Ring DAC™ APEX hardware, a significant evolution that involves a re-engineered analog board and output stage to achieve unparalleled improvements in linearity, distortion reduction, and noise performance. The result is a more immersive and lifelike musical presentation, characterized by blacker backgrounds, increased dynamic range, and a more vivid soundstage.

Beyond its world-class digital-to-analog conversion, the Bartók APEX is a highly capable network streamer, Roon Ready and providing seamless access to major streaming services like TIDAL, Qobuz, and Spotify via its Ethernet connection. It supports a vast array of high-resolution formats, including PCM up to 384 kHz and DSD128, along with full MQA decoding. For direct playback, it offers a comprehensive suite of digital inputs including USB, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, and optical. Many versions of the Bartók APEX DAC also integrate a powerful, Class A headphone amplifier with dCS’s unique Expanse technology, re-imagining stereo sound for headphones with enhanced realism and spatial depth. With its high-quality digital volume control and versatile analog outputs, the Bartók APEX can serve as a direct-to-power-amp digital pre-amplifier, making it a flexible and future-proof centerpiece for any high-end audio system. Housed in a precision-machined aerospace-grade aluminum chassis, the Bartók APEX DAC embodies dCS’s relentless pursuit of musical purity and technical excellence.

-Latest generation dCS Digital Processing Platform brings state-of-the-art signal processing and flexibility
-dCS Ring DAC™ fitted, as used in the dCS Vivaldi digital playback system
-High-quality streaming from TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer and internet radio via the dCS Mosaic Control app
-Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect and UPnP compatible
-USB, AES, Dual AES and S/PDIF digital audio inputs
-Headphone amplifier with balanced and unbalanced outputs, suitable for high and low impedance headphones
-Accepts encrypted SACD data from dCS Transports via Dual AES inputs. Oversampling design with switchable DSD upsampling; user--selectable PCM and DSD filters
-Multi-stage DXD oversampling design with switchable DSD upsampling; user-selectable PCM and DSD filters
-Auto clocking system improves ease of use and minimises jitter
-Multi-stage power regulation and twin mains transformers to isolate the DAC section from the headphone amplifier.
-Firmware-upgradeable for future functionality and performance upgrades

Converter Type: dCS proprietary Ring DAC™ topology
Digital Inputs:
1x Ethernet network port
1x USB 2.0 interface (B-type)
2 x AES/EBU inputs
1 x SPDIF on RCA Phono connector,
1 x SPDIF on BNC
1 x SPDIF optical on TOSLINK

Analogue Outputs
1 x pair balanced outputs on 2 x XLR connectors.
1x pair unbalanced outputs on 2 x RCA connectors

World Clock Inputs: 2 x Word Clock Inputs on 2 x BNC
Weight: 16.7kg
Dimensions: 444mm x 430mm x 115mm

Orders ship Sunday through Friday from our offices in Dubai, UAE.

In-stock products typically ship within 48 hours and should be expected to arrive in 3-4 business days. Orders outside of the UAE should be expected to arrive in 5-7 business days.

Pre-order and backorder products will state the approximate delivery timeline beside the Add To Cart button.

If you would like to place a custom order, chat with our specialists for a guided shopping experience. Once your order has been placed, a timeline will be provided depending on your order details.

- Free delivery within the UAE
- Shipping charges will be calculated upon checkout for orders outside of the UAE (Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia & Qatar).
- Taxes and duties are calculated according to the applicable laws of the state or country an item is shipped to and are the customer's responsibility.

For additional information on shipping and our exchange & return policy visit our help center.

Installation charges are applicable and can be paid upon delivery for our clients based in Dubai.

- Installation Charges: AED 450 Per Hour
- Speaker Cables: AED 32 Per Meter
- Trunking: AED 10 Per Meter

For clients based outside of the UAE, please contact our specialists and we will share an estimate based on your requirements.